This ancient name was first whispered into history over 5,000 years ago, marking the birth of one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities — what we now call Beirut. Once a radiant Phoenician city-state, BÁYRŪT lit the seas with its pioneering spirit, charting new worlds through maritime trade, exploration, and the creation of the first alphabet — a gift of symbols that would forever shape the language of humankind.
The Phoenicians also laid the foundation for what we now know as Mediterranean cuisine, offering the world the golden oil of the olive, the warmth of wine, the abundance of seafood, and spices that carried the scent of distant lands. Over centuries, waves of civilizations washed over the city, each leaving traces of their culture. Yet it is the Phoenician essence of innovation, craftsmanship, and soulful tradition that still defines Beirut — and forms the heart of our story.
It is from this cradle of history that our own journey begins, not only in name, but in spirit.
Generations ago, our mother’s family lived in the heart of Mount Lebanon, where food was more than nourishment — it was a language of love, memory, and identity. They came from Baalchmay, a quiet mountain village in the Metn district, known for its terraced orchards, fresh spring water, and the kind of stillness that allows tradition to breathe. Recipes were never written down. They were carried in the hands, learned through repetition, sung silently from mother to child.
Our mother, Nunu, the matriarch of our home, became the first to give voice to this oral heritage. Her recipes are more than instructions — they are a living tapestry of inherited wisdom. Over time, she adapted them with care, elevating flavours while staying true to their soul. She modernized with grace, never compromising the past.
Today, we carry her legacy forward through BÁYRŪT. Bringing a part of her story to life, united by a shared passion to serve food that feels like home.
BÁYRŪT is our homage to everything she taught us: a place where history, heritage, and innovation meet. Where every dish carries the touch of ancient hands, revived through a contemporary gaze. In our kitchen, the echoes of village songs, the warmth of family tables, and the reverence for tradition still linger. Our food is crafted with the same love, care, and precision that once animated the kitchens of our ancestors — both collective and deeply personal.
We invite you to taste not just a meal, but a story passed down through generations, carried by hearts, and served with love.
Welcome to BÁYRŪT.
