Aaliya’s Books | Made in Lebanon
An independent Beirut bookshop, café and bar named for a fictional book lover.
About Aaliya’s Books
In the heart of Gemmayzeh, Beirut, Aaliya’s Books is an independent English-language bookshop that doubles as a café and cocktail bar. It is the kind of place where a carefully chosen novel, a good coffee and a late-evening drink all live under one roof, and where the line between reading and socialising happily blurs.
The shop takes its name from Aaliya, the protagonist of Lebanese author Rabih Alameddine’s novel “An Unnecessary Woman”, a solitary translator devoted to books. That literary namesake sets the tone for a space built around curated titles and a rich programme of cultural events, giving Beirut’s readers and creatives a place to gather, browse and exchange ideas.
Business Information
| Name | Aaliya’s Books |
| Ownership | Lebanese-owned |
| Based In | Beirut (Gemmayzeh), Lebanon |
| Category | Books, Publishing & Bookshops |
| Website | aaliyasbooks.com |
| What They Offer | Curated English-language books, a café and a cocktail bar |
Why Aaliya’s Books Matters
Independent bookshops with a point of view are precious anywhere, and Aaliya’s Books gives Beirut exactly that. By pairing a curated English-language selection with a café, a cocktail bar and a steady flow of cultural events, it has become more than a retailer; it is a meeting point for writers, readers and the wider creative community. Its literary namesake and its commitment to books as a shared experience make it a warm, distinctly Lebanese contribution to the city’s cultural fabric.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Aaliya’s Books offer?
It is an independent English-language bookshop with a café and cocktail bar, offering curated titles alongside food, drinks and cultural events.
Is Aaliya’s Books Lebanese-owned?
Yes. Aaliya’s Books is a Lebanese-owned independent business based in Beirut.
How can I visit Aaliya’s Books?
You will find it in the Gemmayzeh neighbourhood of Beirut. Visit aaliyasbooks.com for opening hours, events and more details.
What makes Aaliya’s Books distinctive?
Its blend of a curated bookshop, café and cocktail bar under one roof, its cultural events and its name drawn from Rabih Alameddine’s novel all give it a strong identity.
Does Aaliya’s Books host events?
Yes. Cultural events are a core part of what it offers, making it a gathering place as much as a bookshop.
Discover More Lebanese Brands
Aaliya’s Books is a reminder of how much character Lebanon’s independent scene holds. Explore the Made in Lebanon directory to find more local bookshops, cafés and cultural spaces worth a visit.
