Zatar Lebanese Tapas & Bar, located on Commerce Street in the heart of Deep Ellum, brings an intimate and ingredient-forward approach to Middle Eastern dining. Specializing in mezze—the Lebanese answer to tapas—Zatar offers a menu that rewards curiosity and encourages sharing. It’s the kind of place where ordering a single entrée would feel like missing the point.
The cold plates set the tone early. The hummus arrives ultra-smooth, thick without being heavy, and served with warm pita that’s pillowy and just blistered enough to show it’s fresh. There’s a spicy version too, with enough heat to register but not overwhelm. Labneh, a strained yogurt cheese, is tangy and clean, either served solo or sprinkled with za’atar for an herbal punch. Baba ghannouj is smoky and soft, drizzled with oil and flecked with garlic—easily one of the strongest bites on the menu. A standout cold option is the fattoush salad, a crunchy mix of cucumber, tomato, radish, and toasted pita chips, brought to life with sumac and a bright, citrusy dressing.
The hot mezze section brings more assertive flavors. The falafel are textbook—golden brown on the outside, herbaceous and tender inside, and served simply. Cheese cigars arrive hot and crisp, oozing just enough salty filling to make you wish you’d ordered another round. Stuffed grape leaves are tender and neatly rolled, filled with seasoned rice that carries just enough lemon to keep things vibrant.
Zatar Lebanese Tapas & Bar offers its menu in a way that’s made for the table. The mezze format works best when shared, and the restaurant leans into that with a family-style approach that encourages diners to build a spread rather than commit to a single plate. While the cold and hot mezze offer plenty of range, the entrée-style dishes and street food-inspired items round out the experience with bold, substantial flavors.
One of the can’t-miss hot starters is the sambousek—flaky little empanadas filled with seasoned minced beef. They arrive golden and warm, the crust just sturdy enough to hold in the spiced filling without being doughy. They’re rich, savory, and perfect when passed around the table. On the heartier side, the lamb kabobs come skewered and grilled to a juicy, even char. The meat is well-seasoned with classic Lebanese spices—nothing overpowering, just balanced—and paired with vermicelli rice that’s buttery and soft, along with a side of cooling Greek yogurt. It’s the kind of dish that anchors the table.
Another standout is the lamb burger. It’s not trying to compete with American-style burgers—it’s doing its own thing. The patty is thick and spiced just right, layered with sharp cheese and crisp vegetables on a soft bun. It’s less messy than you’d expect and packed with flavor. For something more playful, the shawarma tacos make a strong showing.
With its mix of mezze, grilled meats, and clever street food nods, Zatar gives you enough flexibility to build your own experience. Whether you want to linger over drinks and small plates or dig into a full meal, the menu supports both.
The plates come out steadily, warm dishes hitting the table just as you finish dipping into the cold spreads. There’s no rush, no excess, just a confident procession of carefully made food. The space itself is modern but unfussy, a mix of exposed brick and clean lines, with soft lighting that makes it just as suitable for a date as for a casual night with friends.
To drink, Zatar offers a full bar with both classic and Middle Eastern-inspired craft cocktails, along with non-alcoholic options like mint lemonade and fruit-forward teas. The beverage list feels considered but not overly curated, and the service is relaxed enough that you never feel hurried.
Zatar offers clarity and restraint without gimmick. What stands out most is the focus on flavor and pacing. Every bite feels considered. Every dish fits into a larger rhythm. And that’s what makes it worth returning to.
