Afendi, the beloved Lebanese bistro in Paris's 10th arrondissement that champions the spirit of sharing

Located in the lively Faubourg Saint-Denis neighborhood, in the 10th arrondissement, Afendi celebrates the art of Lebanese dining as it's authentically practiced there. Here, ordering individual plates is out of the question: the menu is designed to be placed right at the center of the table and shared among diners, echoing the spirit of traditional Lebanese family gatherings. Fadel Farroukh, who runs this independent spot, continues a family tradition passed down from his father and grandmother. The family story begins in 1958, when his father opened the first Lebanese restaurant in West Africa, in Senegal. Fadel has brought this ethos of sharing to Paris, making it the beating heart of Afendi.

The restaurant offers 40 covers, a capacity that maintains a cozy, intimate atmosphere. It’s a place where you feel comfortable, whether you're with friends or family, without the noise and hustle of larger brasseries. The decor is straightforward and inviting, with the focus clearly on the quality of the food and the shared experience.

What's on the menu at Afendi?

Mezze dishes take pride of place on the menu. Classics like parsley and fine bulgur tabbouleh are staples, alongside various hummus options—plain with olive oil, broccoli, with ampelous sea snails, or even the father's version with butter and pine nuts. Then there's baba ganoush, the smoky eggplant caviar, and the spicy kamouné—a tomato and bulgur tartare that sparks the palate. The Mediterranean fattoush salad with toasted pita croutons and the eggplant-based monk’s salad round out this impressive cold selection.

On the hot mezzes side, don't miss the falafel (crispy chickpea balls), samboussek filled with meat or cheese, spinach-filled fatayer, or the kibbé—those beloved deep-fried croquettes made with ground meat and bulgur. The crispy eggplant, arayess (pita bread topped with ground beef), and cheesy kalleh round out this delicious selection of Lebanese specialties.

Afendi Régal: The Must-Try Dish That’s a House Favorite

The signature dish of Afendi is undoubtedly the Afendi Régal. This hearty platter features a generous spread of tabbouleh, cumin-spiced dishes, baba ganoush, hummus, chicken and beef shawarma, kafta, and makanek (Lebanese sausages), all served with sautéed potatoes and vermicelli rice. Available for one person (€25), two people (€47), or four people (€90), this shared platter perfectly embodies the house’s philosophy: sample everything, experience Afendi's diverse flavors in one sitting, and enjoy the vibrant communal atmosphere around the table.

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For those who prefer to build their own plate, the grilled options offer plenty of appeal: tender beef shawarma topped with sesame sauce, chich taouk (sliced chicken in garlic cream), seasoned minced meat kafta, spicy makanek sausage, or grilled halloumi for vegetarians. The side dishes are straightforward yet satisfying: vermicelli rice, lentil rice, or crispy fried potatoes.

What traditional dishes are on the menu?

There are also some exquisite traditional Lebanese dishes that go beyond the usual fare. The village’s mdardara, a hearty lentil dish served with fatouch salad and laban, the roz a djej (chicken thigh with rice and yogurt), the cheikh mehché (a stewed eggplant dish with ground beef), or a tender lamb shank complemented by rice—these are just a few examples. The fateh, classic preparations made with pita bread and yogurt, come in variations such as meat (fateh lahmé) or eggplant (fateh batinjen), showcasing the rich culinary heritage of Lebanon.

During weekday lunchtimes, three set menus offer a quick and satisfying meal between 11:30 a.m. and 3 p.m.: choose from a salad with a main dish (14.90€), a main dish with a side (14.90€), or a combination of salad, main, and side (16.90€). Perfect for professionals working nearby who want to enjoy a Lebanese-style lunch without breaking the bank.

What do they serve to drink at Afendi?

The beverage menu showcases Lebanese classics. Cheers to arak as the perfect aperitif, alongside a selection of 100% Lebanese wines (Château Héritage, Marquis des Beys, Les Coteaux du Château Kefraya). Beer lovers can enjoy local brews like Almaza or craft Bairaa. The house cocktails embrace Mediterranean flavors, featuring the Baladi gin (basil, gin, lemon), the Kesak gin infused with pomegranate molasses, or the green Afendi with gin and cardamom. And of course, there are refreshing traditional drinks such as Lebanese lemonade, jellab (date juice with pine nuts), bissap, or ayran (a salty yogurt drink).

For dessert, we end with a mouhalabiyé (orange blossom-flavored flan), alongside baklavas filled with walnuts and pistachios, a knéfen (a Lebanese cheesecake topped with crushed pistachios), or a tahini chocolate brownie studded with nuts. And when you’re undecided, a by-the-glass tea or a gourmet coffee always hits the spot.

Afendi welcomes diners every day: Mondays from 7 pm to 11 pm, and from Tuesday to Saturday from 11:30 am to 3 pm and then again from 7 pm to 11 pm. On Saturdays and Sundays, enjoy the unlimited buffet brunch, priced at €34, available from 11:30 am to 4 pm. Located at 84 rue du Faubourg Saint-Denis in the 10th arrondissement, the restaurant is easily accessible via Château d'Eau or Gare de l'Est metro stations. We recommend making a reservation, as evenings tend to fill up quickly.

This restaurant is perfect for those craving bold flavors that excite the palate and inspire sharing. If you're the type to be like Gollum and guard your precious meal, that's okay—though it’s a shame. The atmosphere here is friendly and welcoming, where the spirit of sharing truly comes to life.

This test was conducted as part of a professional invitation. If your experience differs from ours, please let us know.