In the heart of Downtown Beirut, on the historic Martyrs’ Square, a new chapter in the city’s rich gastronomic story has unfolded. The iconic Le Gray Hotel, reborn after more than five years of closure. At the center of this renaissance lies one of the most exciting culinary debuts in recent memory: the arrival of Qasti, the restaurant helmed by Michelin-starred chef Alan Geaam.

For many Beirutis and food lovers around the world, this isn’t just another restaurant opening; it’s a culinary homecoming. After 27 years of living and working in France, where he earned a coveted star in the Michelin Guide, Geaam has returned to his homeland to share both his mastery and his story.

A Story in Every Dish

The name Qasti means “my story” in Lebanese Arabic, a fitting reflection of what the restaurant represents. Inspired by recipes and culinary memories from Geaam’s youth in Tripoli and refined through decades of global experience, the menu is a contemporary tribute to Lebanese gastronomy. With seasonal mezze, artful reinterpretations of classics, and fresh interpretations of regional flavors, Qasti embodies a dialogue between tradition and innovation.

The concept is both personal and cultural. Geaam’s cuisine doesn’t merely reproduce familiar tastes, it elevates them, marrying deep respect for heritage with refined technique.

More Than a Restaurant

Situated within the sleek, art-filled ambiance of Le Gray’s redesigned ground floor, Qasti offers a dining experience that engages all the senses. The interiors, envisioned by Galal Mahmoud, harmonize elegance and openness, framing every meal with a sense of place and memory.

Beyond the cuisine, Qasti seeks to be a vibrant social hub. With an atmosphere that blends refined dining and convivial energy, it’s designed for locals, travelers, and Beirut’s growing restaurant-going community alike. Live music, crafted drinks, and thoughtful service converge to create a space where guests linger, not just for the food, but for the shared experience.

The Significance of the Moment

This opening carries deeper significance than most restaurant launches. Coming at a time when Beirut is actively rebuilding its cultural, economic, and social life, the return of a Lebanese Michelin star chef reignites pride — and optimism — in the city’s future. For Geaam, the move is deeply emotional: a chance to give back to the place that shaped his earliest culinary passions and to contribute to Lebanon’s evolving restaurant landscape with the global sophistication he’s honed abroad.

In this sense, Qasti is both a personal milestone and a cultural landmark — a beacon of creativity and resilience that invites Beirutis and visitors alike to celebrate the best of Lebanese cuisine, told through the lens of one of its most accomplished sons.

Type of Cuisine: Lebanese cuisine.