Printania Palace

Nestled in the beautiful hills of Mount Lebanon, Brummana is not only a peaceful get away from the city, but also a heaven for food enthusiasts. In Brummana, you can never have a craving unsatisfied: the town’s vibrant culinary scene offers an amazing mix of traditional Lebanese cuisine and international flavors. With the endless dining options around Printania, we have curated a blog for you to discover the best restaurants near the hotel that promise an unforgettable dining experience.

• Mounir

First things first: the basics. Mounir is a traditional first-class Lebanese restaurant that is known to be the best in the area. Since 1970, Mounir has been a hidden gem in the middle of the forest of pines and oaks and has been serving dishes recognized for their delicious taste and fresh ingredients. The freshness of the ingredients comes to no surprise since everything used in the kitchen is directly harvested from the garden. Enjoy an amazing meal and profit from the private vineyard, waterfalls, and drink Arak with the view of the Mediterranean Sea, you will not regret it!

• Kasr Fakhreddine

We give you here another Lebanese cuisine gem, right next to the Printania Hotel, that serves authentic dishes since 1972. Fakhreddine will provide you with not only amazing mezzes, grilled meat and chicken, fresh saj… but will also give you the experience of a typical Lebanese meal. The authenticity, the soothing colors of the flowers, the majestic décor, the grandiose architecture of the palace and the fast and friendly service will make you feel like royalty.

• Ard Broumana

If you’re more into revisited dishes but can’t get enough of the Lebanese flavors, you should consider visiting Ard Broummana for an amazing culinary experience. Ard Broummana offers you a neo-lebanese cuisine with traditional Lebanese dishes but with a twist. The place is also very aesthetically pleasing with vibrant colors and chill out spaces, and it offers a variety of interesting activities like live barbecue and saj stations, hiking and yoga…  On weekends, they offer a buffet option perfect for Sunday family lunches.

• Farrouj Al Achkar

You cannot, we repeat: you cannot stay in Brummana, without passing by the most famous chicken place of the region. Farrouj Al Achkar is famous for selling chicken-based platters and sandwiches and should be on your “where to get my taste buds stimulated” list. Typical Lebanese snack, with an open kitchen space that makes the temperature in the place very high, but a smell that will open your appetite, you will not regret visiting. Be sure to try their chicken sandwich, their roast beef sandwich, and most importantly, their tawook. After the meal, if you’re up for a sweet snack after all the garlic, you can also ask for a refreshing fruit cocktail to cleanse your palate.

• Batrouni Bakery

Another lowkey gem only locals know about: Batrouni is a cute curbside pickup bakery with little wooden tables and a fresh smell of Zaatar, that guarantees amazing manakeech and pizzas. A family business trying to compete with the invasion of big franchises, the bakery serves traditional dishes like zaatar, cheese mankouche and other authentic Lebanese recipes, but they also have some twists in their menu that you should definitely try, like their signature Mexican chicken and their delicious pizzas.

• Le Gargotier

If you’re around Brummana in the winter and searching for a cozy place to have a fancy French meal, you can never go wrong by choosing Le Gargotier. You can choose to sit inside, especially if it’s a rainy day: the restaurant has a rustic atmosphere to it, with a fireplace and a mountain-home décor. Or you can choose to sit on the outside terrace which is also quite nice. You can have signature French dishes, and the place is known to have delicious snails and good steaks with a fair price for the portion. This place is perfect for a date night!

• Appetito Trattoria

Since we were transported to Europe with Le Gargotier, how about visiting Rome? In the middle of the bustling sidewalk of Broummana, you can find the cutest Italian restaurant that has a unique homey feel to it: the amazing Italian food that is always fresh, the white and red picnic setup on the tables, everything makes you feel as if you’re in the Italian capital. Try their potato gnocchi, shrimp pasta or fettuccine alfredo all cooked to perfection.

• Kings Burger

In the heart of the city, directly facing Brummana High School, you will find the most nostalgic burger place according to locals. Kings Burger is where all the fun used to happen back in the day, and when you enter through the doors, it’s like you can feel the memories in the walls. With a retro vibe like American diners in the 80s, Kings has a variety of options, but specializes (like the name indicates) in juicy and delicious burgers. Nowadays, Kings struggles amongst the big franchises and chains that have opened in Brummana, yet the taste and the charm of the place continue to draw in loyal customers and newcomers alike, offering a unique experience that stands out amidst the modern competition.

• Terrace de Nicolas

Also right next to Brummana High School, Terrace de Nicolas stands out as a must-visit dining destination. This captivating stone house offers an enchanting private dining experience, curated by Chef Nicolas, an architect turned into a culinary artist with a passion for cooking out-of-this-world dishes. It’s a must try anytime, but especially in the Christmas season when the venue is decorated with a splendid tree and twinkling lights. Chef Nicolas can cater to private gatherings of 5-14 guests and offers you a delightful set menu. So, if you’re looking for a private dinner with a talented chef giving you his undivided attention, Terrace de Nicolas is an experience not to miss during tour stay in Brummana.

• Chez Nassim

Don’t think we forgot about you, sweet teeth! Chez Nassim is a beloved sweets shop in Brummana that has become a staple for locals and visitors. Renowned for its wide array of traditional Lebanese pastries and desserts, Chez Nassim offers an authentic sweetness and the perfect dish for every need. Stop by in the morning for the creamiest knefeh, or pass by after trying one of the restaurants from this list to taste the flaky baklava. You can also sit on its terrace overlooking the beautiful mountain scenery and enjoy one of the tastiest ice cream in the region.

