From the high mountains of Faraya comes El Mexicano. In a restaurant where Mexican food is handled with love, visit for the music, the mood, the passion, and the experience. Prepared by Edith from Faraya and Fernando from Mexico, the couple has offered the country the real flavors of Mexico since they first opened in Faraya. Now in Beirut, in the heart of Gemmayze, El Mexicano promises to amaze you.
A wall painted in red; a ceiling painted in yellow, a wall of stone, wooden tables and a floor made of old tiles. The decor is funky and simple at the same time, relaxing and inviting. I loved the colored chairs, the buffalo skulls, the Mexican traditional ornaments and lights coming down from the ceiling. Enchanted by Mexican music, I sat to have fun. Traveling to the states in a couple hours, I chose El Mexicano to leave with a memorable last impression.
I’ve been to El Mexicano for years enjoying the couple behind the restaurant and their food. I even invited them to cook at Souk el Akel for two years in a row.
So you arrive, wait for someone to approach you for the order, wait for thirty minutes, and yet nothing happened. No chips, no appetizers, no nibbles... still waiting... finally, 45 minutes later!
The food is excellent! Three tacos loaded with pulled pork and decorated with shredded lettuce. I loved the texture and content of the sandwiches. The wrap has a particular flavor to it that’s unique. The quality of meat, tenderness, and spices alongside the sauce and tender wrap are superb. Hot quesadillas with a side of sour cream and guacamole loaded with crunchy peppers and tender chicken. The burrito is like none I’ve had in town! I used to call Fernando’s enchiladas the colorful sandwiches: he has a black sauce, an orange one, and a yellow sauce. Juicy inside out, the wraps are covered with cheese then heated for it to melt on top.
I was scared that the food between Faraya and achrafieh would change, but it hasn’t. Fernando wasn’t in the kitchen, yet I enjoyed the same flavors, same passion, same love poured in every plate. I loved the quality and mix of ingredients as well as the portions generous size.
The dessert is not worth it; churros are too thick and chewy with an aftertaste of frying oil. Ice cream quality is too sweet and too cheap to be served at a restaurant.
El Mexicano is your casual Mexican experience in Beirut with no sophistication. You don’t have to be in a dark place with loud music to enjoy real Mexican cuisine. Why drive up to Faraya while you can enjoy the same vibes in Beirut. El Mexicano is still a favorite!
