Keeping up with the global trend, Beirut has its fair share of specialty coffee shops. Urbanista entices with its industrial charm, featuring exposed ceilings that add a touch of urban sophistication to the ambiance. The skylight library space adds a unique twist, bathing the cafe in natural light and inviting patrons to savour their coffee while immersed in a world of literature and style. 

Urbanista has an interesting fusion of modern Lebanese culture and speciality coffee. The cafe is inspired by both Manhattan and London and sealed by Beirut, making it perfect for travellers. The sleek interiors with marble tables, the comfortable couches, the inviting bookshelf, and the delicious coffee make Urbanista one of the best cafes in Lebanon.

A Beirut cafe that offers a creative atmosphere to linger in

Owned by Zeina El Eid, Urbanista oozes hipster appeal. It’s a place where the food is fresh, coffee is original and conversations are always brewing. The owners say Urbanista represents what’s missing in our lives – a peaceful escape to enjoy good food, pleasant music and freshly brewed coffee, work on your computer, read books, scan through magazines, all in a creative architectural atmosphere that combines the authentic old feel of the building with modern design. 

The cafe also boasts a beautiful garden, which was originally a garbage dump, now transformed into a peaceful green courtyard, giving customers a choice of sitting outdoors to enjoy natural surroundings. Including breakfast, a salad bar, a variety of platters, hot and cold sandwiches, coffee, desserts, juices and alcoholic drinks, the menu is varied, rich and mouthwatering.

An unfortunate reality of life in Beirut is lack of decent power and less than ideal internet connections. So, when locals want to skip the hassle, cafes are often the best option to power through all those timely projects while getting their caffeine fix. Urbanista is a Beirut cafe that goes so far as to offer a meeting room that can be rented by the hour with a round of coffee or tea and water.

Photogrpahy by Elsie Haddad

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Urbanista, Gouraud Street Gemayzeh, Beirut, Lebanon. Open 8am to 6.30pm daily.

Project Location

Gemayzeh  ABC Achrafieh Beirut, Lebanon