Manara Cafe Authentic Lebanese and Mediterranean Cuisine in Lubbock

Inside Manara Cafe Authentic Lebanese and Mediterranean Cuisine

Manara Cafe Authentic Lebanese and Mediterranean Cuisine is a Mediterranean restaurant tucked into a quiet stretch of 34th Street in Lubbock, offering a relaxed, no-frills atmosphere that prioritizes the food over fancy décor. This spot fits well for anyone looking to enjoy hearty, authentic Lebanese and Mediterranean dishes without fuss, whether you're dining solo or in a small group.

The dining experience here feels casual and straightforward. Service is friendly though a bit low-key — staff don’t hover but you can easily approach the counter to request anything extra. This laid-back approach suits visitors who come primarily for the food and portion sizes rather than table service. Expect to see a mix of locals, including families and individuals, some of whom return regularly for the familiar flavors.

Manara’s menu leans heavily on classic Mediterranean staples. The assortment of kebabs—chicken, mixed, kafta—and various gyros provide filling, well-seasoned choices, often paired with saffron rice that actually tastes of saffron rather than just dyed yellow. Vegetarians will find solid options too, like dolmas and falafel, which hold their own in flavor and texture. Also worth noting are the generous servings of warm pita bread that accompany many plates, ideal for scooping up hummus or baba ghanoush made fresh in-house.

This is a spot where authenticity comes through most clearly in the food itself. Ingredients feel thoughtfully prepared — the dolmades come wrapped in tender leaves, while the chicken shawarma offers a tender bite with a subtle tomato-based sauce. Portions tend to be sizable, making it a practical choice for lunch or dinner if you’re hoping for a satisfying meal without overspending.

Manara tends to get most busy during traditional meal hours, but because it’s more of a casual eatery than a formal dining spot, visiting during off-peak times provides a quieter and more relaxed vibe. The prices are reasonable, reflecting the straightforward nature of the place and making it accessible to a broad crowd in Lubbock.

People who appreciate Mediterranean food with a focus on bold, genuine flavors over presentation will feel comfortable here. It’s especially good for those who want to explore Lebanese cuisine in a low-pressure setting, accompanied by welcoming, easygoing service. Whether you’re trying out the gyro and chicken kafta combo plate or the vegetarian options, Manara delivers an experience rooted in real, everyday enjoyment of Mediterranean classics.

Highlights & Local Essentials

Popular for

Popular for lunch

Popular for dinner

Good for solo dining

What they serve

Serves comfort food

Serves halal food

Serves healthy options

Quick bite

Serves small plates

Serves vegan dishes

Serves vegetarian dishes

Best for

Serves lunch

Serves dinner

Serves dessert

Has seating

Accessibility

Has wheelchair-accessible car park

Has wheelchair-accessible entrance

Has wheelchair-accessible seating

Has wheelchair-accessible toilet

Parking

Free of charge street parking

Free parking lot

Plenty of parking

Local Moments in Photos

Find It on the Map

Openings Hours

Checking

Monday

11:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Tuesday

11:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Wednesday

11:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Thursday

11:00 AM - 2:00 PM

5:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Friday

11:00 AM - 2:00 PM

5:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Saturday

11:00 AM - 7:00 PM

Sunday

Closed

What Locals & Travelers Say

493 Reviews

C S

23 Dec 2025

The food is worth journeying far. I will be coming back! I had the dolmades and chicken shawarma plate. The dolmades pack a punch. The leaves were tender and easy to cut. The side salad had a dressing that was standout. The saffron rice has real saffron, it's not just yellow colored. The chicken shawarma was so easy to eat, with a nice warm tomato-based sauce, but in a good portion that will leave you full. The pita, oh goodness. Soft and flavorful bread, I want the recipe! And the sauces I received on the side of my shawarma plate were very tasty. If you're serious about flavorful food, give Manara a try!

Abdul Awal Opu

22 Dec 2025

One of the best halal food in town. I tried two different platter. One mixed combo of gyro and chicken kafta kabab and another one with gyro and chicken shwarma platter. I liked the former one more. Platters are served with rice, pita bread, 2 dips and salad. Must try if you are visiting lubbock.

hollie bryan

26 Nov 2025

I have eaten at Manara Cafe a handful of times and it is consistently delicious and authentic. Although I consider myself an adventurous eater, I’ve taken a few picky eaters here (including an 8 year old picky eater) who also walked away fully loving it. The vegetarian plate is filling and delicious. The lamb and beef is incredible. Best hummus in town by a long shot!

Rebecca Young

16 Nov 2025

Love the family-like vibes!!! I got beef and lamb gyro plate which came with a salad and a pita bread. It was fine. Gyro was kinda too salty, but overall it tasted good. They didn’t come and ask if we’re doing ok so it was pretty chill but you need to walk to the cashier to ask for things. water cost extra but these made sense since the price was pretty low! They are all nice people! Overall worth it!!

Jessica Gorman

06 Nov 2025

Wow. Chicken shawarma wrap, hummus, and yellow rice were unbelievably good. Everything is fresh and obviously scratch made. What other Mediterranean restaurants in town want to be. The garlic sauce is also perfect. I don't know how I've lived here 20 years and just discovered this place. Prices are also very reasonable for the amount of food you get. The hummus comes with 3 large, warm pitas.

Derek Corzine

05 Nov 2025

Fantastic Lebanese food! This is a great little mom and pop restaurant that's full of fresh flavor. My wife and I started with the Falafel appetizer. I'm normally not big on falafel but this one tasted amazing with a nice outer crust. I had the Beef and Lamb Gyro. The meat had tons of flavor and the pita was slightly crispy. My wife had the Chicken Kebab platter and it was super delicious with large pieces of chicken. We split a baklava which made the perfect email to a nice lunch. We will definitely be back when we're passing through Lubbock

Jaden Muller

16 Oct 2025

This is my favorite restaurant in Lubbock, and one of the best in the entire city. It is the only place in town with authentic Middle Eastern style Mediterranean food. The hummus is especially perfect and the saffron rice is next level. I always get the gyro platter as well, but the chicken, falafel, and everything else on the menu is delicious.