A new Lebanese restaurant in Leeds is celebrating its first month of business.
Zaatar and Co on Otley Old Road has a unique menu, with breakfast and lunch served until 4pm, then the restaurant becomes more like a bistro in the evening from 5pm onwards with an extensive wine list.
This is the brain-child of Lebanese businessman and food enthusiast Anis Ataba.
Since moving to the UK in 2014, he always cooked home-made authentic Lebanese food for his three children.
He said he decided to begin his newest business venture and open his own restaurant during COVID-19.
Anis feels passionately about correcting some of the false conceptions about Lebanese food, that it is just a kebab after a wild night out.
Anis has mentioned he would like to add even more authentic Lebanese touches, including a Saturday night belly dancer for entertainment.
When doing a quick google search of Lebanese restaurants in Leeds, there are less than 10 results.
After investigating in Leeds, it became clear that not much is known about Lebanese cuisine and most people hadn’t even heard of it.
Leeds is increasingly becoming home to many more than just the people born here and it is important to have all cultures represented especially in the food industry.
Tianna, who’s family are Lebanese visited Zaatar and co for the first time over the weekend and said the place had an authentic Lebanese feel with all of the details in the décor and atmosphere- the music, the books on display and the staff too.
She said: “It doesn’t feel like you’re sat in Headingley.” So far the restaurant has had all kinds of customers, people who have never tried this kind of food before and people who love it and are coming for a taste of home.
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