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About us

Hamra's favourite meeting place

Istirahat Al Rifaq opened in 2012 as a small corner café and grew into the neighbourhood's favourite meeting place.

We roast our coffee in Beirut, squeeze juice to order, cook café classics and grills from scratch, and keep the music going late at weekends.

Fish and chips, burgers, onion rings and a pretzel on a rustic table

Meet Elias

Elias Haddad

Elias spent fifteen years running cafés and restaurants in Dubai and Amman before opening his own place in Hamra. His rule is simple: every guest leaves happier than they came in.

When he is not at the counter, he is planning the next quiz night or tasting new coffees from our roaster.

Portrait of a smiling bearded man in a grey shirt

Upcoming events

Quiz nights, live sessions and family brunches: there is always something on.

Private events

Host your gathering with us

Birthdays, graduations and company dinners for up to 60 guests, with a set menu and the big screen if you want it.