Get ready to taste magic on a plate. Lebanese cuisine isn’t just food—it’s a celebration of flavor, tradition, and heart. Each bite tells a story of sun-soaked olive groves, aromatic spices, and recipes passed down through generations.
Across the United States, from bustling city streets to hidden neighborhood gems, Lebanese restaurants are serving more than meals—they’re offering experiences. The aroma of freshly baked pita, sizzling grilled meats, and rich, creamy hummus draws you in and refuses to let go. Every restaurant brings its own twist, balancing authenticity with local flair.
This list highlights the best Lebanese restaurants across the United States, where flavor, culture, and hospitality meet. Whether you’re chasing classics or discovering hidden treasures, these spots prove that Lebanese cuisine is a journey worth taking—bite by bite.
A La Beirut — Los Angeles, CA
A La Beirut brings Beirut street vibes to Los Angeles with bright flavors and a breezy, modern setting. You will notice zaatar aromas as soon as you walk in, along with sizzling shawarma that practically invites you to order. Start with creamy hummus that balances tahini and lemon, then follow with manakish baked to a golden, herb-flecked crust.
If you love freshness, the fattoush is a must, with crisp pita chips and a zingy sumac dressing. The mixed grill showcases juicy kafta, tender chicken, and perfectly charred veggies. Portions are generous, so sharing lets you sample more without overdoing it.
Vegetarians are not left out thanks to lentil soup, spinach pies, and smoky baba ghanouj. Ask about daily specials for seasonal twists, like pomegranate molasses glazed wings. The staff is friendly and happy to tailor spice levels to your comfort.
Parking can be tight at peak hours, so plan ahead or rideshare. Save room for knefeh, where stretchy cheese meets crunchy semolina and fragrant syrup. You will leave feeling like you took a quick taste trip to Beirut without leaving LA. It is a date-night and group-friendly spot.
Fatima’s Grill — Downey, CA
Fatima’s Grill mashes up Lebanese flavors with a Southern California street-food swagger. Expect shawarma stuffed into burritos, neon sauces, and wild fries that taste as good as they look. You can keep it classic with chicken shawarma or go bold with hot Cheetos crunch and spicy aioli.
The menu is playful but grounded in Lebanese roots like toum, pickled turnips, and garlicky marinades. Try a gyro quesadilla for a cheesy, savory hit that is balanced by herbs and citrus. Portions are big, so bring an appetite or a friend to split.
Vegetarians can build bowls loaded with falafel, rice, greens, and a rainbow of toppings. If you love heat, ask for extra harissa or jalapenos to kick things up. The staff moves fast, and the vibe stays upbeat even at rush times.
Grab a fruity lemonade or jamaica to cool the spice, then finish with baklava for a sweet crunch. This spot is perfect when you want something fun, flavorful, and a little over-the-top. Order online ahead if you are on a tight schedule. It is a craveable detour that keeps you coming back.
Zankou Chicken — Los Angeles area, CA
Zankou Chicken is a Southern California legend known for juicy rotisserie chicken and that addictive garlic sauce. You will taste citrus, salt, and smoke in every bite, balanced by fluffy pita and crisp pickles. The shawarma wraps are reliable favorites when you want something portable and satisfying.
Order the tarna plate to build your own bites with rice, salad, and extra toum. The tri-tip shawarma brings a beefy twist, while falafel adds a crunchy vegetarian option. Everything moves quickly, making it a perfect lunch or takeout solution.
The magic is simplicity: quality poultry, consistent seasoning, and generous portions at fair prices. Add tabbouleh for freshness, or hummus to round out a family spread. The pickled turnips offer a vinegary snap that brightens rich meats.
Expect lines during peak hours, but they move efficiently. Leftovers reheat well, especially with a fresh squeeze of lemon. Grab extra garlic sauce because you will want more for tomorrow’s sandwiches. Zankou pairs nostalgia with convenience, and it delivers every time.
Zakia Modern Lebanese Restaurant — Atlanta, GA
Zakia brings a polished, contemporary approach to Lebanese dining in Atlanta’s bustling scene. You will be welcomed by a stylish room, craft cocktails, and plates that balance elegance with comfort. Start with labneh and warm pita, then move to hummus topped with seasonal garnishes.
The lamb chops are a headline dish, seared and juicy with aromatic spices. Vegetarians can build a mezze feast with grape leaves, falafel, and roasted cauliflower. A bright beet muhammara provides a playful twist beside classic baba ghanouj.
