Mhanna Sur Mer is one of my favorite Lebanese/Seafood restaurants for as long as I can remember. It has been an address I head down to year after year to enjoy some good and tasty local cuisine by the Mediterranean seashore. I have given it a 91/100 the first time and a 94/100 on another occasion... Let's see what they get this time.
Located in the heart of Amchit, up the rock cliff next to Camping Amchit and few meters before Babel Bahr, is a fine Lebanese seafood restaurant that offers an experience that's never deceiving. Professional and welcoming, good waiters and some fine food are what you can expect as you enter Mhanna Sur Mer.
I’ve been to Mhanna Sur Mer six times already and every time I come, I like it better than the time before. Overlooking the sea with a calm and pleasant atmosphere, Mhanna’s terrace is so wide you won’t feel any of the other customer’s voices and movements. Covered by a very high tent blocking the sun’s heat and night’s humidity, a premium dining experience is guaranteed.
Tonight dinner started with fresh almonds served on ice before a full-fledged mezze was served. At Mhanna, the service is impeccable: You don’t need to look around for a waiter, or make the effort of even pouring water or serve yourself with tabboule for example… Instantly a waiter jumps behind you for help. An extraordinary service is the least one can say about it.
The food was great, as Always:
- The stuffed vine leaves were so light, so fresh and so soft. Adequately sour and just plain tasty.
- The goat cheese labneh is cylinder-shaped and hard as a rock, that is what makes it unique. Just add olive oil and enjoy.
- The tabbouleh was fresh, cut in small cubes and almost without borghol.
- Battenjen was well dosed without a strong acidic eruption that tickles your palate.
- Hommos was served lightly warm, flowing on your tongue in style.
- The mashed potato the excellent and beautifully seasoned...
- Halloum wrapped in Lebanese bread, covered with zaatar and topped with a cherry tomato; very innovative and tasty. The halloumi alone is unique, so imagine it with all the rest.
- Cheese rakakat, each 15cm, not spilling, crunchy, stuffed, non-salty and tasty.
- The kebbe was crunchy, an enjoyable thin envelope and stuffed with premium meat.
- Sambousik, don't ask, I had three.
- The birds with pomegranate molasses were excellent. Yum!
- Try the makanek with pomegranate molasses, their tenderness, and rich sauce.
The food was excellent. All were enjoyed with Mhanna's homemade Lebanese bread.
And now, enough food and time for desserts: A feast for your eyes... a whole table filled with seasonal fruits along with some carefully crafted desserts. Individual portions of sweets: biscuits and Turkish delights. Yes, I do still recommend Mhanna and would come back again, I will sit outside, enjoy the view and ambiance while indulging in some fine Lebanese cuisine.