Imagine stepping out of the luxurious comfort of Printania and into a world brimming with vibrant cultures, stunning landscapes, and top-tier tourist spots. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or a dedicated foodie, this blog curates the best places to visit near Printania Palace Hotel that promise to make your stay unforgettable.

Strolling through the flower-filled streets of Brummana

If you ask a local for the first thing to do while in Brummana, they will probably recommend taking a stroll through the streets of the colorful village. Brummana is labelled as “city of flowers” for a reason, and admiring traditional Levantine limestone houses with beautiful architecture and vibrant flowers should definitely be on your priorities list. Not only will your eyes be satisfied with the picturesque scenery the village proposes, but the vibrant streets and lovely people also add to the charm and character of the village.

A breath of fresh air in Mar Chaaya

No worries if you prefer the calm over the bustling atmosphere: you can hike in Mar Chaaya, a beautiful village located just five minutes away and surrounded by lush greenery and giant pine trees that will give you the perfect breath of fresh air you could be craving. In Mar Chaaya, you can also visit the Domaine De Mar Chaaya, an estate with beautiful chalets and cute cabins where you can stroll through the vineyards and enjoy the tranquil natural environment away from the crowds.

Exploring the Historic Mar Chaaya Monastery

For history and religion fanatics, animal lovers and children, a great thing to do would be to visit the Maronite monastery of Mar Chaaya, which was established in 1700 and is the principal home of the Antonine Order. What is so special about this monastery is that it houses a lovely farm with a wide variety of animals that is open to the public, which guarantees a fun time for both children and adults. You can also stock up on delicious items from the organic store there, that sells a wide range of fresh produce and dishes prepared by the monks themselves.

Discovering the Lazarus Monastery and St Isaiah church

Next stop, also for history lovers, would be the Lazarus Monastery and Church of Saint Isaiah. Another special site in Brummana, the Lazarus Monastery should be on your must-see places list. Although it is now closed off to the public, you can still see the majestic courtyard which was once used by the Emir Abillamaa, an eminent Druze of the region, as a government. Right next to the site, you will find one of Brummana’s most important landmarks: a huge oak tree that is 1500 years old, and that leads you to the 16^th-century church of Saint Isaiah.

Capturing the perfect sunset in Brummana

Sunsets in Brummana hit different: with some spots overlooking the coast, the beautiful sunset views should most definitely be included in your program. It is highly possible that you find a cute little spot where you can watch the sun setting spontaneously, but if you like to plan ahead, you can try many gems in the area like On The Rocks, a chilling spot in the mountains of Brummana where you can hang out with friends in a colorful setting.

Brummana’s lively nightlife and cozy hangouts

After catching the last rays of sun, benefit from Brummana’s nightlife that comes alive with a vibrant blend of cozy pubs, lively cafes, and chic lounges, offering locals and visitors a delightful mix of music, ambience, and fun after sunset. Indeed, what is so special about the localization of Printania, is that there are plenty of nearby tourist spots to spend an amazing night. Stroll through the “pubs street” in Broummana at night to choose your favorite place or come down from your room at Printania to enjoy Cinco and Cicada’s sensational parties, believe me, you will not regret it!

Game Night Fun

Competition lovers and sore losers, you can unleash your inner gamer in Hop on Board: full of any board game you can think of, you can have the most fun game night with your friends in this lovely little sports bar. In addition to having a friendly darts competition, you can benefit from the several theme nights that the place has to offer: comedy nights with standup shows, live sports games streaming, pizza and wine night, margarita night…

Staying fit in Brummana’s best gyms

Don’t think we forgot about you, fitness lovers! Thankfully, Brummana has a good selection of gym clubs you can join to keep up with your daily routine and burn off the extra calories from all the delicious food nearby (we can link here the blog about the best restaurants). Known for being one of the most renowned gym clubs in the area, don’t miss out on Panayot gym’s original classes weekly like Muay Thai, Body Pump, Pilates… and join their club to participate in seasonal activities like hikings and cycling trips! For outdoor activities, you can also visit Brummana Country Club and enjoy some friendly tennis and soccer games with family and friends!

Unwind at the charming Unicorn Coffee House

If you need a caffeine boost or a refreshment after all this exploring, there is a hidden gem in Brummana that promises not just a drink, but an experience. Unicorn Coffee House is located in the heart of town, just next to Brummana High School, and captures all the essence of cozy charm and delight, especially if you’re around the city during Christmas holidays. The air is filled with the aroma of coffee and the vibrant décor creates an atmosphere that resembles the TV show FRIENDS. Whether you are looking for a quiet spot to unwind with a book or a lively hangout with friends, Unicorn Coffee House definitely makes the list of our 10-must visit spots in Brummana.

Brummana: your gateway to Lebanon’s treasures

 Finally, if you’re up for a roadtrip, Brummana’s proximity to some of Lebanon’s most gorgeous sites makes it an ideal base for further exploration. Only 15 minutes away from Beirut, the city is strategically localized so that anywhere is reachable: if you choose to visit the ancient ruins of Baalbeck or to hike between the cedars in Kadisha, Brummana provides a perfect starting point and finish line for discovering the diverse treasures of Lebanon. (here we can also link to a blog about must see destinations in Lebanon and how far they are from Brummana). However, if you’re up for a short trip in the region, Brummana is nestled between Baabdath and Beit Mery, two lovely villages that you can explore during your stay.