Sahel season started early and took us all by surprise. We’ve figured out where to stay, now it’s time to figure out where to eat! Whether you’re looking to have high-end seaside sushi at 3 PM, grab a quick chicken sando after a long swim, or hunt down the best burger spot that cures even the worst midnight cravings, the food landscape this year undoubtedly has something for you. So, before you waste another afternoon arguing with friends in the car about where to head for a bite before your night plans, let’s break down the ultimate, zero-gatekeeping guide to the food spots actually worth your time this summer.
DAY-TO-NIGHT
Sachi by the Sea is, by all accounts, an absolute Sahel classic. But this season, the Baky Hospitality staple has teamed up with BOSS to give its Marassi and Almaza locations a sleek summer makeover as part of the global launch of BOSS Summer Club, bringing an effortless, tailored edge to the Sachi we all know and love. So, whether you’re heading over for a seafood lunch or staying through sunset, expect to feel like you’re in the midst of a literal campaign shoot.
Celebrating over a decade on the coast, Kiki’s is ready for Sahel season to begin. It’s no longer a spot you stumble into late at night, it’s an all-day commitment. Show up for a late breakfast, stay for the midday sun, and inevitably find yourself enjoying the music and dancing well into the night.
The Lemon Tree & Co. remains the top boho-chic Sahel spot. The venue prides itself on a gorgeous, raw aesthetic; full of texture, curated greenery, and handcrafted details that aren’t trying too hard. Come for the fresh Mediterranean plates, the sea breeze, and a crowd that plans on staying long hours under the changing hues of the beautiful Sahel sky.
Pier 88 in Sahel is all about the atmosphere. The music is loud enough to feel like a party, the Italian culinary execution is unmatched, and the crowd has excellent energy. It’s right where you need to be to guarantee a night of great vibes and excellent food.
The Smokery Beach is back again, proving why it’s one of the few places versatile enough to lock you in all day without a second of boredom. The itinerary is effortless: you show up for a sunset lunch right by the water and stick around as the venue transforms for the night. With a heavy lineup of live performers, curated events, it gracefully evolves from a laid-back beach day into a full-blown night out.
Escā Playa is easily among everyone’s favorite spots, and for good reason. Not only is the food impeccable across the board, but it’s simultaneously home to some of the most exciting events of the season. Its central location also makes it one of the most convenient locations to meetup with your friends who live on different ends of Sahel. Whether you’re there for a long, indulgent lunch by the sea or dancing through their legendary lineup of parties, it’s the ultimate day-to-night destination that guarantees you’re right at the center of Sahel – both literally and figuratively.
CULINARY PERFECTION
The global giant needs no introduction, and its presence on the coast has been long awaited by many. Nobu does dining like no other restaurant has been able to. The legendary Black Cod, the Yellowtail Jalapeno, and the curated menu that only Chef Nobu Matsuhisa can command. It’s precisely where you go when you have the extra time to actually have intentional dinner plans everyone is guaranteed to enjoy.
For those who prefer a more intimate spot, Megumi is the move. The lighting is low, the mixology is easily some of the most innovative on the coast, and the venue is just the right size. It’s the perfect antidote to Sahel’s larger-than-life dining and nightlife scene; the hideaway for a sharp crowd that appreciates good music, a perfectly balanced drink, and impeccably fresh sushi rolls.
Reopening its gorgeous terrace, Reif strips away the typical beachfront pretension and replaces it with elite culinary execution. The wagyu katsu sandos are life-changing, the torched beef roll will be on your mind for days, and all the kozara options are highly recommended. The entire experience is a refreshing reminder that sometimes, reliably consistent food quality is all you need.
GRAZING RITUALS
This acclaimed Lebanese hotspot brings back its signature, grand-scale Levantine hospitality straight to the North Coast. Babel‘s real strong suit is the mezze. It’s a seemingly endless, satiating cycle of cold dishes, warm pastries, and intricately spiced bites that turn your table into a grazing spread, perfect for long, multi-hour family and friend lunches. The hummus is smooth, the sujuk is perfectly spiced, and the massive spreads turn a meal into a party.
You can’t have a Sahel summer without a dedicated seafood ritual, and Asmak does it with unmistakable consistency. Think of it as the ultimate seafood spot. It captures the romance of a traditional, fresh-off-the-boat fish market ideal for a long Friday lunch when you want to go all out with the family.
SAHEL RECOVERY
When the speakers finally die out, the sun comes up, and you wake up at 1 PM with a headache that requires professional intervention, you go to Lunchroom for brunch. It’s the ultimate morning-after sanctuary. Absent of the intense, high-traffic daytime crowds or the beach club soundtracks, it offers nothing but flawless coffee, impeccable breakfast spreads, and a relaxed, casual energy that feels uniquely comforting. It’s the exact reset button your system needs before you go back home to get ready and do it all over again.
