Manakish refers to the freshly baked flatbread topped with thyme, cheese or ground meat and which is traditionally served for breakfast. There is a whole page on the menu dedicated to bakery items, including those aforementioned and various types of stuffed pastries. Today, we tried the Fatayer Sbenegh, a tomato, spinach and Spanish onion filled pastry ($5.60). Perfectly sized for either a light lunch or a snack to share with friends before the main fare arrives, these pastries pack a zingy punch with lemon and spices keeping things fresh and zesty.
For main course we sampled the special of the day, lamb tagine with root vegetables and cous cous ($14.80). This was served with a vegetable broth for spooning over the cous cous and a side of zingy Harissa sauce. There was no skimping on the serve size either, in fact, a walk afterwards was definitely in order.
Also tried was the Djaj shawarma, served open plate style with tahini, flat bread and salad ($14.90). The chicken tendies were succulent and lightly flavoured with seasoning, the tahini was smooth and velvety and the flat bread was so fluffy it looked like it was going to explode - delicious!
Manakish is fresh and new. Bi-fold doors allow the large open indoor area to flow onto the side walk where there is enough seating for 12 people and which is dog friendly and water is provided. After an absolutely beautiful lunch, I will definitely return and I think I might just try their breakfasts.........
Manakish
480A Glenhuntly Rd
Elsternwick
9078 1974
Open 7am-5pm
Mains $10-16
Snacks/light meals $8-10
