Zaytoon

You’ll find this authentic family-run Lebanese restaurant tucked away on the parade opposite Chorlton bus station, complete with an outdoor terrace beneath the original glass and wrought iron canopy, perfect for sampling the subtle taste of cuisine from the Levant.

Middle Eastern meze is a big thing at Zaytoon (as are generous portions!), with their takeaway boxes flying out of the door during lockdown. In the warm and welcoming restaurant, various platters are available, including a platter for one, and you can trust head chef George to get creative drizzling the signature garlic tahini sauce over the lot – for meat-lovers, think sizzling chicken shawarma and lamb kofta kebabs; for vegetarians, there’s hand-rolled falafels and grilled halloumi. Cold options include spiced Lebanese lentils, fresh fattoush salad, with Levantine khubz croutons mixed into crunchy lettuce and tomatoes, and olive oil-slooshed and black olive-topped hummus, of course with plenty of grilled pitta bread to sop up the last slathers. Main dishes include veggie moussaka, rack of lamb and grilled whole fish, such as sea bass and sea bream, so you can even win on the healthy and wholesome front as well as ticking the tasty box.

Sweet pastries of the baklava ilk round off your meal, and there’s a choice of wines to wash it all down.

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