Best Manaeesh in the DC Area
Manaeesh the way it is made in Lebanon -- fresh dough stretched by hand, topped with za'atar, cheese, spinach, or seasoned beef, and baked in an oven until the edges char and the room fills with that unmistakable aroma.
Every shawarma order is carved straight off the vertical spit, the classic Levantine way. If you have been searching for "manoushe near me" and coming up empty, the search is over.
A Lebanese Tradition
What Is Manaeesh?
Manaeesh (pronounced ma-na-EESH, also written manakish, man'oushe, or manoushe) is a Lebanese flatbread that has been eaten across the Levant for centuries. The concept is straightforward: take fresh dough, stretch it flat, spread a topping over it, and bake it in a screaming-hot oven. The result is something between a pizza and a focaccia, but older and simpler than both.
In Lebanon, manaeesh is breakfast. It is what you grab on the way to work, what you eat standing at a bakery counter at 7 AM, what your grandmother serves with labneh and fresh cucumbers on a Saturday morning. The bakery that makes the best manaeesh in any given neighborhood is a point of genuine civic pride.
The most common variety is za'atar manaeesh -- a paste of dried thyme, sesame seeds, sumac, and olive oil spread across the dough. But cheese manaeesh (using a melty Middle Eastern cheese blend), spinach manaeesh (fresh spinach with onions and pine nuts), and lahm bil ajin (seasoned ground beef on thin dough) are just as traditional. Each one has a different character. Each one is worth trying.
At Taza, we bake all four varieties fresh in our oven. Taza means fresh in Arabic: falafel is fried to order and shawarma is carved off the spit as you order. Nothing is frozen, pre-baked, or reheated. If you have never had manaeesh before, you are about to understand what all the fuss is about.
Za'atar Manaeesh
The OriginalThe most traditional variety. A paste of dried thyme, toasted sesame seeds, sumac, and extra-virgin olive oil is spread across fresh dough and baked until the edges are crisp and the center is still soft. Za'atar manaeesh is eaten for breakfast across Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, and Palestine. At Taza, we mix our za'atar blend so it stays fragrant.
Flavor: Earthy, herbaceous, slightly tangy from the sumac
Cheese Manaeesh
Family FavoriteSoft dough topped with a generous layer of melted cheese -- traditionally akkawi or a blend that melts smoothly without becoming greasy. The cheese bubbles and browns in the oven, creating pockets of golden crust. Kids love it. Adults order it as a side alongside their shawarma.
Flavor: Rich, salty, stretchy, with a toasted-bread backbone
Spinach Manaeesh
Vegetarian ClassicA topping of fresh spinach, diced onions, toasted pine nuts, and a squeeze of lemon is spread on raw dough and baked in one go. The spinach wilts into the bread while the pine nuts toast. It is the vegetarian choice on every manaeesh menu in the Levant, and a guaranteed order at Taza from our plant-based guests.
Flavor: Bright, earthy, with nutty crunch from the pine nuts
Lahm Bil Ajin Manaeesh
The Meat LoverThin flatbread covered with a mixture of seasoned ground beef, finely diced onions, fresh parsley, tomatoes, and a blend of Middle Eastern spices. Baked until the crust is crackling thin and the topping is deeply savory. Sometimes called Lebanese pizza, though the dough is much thinner than any pizza you have had.
Flavor: Savory, spiced, tomato-forward with parsley freshness
Our Manaeesh Selection
Taza's Manaeesh Menu
Four varieties, each baked fresh in our oven. Taza means fresh in Arabic. Prices reflect our current menu and may change.
Zaatar Manaeesh
ClassicThe quintessential Lebanese breakfast—large Mediterranean flat bread brushed with dry thyme (zaatar), sesame, and olive oil. Baked in the oven until the edges crisp and the zaatar turns fragrant. A good first order if you are new to manaeesh.
$6.95
Cheese Manaeesh
Family FavoriteLarge Mediterranean flat bread generously topped with cheese and baked in the oven until bubbly and golden. A simple, satisfying classic that's perfect on its own or as a side. Great for kids and adults alike.
$7.95
Spinach Manaeesh
VegetarianLarge Mediterranean flat bread topped with fresh spinach, onion, and pine nuts. Baked in the oven until the crust is golden and the spinach is fragrant. A vegetarian favorite across Lebanon.
$7.95
Lahm Bi Ajin Manaeesh
Lebanese ClassicA Lebanese classic—large Mediterranean flat bread topped with ground beef, onion, and parsley. Baked in the oven until golden at the edges. Lahm bi ajin means 'meat with dough' in Arabic, and it is often called 'Lebanese pizza.'
$8.95
How We Make It
The Baking Process: Oven, Fresh Dough
Manaeesh is only as good as the process behind it. There are no shortcuts. Here is exactly how we make every single one at Taza.
Baked in the Oven
Falafel comes out of the fryer to order, and the flatbreads come out of the oven. The dough rests and rises naturally at room temperature until it doubles in size and develops the right airy texture.
Hand-Stretched to Order
When you order, a ball of dough is pulled from the batch and stretched by hand on a floured surface. The goal is an even, round disc -- thin enough to crisp at the edges but thick enough in the center to support the toppings without tearing. This is not a rolling pin operation. The hands do the work.
Topped Generously
Za'atar paste, cheese blend, spinach mixture, or lahm bil ajin topping is spread across the stretched dough right to the edges. No skimpy centers, no bare crusts. The manaeesh at Taza is loaded because that is how it is supposed to be made.
