Fresh Labneh Near Falls Church, VA
Thick, tangy strained yogurt made in-house from full-fat dairy, drizzled with extra-virgin olive oil, and finished with dried mint. Taza's labneh is strained slowly through cheesecloth in our own kitchen -- not scooped from a factory tub -- and served the same day it is made.
Served with warm, house-baked pita bread at our Falls Church location on Seminary Road. A side dish, a dip, a spread, a breakfast staple across the entire Levant. Open seven days a week until midnight.
Just $4.95 per serving. Available for dine-in, online pickup, DoorDash, and Uber Eats delivery across Northern Virginia.
Per Serving with Pita
Days a Week, Open Late
Menu Items, All In-House
Min Drive from Most of NoVA
The History
What Is Labneh? A Guide to Lebanese Strained Yogurt
Labneh is strained yogurt -- one of the oldest prepared dairy foods in the world. The process is simple: yogurt is salted and hung in cheesecloth until the whey drains out, leaving behind a thick, tangy, spreadable product that is richer than Greek yogurt but softer than cream cheese. It has been a daily food across Lebanon, Syria, Palestine, Jordan, and the wider Levant region for thousands of years. Archaeological evidence suggests that strained dairy products have been part of the Eastern Mediterranean diet for at least 5,000 years, making labneh one of the oldest continuously prepared foods in human history.
In its homeland, labneh is eaten at breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It appears on mezze spreads alongside hummus and baba ghanouj. It is spread on flatbread with olive oil and zaatar for a morning meal. It is served as a dip alongside grilled meats and falafel. In some households, labneh is rolled into balls, submerged in olive oil, and stored in jars for months -- a preparation called labneh makbus. The word itself comes from the Arabic root "laban," meaning milk or yogurt, and the dish has spread across the entire Mediterranean, from Turkey to North Africa, each region adding its own variation to the basic technique of straining cultured dairy.
At Taza, we make labneh the traditional way. Full-fat yogurt, salted, strained in-house through cheesecloth, and served the same day with a well of extra-virgin olive oil and a scatter of dried mint. The price is $4.95 and it comes with warm pita bread. No thickeners. No stabilizers. No shortcuts. Just dairy, salt, oil, and mint -- the same ingredients that have defined this dish for generations.
For people searching for "Lebanese yogurt near me" or "strained yogurt dip near me" in the Falls Church, Arlington, or Northern Virginia area, Taza is the answer. We serve labneh every day from 11 AM to midnight, seven days a week, at our Seminary Road location. It is available for dine-in, online pickup, and delivery through DoorDash and Uber Eats.
The Taza Standard
What Makes Our Labneh Different
Strained In-House, Not From a Tub
Our labneh begins with full-fat yogurt that we strain slowly through cheesecloth in our own kitchen. The process takes hours, not minutes. Factory labneh is pumped through industrial separators that strip out flavor along with moisture. Ours retains the natural tang and richness that only patience can produce. The texture is thick, creamy, and spreadable -- never gummy, never chalky.
Extra-Virgin Olive Oil, Every Bowl
Each serving of labneh gets a generous well of extra-virgin olive oil pooled in the center. This is not optional. The oil adds a fruity, peppery richness that balances the tang of the yogurt. It softens the acidity, adds body, and creates a silky mouthfeel when you drag a piece of pita through the dish. Cheap oil ruins labneh. Quality oil defines it.
Finished with Dried Mint
A sprinkle of dried mint across the surface adds a cool, herbal aroma that lifts the entire dish. The mint is not decorative. It provides a contrast to the tangy yogurt and the richness of the olive oil -- a third note in a three-part harmony. This is the traditional Levantine garnish, used because it works, not because it looks nice on a photograph.
100% Halal Kitchen, Vegetarian by Nature
Labneh is naturally vegetarian -- yogurt, salt, olive oil, mint. No animal rennet, no gelatin, no hidden additives. Our entire kitchen operates under halal standards, which means every ingredient that touches your plate has been vetted for compliance. For families managing dietary and religious requirements simultaneously, Taza removes the uncertainty.
Made Fresh Daily, No Preservatives
We prepare our labneh every morning in small batches. No citric acid. No potassium sorbate. No modified food starch. The ingredient list is short: yogurt, salt, olive oil, dried mint. That is the full list. Commercial labneh sits in plastic containers for weeks. Ours is made today and served today.
