Simple Lebanese eatery whipping up flatbreads, baklava & other traditional sweet & savory fare. Located on the corner of 45th and Walnut streets, Manakeesh Cafe Bakery Grill has established itself as the premier destination for Middle Eastern Cuisine in Philadelphia. 4420 Walnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19104 Read More…
If you think all Middle Eastern cuisine is the same, then a trip to the 4-week-old Manakeesh Cafe Bakery will dispel that myth. Actually, there are regional differences and influences. Read More…
THE GROUP assembled around the table looks ready for a history lesson, although probably not one so culturally biased. “Who actually invented it is up for debate,” explained Abd Ghazzawi, half-academically. “We just know the Lebanese perfected it.” Read More…
First-timers at this Lebanese cafe in University City should start with the breakfast flatbread, baked over an open flame and topped with meat or prepared vegetarian with cheese or yogurt and veggies. Another must-try is anything from the assortment of sweets, like baklava, sticky basboosa, or dairy-free halwa. Read More…
Goubaa’s faith and his business go hand in hand. Throughout the year, his restaurant makes care packages and meals to give out to those who need them. During the worst of the pandemic last year, Don Panchito Halal Mexican Grill fed staff at more than 35 hospitals in just one month. Read More…
If made properly, as Manakeesh’s are, falafel should stay crispy on the outside and soft on the inside as they cool. Add in a side of hummus for dipping and it’s an ideal outdoor meal. Order online for pickup or delivery from the University City restaurant.
Manakeesh was the first Lebanese restaurant that I ever ate in and the food was so delicious that I am excited for more! I had Fool for an appetizer.
All of their Manakeesh and Wraps are delicious 👍👍 don’t miss the baklava too. Plus, you have to try their Nutella crepe, which you can order from the smoothies shack 😍😍.
Manakeesh’s congenial atmosphere is a marvel of West Philly’s ethnic depth and diversity. Manager Abd Ghazzawi, who grew up attending the Islamic Education School across the street, has brought in enough neighborhood friends to give owner Wissam Chatila’s six-month-old freshman effort the air of a family that’s been hosting guests with copper ewers of cardamom-spiked Turkish coffee since time out of mind.
It’s been three years since our hunt for authentic baklava in Philadelphia began. Both of us still dream about the Ottoman-era pastry we had while sitting on the curb of a small street in Santorini, Greece, one sweltering summer day. The deliciousness haunts my memories.
Manakeesh’s congenial atmosphere is a marvel of West Philly’s ethnic depth and diversity. Manager Abd Ghazzawi, who grew up attending the Islamic Education School across the street, has brought in enough neighborhood friends to give owner Wissam Chatila’s six-month-old freshman effort the air of a family that’s been hosting guests with copper ewers of cardamom-spiked Turkish coffee since time out of mind.
Manakeesh Café & Bakery, this sweet and savory spot offers Middle Eastern baked goods (baklava, ma’moul) in addition to spit-roasted chicken shawarma, Lebanese falafel, and a build-your-own-platter option that includes most of the food groups and all of the flavors.
Saad’s Halal at 45th and Walnut will be closed for the month of Ramadan. The popular Spruce Hill restaurant, which has been offering takeout in the last few weeks due to the COVID-19 health crisis, will reopen on May 24th. For more information, visit their website.
Believe it or not, Philadelphia is not only filled with great regional restaurants, but also global cuisine.
Aside from boasting a bright and warm café environment to lounge in, Manakeesh Cafe Bakery is the bake shop that’s full of surprises, offering high-quality Lebanese treats like baklava, date cookies and basboona—a sweet cake with almonds. Breads, too, are baked in-house, making for an excellent babba kadush or hummus experience. Vegans, meanwhile, should go for the halwa, a dense sweet confection. Gratefully, this café splits its bakery and café operations, meaning you can drop in to order a single pastry and feel totally free to snag a table.
If you’re craving Lebanese food but at the same time in search for a restaurant that serves halal dishes, then Manakeesh Cafe Bakery & Grill is the ideal spot to satiate that craving. It is an affordable restaurant that serves Lebanese fare like baklava and flatbreads. The setting of the restaurant is very cosy and features a spacious dining room with lots of tables and chairs. You’ll also find a selection of beverages like fruit juices and smoothies as well as desserts.