Servers are knowledgeable about flavors and happy to guide you through pairings. Ask about daily fish specials or a chef’s mezze selection for variety. The pacing feels relaxed, ideal for date nights or celebratory dinners.
Save room for dessert, where pistachio textures and citrus syrups show up beautifully. Reservations are wise on weekends, and valet simplifies logistics. You will leave feeling like you tasted tradition through a modern lens. It is a destination that rewards curiosity and appetite.
Al Ameer Restaurant — Dearborn and Dearborn Heights, MI
Al Ameer is a Dearborn institution and a James Beard America’s Classics winner. You will taste heritage in every bite, from airy pita to seriously smooth hummus. Begin with their signature fattoush, bright with sumac and crisp lettuce, then share a mixed grill for the table.
Kibbeh nayyeh is beautifully seasoned for those who appreciate raw preparations. The lamb shank falls off the bone, bathing rice in savory juices. Vegetarian choices, including mujadara and smoky eggplant, are as compelling as the meats.
Service is warm and efficient, even when the dining room is buzzing. Portions are generous, so do not over-order until you gauge the spread. The bread is addictive, so pace yourself if you want dessert.
For a sweet finish, try knefeh or pistachio-heavy baklava. Weekends get busy, but the line moves and tables turn quickly. You will leave feeling nourished, both by the food and the sense of community. Al Ameer sets the bar for Lebanese hospitality in America.
ilili Restaurants — New York, NY and Washington, DC
ilili delivers a refined, cosmopolitan take on Lebanese cuisine in New York and DC. You will find an atmosphere that feels celebratory without being stiff. Begin with a mezze lineup, from silky hummus to addictive mouhamara and crisp falafel.
Duck shawarma is a signature plate worth ordering, with rich meat and bright pickles. Seafood options like branzino showcase precise cooking and citrusy balance. The cocktail program leans aromatic, echoing spices and herbs found across the menu.
Servers explain dishes with ease and can tailor a progression for sharing. Vegetarians can build an abundant meal with salads, grilled halloumi, and charred carrots. The pacing suits long conversations and lingering over dessert.
For sweets, consider milk pudding with orange blossom or pistachio ice cream. Reservations are essential during prime times, and dress smart casual to match the vibe. You will leave feeling you experienced Lebanese flavors in a fashionable frame. It is ideal for celebrations and business dinners alike.
Yara NYC — New York, NY
Yara NYC offers an intimate, modern Lebanese experience that feels personal from the first pour. You will notice thoughtful plating and warm hospitality that nudges you to explore beyond the basics. Begin with labneh and zaatar-dusted bread, then add vibrant tabbouleh for a herb-forward brightness.
The mixed grill arrives juicy with just the right char, while lamb chops deliver a satisfying richness. Vegetarians can lean on cauliflower steak, falafel, and stuffed grape leaves. Arak service adds ritual and pairs beautifully with mezze.
Ask staff for recommendations if you want to build a progressive tasting. Cocktails riff on Middle Eastern flavors, weaving in citrus, mint, and rose. The atmosphere suits date nights or quiet celebrations without noise overwhelm.
End with pistachio baklava or a fragrant milk pudding that is light yet indulgent. Reservations help, especially on weekends. You will leave feeling you found a neighborhood favorite with destination-worthy polish. It is a place to slow down and savor.
Habibi Restaurant — Portland, OR
Habibi Restaurant brings comforting Lebanese staples to Portland with a welcoming, no-frills charm. You will feel at home with warm pita, friendly service, and hearty portions. Start with the mezze sampler for a little bit of everything, including hummus and smoky baba ghanouj.
Lentil soup is a local favorite, simple yet deeply satisfying on drizzly days. The chicken shawarma plate delivers spice, tang, and tenderness in equal measure. Falafel is crisp outside and fluffy inside, perfect with tahini.
Vegetarians and vegans find plenty of choices, from mujadara to stuffed grape leaves. Ask for extra pickles if you love that sour snap alongside rich bites. The menu is budget-friendly without skimping on quality.
Save space for baklava or a cup of hot mint tea. Service is quick enough for weekday lunches but relaxed for dinner. You will leave full, happy, and planning your next cozy visit. It is a reliable staple in Portland’s Lebanese lineup.