Probiotic-Rich, Naturally
Because our labneh starts with live-cultured yogurt and undergoes no heat treatment after straining, the beneficial bacteria survive into the finished product. You get the gut-health benefits of traditional fermented dairy in every bite. This is what happens when you make labneh the old way.
From Kitchen to Table
How We Make Labneh at Taza
Full-Fat Yogurt, Cultured Properly
The foundation of great labneh is great yogurt. We use full-fat yogurt with live active cultures -- the kind that has tang and body, not the thin, watery stuff that comes in single-serve cups. Fat content matters because fat carries flavor. Low-fat labneh tastes flat and thin. Full-fat labneh tastes like what it is: concentrated, tangy dairy with real depth. The yogurt is seasoned with a measured amount of salt before straining begins.
Slow Straining Through Cheesecloth
The salted yogurt is wrapped in cheesecloth and suspended over a container in our walk-in cooler. Gravity does the work. Over several hours, the whey drains out slowly, leaving behind a dense, spreadable mass thicker than Greek yogurt but softer than cream cheese. We do not rush this with mechanical pressing. The slow drain produces a smoother, more cohesive texture.
Checking for the Right Consistency
There is a specific moment when labneh reaches its ideal thickness. Too early, and it is loose and watery. Too late, and it becomes dry and crumbly. Our kitchen staff know the target by feel: thick enough to hold its shape when plated, soft enough to scoop cleanly with warm pita. We check every batch by hand before it goes into service.
Plated, Oiled, Garnished, Served
Each serving gets spread onto a shallow plate with a swooping motion that creates a natural well in the center. Extra-virgin olive oil fills the well. Dried mint is scattered across the surface. Warm, house-baked pita bread arrives alongside. From our cooler to your table, labneh at Taza is never more than a day old.
The Complete Spread
The Taza Dip Trio
In Levantine dining, dips are not appetizers -- they are the foundation of the meal. Order all three alongside warm pita bread for the authentic mezze experience.
Labneh
$4.95The one you came here for. Tangy, thick, strained yogurt with olive oil and mint.
View DetailsHummus
$4.95Velvety chickpea dip with tahini, lemon, garlic, and olive oil. The universal companion.
View DetailsBaba Ghanouj
$4.95Smoky fire-roasted eggplant blended with tahini and garlic. The depth of flavor here is remarkable.
View DetailsSide by Side
Taza Labneh vs. Store-Bought Labneh
Most grocery store labneh is manufactured in bulk, loaded with stabilizers, and shipped in plastic tubs. Here is how our house-strained labneh compares.
Complete Your Meal
What to Order with Labneh
Labneh is a side dish and a dip by tradition. It belongs alongside warm bread, grilled meats, and crispy falafel. Here are the items our customers pair it with most.
EssentialPita Bread
$0.95The only pairing that is truly non-negotiable. Warm, fresh-baked pita torn into rough pieces and dragged through thick, tangy labneh with a slick of olive oil. This is how labneh has been eaten across the Levant for centuries. The bread is the delivery vehicle. The labneh is the destination.
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TraditionalZaatar Manaeesh
$6.95Zaatar manaeesh with labneh is a breakfast combination that defines morning meals across Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, and Palestine. The earthy, herbal zaatar and the tangy, creamy labneh create a contrast that is deeply satisfying. Order both, spread the labneh on the manaeesh, and fold. This is the pairing that launched a thousand breakfast tables.
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VegetarianFalafel Pita
from $8.95Crispy falafel in warm pita, with a side of labneh for dipping between bites. The crunchy, herb-packed falafel against the cool, tangy labneh is a textural and flavor contrast that keeps you reaching for more. A fully vegetarian meal that does not feel like a compromise.
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Best SellerChicken Shawarma Pita
from $9.95Tender chicken shawarma carved from the vertical spit, stuffed into warm pita with garlic sauce. Add a side of labneh and alternate bites. The tangy yogurt cuts through the richness of the marinated chicken and creates a balance that a single dish cannot achieve alone. This is how experienced diners at Taza eat.
