We were shooting the Aley Mechwar episode and Al Kasr was an important stop to show; a Lebanese restaurant up in Aley, the high-end nature of the restaurant is obvious, thanks to the two sculptures occupying the entrance. Two sculptures created by competitors at the Aley Symposium back in the year 2000 or so.
Al Kasr is this old house, a castle which was transformed into a restaurant more than 11 years ago. First it was known as Al Sultan Brahim, today Al Kasr is almost certainly Aley's most famous restaurant, with a terrace overlooking Beirut, the internal dining space and the event space.
Al Kasr is beautiful inside out. Of an old style, like the palace of Beiteddine, the space is vast and beautifully decorated with a ceiling of metal and wood, big lanterns, a chimney, a large sofa and lots of stones. We were invited to sit next to the chimney.
I was not expecting to eat food that good. A tasty hummus, fresh salad, delicious grapevine leaves, a selection of raw meat and the mouhammara, which is one of my favorite Lebanese plates.
It might not be a complete, detailed review but my first impression made me want to visit again soon. I'll surely be back with the family to taste all of their plates.
Visiting Aley or feeling like escaping Beirut's chaos? Al Kasr is a restaurant to consider, their food is tasty!
