If you ever head on a walk down Monot Street, this wall will surely catch your eye. It is called “The wall of fame” and it was painted back in 2020, during the quarantine, by “Librairie du Liban” to celebrate the giants of Arabic literature in the heart of Beirut and show the greatness of these men and women.
Monot street is where I go on my daily walks, either alone or with my friends, yet every time I pass by this wall, I can’t help but stop for a minute just so I can read at least one of the quotes written on there. It is filled with quotations by famous Arab writers and artists, all collected in one space, in the most colorful, artistic yet fun design, showing each side of the wall differently, while each artist is painted individually in this realistic monochromatic style.
Personally, my favorite quotation on there is written by Elias Abou Chabke, a Lebanese writer, poet, editor, translator and literary critic, and was one of the key figures in the Arab Nahd movement. If I want to translate his quote, I would put it this way "Water your poems from the wounds of your heart, and let its wounds work as the wine for your pens", which is beautifully said written in Arabic, because I do believe that sometimes the best art comes from heartbreak and downfalls.
Find your way with 179 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Very charming in a very simple manner - nothing too extravagant, yet very cozy. I love that Grand Meshmosh is never too loud or too crowded, but just perfect.
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One of my favorite places in Hamra is Raseef Beirut, originally a small sidewalk restaurant and pub – hence the name: “Raseef”, which translates to “sidewalk".
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Known for its system, unique decor, and budget-friendly menu, Em Nazih is where you'd go on a lazy Sunday when you want to stuff your face with some good Lebanese food or on a casual coffee or drinks outing.
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The menu includes some local bites, but Molo is best known for its pizzas, served on a wooden plank. The menu is also rich with different types of hot tea, coffee, and signature cocktails.
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Tucked away in a small alley at the end of Mar Mikhael, the pink walls and soft music is unmissable. Orenda boasts an outdoor garden and an indoor space with a room reserved for their gift shop!
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Some personal favorites are the hot Saj, locally produced peanut butter, jams, and other snacks such as Carob flavored cookies and of course, fresh fruits. It gets crowded, items run out fast so hurry up!
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This is one of my personal go-to places for gifting, as every plant expresses a different type of emotion and could mean many things to different people.
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On the inside, Beyt is all about the traditional vibes, with an Arabic-style lounge area, a balcony overlooking the street with two small tables that seat two people each, and a gift shop packed with local goods!
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I hadn't been to an arcade since I was a teenager, and I only used to play Dance Dance Revenge, but this time, as an adult, I can safely say I had as much fun as a teenage me would have!
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The beauty of Ramlet El Bayda lies in its sunsets. Grab a coffee, grab a friend, grab a snack, and be amazed by the colors. You can also catch the same sunset from one of the many coffee shops in Raouche or Manara!
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My personal favorites are the mango shrimp salad and the chicken provolone, both are scrumptious. They have signature drinks, mocktails, wine, and others to also quench your thirst!
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Once you're in, you're taken back in time through its lovely Arabic ambiance. Mezyan's main mission is to serve good food, good vibes, and prices for everyone.
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179 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
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