Manara Cafe Authentic Lebanese and Mediterranean Cuisine — Restaurant in Lubbock

Having lived in the Middle East for some time, the owner of this restaurant really nails Middle Eastern cuisine. When I lived in Jordan, I considered myself a Shwarma junky, since I ate it everyday for 4 months. The Shwarma here is exceptional to say the least, especially considering the sauce that the owner uses to prepare the dish.

Though I love Shwarma, I knew I had to try the falafel in order to really see how well this man and his wife cook. So, I tried the falafel sandwich and was completely blown away by the texture and seasonings. Instead of ordering Shwarma each time I frequent this restaurant, I now order the falafel sandwich every time.

Pertaining to the appetizers, the dolmus is my favorite by far. However, most people do not like this particular item, as it is an acquired taste. Yet, my 22 month old devours this dish each time I place it in front of her.

Also, when I lived in the Middle East, I ate Lamb Shwarma as well, which was not very appealing and oftentimes disgusting. One day, I decided to try the owner's Beef and Lamb Gyro, even though I hate lamb. He has now converted me to this dish, but I will only eat it here.

As for the reviewers who quibble about the owner shutting the doors 30 minutes earlier, I would say that you should ask him why he does so. I did. He does so because he wishes to make sure that each customer is served properly. He has even done this much earlier when it is really busy. He would rather render excellent service to those who are already in the restaurant than to allow more to enter and render less than pleasurable service.

This is an excellent Middle Eastern restaurant, and I can't believe that it is in Lubbock. I have been to other Middle Eastern restaurants in this country (D.C., Seattle, Houston, etc.) and none of them even come close! Even some in the Middle East do not even measure up to this place.

If you have never tried Middle Eastern cuisine, this is a must for you and your friends. You...

I came here and got the gyro and falafel, which are the two dishes I use to judge any Greek/Lebanese restaurant. The building is really nice and cozy inside. Dimly lit and relaxing. The woman working there the day I went, while friendly, seemed painfully shy and made me feel a little awkward ordering my food. The food was made fresh and took about 10 minutes to come out to me, but to be honest I was not impressed. The portions were fine, but the falafel was not thoroughly fried and thus soggy and raw in the center and the gyro had French dressing on it instead of tzatziki sauce, which I had never seen before. I looked it up when I got home and evidently it's fairly common, but I am definitely not a fan and was tempted to send it back and ask for authentic sauce, but instead I just bit my tongue and finished my mediocre meal. I love Mediterranean cuisine, but I have not returned to Manara and have...

My bride and I went last month for our get away date and it was fantastic! I eat Middle Eastern food a lot due to work and so, I kinda have a decent idea of good Middle Eastern food. Manara Cafe hits the spot dead on.

Its a small cafe, has the whole in the wall feeling. Its small and cozy.

We had falafal, kebabs and a combo plate (sorry can't remember which plate), we were greatly pleased. The night before we ate at one of the big name steak houses and we both agreed completely, we should have come to Manara instead of the steak house.

The only downside is the pita / hobus, can be much better. Other than the one small critique, it was outstanding. Manara Cafe was so good, we will be driving 2.5 hours to celebrate our son's birthday and come specifically to Lubbock and Manara Cafe.

To the poster who gave a poor review b/c Manara wouldn't open up 30 min's prior just for them;...