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.