"Mezze and arak under the stone arches of a 17th-century khan at the gate of Byblos's old souk."
About Khan Jbeil
Khan Jbeil occupies a restored Ottoman-era khan — a 17th-century caravanserai — at the entrance to the old souk in Byblos, the city that claims to be the oldest continuously inhabited in the world. Run by owners Mazen and Firas, it leans hard into setting and tradition: stone arcades, candlelight, live Lebanese music and a menu of mezze and charcoal grills.
This is heritage dining rather than a chef-driven restaurant, and it is honest about that. You come for the room, the mezze ritual and the arak.
The Kitchen
The kitchen cooks the Lebanese canon properly: a long spread of cold and hot mezze — hummus, moutabal, tabbouleh, stuffed vine leaves — building to raw kibbeh (kibbeh nayyeh) and a charcoal mixed grill (mashawi) of lamb, chicken and kafta. Chilled arak is the drink of the house.
There is no celebrity chef; the food is the region's standards done generously, in portions sized for a shared table. The pleasure is in the breadth of the mezze, not in reinvention.
The Room
The setting is the whole point: a stone-arched hall and courtyard inside the old caravanserai, lit low and dressed for atmosphere, with performers filling the room on busy nights. It is built for a celebratory, lingering, many-plates kind of evening.
The interior hall is the quieter, cooler choice; the courtyard catches the souk's evening buzz. Either way, plan on a long, sociable meal.
Best for an Anniversary
Khan Jbeil is made for a team dinner or a celebratory group, where the shared mezze and live music carry the night. The candlelit arcades also make it a romantic anniversary or first date.
Not for
Not for diners seeking modern, refined Lebanese cooking or a quiet, intimate table — this is big, traditional, music-filled mezze dining built for a crowd.
Frequently Asked
What makes Khan Jbeil special?
Its setting — a restored 17th-century Ottoman caravanserai at the entrance of the Byblos old souk, with stone arcades, candlelight and live Lebanese music.
What should I order at Khan Jbeil?
Work through the cold and hot mezze, then the charcoal mixed grill and raw kibbeh, with chilled arak alongside.
Where is Khan Jbeil?
At the entrance to the old souk in Byblos (Jbeil), Mount Lebanon, set inside a historic caravanserai building.
How much does Khan Jbeil cost?
Roughly US$40–70 per head for a full mezze-to-grill meal with arak, depending on how much you order.
