Plain, long-running Lebanese canteen on Rue Gouraud serving daily home-style specials at low prices.
Le Chef is one of Gemmayzeh's oldest eateries, a plain, busy dining room on Rue Gouraud just before the Saint Nicolas stairs where Lebanese home-style plates are served from a handwritten menu. Regulars and visiting chefs order the daily specials: stews, kafta in a tray with tomato and potato, stuffed vegetables, mujaddara and rice with chicken or lamb, with salads and bread alongside. It is deliberately simple, with formica tables and quick service, and prices are lower than the polished restaurants around it, so it is one of the better value places on the strip. Time Out Beirut lists service Monday to Saturday from early morning to midnight, and Tripadvisor still lists it with recent reviews. Ratings are mixed because the draw is authenticity rather than refinement. It works for a cheap lunch, an early dinner or breakfast before exploring Gemmayzeh on foot.
| Price | Roughly USD 8-15 per person (~0.7-1.3 million LBP), estimate |
|---|---|
| Hours | Mon-Sat about 06:00-24:00 (Time Out Beirut listing; confirm by phone) |
| Reservations | Walk-in; no reservation normally needed |
| Address | Rue Gouraud (Gouraud Street), Gemmayzeh, Beirut, just before the Saint Nicolas stairs; tel +961 1 445 373 |
Signature dishes
- Daily stew special
- Kafta in a tray
- Mujaddara
Good to know
- Known for
- Lebanese home cooking
Location
Rue Gouraud (Gouraud Street), Gemmayzeh, Beirut, just before the Saint Nicolas stairs; tel +961 1 445 373
33.8949, 35.5151 View on map
Highlights
- Home-style Lebanese plates from a handwritten menu
- Among the cheapest sit-down meals in Gemmayzeh
- Fast service, suited to solo diners
- Right beside the Saint Nicolas stairs
Tips for visiting
- Phone +961 1 445 373 to confirm opening, especially on Sundays.
- Ask the waiter for the daily specials, which are not always on the printed menu.
- Bring cash in US dollars or Lebanese pounds in case the card terminal is down.
- Go for lunch; the dining room is lively and the food freshest at midday.
When to visit
Weekday lunch 12:00-14:30
Accessibility
Small ground-floor dining room; step-free entry likely but unconfirmed.
Frequently asked questions
What does a meal cost at Le Chef?
Roughly USD 8-15 per person (~0.7-1.3 million LBP), estimate; it is among the cheapest sit-down options on Rue Gouraud.
Is Le Chef open on Sunday?
Time Out Beirut lists Monday to Saturday only, so call +961 1 445 373 to check Sunday hours.
What kind of food is served?
Lebanese home-cooking: daily stews, kafta trays, stuffed vegetables, mujaddara and salads.