In a tumultuous time for the Dallas restaurant scene, a bright star is shining through. Newcomer with an old soul, Zåtar, brings Lebanese comfort to the re-energized historic Deep Ellum area.
The space is split between a hookah centric area that serves a more lounge type of audience, and a lively dining space filled with delicious aromas and conversation pieces. Co-owner and manager Marc Mansour brings passion and flare to the restaurant. With many different influencers on his decision to open his first restaurant, he takes his dedication to the customer experience quite seriously. With a vast menu filled that brings the essence of the vibrant culture, it’s hard not to love each bite. For our first time, we were invited in to enter the world of spices, good spirits and more.
To begin, we each ordered a cocktail. The Zåtar Smash (Metaxa, Zåtar, honey, rose water spritz) was very spirit forward and had a great after taste from the honey and spices. I decided on the La Vie-En-Rose (Hendricks gin, Dolin Blanc, rose water spritz), a Lebanese twist on a classic. Starters like the Hummus Duo that puts a modern emphasis on the classic with roasted beets, and spicy, are commonly found on many menus across town. Mansour insisted we try some more traditionally Lebanese dishes as well. We enjoyed the Kibbet karaz (pitted sour cherry, walnut and scallions in a fried meat shell), Moujadara croquette (lentils, caramelized onion, mint yogurt sauce) and Kale fattoush salad (baby kale, lettuce, tomato, cucumber, green bell pepper). The intensely fresh flavors of all three appetizers only re-enforced the labor of love put into creating a certifiably authentic dining experience.
Not to be missed mains included a house speciality Upside-down lamb pilaf with delicious slow cooked lamb shank pieces on a bed of fragrant beef & raisin rice, topped with golden pine nuts & slivered almonds. Heaven in your mouth. Looking for something more handheld? The Chicken shawarma wrap made with thinly sliced chicken with garlic cream, fries, pickles and tomatoes will take your mind and stomach to a souk in the best of ways.
Surprisingly, I’ve never had a Lebanese dessert … until now. You mustn’t leave without sampling the Halva chocolate cake. The sweet ending combines decadent chocolate cake with layers of chocolate mousse and halva (an addicting fudge-like candy).
Skip the passport renewal and long flight and head to Zåtar in Deep Ellum!
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