Al-Hawr Lebanese Cuisine — Portland, OR
Al-Hawr Lebanese Cuisine offers a polished alternative in Portland, focusing on detail and balance. You will appreciate the care in every garnish, from toasted nuts to fresh herbs. Begin with hummus topped with whole chickpeas, then a vibrant fattoush that crunches and sings with sumac.
Seafood is a strong suit: try grilled branzino or shrimp seasoned with garlic and lemon. The mixed grill brings variety, while lamb shish melts softly after a perfect char. Vegetarians can assemble a colorful table of mezze that feels complete.
Service is attentive without being intrusive, and pacing lets you linger. Ask about daily soups and specials to catch seasonal touches. The wine list leans food-friendly, complementing citrus, smoke, and spice.
For dessert, knefeh offers an ideal textural contrast. Reservations recommended on weekends, especially for larger groups. You will leave relaxed, impressed by finesse that never overshadows comfort. It is a lovely choice for celebrations and leisurely meals.
Aladdin’s Eatery — Multiple locations including Pennsylvania
Aladdin’s Eatery scales Lebanese-inspired comfort across multiple states while keeping flavors approachable. You will find fresh bowls, wraps, and salads that fit weekday routines. Hummus plates are reliable, with warm pita and flexible toppings.
Build a balanced meal with tabouli, grilled chicken, or falafel for a vegetarian route. The menu flags allergens and offers many gluten-free options. Portions are generous without feeling heavy, especially if you lean on greens.
Juices and smoothies add a sunny note, while lentil soup comforts on chilly days. Staff are helpful if you need recommendations or substitutions. Prices are reasonable, making it easy to bring friends or family.
Finish with baklava or a light fruit dessert. Online ordering keeps pickup smooth when schedules are tight. You will leave satisfied and ready to return for another quick, colorful meal. It is a dependable choice when you want Lebanese flavors fast.
Lebanese Taverna — Arlington, VA and region
Lebanese Taverna is a beloved Mid-Atlantic name with inviting spaces and a deep mezze bench. You will love the warm pita baskets and a hummus that is consistently silky. Bring a group to explore spreads, pickles, and salads that make the table feel abundant.
The mixed grill delivers juicy skewers and charred tomatoes. Vegetarians can build a feast from falafel, cauliflower, labneh, and grape leaves. Servers are friendly and ready to guide newcomers through the classics.
Happy hour mezze offers value if you want to sample widely. Cocktails echo Levantine flavors with citrus and herbs. The dining rooms feel lively but comfortable for conversation.
End with knefeh or baklava paired with strong coffee. Reservations help during weekend rush, especially at popular locations. You will leave feeling both satisfied and taken care of. It is the kind of place that turns first-timers into regulars.
Cedars Lebanese Restaurant — Roanoke, VA
Cedars Lebanese Restaurant is a Roanoke favorite where homestyle cooking anchors the experience. You will taste care in every dish, from garlicky toum to slow-cooked stews. Start with grape leaves and hummus, then add a kibbeh plate for texture and spice.
The chicken shawarma is tender, with a lemony brightness that keeps bites lively. Vegetarians can rely on mujadara, cauliflower, and hearty salads. Portions are fair and priced for regular visits rather than special occasions only.
The warm, brick-walled room makes lingering feel natural. Staff are attentive and happy to share pairing tips, including local beers or a glass of wine. Expect a steady flow of regulars who greet the team by name.
Finish with baklava or rice pudding if you want something gentle and nostalgic. Parking is straightforward, and takeout is efficient on busy nights. You will leave satisfied, feeling like you discovered a neighborhood gem. It is comfort food with a Lebanese soul.
Zankou Chicken — Las Vegas, NV area
Zankou Chicken’s Las Vegas locations bring the beloved Southern California formula to the desert. You will find the same juicy rotisserie chicken, iconic garlic sauce, and efficient service. The menu stays familiar, which is perfect when you crave consistency while traveling.
Order a family meal with pita, pickles, and sides to feed a crowd. The chicken tarna plate remains a go-to, while tri-tip offers a heartier, beef-forward option. Vegetarians can lean on falafel and salads without feeling shortchanged.
Value is strong, especially compared to many Vegas dining prices. Lines move quickly, and parking is usually straightforward. Add extra sauce because leftovers turn into excellent late-night snacks.
If you want a picnic, grab your order and head to a nearby park. Expect bright, lemony, and garlicky flavors that wake up your palate. You will leave with a satisfied smile and maybe another tub of toum for the road. It is dependable comfort with a Lebanese backbone.