Beirut, Lebanon

We asked Chef Concierge Jo Kassis at Four Seasons Hotel Beirut to gather the savviest suggestions he could find—his own plus those of other local connoisseurs, including some he works with every day at the Hotel. Cosmopolitan Beirut combines the best of East and West, with ready access to the beach and mountains and a vibrant nightlife.

Tour Lebanon’s Wineries

Lebanon’s ideal climate for viticulture gives wine lovers over 30 wineries to explore. In the Bekaa Valley near Baalbek is Château Ksara, the country’s oldest winery and one of its most beautiful. Chalk grottos, first discovered by the Romans and enlarged by the Jesuit fathers who owned the winery from 1857 to 1973, provide the perfect temperature—part of the secret behind the cellar’s internationally award-winning wines. Oenophiles can arrange an exclusive tour of Ksara through the Concierge at Four Seasons.

Must-Try Restaurants

Beirut’s cafés, pubs and restaurants can satisfy a galaxy of tastes. For an innovative experience in every respect, try Cocteau, with a menu that features a splendid filet de merou, steak tartare, oysters and clams. Enjoy one of Beirut’s old estate restaurants, Em Sherif, offering authentic Lebanese delights with a posh twist. The caviar, fattoush, tabbouleh, garlic labneh and kafta are amazing. Perched on the Hotel’s 26th floor is The Roof. Enjoy a cocktail and panoramic view of the Mediterranean below before you set out into downtown Beirut’s club scene.

Shopping: For Men and Women

Discover clothing and accessories for both genders among an A-to-Z of international labels at Boutique 1. Aïshti is the go-to place for haute style in clothing, beauty or furnishings in Beirut. And at Plum, high-end labels mingle with hot new designers in an inspiring mix. The Beirut Souks in the nearby Central district, developed by Solidere, offer a vast collection of the best international brands.