By lebanesestories.com 
When founder and chef Mireille Hayek opened a small restaurant in Beirut in 2011, she named it “Em Sherif,” a nod to her son and the family spirit she wanted the brand to embody.
Since then, Em Sherif has grown into an internationally acclaimed fine-dining experience, recognized for its rich Lebanese menu, ambiance evoking heritage, and impeccably soulful hospitality
Five Pillars of Em Sherif’s Success
Mireille’s guiding values are:
- Quality
- Consistency
- Perseverance
- Presence
- Authenticity
These principles shape every recipe, table setting, and culinary memory Em Sherif creates.
Chef Yasmina Hayek, her daughter and executive chef, adds:
“Our food is authentic—with a hint of modernity and sophistication… we are carrying on traditions in our own way.”
Em Sherif is a flagbearer for Lebanese culture and hospitality.
In 2023, Em Sherif received the Art of Hospitality Award and ranked in the MENA 50 Best Restaurants — a nod to its unique blend of warmth, design, and culinary richness.
Expanding the Em Sherif Experience
Beyond the flagship Beirut location, Em Sherif now includes four distinct concepts:
Deli — grab-and-go Lebanese delights, first introduced in Harrods, London
Restaurant — the original fine‑dining experience
Café — a cozy all-day retreat with modern takes on family favorites
Sea Café — a seafood-forward homage to Lebanon’s Mediterranean identity
Their global footprint now spans luxury venues in Harrods (London), Monaco’s Hotel de Paris, Dubai, Kuwait, Egypt, Qatar, and more.
Where Food Meets Culture: The Em Sherif Art Foundation
in 2025, the family expanded their vision with the launch of the Em Sherif Art Foundation, co-founded by Mireille, her brother Dani Chakour, and curated by Sherif Hayek. This initiative brings contemporary Lebanese art into Em Sherif restaurants worldwide, turning dining into a multi-sensory cultural celebration.
As Dani puts it, the aim is to give visibility to Lebanese creativity—not just through food, but through art that resonates across borders.
Why Em Sherif Matters
More than a restaurant, Em Sherif is a narrative of Lebanon itself—of heritage, generosity, and global ambition. Through its meticulously crafted dishes and welcoming spirit, it remains a culinary and cultural ambassador—carrying the heart of Lebanon from Beirut’s Monot Street to the world.