View ItemThe Taza Difference
Why Taza for Labneh and Mediterranean Food
Authentic Levantine Recipes
Our labneh recipe comes from a Levantine kitchen. The straining method, the olive oil finish, the dried mint garnish -- all traditional, all passed down through family, none sourced from a franchise manual.
Open Until Midnight
We serve from 11 AM to midnight, seven days a week. Late-night labneh and pita is a real meal, and we are here for it. Most restaurants in Falls Church close by 9 or 10 PM.
Serving the Community Since Day One
Over a thousand families across Northern Virginia trust Taza for their regular Mediterranean meals. Our repeat customers keep coming back because the quality never drops.
Everything Made In-House
Over 40 menu items, all prepared on-site. The labneh, the hummus, the shawarma marinade, the falafel mix, the pita dough -- nothing arrives premade from a distributor.
Health Benefits
Labneh and Gut Health: What the Research Shows
Labneh is a fermented dairy product containing live probiotic bacteria. Research published in peer-reviewed nutrition journals links regular consumption of fermented dairy with improved gut microbiome diversity and stronger immune response. Because labneh is concentrated through straining, it delivers more protein per serving than regular yogurt -- roughly 5 to 8 grams per serving, along with significant calcium and B vitamins. The extra-virgin olive oil adds heart-healthy monounsaturated fats that support cardiovascular health.
The probiotics in labneh -- primarily Lactobacillus and Streptococcus strains -- survive the straining process because no heat is applied after initial culturing. These live bacteria contribute to a healthy gut environment, which scientists now recognize as central to immune function, mental health, and metabolic regulation. Unlike many commercial yogurt products that are pasteurized after fermentation (killing the very bacteria that make them beneficial), traditionally made labneh preserves its probiotic content through to the moment it reaches your plate.
Pair labneh ($4.95) with hummus ($4.95), pita bread ($0.95), and a falafel bowl (from $10.45) for a meal that aligns with Mediterranean dietary principles -- the pattern of eating most consistently associated with longevity and reduced chronic disease risk in large-scale epidemiological studies.
Beyond Labneh
More from the Taza Menu
Chicken Shawarma Pita
from $9.95Marinated chicken shawarma in fresh pita with garlic sauce and pickles.
View DetailsFalafel Pita
from $8.95Crispy chickpea falafel in fresh-baked pita with veggies and tahini.
View DetailsChicken Shawarma Bowl
from $12.45Chicken shawarma over your choice of base with fresh toppings.
View DetailsZaatar Manaeesh
$6.95Large Mediterranean flat bread with dry thyme, sesame, and olive oil.
View DetailsBeef Shawarma Pita
from $9.95Marinated roasted beef in fresh pita with tahini and fresh veggies.
View DetailsChicken Shawarma Shrak
from $11.45Chicken shawarma wrapped in traditional thin shrak flatbread.
View DetailsGetting Here
Driving Directions to Taza
From Arlington / Clarendon / Ballston
Head south on Route 7 (Leesburg Pike) toward Falls Church. Turn left onto Seminary Road. Taza is located at 5820 Seminary Rd, Suite O, in the shopping center on the right side. Total drive: approximately 10 minutes depending on traffic.
From Tysons Corner / McLean
Take Route 7 (Leesburg Pike) south through Falls Church. After passing Seven Corners, turn left onto Seminary Road. We are in the shopping plaza on the right. Total drive: approximately 15 minutes.
From Alexandria / Springfield
Take I-395 North to the Seminary Road exit. Head west on Seminary Road. Taza is approximately one mile west of the highway at 5820 Seminary Rd, Suite O. Free parking available in our lot. Total drive: 12-14 minutes.
From Annandale / Fairfax
Head east on Route 236 (Little River Turnpike) or Route 50 toward Falls Church. Connect to Seminary Road and proceed to 5820 Seminary Rd, Suite O. Free parking directly outside the restaurant. Total drive: 10-15 minutes.
Neighborhoods We Serve
Labneh Near You in Northern Virginia
Our Falls Church location on Seminary Road puts us within a short drive of most Northern Virginia neighborhoods. Here is how close you are to fresh, house-strained labneh.
