Mamnoon – Seattle, WA
I’ve been meaning to go here for a while, ever since I noticed construction going on while dining across the street at Terra Plata. The space is gorgeous and without knowing you’re in Seattle, this could easily be in New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, etc. Very urban and edgy.
And the food…I honestly can’t say enough great things about it. A blend of Lebanese and Syrian food, it’s absolutely delicious and unlike anything else in the city. Lots of bright spices and fresh vegetables, perfectly cooked meats and sauces that you can’t help but sop up with whatever bread you have left on the table. Each dish is so uniquely different from the last that you end up having a hard time picking a favorite when it’s all over. I went with a group of 6 and after eating there I think it’s probably best to go in a group so you have the opportunity to try a bunch of different things. That or you’ll just want to immediately go back to try what you didn’t have room for. We ordered a lot…primarily vegetarian heavy items…and I walked away satisfied, content and excited to go back!
Be sure to order one of the khobz – specialty breads, the bateresh – charred eggplant with minced lamb, fatten hummus – fresh chickpeas, grilled bread, green garlic yogurt and pine nuts (one of my all time favorite dishes to make in culinary school!) and the kefta – minced lamb, onion, pistachio and baharat. YUMMMM!!!
The Good Eater 