The original recipe
A menu that has barely changed in decades — Lebanese cooking as it was served in Beirut, not an updated take on it.
Al Ajami is a name that goes back to Beirut in 1920, and the Paris branch is an extension of that family house. It sits near the Champs-Élysées on the relatively quiet Rue François 1er, and has been passed between Gulf visitors by word of mouth for decades. The cooking is traditional Lebanese in the literal sense: hummus, moutabal, tabbouleh, kibbeh nayyeh and grills, prepared the way they were served fifty years ago. Anyone looking for “modern” Lebanese food or invented plates will not find them here, and that is not a fault — the original version is the point. The room is traditional and calm, the service formal rather than warm, and much of the staff speaks Arabic. That makes it an easy choice for older members of a family who may not be comfortable with a French or English menu. Prices sit in the upper band, as the 8th arrondissement address implies. The real value is in the mezze rather than the main courses, and ordering a wide spread to share across the table is the smarter way to eat here.
A menu that has barely changed in decades — Lebanese cooking as it was served in Beirut, not an updated take on it.
Ask for a wide mezze spread to share instead of a main each; the meal is better and the bill is smaller.
Arabic on the floor makes explaining dietary preferences far easier than in a French restaurant.
58 Rue François 1er, 8th arrondissement, Paris
Grand PalaisThe Grand Palais was built for the 1900 World's Fair "to the glory of French art7 minutes walk4.6
Petit PalaisThe best cultural bargain in all Paris stands opposite the Grand Palais, and mos9 minutes walk4.6
Palais GallieraParis's fashion museum, in a nineteenth-century Italianate palace with its garde10 minutes walk4.5
Musée d'art moderne de ParisAnother secret of the free City of Paris museums: the Musée d'Art Moderne (MAM) 10 minutes walk4.6
Pont Alexandre IIIParis has thirty-seven bridges over the Seine, and only one everybody agrees is 10 minutes walk4.7Looking for halal food near Al Ajami? There are several options nearby, from Moroccan and Indian kitchens to quick casual spots and places with a view. Confirm the halal status and opening hours before you go — these can change.
New JawadHalalNew Jawad is an Indo-Pakistani restaurant on Avenue Rapp, a short walk from the 13 minutes walk · $$$4.4
Ministry of SpiceHalalModern halal Indian cooking, the sit-down option for an unhurried dinner. About 24 minutes walk · $$$
Berkeley GardenHalalHalal Indian cooking that suits families and group dinners, about eight minutes'11 minutes walk · $$$
Snack&RushHalalHalal fast food at budget prices, about five minutes' walk from the tower. The m22 minutes walk · $
NouraHalalNoura is not a discovery; it is the institution every Arab visitor to Paris has 5 minutes walk · $$$4.5
Paris Marriott Champs-ÉlyséesThe Paris Marriott Champs-Élysées is one of a very small number of hotels with a3 minutes walk · $$$4.4
Hôtel du CollectionneurL'Hôtel du Collectionneur is a large five-star on Rue de Courcelles near Parc Mo11 minutes walk · $$$4.1
Four Seasons George VThe George V is the benchmark the rest of luxury Paris is measured against. It o5 minutes walk · $$$$4.9
The Peninsula ParisThe Peninsula Paris is a modern hotel inside an old building: the house dates to12 minutes walk · $$$$4.8Yes — the restaurant serves wine and spirits in the traditional Lebanese manner, while the meat and food remain halal.
Yes, and it is among the better choices for one: the room takes big tables and the shared-mezze format suits families. Call ahead for any group over six.
Yes — the meat is halal, which is why the restaurant is listed here. Management and suppliers do change, though, so a simple question at the door is always worth it: “Is the meat halal?” Places used to Muslim diners answer immediately and without fuss.