L'appartement

The name is a bit of an understatement. L’appartement is quite the apartment! Tucked away in Sioufi, near the Collège Saint Cœurs, surrounded by old school stores and residential blocks, on the ground floor of one of these blocks, is a truly mesmerising space.

Filled with colours and unique design pieces, many of them upcycled like the chandeliers and bar tables made out of old oil drums, shelves from shutters and tables from palettes, this bar and art gallery is a cool spot to do remote work, have a glass of wine with friends, to meet up to play games, indulge in a slice of cake or have a bite: salads, appetizers, sandwiches, cheese platters and daily specials by Chef Garo Feslian and more are on the menu. There are also two balconies, perfect for an “apéro” – you can even watch the sunset from one of them, looking over the port and the bay.

Plenty of black and white images of film stars and cultural icons adorn the walls, including Brigitte Bardot, Charlie Chaplin or Marlon Brando and under the glass table top in one of the lounges Frida Kahlo smiles.

You can find locally made preserves sold near the bar, the work of young designers, handmade jewellery & creative objects including vintage items and vinyl records. The music played reflects the retro and quirky style. The artwork on the walls changes every month, giving local artists a chance to showcase their work.

L’appartement sometimes organises dance soirées and weekly art workshops – Creative Wednesdays – and has a dance studio space that can also be rented.

The brainchild of Carla Dib Kairouz and her husband Karim, l’appartement has since it opened in 2014, become a much loved meeting place and a great alternative to the noisier joints of Mar Mikhael and Hamra.