2 min drive
We are right here on Seminary Rd
3 min drive
Practically next door
4 min drive
A quick drive north
7 min drive
Down Columbia Pike
10 min drive
Straight shot via I-395
12 min drive
Seminary Rd to 395 South
15 min drive
West on Route 50
15 min drive
North on Route 7
14 min drive
South via I-395
8 min drive
East on Route 50
10 min drive
Via I-395 North
16 min drive
Past Tysons on Route 7
Ordering Options
How to Get Labneh from Taza
Order Online for Pickup
Place your order on our website and pick up your labneh and full meal fresh from our kitchen. Easy parking at our Seminary Road location. Most orders are ready in 15 to 20 minutes.
DoorDash Delivery
Get Taza labneh and your entire Mediterranean spread delivered to your door through DoorDash. We package dips carefully with lids sealed tight so nothing spills in transit.
Uber Eats Delivery
Order through Uber Eats for delivery across Northern Virginia and the DC metro area. Add labneh to any shawarma or falafel order for the full Taza experience.
Common Questions
Labneh FAQ
Taza Shawarma & Falafel at 5820 Seminary Rd in Falls Church, VA serves fresh, house-strained labneh daily. We are centrally located in Northern Virginia, within 15 minutes of Arlington, Annandale, Alexandria, Fairfax, and Tysons Corner. Our labneh is made from full-fat yogurt, strained in-house, and served with extra-virgin olive oil and dried mint. Open 7 days a week, 11 AM to midnight.
Labneh is strained yogurt -- yogurt that has had most of its whey removed through slow draining. The result is a thick, tangy, spreadable product between Greek yogurt and cream cheese in texture. It is denser, tangier, and richer than regular yogurt. In the Levant, it is served as a dip or spread with olive oil, dried mint, and warm bread. At Taza, we strain our labneh in-house from full-fat yogurt.
Labneh is high in protein, calcium, and probiotics. Because the whey is removed, it has more protein per serving than regular yogurt. It is naturally low in carbohydrates and contains healthy fats. The olive oil adds monounsaturated fats. At Taza, our labneh contains no preservatives, no thickeners, and no added sugar.
Yes. Taza's labneh is both halal and vegetarian. It contains yogurt, salt, olive oil, and dried mint. No animal rennet, no gelatin, no meat-derived ingredients. Our entire kitchen operates under halal standards. Every item on our menu is halal certified, which means families with dietary or religious requirements can order with confidence.
Labneh is traditionally served with warm pita bread as part of a mezze spread. At Taza, the most common pairings are: pita bread ($0.95) for scooping, zaatar manaeesh ($6.95) for a traditional Lebanese breakfast combination, falafel pita ($8.95) with labneh on the side, or as part of a dip trio alongside hummus ($4.95) and baba ghanouj ($4.95). Many customers also order it alongside chicken shawarma ($9.95) to balance the richness of the meat.
Yes. Taza delivers across Northern Virginia and the DC metro area through DoorDash and Uber Eats. You can also order online for pickup at 5820 Seminary Rd. Our dips are packaged in sealed containers to prevent spills. Many customers add labneh as a side to their main order.
Yes. Labneh is one of our most popular catering sides. We provide it alongside hummus, baba ghanouj, and our full menu for events across Northern Virginia. Labneh travels well and holds up at room temperature. Call (703) 340-1014 or visit our catering page to discuss your event.
Hummus is made from chickpeas blended with tahini, lemon, and garlic -- a legume-based dip. Labneh is strained yogurt -- a dairy product. Hummus is nutty, earthy, and smooth. Labneh is tangy, creamy, and lighter. Most Taza customers order both as part of a mezze spread because they complement each other.
No. Greek yogurt is strained once to remove some whey. Labneh is strained for much longer, removing significantly more liquid. The result is that labneh is two to three times thicker than Greek yogurt, with a denser texture, stronger tang, and a more concentrated protein content. Labneh is spreadable like soft cheese, while Greek yogurt is still spooned. At Taza, our labneh is strained until it reaches the proper Levantine consistency.
Many people do. Labneh has a similar thickness to cream cheese but with a tangier, lighter flavor profile and fewer calories. It spreads on toast, pairs with smoked salmon, and works as a base for dips. At Taza, we serve it the traditional Levantine way -- with olive oil, dried mint, and warm pita -- but customers take it home and use it however they like.
