Must-Try Foods In Our Lady Of Lebanon Statue (Byblos Old Town) For Tourists 2026 - 2027

Our Lady of Lebanon Statue & Byblos Old Town: A Culinary Journey

Our Lady of Lebanon Statue itself, perched on the hill of Harissa, does not have a specific food history tied to it, being a religious site and pilgrimage destination. However, the statue overlooks the Mediterranean Sea and is located near the ancient city of Byblos (now Jbeil) which has a rich food culture due to its historical significance as one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. The food in the region, as in much of Lebanon, is a tapestry woven from the various civilizations that have laid their influence on the city, including the Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, and Ottomans, among others.

Must-Try Top 10 Food Dishes in Byblos

1. Hummus (Veg) - A classic Lebanese starter made from mashed chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic.
2. Tabbouleh (Veg) - A tangy and refreshing salad made with chopped parsley, mint, bulgur, tomatoes, and onions.
3. Falafel (Veg) - Deep-fried balls made from ground chickpeas or fava beans, often served with a tahini sauce.
4. Manakish (Veg Options) - A traditional Lebanese flatbread that can be topped with thyme (Zaatar), cheese, or ground meat.
5. Batata Harra (Veg) - Spicy potatoes with coriander, garlic, and chili, a savory side dish.
6. Grilled Halloumi (Veg) - A firm, salty cheese griddled to perfection, often complemented by vegetables or served in a sandwich.
7. Kibbeh (Non-Veg) - Lebanon's national dish, often made with minced meat, bulgur, and spices, served raw, baked, or fried.
8. Shawarma (Non-Veg) - Thinly sliced marinated chicken or other meats cooked on a slowly-turning vertical spit.
9. Samke Harra (Non-Veg) - A spicy fish dish usually prepared with tahini sauce and varying spices.
10. Stuffed Grape Leaves (Veg/Non-Veg Options) - Grape leaves wrapped around rice, vegetables, and sometimes meat, cooked in lemon juice and olive oil.

Top Famous Restaurants in Byblos

Feniqia

Address: Byblos Port, Old Souk, Byblos, Lebanon

Famous for: Traditional Lebanese mezze platters (Veg/Non-Veg)

Locanda - A la Granda

Address: Sea Side Road, Byblos, Lebanon

Famous for: Fresh seafood dishes like Samke Harra (Non-Veg)

Pepe Abed

Address: Fishing Club, Byblos, Lebanon

Famous for: The historic ambiance and grilled seafood varieties (Non-Veg)

Adonai Le Petit Libanais

Address: Byblos, Lebanon

Famous for: Lebanese pizzas, known as Manakish (Veg Options)

Byblos Fishing Club

Address: Byblos Harbor, Byblos, Lebanon

Famous for: Wide variety of Lebanese mezze and Grilled Halloumi (Veg)

When visiting the area, you can enjoy both the rich historical tapestry and the delicious flavors of Lebanese cuisine, which are a direct reflection of Byblos' storied past.