Hanna Mitri Beirut
The best ice cream in Beirut
Finding this ice cream shop is a challenge, but one that’s well worth it once you arrive. Look for the street just after Saydet el Doukhoul church in Achrafieh, and you'll find a tiny, one-room shop which is otherwise unmarked.
I like Hanna Mitri because contrary to much of the shiny, new Beirut, which is all about appearances, this place is old and unchanged, and it’s all about the ice cream. There are no seats and it’s a no-frills service. The family-owned business has existed since 1949, and legend has it that it never closed, even while bombs were falling during the civil war. The shop only moved after the Beirut blast in 2020. The ice cream is still all made on the spot daily.
There are usually around eight flavours of ice cream and sorbet available, plus some specials depending on what’s in season. If you're in luck, you might find mulberry, watermelon or mango. My favourites are the rose water sorbet and amareddine (apricot paste sorbet filled with crunchy pine nuts). Hanna Mitri is renowned for its milk ice cream, and there are also plenty of classics such as strawberry, lemon, dark chocolate and pistachio. Everything is made from fresh ingredients without colourants or additives.
The ice cream is served, without a smile, in thin, rectangular old-fashioned wafer cones. As one online review reads: it’s the only place in Lebanon where you see people line up and wait to be served.
Find your way with 179 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Beirut
Edda Arabica
Specialty Coffee in Hamra
Edda Arabica has gained the trust of clients who love to experience the various flavors of beans from diverse origins, that you can track their traits, brewed in several ways.
by
Samira
Ezzo
Lebanese Prehistoric Museum
Since 2000
Here you will see pieces from the archaeological excavations in Lebanon done by Jesuit scholars between the end of the 19th century and the year 1975.
by
Samira
Ezzo
Stories
Froyo is back to Beirut
At Stories frozen yogurt wise, they have different flavors, sizes, and toppings, and from the flavors I have tried, I have yet to be disappointed!
by
Tala
Ladki
Snoubar Bayrout Bookshop
The yellow bookshop
"Snoubar Bayrout Bookshop" in Beirut specializes in Arabic literature, children's books, Lebanese art books and more! Get lost for hours here...
by
Samira
Ezzo
Sheikh Abdel Rahman Hout Garden
Amidst highways
The best part? The garden has no gates and is accessible 24/7. Most locals don't know it because barely anyone is walking in the midst of highways.
by
Samira
Ezzo
Al-Bustani School
Neglected first national school
The school was a non-religious institution that opened its doors to any student regardless of religion, social status, or where they were from.
by
Samira
Ezzo
Curl Book & Coffee Shop
Couldn't get any cozier
"Curl Book & Coffee Shop" is just what Beirut needs in such difficult times... Everything's local here & my favorite drink there is the Whimsical Latte...
by
Samira
Ezzo
My Loves Calligraffiti
A message through art
The "My Loves" Calligraffiti in Beirut is laid out on a 35m building by artist Belal Khaled shows the importance of graffiti as a true art form...
by
Najat
Kibbi
Booza Society
Hamra's Artisan gelato shop
"Booza Society" in Beirut makes some of the best gelato I've ever tried! Who said you can only get good gelato in Italy?!
by
Samira
Ezzo
The Old Manara
Beirut's old lighthouse
"The Old Manara" (lighthouse) in Beirut has been standing still since 1957. I love how it makes me feel so small next to it...
by
Samira
Ezzo
The Rose House
Ras Beirut's abandoned mansion
"The Rose House" is one of the oldest mansions in Beirut, as it goes back to the 19th century. I love thinking of the stories it holds inside it...
by
Samira
Ezzo
Al Makan
A cultural & spiritual hub
"Al Makan" in Beirut is the only place I'd call my second home. As a cultural & spiritual hub, its schedule is always full of activities & events...
by
Samira
Ezzo
Heading to Beirut?
179 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
Heading to Beirut?
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 179 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
City guides by those who know the city in and out!
Our Locals' Favorite Beirut
Our team loves Beirut
Get to know our other Spotters from Beirut
As featured on:
