Kalei Beirut
Specialty coffee in Ras Beyrouth
Kalei's branch in Ras Beyrouth has been open since 2019 and I have been in awe of their new location ever since. This specialty coffee shop is embraced with its historical several houses and landmarks, as the old Lighthouse and The Rose House which I've written about previously.
Their menu is always fresh with seasonal ingredients and prepared by passionate chefs in the kitchen. Not to mention that their coffee is roasted to perfection and brewed by skillful baristas that always leave your milk-based coffee with what we call "Latte Art".
This location, which is different from the main location in Mar Mikhael, is part of a residential building from 1800 that has the outstanding architecture of the traditional Beirut house and which welcomes you with the triple arches and a central hall surrounded by several rooms. You can still see the red worn-out yet preserved curtains on the windows and the marks of a closet on one of the room's walls. Not to mention that Kalei's citrus garden is like a mini getaway from the city's hustle and bustle.
Personally, I enjoy having a cup of Espresso Lemonade, their specialty drink, while sitting on one of the couches indoors while daydreaming about the architecture that I get to enjoy from the 19th century.
About this spot
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
Al Makari Sweets
A disappearing Beiruti dessert
"Al Makari Sweets" in Beirut makes authentic mufata'a dessert. It's hard to make, thus it's hard to find, but they make it like my grandma used to...
by
Najat
Kibbi
Sugar Shake
A hidden shakes destination
At "Sugar Shake" right behind Beit Beirut Museum, you will be served one of the freshest and tastiest smoothies & frozen yogurts you can have in the city!
by
Samira
Ezzo
Le Mikado
My go-to flower shop
"Le Mikado" in Beirut has been providing customers with (dried) flowers and arrangements since the '50s. I just love their display outside the shop...
by
Samira
Ezzo
Mansion
20th-century public space
"Mansion" Blatt in Beirut is a 20th-century villa that's been turned into a shared coworking & creative space used by designers, artists, architects & more.
by
Samira
Ezzo
Assabil
My haven away from chaos
My favorite "Assabil" Public Library in Beirut is in Monnot. It's always active with events, whether virtual or real-life ones and full of youth!
by
Samira
Ezzo
Liza
A fancy dining spot
"Liza" in Beirut in the 19th-century palace is the place to go if you want to dine luxuriously with a menu and presentation that are 'lavishly perfect'...
by
Samira
Ezzo
Crypt Museum
Underneath a cathedral
An exciting part of this museum is that at some point, if you look up, you'll be looking through a glass ceiling that shows the church right above you.
by
Samira
Ezzo
Garden of Forgiveness
Cardo and Decumanus Maximus
The "Garden of Forgiveness" in Beirut is a vast space that was properly unveiled during excavations after the Civil War. Come observe its beauty & history.
by
Samira
Ezzo
Barzakh Bookshop
Reclaiming Hamra's Identity
"Barzakh Bookshop" in Beirut is the ultimate definition of a hidden gem. It's a cultural melting pot of literary rebels from around the world...
by
Samira
Ezzo
Beit Beirut
Beirut's museum of memory
"Beit Beirut", or the Yellow Building, has been standing since 1924. It survived the Civil War and is now used as a center for exhibitions & events...
by
Samira
Ezzo
L'Artisan du Liban
Souvenir shop made in Lebanon
"L'Artisan du Liban" is a social movement in Beirut that's keeping local art and artisans alive. I usually buy gifts for my locals friends here...
by
Viera
Obeid
Hajj Nasr
Typical Lebanese sandwiches
"Hajj Nasr" is the most famous sandwich place in Beirut and the whole of Lebanon! The best seller is definitely the kafta one...
by
Viera
Obeid
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:
