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The 11 Best Lebanese Restaurants to Check Out in Manchester
Alright, let’s talk about Lebanese food – it’s not just about hummus and falafel (though we love those too). Lebanese cuisine is like the culinary equivalent of a surprise party: vibrant, full of flavour, and guaranteed to leave you grinning.
Did you know that Lebanon is often credited with inventing the first cookbook around 300 AD? That’s right, these folks have been mastering the art of food longer than Manchester’s had rain.
Manchester’s food scene is no slouch either, and it’s embracing Lebanese cuisine with open arms and empty stomachs.
From hidden gems in Chorlton to bustling spots in the city centre, these restaurants are serving up dishes that could make you consider trading in your Sunday roast for a shawarma feast.
Comptoir Libanais
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Website: Comptoir Libanais
Address: 18-19 Corn Exchange, Exchange Square
Contact details: +44 161 222 6100
Operating Hours:
- Mon – Fri 8AM-10PM
- Sat – Sun 9AM-10PM
Pricing: £££
If you’re after a splash of colour with your meal, Comptoir Libanais is your spot. Tucked in the Corn Exchange, this place serves up a vibrant mix of Lebanese favourites.
Picture this: you walk in, and you’re surrounded by quirky jars, geometric tiles, and a mini souk shop selling handmade bags and dry ingredients.
The menu is a feast for your taste buds with options like spicy koftas, slow-cooked tagines, and fresh man’ousha flatbreads.
Their mezze platters are the way to go – mix and match your favourites like baba ganoush, falafel, and cheese samboussek parcels. Everything feels authentic and the atmosphere is always buzzing with energy.
| Pro tip: The mint tea here is a game-changer – perfect for washing down all those delicious dishes. |
Alif Grill
Website: Alif Grill
Address: 105 Cheetham Hill Rd
Contact details: +44 161 225 5666
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 11AM-11PM
Pricing: £££
Alif Grill is where modern meets mouth-watering, offering a vibrant atmosphere and some seriously tasty Middle Eastern and Mediterranean fare. The setting is modern and inviting, but if you’re in a rush, their takeaway options are just as good.
Their menu is packed with goodies – think halloumi starters, juicy kebabs, grilled chicken, and even a few burgers for good measure. They’ve also got a selection of curries and salads if you’re in the mood for something lighter.
Not sure what to pick? Their set menus have got you covered, offering a little bit of everything. Plus, they’ve got a range of fresh juices and non-alcoholic drinks to keep things refreshing.
| Pro tip: The garlic sauce here is next-level – rich, creamy, and packed with robust flavour – an absolute must-try that will elevate any dish you pair it with. |
Maray
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Website: Maray
Address: 14 Brazennose St
Contact details: +44 161 989 0600
Operating Hours:
- Mon – Fri 12PM-10PM
- Sat – Sun 11AM-10PM
Pricing: ££
Maray, originally from Liverpool, has brought its Middle Eastern magic to Manchester. Inspired by Paris’s Marais district, it’s a melting pot of Lebanese, Syrian, and North African flavours.
The real showstopper here is their ‘disco’ cauliflower – it’s a whole head, slathered in harissa, tahini, pomegranate, and chermoula. Trust me, it’s a veggie delight.
The menu also boasts spiced lentil mejadara, tahini-doused sweet potatoes, and if you’re a meat lover, they’ve got lamb shawarma (shawarma manchester) and pork cheeks.
With its decor clearly nodding to the sophisticated cafe culture of France, it’s a fantastic opportunity to sample a wide variety of Middle-Eastern influences. The place itself feels like a chic Parisian café, perfect for a laid-back meal.
| Pro tip: Their cocktails, crafted with premium spirits and fresh ingredients, are just as impressive as their food and a perfect complement to your meal – definitely give them a try. |
YARA Restaurant
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Website: YARA Restaurant
Address: 23 Wilmslow Rd
Contact details: +44 161 445 1359
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 12PM-11PM
Pricing: ££
With five locations across Greater Manchester, you’re never far from a YARA fix. The Wilmslow Road branch is a real winner, with its fresh and modern interior making it perfect for daytime people-watching or evening catch-ups.
They’ve got a bar, but you can also bring your own booze – a real bonus if you fancy a cheeky bottle of your favourite wine.
The menu is like a Lebanese dream come true, from creamy baba ganoush to crispy bourak and an array of grilled meats and seafood that’ll make your mouth water. The service is spot on, making every visit feel like a treat.
| Pro tip: Can’t decide what to get? Go for the mixed grill platter – it’s a flavour-packed adventure for your taste buds. |
Ariyan Restaurant
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Website: Ariyan Restaurant
Address: 198 Mauldeth Rd
Contact details: +44 161 224 8484
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 11AM-11PM
Pricing: ££
Ariyan Restaurant is your go-to for a delightful mix of Turkish and Lebanese cuisine. If you’re around during Ramadan, their buffet is a must – at £25 for adults and £15 for kids, it’s practically a steal.
They’ve upped their game since last year, offering a wider variety of dishes that’ll make your fast-breaking feast one to remember. You start with complimentary dates and water, then dive into lamb tagine, falafel, and more.
They’ve even got a praying corner and serve Lebanese mint tea post-meal, which is a nice touch. The buffet is a great way to sample loads of dishes without emptying your wallet.
| Pro tip: Don’t skip the lentil soup – it’s like a warm hug in a bowl, perfect for starting off your meal. |
Zaytoon
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Website: Zaytoon
Address: 352 Barlow Moor Rd
Contact details: +44 161 881 2277
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 12PM-10PM
Pricing: £££
When it comes to authentic Lebanese cuisine, Zaytoon is the real deal. This family-run gem in Chorlton is all about generous portions and warm hospitality.
Picture this: sizzling chicken shawarma, perfectly grilled lamb chops, and if you’re veggie, the grilled halloumi and handmade falafels are pure joy on a plate. Everything comes with heaps of hummus and their signature garlic tahini sauce – so good you’ll want to take a bath in it.
They also whip up a mean oven-baked moussaka and have a daily chef’s special of grilled fish like sea bass or bream. The cosy, intimate setting makes it perfect for a relaxed meal where you can chat and munch to your heart’s content.
| Pro tip: Leave room for their homemade baklava – it’s sweet, sticky, and the perfect end to your meal. |
Jasmine Restaurant
Website: Jasmine Restaurant
Address: 569 Barlow Moor Rd
Contact details: +44 161 445 0077
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 12PM-11PM
Pricing: £££
Jasmine Restaurant is a hidden gem on Wilmslow Road, offering a feast of Middle Eastern delights. Start with their cold starters like stuffed vine leaves and olives.
The dips are fantastic – sure, they have hummus, but try the mutable and mouhamara for something different. Use their fresh bread to scoop up every last bit; hot starters like fuls madames and grilled halloumi are equally tempting.
If you’re not into kebabs, try the moussaka, sea bass steak, or lamb chops. Dessert options are short but sweet, featuring baklava and Turkish delight.
The best part? You can bring your own booze, making it a fun and affordable night out. They also have a good selection of soft drinks if you’re going alcohol-free.
| Pro tip: The mouhamara dip is a flavour bomb of walnuts and red peppers – don’t miss it! Pair it with the grilled halloumi for an extra treat. |
Remal
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Website: Remal
Address: 313 Great Western St
Contact details: +44 161 224 4222
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 12PM-11PM
Pricing: ££
Based in Prestwich, Remal is a hidden North Manchester gem offering a true taste of Lebanon in an intimate yet lively setting. The extensive menu is a treasure trove of Lebanese delights – think hot and cold mezze starters, hearty grilled meat mains, and rich vegetable stews.
If you’ve yet to try muhammara – an indulgent walnut and pepper dip – served with fresh pita bread, this is the place to do it.
Their BYOB policy means you can bring your best champagne to celebrate your culinary voyage to the Middle East without any corkage fee. It’s a win-win situation: great food and your favourite bubbly.
| Pro tip: Order the mixed grill and a side of muhammara – the combination of perfectly grilled meats with the rich, tangy dip will have your taste buds singing. |
Jandol
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Website: Jandol
Address: 861 Stockport Rd, Levenshulme
Contact details: +44 161 881 1444
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 12PM-11PM
Pricing: £
Before it opened its restaurant in Levenshulme, Jandol was known for its sweet wholesaler business, offering everything from Turkish delight to baklava. Now, as a restaurant, it’s a cosy spot with friendly staff and an authentic Lebanese menu.
Start with some hot and cold mezze – the arayes (stuffed pita sandwiches) and kibbeh (mince and bulgar wheat) are absolute winners. The mains feature a variety of kebabs and tender stews made with lentils, beans, and veggies.
And, of course, don’t leave without trying their sweet treats. The baklava is divine and pairs perfectly with a cup of strong coffee.
| Pro tip: Save room for dessert – their knafeh is a cheesy, sweet delight that you’ll be dreaming about long after your visit. |
Aladdin
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Website: Aladdin
Address: 529 Wilmslow Rd
Contact details: +44 161 445 7457
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 12PM-11PM
Pricing: £
Aladdin has been a Didsbury staple since 1988, and there’s a reason it’s still going strong. The menu hasn’t changed much over the years, which means they’re doing something very right.
Their meze plates will take your taste buds on a Middle Eastern tour, from Lebanon to Turkey. The hummus is a no-brainer, and the salads, especially the fattoush, are a fresh burst of flavour.
Trust me, making this at home is a faff, but Aladdin’s version is a simple masterpiece. The kibbeh croquettes are little bites of joy, and their mains like the Aladdin Pasha hot pot and yoghurt garlic chicken kebab are stars in their own right.
| Pro tip: The fattoush salad is a must – it’s a citrusy, crispy pita delight that you’ll dream about. And the hot pot? Pure magic for your taste buds. |
Fayrouz Restaurant
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Website: Fayrouz Restaurant
Address: 200 Yewtree Ln, Wythenshawe
Contact details: +44 161 257 2500
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 12PM-11PM
Pricing: ££
Fayrouz Restaurant has a welcoming vibe which makes it perfect for any occasion. Start with their mixed mezze platter – it’s like a party on your plate with creamy hummus, smoky baba ganoush, and crispy falafel.
When it comes to grilled meats, Fayrouz doesn’t mess around. The lamb kebabs are melt-in-your-mouth good, and the chicken shawarma is spiced to perfection.
If you’re feeling extra hungry, their vegetable stews and rice dishes are hearty and delicious. And do yourself a favour, don’t skip the baklava. It’s sticky, sweet, and worth every calorie.
| Pro tip: Go for the mixed grill platter if you want to try a bit of everything – it’s a meat lover’s dream. And seriously, save room for the baklava – it’s the ultimate sweet finish to your meal. |
