Favourite Foods in Batroun, Lebanon

Batroun Restaurants

Merchak Cafe & 964 Batroun

During our 7 week stay, during July 2023, in Lebanon, Merchak Cafe and 964 Batroun were two major local gems that promise a fantastic time! The best part? These spots not only satisfy your cravings for some filling dinner but also won't break the bank, making them a real find especially amongst the escalating costs in touristy areas.

At Merchak Cafe, prepare your taste buds for a variety of flavours from the traditional Lebanese mezza to our favourite Alfredo chicken and mushroom pasta. Creamy, dreamy, and oh-so-satisfying, it's a dish that'll have you coming back for more. Plus, the chill vibes and shisha offerings create the perfect ambiance for unwinding after hours. And speaking of unwinding, 964 Batroun is the spot for a cheap and tasty chicken Caesar salad in town. Crisp greens, grilled chicken, and that classic Caesar dressing – is refreshing after a long day at the beach. If you need something more filling, order the mixed grilled (warning: they will play music really loud and a waiter will bring out your food in a ceramic pot, lit on fire and perform a little dance, which is a nice novelty!).

The fact that both places keep their doors open into the late hours just adds that extra layer of charm for late hangout plans. So, whether you're seeking a flavourful pasta adventure or a guilt-free salad delight, Merchak Cafe and 964 Batroun, would be our recommendations for where the locals go.

Click here for directions to Merchak Cafe. Click here for directions to 964 Batroun.

Botrys Sea Lounge

If you're after a fancy outing that offers a bit more ambience and flavour, nestled gracefully on the coast, beside the vibrant ambiance of La Taiga Resort, is Botrys Sea Lounge. It is a captivating oasis of Mediterranean allure. With a palette of soothing blues, whites reminiscent of the sea, and the verdant touch of lush plants, the restaurant beckoned us into a world of refined aesthetics.

We wanted to treat Raif's grandparents and ourselves to a symphony of flavours and textures. Fresh seafood took center stage, each dish an ode to the art of culinary refinement. While portions leaned towards the petite side, the taste journey was undeniably elevated. It's a splurge-worthy destination, one where the exquisite tastes are matched by the expense. Our group of five indulged in a petite dinner that culminated in a bill of $280 AUD, a testament to both the excellence of the cuisine and the rarity of the experience, in Batroun, Lebanon.

Click here for directions to Botrys Sea Lounge. Click here for Botrys Sea Lounge's Instagram.

Batroun Croissants

Nestled on a quaint strip of Batroun was a bakery that redefined our croissant expectations. Thanks to Raif's grandfather, who told us about this place, as there was no proper signage, we would not have been able to discover it on our own, otherwise.

These were not your usual buttery bites, but rather, scrumptiously savoury-filled delights that took our taste buds on an enchanting journey. Picture this: a local bakery exuding authenticity and is quite tattered, from being in business so long, the shop signage has faded, offering a trio of croissant perfection – cheese, zaatar, and chocolate. The passionate bakery owner crafts these divine pastries, churning out around 500 of them daily, with a weekend flourish of 800 on Saturdays.

The catch? Once the croissants are devoured by eager customers, usually by the early hours of 9AM, the shutters come down. This meant setting the alarm for 6AM to guarantee ourselves a bite!! Trust me, the savoury symphony of flavours and the sheer dedication of this bakery makes those early morning wake-up calls entirely worthwhile. Although we did miss a few planned wake-ups, luckily we were there long enough to try again. So, fellow travellers and food enthusiasts, if you're seeking an authentic Lebanese breakfast experience that's flaky, flavourful, and utterly unforgettable, make sure to put this hidden (local secret) bakery at the top of your must-visit list!

Click here for directions to the bakery, which we have no recollection of the name, sorry!

Batruoun Desserts

Bouzet Salam

Prepare your taste buds for a sensational journey through the world of flavours at Bouzet Salam, a gem in the heart of Batroun, near Hilmi's Lemonade. If you're a gelato enthusiast, this charming establishment is bound to be your newfound haven. With an array of delectable options, Bouzet Salam boasts an assortment of six mouthwatering gelato flavours that are sure to tantalise your senses: the rich and velvety blackberry, the traditional Lebanese ashta, the sinfully smooth chocolate, the zesty burst of lemon, the delicate essence of rose, and the refreshing strawberry and mango duo.

But hold on, the experience doesn't stop there! Bouzet Salam takes your gelato experience up a notch by offering the option to elevate your chosen flavour with a sprinkle of perfectly roasted pistachios. Imagine the creamy goodness of ashta mingling with the irresistible crunch of pistachios—it's a symphony of flavours that dance on your palate.

If you find yourself in Batorun, do not miss the chance to indulge in the heavenly gelato offerings of Bouzet Salam. It's a sweet escape into a world where each spoonful is an invitation to pure delight.

Chaud Glacee

For those who prefer a different kind of frozen treat, Batroun has something special in store. Picture this: the traditional 'scrolled' ice cream, meticulously crafted right before your eyes. It's a mesmerising process where your chosen sweet indulgence – be it the lusciousness of Bounty, the Nutella dream, the irresistible allure of Biscoff, or others – gets smashed into a creamy concoction with fresh milk.

The result? Your very own artisanal ice cream flavour that's as unique as your cravings. But the creativity doesn't stop there – a plethora of toppings like crunchy almonds, vibrant sprinkles, and more await to crown your masterpiece. Batroun's ice cream scene is a paradise for those who seek frozen desserts beyond the ordinary, a place where every chilly bite is a customisable work of frozen art.