What began as a simple farmers’ market in Beirut in 2004 has grown into one of Lebanon’s most heartfelt and far reaching food movements. Souk El Tayeb was created to bring rural produce into the city and connect people to the land through food. Over time it evolved into something more personal. It became a space where cooks share their stories, recipes and regional traditions through a shared table.
Today Souk El Tayeb lives on not only in its weekly markets but also through Tawlet. These open kitchen restaurants can be found across Lebanon. From Mar Mikhael in Beirut to the hills of Bakish the wetlands of Ammiq and the stone houses of Douma each Tawlet tells a different story. Every location serves food that reflects the people who make it and the region it comes from.
Tawlet Ammiq, Bekaa
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Tawlet Ammiq (+961 3 004 481) is located in the heart of the ancient Ammiq village and offers stunning panoramic views of the Bekaa Valley. The restaurant was created to celebrate the local culture and culinary traditions of Ammiq and its surrounding region. Most villagers work in agriculture and the municipality is committed to sustainable practices to protect the land for future generations. Tawlet Ammiq gives local producers a platform to share their traditions crops and cooking methods while encouraging cooks to revive old recipes and customs. The building itself is one of the greenest in Lebanon featuring eco-friendly design elements such as solar chimneys a green roof and natural cooling systems. It uses eighty percent less energy than traditional buildings and sorts and recycles waste. Inside the restaurant much of the furniture and décor is handmade by local artisans with inspiration drawn from the natural surroundings. The project is part of a regional conservation effort funded by the Swiss Development Agency and supports the work of the Royal Society for Conservation of Nature and local partners. Visitors can enjoy hiking or guided tours in the nearby wetlands and Ammiq reserve or rent bicycles for a more adventurous experience. The guest house offers three rooms where guests can wake up to birdsong and enjoy free access to the reserve with breakfast included. Families are welcome with indoor and outdoor kids’ areas and a dekenet is available for purchasing local products and mouneh as souvenirs.
Tawlet Ammiq is open Tuesday to Sunday. Breakfast is served from 9:00 AM at USD 20 per person. Weekend lunch buffet is available Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and holidays from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM at USD 50 per adult and USD 25 per child under 10. Weekday lunch set menu is offered Monday to Friday from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM at USD 40 per adult and USD 20 per child under 10. Dinner is served Tuesday to Sunday at USD 25 per person and is available only to guests who book a room.
Tawlet Bakish, Keserwan
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Tawlet Bakish (+961 81 767 301) is located in the village of Qanat Bakish between the mountains of Kfardebian and Baskinta. It was created to honor the food and farming traditions of the Baskinta region and the surrounding Keserwan mountains. Here, local producers bring their seasonal crops and methods while village cooks return to old recipes that carry the flavor of home. The setting is calm and remote with sweeping views that stretch across the mountain landscape. It is a quiet place to eat well and slow down with food that comes straight from the land around it. Tawlet Bakish offers an open lunch buffet on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The price is USD 50 per adult and USD 25 per child under 10.
Tawlet Beit Douma, North Lebanon
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Tawlet Douma (+961 70 082 225) is set inside Beit Douma, a restored Lebanese house in one of Lebanon’s most charming and well preserved villages. The home dates back to the eighteenth century and still holds many of its original features, including a traditional Haroun and Summaqi stone floors. It sits above the Batroun mountains surrounded by orchards gardens and stone terraces. The kitchen is open and filled with light where local cooks prepare breakfast lunch and dinner using recipes passed down through generations. Guests are welcome to join in the cooking or simply enjoy a quiet meal overlooking the valley. Tawlet Douma is known for its warm hospitality homemade food and peaceful setting. On weekends the buffet lunch includes a free guided tour of the Douma souks. The house is also available for private events weddings and overnight stays. Whether you come for a meal or a weekend you will leave with a deeper taste of village life.
Beit Douma is open for weekend lunch buffet on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The price is USD 42 per adult and USD 20 per child under 10. Weekday lunch is served Tuesdays to Fridays from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM at USD 33 per adult and USD 17 per child under 10. Dinner is available Tuesdays to Sundays from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM for USD 25 per person and is only for guests who book a room. Breakfast is served Tuesdays to Sundays from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM at USD 18 per person or free with a room booking.
Tawlet Mar Mikhael, Beirut
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Tawlet Mar Mikhael (+961 81 266 060) is where the Souk el Tayeb story began. Located in the lively neighborhood of Mar Mikhael it gathers cooks from all over Lebanon to share the diverse flavors of their home regions. Each day the lunch buffet highlights a different area starting with the South on Tuesday moving through the Bekaa the North and Mount Lebanon before ending the week with a best of Lebanon selection on Saturday. The open kitchen invites guests to watch fresh dishes being prepared while enjoying a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Breakfast is also served and there is a daily plat du jour with salad and dessert. Inside the restaurant Dekenet Souk el Tayeb offers a market of handmade products from Lebanese producers.
Tawlet Mar Mikhael is open Tuesday to Saturday. Lunch buffet is available at USD 33 per person. Breakfast starts at 9:00 AM with an à la carte menu.
Additionally, Tawlet is opening in a brand new location on 12 July 2025. Stay tuned for all the delicious details!
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If you enjoyed reading this, check out our interview with Kamal Mouzawak, founder of Souk el Tayeb.
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