Qasti, exquisite Lebanese cuisine by Michelin-starred chef Alan Geaam

Chef Alan Geaam tells a very personal story along rue Saint-Martin. For several years now, the Lebanese chef, starred at his eponymous establishment in the 16th arrondissement, has set up shop along this busy and energetic street in the Haut-Marais, opening in turn a Lebanese galette counter, a hot cantine, a delicatessen, a traditional pizzeria and a bistro, Qasti, which we're telling you about today.

In 2020, the chef opened this exquisite table where his love for Lebanon palpitates without limit and where his childhood memories intertwine and collide. Meaning "my story" in Lebanese, Qasti is the perfect link between Chef Geaam's starred gastronomy and his vision of street-food made in Tripoli, which he never ceases to expand. A halfway house, but far from a half-hearted address, Qasti invites discovery and delight in a hushed atmosphere, underlined by meticulous service.

"Qasti is not only a bistro where you can enjoy sincere Lebanese cuisine, it's also a gastronomic venue where you can discover with panache that Lebanese cuisine can be modern and contemporary", said the chef at the opening. "It's a real return to my roots for me, and I'm proud to be able to introduce French people and Parisians to the cuisine that cradled my childhood. It's an original cuisine, infused with personal influences, served with all the codes of a French bistro. A dream come true for me."

Here, conviviality and sharing are the watchwords; and it's in an atmosphere inspired by Lebanon, of course, that guests are welcomed. The journey begins both on the small terrace and inside, where the décor of wood and deep blue is a veritable ode to the land of the cedars.

• To be read
• Qasti Shawarma & Grill, Alan Geaam’s Lebanese eatery
• Sâj by Alan Geaam, the Lebanese pancake counter to die for
• Alan Geaam, fabulous star-rated Lebanese cuisine

The easy-to-read menu features vegetarian (10€), seafood (11€) and meat mezzés (11€): zaatar experiments; falafels; langoustine vine leaves; halloumi rolls; not forgetting makaneks with pomegranate molasses... Simple and good, fair and comforting, executed with care and heart, varied and generous. The dishes are not to be outdone: cocotte of lamb confit (23€), chicken taouk (23€), accompanied by a glass of Lebanese wine, featured on the drinks menu.

Desserts, especially the delicate fleur de lait ice cream (9€), will satisfy even the most discerning palate, as will the Sunday brunch. All-you-can-eat brunch includes a dish of scrambled eggs with fine herbs, chicken taouk and potato brochettes, an assortment of Lebanese mezzés, an assortment of Lebanese pastries, fruit juice and a hot drink for €39 per person.

The heart of Lebanon beats at Qasti.