Must-Try Foods In St JohnMarc Cathedral (Byblos Old Town) For Tourists 2026 - 2027

Food History of St John-Marc Cathedral, Byblos Old Town, Lebanon

The area around St John-Marc Cathedral in Byblos Old Town, Lebanon, shares a rich culinary history that is integral to the broader Lebanese food culture. The city of Byblos is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and has been a melting pot of various civilizations, including the Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Crusaders, and Ottomans. Each of these cultures has left an imprint on the culinary landscape, contributing to the diverse flavors and ingredients found in Lebanese cuisine.

Byblos, being a coastal town, has a strong tradition of Mediterranean-inspired dishes, with an emphasis on fresh seafood, olive oil, herbs, and spices. The region is renowned for its use of fresh produce and vibrant flavors. Lebanese meals are often centered around mezze, which features an assortment of small dishes that are shared among diners.

Must-Try Top 10 Food Dishes in St John-Marc Cathedral, Byblos Old Town, Lebanon

1. Tabbouleh (Veg): A refreshing parsley salad with bulgur wheat, tomatoes, mint, and a lemony dressing.
2. Hummus (Veg): A creamy spread made from mashed chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, and garlic.
3. Falafel (Veg): Deep-fried balls made from ground chickpeas or fava beans, often served in a pita with salad.
4. Baba Ghanoush (Veg): A smoky eggplant dip blended with tahini, olive oil, and various seasonings.
5. Stuffed Grape Leaves (Veg): Grape leaves stuffed with a mixture of rice, herbs, and sometimes pine nuts or raisins.
6. Fatteh (Non-Veg): A dish made with yogurt, chickpeas, and pieces of toasted pita, sometimes topped with chicken.
7. Kibbeh (Non-Veg): An icon of Lebanese cuisine, this dish is made from ground meat mixed with bulgur and spices, which can be served raw, fried, or baked.
8. Grilled Fish (Non-Veg): Fresh catch from the Mediterranean, often seasoned with a variety of local spices and grilled to perfection.
9. Manakish (Veg): Flatbread often topped with za'atar, cheese, or ground meat, similar to a pizza.
10. Sfiha (Non-Veg): Open-faced meat pies, typically made with minced lamb and spices, originating from the region.

Top Famous Restaurants in St John-Marc Cathedral, Byblos Old Town, Lebanon

1. Pepe's Fishing Club
   Address: Old Byblos Port, Byblos, Lebanon
   Famous Food: Grilled Seafood (Non-Veg)
2. Byblos Sur Mer
   Address: Byblos Port, Byblos, Lebanon
   Famous Food: Fish Sayadiyah (Non-Veg)
3. Feniqia
   Address: Old Souk, Near the Wax Museum, Byblos, Lebanon
   Famous Food: Lebanese Mezze Platter (Veg/Non-Veg options)
4. Locanda - A la Granda
   Address: Sea Side Road, Byblos, Lebanon
   Famous Food: Kibbeh Nayeh (Non-Veg)
5. Kamareh Art Café
   Address: Cardahi center, Byblos, Lebanon
   Famous Food: Manakish (Veg options available)
6. Malena
   Address: Byblos Harbour, Byblos, Lebanon
   Famous Food: Mougrabieh (Non-Veg)
7. Adonai Le Petit Libanais
   Address: Byblos Old Souk, Byblos, Lebanon
   Famous Food: Shish Taouk (Non-Veg)
8. Madame Colette
   Address: Byblos Coast, Byblos, Lebanon
   Famous Food: Lebanese pastries (Veg)