Mehrab S.
Yelp
Halal dining in Seattle transformed when Tanoor arrived (was it 2019?), elevating the halal scene from mostly fast-casual nature to a true dining experience. I always share this anecdote - Tanoor created a simple yet my most favorite restaurant moment by starting serving their complimentary pita and dip upon being seated. Watching their freshly baked pita emerge from the oven, warm and fragrant, with steam escaping as I tear it open, never gets old. The slightly dry crust and velvety, moist interior are pure perfection, when paired with olive oil and za'atar. It's a comforting pleasure that always lifts my mood, something I could enjoy it forever.
While i go to their other locations, This was my first visit to their Bellevue location, I was struck by how modern, spacious, and stunning the space is. Ample parking, a separate banquet hall, beautifully decorated interiors with a blend of eastern and western touches, serene prayer room to the glimpse of the bustling kitchen filled with fresh preparations, everything about this place stands out. The service was equally warm and welcoming.
While I tried their mezzes, entrees, and dessert, this review is all about their mezzes. Mezze dishes, whether appetizers or mains, are the heart of Middle Eastern & Lebanese cuisine, and Tanoor so excels in them that I felt their mezzes deserve their own spotlight--so here it is!
Halloumi Fries
Strips of halloumi cheese, lightly coated and fried to a golden perfection, created a crisp exterior while remaining soft and chewy inside. The cheese's natural saltiness paired beautifully with the herby tang of za'atar yogurt and the sweet richness of pomegranate molasses--a perfect harmony of flavors. This dish was always my absolute favorite and there was no exception this time!
Cheese Fatayir
Mild, slightly salty, and creamy middle eastern cheese melted beautifully within soft, fresh dough, creating Lebanese pies baked to perfection in a clay oven - I love the blend of savory, herby, and buttery goodness. Another favorite.
Beef & Lamb Sfiha
Middle Eastern pastry resembling a mini flatbread or open-faced pie. A flavorful filling of spiced ground beef and lamb, mixed with onions, parsley, and sumac, delivered a signature savory and slightly tangy taste. Baked to perfection, the dough had crisp edges while the meat stayed juicy and tender--a delightful balance of texture and flavor. LOved it.
Arambeet
Flash-fried cauliflower topped with tahini, parsley, and spices. The cauliflower had a slight crunch on the outside and a melt-in-your-mouth texture inside. Bursting with rich, vibrant flavors, every bite was absolutely amazing, the most flavorful mezze on the table!
Batata Harra
Hand-cut fries topped with creamy toum and a sprinkle of Aleppo pepper are a flavorful treat. Toum, a traditional Lebanese garlic sauce added a slight tangy velvety kick and the batata harra sauce added spiciness and smokiness--this is my all time favorite. On this particular occasion the fries were not much crispy but it always was in my previous visits.
Falafel Patties
Fried patties were perfectly crispy, use herbs & spices to the spot and it was moist creamy inside. served with pickled turnip, pepperoncini & tahini I enjoyed it.
Muhammara
Muhammara is probably the most complex mezze where you taste everything , smokiness from of roasted red peppers, nuttiness from walnuts, creaminess from breadcrumbs, angy sweetness of pomegranate molasses, freshness from parsley and olive oil add freshness and a silky finish, I love you Muhammara and Tanoor does justice to your name.
Spicy Hummus
Creamy chickpea dip might be very common, but the Tanoor has slight spicier version version is particularly delicious, with hints of sesame paste, garlic, lemon & spices, topped with olive, parsley & olive oil, the best Hummus in the town?
Mezzes are a celebration of Lebanese and Middle Eastern flavors and Tanoor makes it real. It's that one place where i am always ready to make a long trip just for their Mezzes. What's your favorite mezze at Tanoor?