Bab El Mina

Bab el Mina (or the harbour’s gate ) has been a destination for Sunday seafood feasts for as long as I can remember. One of many restaurants overlooking the bay, it has nonetheless retained its quality and popularity among regulars and newcomers alike. Expect fresh seafood in a dreamy setting where ancient ruins intertwine with the ocean to create…your perfect lunch spot. All joking aside, a stop at Bab el Mina while visiting Byblos, one of the oldest cities in the world, is a stop well-spent.

Serving typical Lebanese mezze along with your pick of fresh fish (which you get to pick live by the way), the restaurant has yet to claim a dissatisfied customer- nevermind that we haven’t actually survery every customer that has been there- B

e sure to make reservations ahead of time, specially on Sundays as the place gets full rather fast, most specially the coveted terrace seats. While the service may be slightly slow on occasion, the view will likely make you forget time. So order a glass of Arak, munch on your Bzourat (Lebanese nuts) and stare deep into the ocean while the kitchen diligently prepares your Sultan Ibrahim (red mullet). You will not regret it.