Must-Try Foods In Medieval City Wall (Byblos Old Town) For Tourists 2026 - 2027

Food History of Medieval City Wall, Byblos Old Town, Lebanon

The Medieval City Wall in Byblos Old Town is deeply intertwined with a rich culinary history that dates back thousands of years. Byblos is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and has seen various civilizations that have introduced different culinary influences. Ancient Phoenicians, Egyptians, Greeks, Romans, and Arabs have all left their mark on the local food culture. The traditional Lebanese cuisine experienced here features a variety of flavors and techniques, often blending spices and herbs endemic to the Mediterranean region with cooking methods passed down through generations.

Throughout the years, Byblos has remained a charming fishing town, ensuring that seafood dishes are prominent in its culinary offerings. The presence of its historic port meant that Byblos also became a hub for trade, allowing it to absorb food influences from across the Mediterranean and the Silk Road. This cross-cultural exchange is evident in the local food, which utilizes olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and various herbs and spices to create vibrant dishes.

Top 10 Must-Try Food Dishes in Medieval City Wall, Byblos Old Town

1. Tabbouleh - Veg: A refreshing salad made with finely chopped parsley, bulgur, tomatoes, mint, lemon juice, and olive oil.
2. Hummus - Veg: A creamy spread made from mashed chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, and garlic, often served with pita bread.
3. Baba Ghanoush - Veg: A smoky eggplant dip blended with tahini, lemon juice, and various seasonings.
4. Fattoush - Veg: A Lebanese bread salad made with mixed greens, radishes, cucumber, tomato, and crispy pieces of pita, dressed in a tangy sumac vinaigrette.
5. Falafel - Veg: Deep-fried balls made from ground chickpeas or fava beans, commonly served in a pita with vegetables and tahini sauce.
6. Manakish - Veg: A Levantine flatbread that's usually topped with za'atar, cheese, or minced vegetables, and then baked.
7. Kibbeh - Non Veg: A traditional Lebanese dish made of bulgur and minced meat, typically lamb or goat, featuring pine nuts, spices, and often served raw, baked, or fried.
8. Grilled Fish - Non Veg: Fresh catch from the Mediterranean, seasoned and grilled to perfection, typically served with a side of vegetables or rice.
9. Shish Taouk - Non Veg: Marinated chicken skewers, grilled and often served with garlic paste and fries.
10. Stuffed Grape Leaves - Veg/Non Veg: Grape leaves stuffed with a mixture of rice, tomatoes, parsley, and mint. Often served with a side of yogurt.

Top Famous Restaurants in Medieval City Wall, Byblos Old Town

1. Kamareh Art Cafe

   Address: Old Souk, Byblos, Lebanon
   Famous Food: Manakish - Veg

2. Feniqia

   Address: Near the entrance of the Old Souk, Byblos, Lebanon
   Famous Food: Mixed Grilled Platter (including chicken and fish) - Non Veg

3. Pepe Byblos Fishing Club

   Address: Old Port, Byblos, Lebanon
   Famous Food: Seafood Specialties - Non Veg

4. Locanda - A la Granda

   Address: Old Souk, Byblos, Lebanon
   Famous Food: Fattoush - Veg

5. Byblos Sur Mer

   Address: Byblos Port, Byblos, Lebanon
   Famous Food: Fresh Fish and Seafood Dishes - Non Veg