nestled in coastal lebanon, ‘butler’s table’ by carl gerges architects is a tribute to the sun

‘butler’s table’: a fine dining experience by the sea of batroun

Nestled along the Lebanese coast, in the vibrant city of Batroun, ‘Butler’s Table’ comes to life as a fine dining concept that pays tribute to the sun. Beirut-based Carl Gerges Architects envisioned the restaurant as part of Capo Boutique Hotel, its latest hospitality project where sandy tones, rich textures, and lush greenery collide to create a seaside haven. Overlooking Batroun’s historic waterfront, ‘Butler’s Table’ welcomes hotel guests into a space imbued in warm tints and yellow accents that simulate natural sunlight, all while framing scenic vistas of the blue horizon.

carl gerges’ brasserie-like design alludes to golden hour 

Complementing the golden backdrop of ‘Butler’s Table’, lead architect Carl Gerges (see more here) dressed each table with light white cloths to give off a classic brasserie aesthetic. Meanwhile, elegant irocco wood dominates the space from floor to ceiling, blending seamlessly with the outdoor terrace’s paneling. Taking center stage at the restaurant is a bold yellow bar; its fractal design is an interpretation of solar rays, while its soft brightness alludes to the golden hour — that captivating period of the day just before sunset or sunrise. Handmade with a mix of sand and epoxy by Lebanese artist Nelsy Massoud, it is echoed across the space through glass-blown custom wall appliques and an oversized hand-crafted chandelier – all executed by local artisans – bathing the interior in warm lighting while alluding to the sun casting its rays over the dining interiors. 

With a menu by award-winning chef Youssef Akiki, guests can feast on decadent Levantine meals and sip intricate cocktails created by Beirut’s ‘Butler’s Bar’, whilst soaking in the sunny tableau. The restaurant, developed by Jamil Saab & Co, extends into the outdoor terrace, creating an all-around shaded space during summer that invites a fresh breeze past sunset. ‘Embracing the hotel’s hedonistic slow-living approach, the restaurant is the epitome of tasteful Lebanese exuberance: a place where culture and luxury meet, under the sun’s complete cycle, am to pm,’ reflects Carl Gerges. 

explore capo boutique hotel 

Set a few meters from ‘Butler’s Table’, Capo Boutique Hotel emerges from the coastal grounds of Batroun as a peaceful getaway inspired by Mediterranean landscapes and tales. Carl Gerges used classical symmetry and intricate detailing, architecturally reminiscent of a Roman amphitheater, to deliver a sense of balance across the property while paying homage to the land’s history. ‘Laid out in five descending levels, ultimately leading up to the shore of Batroun’s sparkling sea, the main protagonist is omnipresent, glorious at every turn,’ shares Gerges. 

a deep connection to the sea, the sky, and the ancestors 

The resort’s dramatic entrance is lined with statuesque cacti and swaying white canopies that lead the way into the main outdoor space, where a cushioned ‘majlis’ (arabic for sitting room) surrounds a central firepit, alluding to oriental mystique. At night, guests are invited to stargaze near a longitudinal pool filled with water lilies, which creates a sense of tranquility and frames the glimmering view. According to the architect, the dialogue with the sea and the sky is intentionally kept unhindered throughout the property as a means to connect with Phoenicians who were master sailors and expert celestial navigators on this very shore.

Exemplifing that ‘getaway’ atmosphere at Capo Boutique Hotel are enchanting views of the sandy-toned architecture partially hidden behind lush Mediterranean flora; its rhythmic layering steadily complements the buzzing warmth of its surroundings, allowing guests to savor dreamy sights throughout the day. ‘From afar, the architecture resembles a sailing boat: the symbolism is not lost on Capo, aptly named ‘Captain’- invoking ancient Lebanese civilizations in one of the world’s oldest ports – and creating an open dialogue between our ancestors, the stars, the sea, and the present moment,’ concludes Carl Gerges. 

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projects info:

location: Batroun, Lebanon

architecture: Carl Gerges Architects | @carlgergesarchitects 

–restaurant — 

name: Butler’s Table 

developer: Jamil Saab Co. | @jamilsaabco

bar design: Nelsy Massoud

area: 500 sqm

completion year: 2023 

–hotel– 

name: Capo Boutique Hotel 

area: 6,300 sqm 

completion year: 2022