Must-Try Foods In Byblos Fossil Museum (Byblos Old Town) For Tourists 2026 - 2027

Food History of Byblos, Lebanon

Byblos, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, has a culinary history that dates back thousands of years. With its rich history and location on the Mediterranean coast, Byblos offers an eclectic mix of flavors combining traditional Lebanese recipes with influences from various civilizations that have occupied the region, including the Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Ottomans, and French. The city’s proximity to the sea ensures a fresh catch for its seafood dishes, while its fertile land provides an abundance of fruits, vegetables, and herbs that play a central role in the local cuisine.

Must-Try Top 10 Food Dishes in Byblos

1. Tabbouleh (Veg): A refreshing salad made with bulgur wheat, finely chopped parsley, mint, tomato, and dressed with lemon juice and olive oil.
2. Hummus (Veg): A creamy dip made from mashed chickpeas, tahini, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil, often enjoyed with pita bread.
3. Baba Ghanoush (Veg): A smoky eggplant dip blended with tahini, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil.
4. Falafel (Veg): Deep-fried balls or patties made from ground chickpeas, herbs, and spices, served in pita bread with vegetables and tahini sauce.
5. Manakish (Veg): A flatbread that’s often topped with za'atar, cheese, or minced meat, but for a vegetarian option, the za'atar topping (a blend of thyme, sesame seeds, and sumac) is preferred.
6. Grilled Fish (Non-Veg): Freshly caught seafood from the Mediterranean sea, seasoned and grilled to perfection.
7. Kibbeh (Non-Veg): Lebanon’s national dish, made from finely ground lamb or beef mixed with bulgur and spices, which can be eaten raw, baked, or fried.
8. Shawarma (Non-Veg): Thinly sliced marinated chicken or lamb, stacked in a cone-like shape and roasted on a slowly-turning vertical rotisserie.
9. Stuffed Grape Leaves (Non-Veg): Grape leaves filled with a mixture of rice, meat, tomatoes, and seasonings, cooked with lemon and olive oil.
10. Mouhalabieh (Veg): A Lebanese milk pudding flavored with rose water and topped with pistachios, serving as a perfect dessert to end the meal.

Top Famous Restaurants in Byblos Old Town and Their Famous Dishes

Feniqia

Address: Byblos Old Town, near the Byblos Castle
Famous Food: Mezze Platter (Veg/Non-Veg options), Seafood dishes

Pepe Abed Fishing Club

Address: Byblos Port, Byblos
Famous Food: Grilled Fish (Non-Veg), Calamari (Non-Veg)

Locanda - A La Granda

Address: Old Souk, Byblos
Famous Food: Kibbeh (Non-Veg), Stuffed Grape Leaves (Non-Veg option)

Kamikaze

Address: Byblos Old Souk, Byblos
Famous Food: Sushi (Veg/Non-Veg options), Asian Cuisine

Byblos Sur Mer

Address: Byblos Port, Byblos
Famous Food: Lebanese Mezze (Veg/Non-Veg options), Fish Sayadiyah (Non-Veg)

Note: For vegetarians and those with dietary restrictions, most Lebanese dishes can be easily adjusted upon request at restaurants. It's always recommended to communicate your preferences to the restaurant staff.