Deep Dive
Everything You Need to Know About Labneh in Northern Virginia
The Growing Demand for Labneh in the DC Metro Area
Northern Virginia has one of the most diverse food scenes in the United States. The Falls Church, Arlington, and Fairfax corridor is home to significant Lebanese, Syrian, Palestinian, and Jordanian communities who have shaped the local food landscape for decades. Labneh -- once an item found only in specialty Middle Eastern grocery stores -- has moved into mainstream awareness as more people discover Mediterranean and Levantine food traditions. Searches for "labneh near me," "Lebanese yogurt near me," and "strained yogurt dip near me" have increased significantly in the Northern Virginia area as residents seek out authentic versions of this ancient dairy preparation.
Why Freshness Matters in Labneh
The difference between fresh labneh and commercially packaged labneh is substantial. Fresh labneh, made that day from quality yogurt, has a clean tang, a smooth and dense texture, and a richness that comes from full-fat dairy. Store-bought labneh, even from reputable brands, has been sitting in plastic containers for days or weeks. The texture becomes denser and drier. The flavor flattens. Preservatives are added to extend shelf life, and the result is a product that resembles labneh in appearance but falls short in taste. At Taza, labneh is made every morning and served that same day. This freshness is not a marketing claim -- it is a production schedule.
Labneh as Part of the Mediterranean Diet
The Mediterranean diet, consistently ranked among the healthiest eating patterns by nutrition researchers, centers on whole grains, fresh vegetables, legumes, olive oil, and fermented dairy. Labneh fits squarely within this framework. It provides probiotics from the live bacterial cultures, protein from the concentrated dairy, calcium for bone health, and B vitamins that support energy metabolism. When paired with olive oil (a source of monounsaturated fatty acids) and whole-grain pita bread, a serving of labneh becomes a nutritionally complete snack or side dish. At Taza, where the labneh is served alongside hummus ($4.95), baba ghanouj ($4.95), and a range of grilled proteins and fresh vegetables, assembling a meal that follows Mediterranean dietary principles is straightforward.
Labneh in Levantine Culture and Tradition
In Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, and Palestine, labneh is not a specialty item or an appetizer. It is a daily food. Families eat it at breakfast, spread on flatbread with zaatar and olive oil. It appears at lunch as part of a mezze table with hummus, baba ghanouj, tabbouleh, and pickled vegetables. It is served at dinner alongside grilled meats and rice. In rural areas, labneh is often made at home: fresh yogurt from the family's own dairy animals, salted and strained in a cloth bag hung from a kitchen hook overnight. The practice has been continuous for thousands of years and remains part of daily life across the region. At Taza, we carry this tradition into Falls Church by making labneh the same way -- slowly, by hand, with respect for the process.
How to Order Labneh at Taza
Labneh is available as a side dish at $4.95. It comes with warm pita bread. You can add it to any order -- a chicken shawarma pita (from $9.95), a falafel bowl (from $10.45), a beef shawarma shrak (from $11.45), or any other item on our menu. Many customers order the "dip trio" -- labneh, hummus, and baba ghanouj -- with extra pita bread for a shared table experience. For catering events, labneh is one of our most requested items. It holds well at room temperature, looks elegant when plated, and appeals to vegetarian, halal, and gluten-free dietary requirements simultaneously.
Visit Taza for the Best Labneh Near Falls Church
Taza Shawarma and Falafel is located at 5820 Seminary Rd Ste O, Falls Church, VA 22041. We are open from 11:00 AM - 12:00 AM, Open 7 Days a Week. Call us at (703) 340-1014 for questions, catering inquiries, or large orders. Order online for pickup at our website, or get delivery through DoorDash and Uber Eats. The labneh is made fresh every morning. The pita bread comes out of the oven warm. The olive oil is extra-virgin. The mint is real. This is labneh the way it is meant to be made.
Visit Us
Find Labneh Near Falls Church
Address
5820 Seminary Rd Ste O, Falls Church, VA 22041
Hours
11:00 AM - 12:00 AM -- Open 7 Days a Week
Phone
(703) 340-1014Order Online
clover.com/online-ordering/taza
Ready to Order
Fresh Labneh Is Waiting for You
House-strained yogurt. Real olive oil. Dried mint. Made fresh this morning in our Falls Church kitchen. Order online for pickup, get delivery through DoorDash or Uber Eats, or stop by our Seminary Road location. $4.95 with warm pita. We are open until midnight, seven days a week.