Kelly's fish lounge

Very good restaurant.

If you’re in Beirut and craving fresh local seafood, Kelly’s Fish Lounge is a must. Run by two friends, Elias and Kelly, the place instantly feels like you’re having dinner at their home. It’s warm, welcoming, and effortlessly relaxed, exactly the kind of atmosphere you want for a long night out in Beirut. The restaurant is small, so reservations are essential. Once you’re seated, though, the table is yours for the evening with no pressure to rush. Part of the experience is choosing your seafood straight from the fridge, pouring a glass of local wine, and letting the kitchen take care of the rest. Every dish arrives full of flavor and the portions are generous. It’s the kind of place where everything feels fresh, simple, and done really well, which is why I keep coming back with friends whenever I’m in the city. Kelly’s Fish Lounge captures what Beirut seafood dining is all about: casual, flavorful, and full of heart. Definitely a spot you shouldn’t miss while visiting. For more restaurant finds and travel spots, follow @sipsandtripswithmaggie on Instagram. 🐟🍷✈️

Visited in February 2026. Lebanon 🇱🇧, Beirut. A small seafood restaurant with a display of the day’s fresh catch. The interior is bright and pleasant, with plenty of wood and large windows that bring in natural light and create a cozy atmosphere. There is also a small terrace for outdoor seating. FOOD: This is a seafood-focused restaurant with a fairly compact menu, but there is also a fresh seafood display where you can choose items such as squid, shrimp, fish, and oysters. We tried octopus prepared two ways — grilled and sautéed in oil with garlic. In both cases the octopus was extremely tender. It likely undergoes some form of pre-marination, as it had a subtle lemon note and a very delicate texture. My favorite was the version cooked in oil and garlic. We also had white fish ceviche. I appreciated that the fish still tasted fresh and natural rather than overly marinated in citrus. The dressing had acidity, but it complemented the delicate flavor of the fish rather than overpowering it. The tempura shrimp were excellent — large, juicy shrimp with a very light and crispy coating. They are served individually and come with a dipping sauce. Another highlight was their spiced potatoes — incredibly crispy on the outside and soft inside. Be careful, they are very addictive. We also tried raw shrimp, which were fantastic, though they are not always available and need to be confirmed in advance. Slightly sweet with a delicate texture and elegant flavor, served simply with salt. Everything we tried was delicious and very fresh. SERVICE: Service was excellent and friendly. We visited twice and each time felt genuinely welcomed. The food arrives quickly, and the restaurant also serves complimentary snacks at the table. VERDICT: A very good seafood restaurant. Reservations might be necessary, as both times we visited the place was completely full. Everything was fresh and flavorful. A great spot to enjoy seafood in a relaxed and casual atmosphere.