
Beirut Sur Mer
RESTAURANT SUMMARY

Beirut Sur Mer opens onto Mamsha’s sands with clear sightlines to the Arabian Gulf, and the restaurant announces itself as a place for bright, contemporary Lebanese food in Abu Dhabi. Beirut Sur Mer places mezze, mashawi and seafood at the centre of a coastal menu, and the kitchen’s focus shows within minutes of sitting: the aroma of grilled spices, charred lemons and za’atar. Guests arriving from the Louvre Abu Dhabi or local beaches find the terrace first, then move indoors to a large, colourful dining room where warm service and steady pacing let parties linger over courses. The first 100 words highlight the restaurant’s contemporary Lebanese identity, its beachfront context and its 2022 Michelin Bib Gourmand recognition to guide searches for coastal gastronomy and value-driven fine dining. The kitchen’s open view keeps the meal immediate; expect bright citrus, toasted nuts and charred grill notes throughout. Chef Georges Zgheib shaped the menu to marry Lebanese tradition with modern technique, drawing on coastal ingredients and the region’s spice palette. He leads a team that turns classics into carefully balanced plates, from mezze to mashawi. The restaurant’s philosophy emphasises accessible refinement: high-quality produce, fresh seafood sourced for the Gulf setting, and clear, bold seasoning. Beirut Sur Mer earned a Michelin Bib Gourmand in 2022 for delivering notable quality at fair prices, an accolade that underscores the kitchen’s consistency. The restaurant’s all-day program—breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner and late service—keeps a consistent standard across times of day. That combination of beach access, an experienced kitchen and approachable pricing helps Beirut Sur Mer stand out among Saadiyat Island destinations. The menu reads like a tour of Lebanon’s coast and interior. Start with shared mezze featuring silky hummus, smoky baba ghanoush and a mixed plate that balances herbs, lemon and olive oil. Shawarma croquettes offer a crunchy, spiced bite while kebbeh and salads provide textured contrasts. From the grill, Lahm Mechwi arrives tender, paired with walnuts and tomatoes that add nuttiness and acidity to each forkful. Kreydes—griddled jumbo prawns with za’atar and molasses—delivers sweet, herbal and charred flavors in a single, showy course. The mashawi selection includes charcoal-grilled cuts prepared to clear, savory seasoning, meant for sharing. Desserts finish the meal with bright notes: the Millefeuille Beiruty is prepared and presented tableside, layered with muhalabiyeh ice cream, nuts and orange blossom for a fragrant, creamy finale. Seasonal seafood rotations appear when available, and the kitchen adapts to fresh catches, keeping the menu lively and time-sensitive. The beverage list complements these plates with a full bar, cocktails that reference Middle Eastern aromatics, zero-proof options and a compact wine selection chosen to pair with grilled meats and seafood. Service at Beirut Sur Mer is intentionally warm and attentive; reservations by phone are recommended, especially on weekends when the terrace fills. The team guides guests through sharing plates and recommends pairings that match the meal’s spice levels. Design here is bold and contemporary: colourful upholstery, distinctive lighting fixtures and a spacious layout that allows both lively dinners and quieter, intimate meals. A chandelier cluster that recalls grape shapes provides visual interest, while large windows frame the Gulf and let daylight flood the dining room. Outdoor seating on the beachfront terrace offers sea breezes and sunset views, shifting to soft lighting after dark. Acoustics remain lively but manageable, and the overall atmosphere balances casual comfort with occasion-worthy presentation. For practical planning, the restaurant is busiest at sunset and on Friday and Saturday evenings; weekdays and late lunches offer easier booking. Dress is smart casual—comfortable but neat—and reservations are best placed by phone. The restaurant accepts walk-ins when space allows, but popular times can sell out. Beirut Sur Mer combines value-minded pricing with culinary polish and a rare beachfront setting on Saadiyat Island. Whether you arrive for a post-museum lunch or a celebratory dinner, the kitchen’s focus on grilled seafood, classic mezze and a standout tableside dessert keeps the experience focused and flavorful. Book a table at Beirut Sur Mer to taste contemporary Lebanese cooking with Gulf views and a 2022 Michelin Bib Gourmand pedigree.
CHEF
Carlos Langreo, Vicente de la Red, Gabriel Zapata
ACCOLADES
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(2024) Michelin Bib Gourmand
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