Oven, High Heat
The topped dough goes into our oven running at high temperature. The oven deck gives the bottom of the bread direct, intense heat -- which is what creates that signature charred-bubble texture underneath. The manaeesh bakes in just a few minutes, pulled out when the cheese is bubbling, the za'atar is fragrant, or the meat is sizzling.
Served Immediately
Manaeesh does not sit under a heat lamp. It goes from the oven to your hands. The bread is still pliable enough to fold, the toppings are still hot, and the aroma fills the room. That is the experience.
Why Oven Matters
An oven floor transfers heat directly into the bottom of the dough. This creates the signature charred bubbles on the underside of the bread -- the part that gives manaeesh its texture. A conventional oven cannot replicate this. The stone also pulls moisture out of the dough, which is why the crust stays crisp instead of turning soft and steamy. Every bakery in Lebanon uses stone. So do we.
While You Are Here
Beyond Manaeesh: What Else to Order at Taza
The manaeesh brings you in. The rest of the menu keeps you coming back. Here are eight other items our customers order alongside their flatbreads.
Chicken Shawarma Pita
$9.95
Marinated chicken roasted on a vertical spit, sliced to order, and served in a warm pita with garlic sauce and pickled turnips. Our number one seller.
Beef Shawarma Bowl
$12.45
Tender beef shawarma over basmati rice or lettuce with Arabic salad, pickled vegetables, and tahini. Filling enough for dinner.
Falafel Pita
$8.95
Crispy chickpea falafel tucked into fresh pita with lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and tahini. The vegetarian sandwich that meat eaters order too.
Hummus
$4.95
Chickpeas blended with tahini, lemon, and garlic, finished with olive oil and paprika. Falafel is fried to order, and the manaeesh, pita and pies are baked in the oven. Served with warm pita.
Sfiha Pie
$2.95
Folded meat pie with seasoned ground beef, seasoned with Middle Eastern spices. Small, savory, and satisfying.
Spinach Pie
$2.95
Flaky pastry filled with seasoned spinach, onion, and a squeeze of lemon. A vegetarian snack that goes fast.
Harissa (Semolina Cake)
$1.99
Semolina cake soaked in sweet syrup, also known as basbousa. Two pieces make a light, sweet finish to the meal.
Avocado Boost Smoothie
$5.95
Creamy avocado blended with milk, honey, and mixed nuts. Rich, thick, and full of healthy fats.
Find Us
Manaeesh on Seminary Road, Falls Church
Taza is located at 5820 Seminary Road in Falls Church, VA. We are a quick drive from anywhere in the DC metro area -- 10 minutes from Arlington, 15 minutes from Alexandria, and accessible via I-395, I-66, or Route 7. The shopping center has free parking right in front of the door.
5820 Seminary Rd Ste O, Falls Church, VA 22041
11:00 AM - 12:00 AM -- Open 7 Days a Week
Serving the DC Metro Area
Common Questions
Manaeesh FAQs
What is manaeesh?
Manaeesh (also spelled manoushe, manakish, or man'oushe) is a traditional Lebanese and Levantine flatbread. Fresh dough is stretched by hand, topped with ingredients like za'atar and olive oil, cheese, spinach, or seasoned ground meat, and baked in an oven at high heat. It is eaten across Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, and Palestine for breakfast, lunch, and as a snack. Think of it as the original Middle Eastern flatbread -- simpler than pizza, older than naan, and deeply satisfying.
Where can I find the best manaeesh near DC?
The chicken and beef turn on the vertical spit and are carved off to order, crisp at the edges and tender inside. We are located at 5820 Seminary Rd, just minutes from Arlington, Alexandria, Annandale, and the broader DC metro area via I-395 or I-66. Our manaeesh menu includes za'atar ($6.95), cheese ($7.95), spinach ($7.95), and lahm bil ajin ($8.95).
Are your manaeesh made fresh to order?
Yes. Every manaeesh at Taza is made to order. The manaeesh and pies at Taza come out of the oven hot and ready to eat. Nothing is pre-baked, reheated, or pulled from a warmer. You will see it come out of the oven.
Is manaeesh vegetarian?
Three of our four manaeesh varieties are vegetarian: za'atar manaeesh ($6.95), cheese manaeesh ($7.95), and spinach manaeesh ($7.95). The lahm bil ajin ($8.95) contains seasoned ground beef. All of our manaeesh dough is vegetarian-friendly.
What is the difference between manaeesh and pizza?
Manaeesh dough is thinner and softer than pizza dough -- it is closer to a flatbread. There is no tomato sauce base. The toppings are spread directly on raw dough and baked together. Za'atar manaeesh uses an herb-and-olive-oil paste. Cheese manaeesh uses a Middle Eastern cheese blend, not mozzarella. The result is a lighter, more aromatic bread that you can fold and eat with your hands.
Can I order manaeesh for delivery?
Yes. Order online for pickup through Clover, or call (703) 340-1014. You can also order online for pickup at tazava.com. Manaeesh travels well -- it stays warm and the toppings hold up during delivery.
Fresh Manaeesh, Straight from the Oven
Za'atar, cheese, spinach, or lahm bil ajin -- pick your favorite or try all four. At Taza the flatbreads and pies are baked in the oven as orders come in. Taza is open 11 AM to midnight, seven days a week.
Order online for pickup or delivery to Arlington, Alexandria, Falls Church, Annandale, and everywhere in the DC metro area.