One of my favorite restaurants in Rome is ironically a Lebanese place.  Despite my obsession with Spaghetti alle Vongole (and other seafood pasta), I need some culinary diversity in my life.  Which is why I love Mandaloun Lebanese Restaurant in Rome.  I had the best Lebanese food when I studied in Beirut and Paris years ago.  

Source

Mezze, the Middle East’s version of tapas or small bites, has an incredible variety of flavorful and healthy food.  While the mezze offerings at Mandaloun are not quite as extensive as you would find in Beirut or other international cities with large Middle Eastern populations, you will find staple dishes that are a welcome flavor break from pasta and pizza.   

Mandaloun is run by the Barakat family, also own restaurants in the UK and Florida.  The staff is multilingual.  Like most other restaurants in Rome, some patience is required with the pace of service.  The outdoor seating is right by the old Aurelian walls of Rome and you will find groups enjoying shisha together.  

I love the place so much that I picked it for my last birthday dinner.  The well-appointed interior was perfect for the December weather and the rose water flavored cake was diving.  

Lunch Specials

The weekday lunch specials are extremely popular and affordable.  You can get a wrap sandwich (filled with a variety of kebabs or falafel) and two sides for Euros 8.90.  

The mixed platters are a great option for sampling the mezze.  

There are lots of tasty vegetarian options on the menu including couscous and the Loubieh Yakneh (a bean dish cooked in a tomato sauce).

My favorite item on the menu is the chicken kebabs served with Lebanese rice and garlic sauce, which really makes the dish pop.  

Make sure to save some space for Lebanese desserts.  The baklava is good for sharing!

Mandaloun Restaurant

Via di Porta Pinciana 16-B

Rome, Italy

+39 06 648-4507

Reservation: info@mandaloun.it

Metro: Piazza Barberini