The prestigious KARAM Beirut, one of the first high-end Lebanese restaurants in town is introducing a new concept: KARAM Al-Bahr. Not only is this local fish restaurant located at Beirut’s newest all-year round destination, Zaitunay Bay, but it is also stationed in a coincidental location for KARAM’s restaurateur. In fact, KARAM Al-Bahr will be taking on the legacy of previous KARAM, the family’s restaurant that was present in “Hayy el Zaitunay” over 60 years ago.
By the beautiful Mediterranean, it is the perfect venue for lunch or dinner where one can enjoy a wide range of fresh fish and exquisite Lebanese dishes.
Arriving at Karam El Bahr you are offered a mix of brown and white fresh Lebanese bread done their way directly from the oven and served with a mix of black and green olives with capsicum and tomato cubes. A nice first impression and a mix I really enjoyed specially that it is prepared without garlic.
We ordered:
- Hommos Karam EL Bahr (A special mix of the traditional hommos and fresh salmon puree looking like mousse. It reminded me of the Tarama we eat with sushi)
- Vine leaves
- Squid with ink
- Smoked Salmon roll
- Tabbouleh
- French fries
- Bizri fish
- Fried Calamari
- Breaded shrimps
- Fish skewers
- Shrimp rolls
- Kebbeh Samak
There was something wrong! The Vine leaves were over salty, the smoked salmon rolls were extremely salty to the extent that you can't feel any of the other ingredients and the tabbouleh had an unacceptable quantity of lemon juice. In what I consider a five star restaurant, such mistakes are unacceptable. Sadly, even when we mentioned it to the waiter, no action was taken. I was expecting a perfect experience with mouthwatering food, and that was not the case. A few things I liked is the Bizri fish - it was one of the tastiest I've ever had, the squid is good and the fried food selection felt oil free and the fish skewers just perfect.
Regarding the service, it would have been better if the waiters are more welcoming. Waiters were arrogant and had an unpleasant attitude that makes you uncomfortable and unwelcome. We know that they consider themselves working at the best Lebanese restaurant but this is surely not an excuse to act this way.
With some improvements in the kitchen together with a more welcoming attitude, Karam El Bahr can be one of your favorite destinations for a delicious Lebanese Seafood crave.
