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Mantee Cafe
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Mantee Cafe
8.1
Family-owned Armenian-Lebanese cafe with a tranquil backyard garden featuring string lights and lush landscaping. Named after their signature boat-shaped ravioli, Mantee delivers home-cooked Mediterranean dishes in an intimate setting with attentive service and authentic Middle Eastern flavors.
Must-Try Dishes:
Mantee Traditional, Sweet & Sour Cherry Kebab, Hummus Cocktail
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 7.7
What makes it special: Dreamy garden patio with unique Armenian-Lebanese dishes and intimate ambiance
Who should go: Romantic couples, families seeking authentic Mediterranean
When to visit: Tuesday through Sunday evenings in the garden
What to order: Mantee dumplings, muhammara spread, and grilled kebabs
Insider tip: Reserve the outdoor garden area for best dining experience
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free street parking available, usually easy to find. Small lot behind restaurant for 8-10 cars.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual - garden setting is relaxed but customers tend dressy-casual for date nights
Noise level: Quiet to moderate - intimate garden setting perfect for conversation, string lights create romantic atmosphere
Weekend wait: 30-45 min without reservation Friday-Saturday after 7pm, garden fills quickly
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait Tuesday-Friday lunch, garden seating usually available
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Excellent - multiple appetizers, stuffed grape leaves, vegetarian mantee, fattoush salad, baba ganoush
Vegan options: Good options - hummus, tabbouleh, fattoush (no cheese), grilled vegetables, can modify several dishes
Gluten-free options: Limited - grilled meats and salads work, but signature mantee dumplings contain wheat
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent first date spot - romantic garden ambiance with string lights creates intimate atmosphere without being stuffy. Moderate noise level allows easy conversation, family-owned charm feels special, and $$ pricing won't break the bank. Request garden seating when reserving.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday lunch and early dinners (before 6:30pm) usually no problem. Weekend evenings book up - garden tables especially coveted. Call ahead or accept indoor seating as backup. Tuesday-Thursday after 8pm often has availability.
Is it kid-friendly? Very kid-friendly - family-owned restaurant welcomes children, garden setting gives kids space, menu has familiar options like grilled chicken and rice. Best for ages 5+ who can sit through dinner. Lunch and early dinner (5-7pm) most family-oriented.
How long does dinner typically take? Plan 90 minutes for leisurely dinner. Service is attentive but not rushed - fits the garden atmosphere. Can be quicker at lunch (60 min). Perfect pacing for date nights or relaxed family meals.
Is the outdoor seating comfortable year-round? Garden seating best March-November. Heat lamps available but winter months (Dec-Feb) can be chilly evenings. Summer is ideal. Indoor dining available as cozy backup.
Best For
Better for: Choose Mantee over other Studio City Mediterranean spots for: authentic Armenian-Lebanese home cooking (not generic), magical garden ambiance that feels like a secret escape, family-owned intimacy vs corporate chains, and unique dishes like mantee dumplings you won't find elsewhere. Better date night atmosphere than busier Ventura Blvd options.
Skip if: Skip if you need: quick casual meal (service is leisurely), trendy scene or bar atmosphere (this is intimate and quiet), extensive wine list (selection is limited), or guaranteed outdoor seating without planning ahead. Also skip for large groups 8+ (space is limited) or if you want traditional American options.
Mantee Cafe
8.4
Armenian-Lebanese cafe with enchanting backyard garden serving traditional mantee dumplings in tangy yogurt sauce. The family-owned operation excels at mezze-focused dining, from muhammara to dolma, with kebabs finished in signature cherry sauce. Hidden gem atmosphere rewards those who venture beyond the modest storefront.
Must-Try Dishes:
Mantee Traditional (Beef Dumplings), Hummus Cocktail with Pine Nuts, Sue Barag (Cheese Mantee)
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 8.5
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: Specialized mantee dumplings from family restaurant legacy in Beirut
Who should go: Armenian/Lebanese cuisine lovers, quiet diners, mezze enthusiasts
When to visit: Weekend dinner on garden patio 6-9pm
What to order: Start with mantee traditional, add muhammara, finish with filet mignon
Insider tip: Family owns prominent Beirut restaurant - recipes are direct imports
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free street parking on Ventura Blvd and side streets - relatively easy to find after 7pm, tighter 5-6pm rush
Dress code: Casual to smart casual - jeans perfectly fine, garden patio vibe is relaxed
Noise level: Quiet to moderate - garden seating ideal for conversation, indoor slightly livelier
Weekend wait: 20-30 min without reservation during peak (7-8pm), garden patio fills first
Weekday lunch: Minimal to no wait, immediate seating typical
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Excellent - traditional mezze selections including baba ghanoush, tabbouleh, dolma, falafel, plus mantee can be made vegetarian
Vegan options: Good options - hummus, muhammara, tabbouleh, fattoush, grape leaves (confirm preparation without dairy)
Gluten-free options: Limited - salads and grilled meats work, but mantee dumplings and many mezze contain wheat
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent choice - intimate garden patio creates romantic atmosphere without being overly formal, moderate noise allows conversation, and shareable mezze format encourages interaction. Request garden seating when booking.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday lunch and early dinner (before 6pm) you're fine walking in. Weekend dinner reserve ahead or expect 20-30 min wait - garden patio books fastest. Bar seating sometimes available as backup.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for ages 8+ who'll appreciate the food - relaxed atmosphere, flavorful but not spicy dishes, kebabs appeal to younger palates. Garden patio gives space. Not ideal for toddlers given quiet dining vibe.
How much should I budget per person? $35-50 per person with appetizer, entree, and non-alcoholic drink. Mezze portions are generous - two people can share 2-3 appetizers plus entrees comfortably.
Do they have a full bar? Beer and wine only - focused selection complements Mediterranean cuisine. BYOB policy not available.
Best For
Better for: Authentic Armenian-Lebanese home cooking in intimate garden setting - superior to generic Mediterranean chains for traditional mantee, quality mezze execution, and romantic outdoor ambiance without pretension. Family recipes from Beirut restaurant legacy deliver more authentic flavors than westernized competitors.
Skip if: You want modern Mediterranean fusion, full cocktail program, or large group accommodations (8+). Also skip if you're seeking quick casual service - this is leisurely-paced dining. For pure Lebanese without Armenian influence, dedicated Lebanese restaurants may be more specialized.