Café

Levanter Cafe: A Heartfelt Slice of Syrian Home Cooking in Balaclava

There’s something instantly comforting about walking into Levanter Cafe on Carlisle Street. The moment you step through the door, the warm scent of fresh flatbread, spices, and slow-cooked goodness wraps around you like a hug. It’s small, cozy, and unmistakably family-run — a 27-seat haven where Syrian mother-and-son duo Marcelle Hanna and Sam Dawod have poured their hearts into every dish.

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Opened a few years after they arrived in Melbourne as refugees, Levanter feels like a breath of fresh Levantine air blowing through Balaclava’s lively strip. The name itself nods to the “levanter” wind that sweeps across the Mediterranean, bringing cool relief and nourishing rain — a beautiful metaphor for the way this little cafe is quietly sharing Syrian culture, flavors, and hospitality with Melbourne.

Marcelle, who taught Arabic for over 30 years back home, now rules the tiny open kitchen with quiet pride. She cooks everything herself, from scratch, just as she did for her family for decades. Sam handles front-of-house, brewing thick cardamom-spiked Turkish coffee (kahwa) the traditional way — poured strong and sediment-rich — or pulling smooth espressos for those who prefer it. Together with help from siblings and cousins on weekends, they’ve created a space that feels like home, even if it’s your first visit.

The Must-Try: Levantine Breakfast

The star of the show is the Levantine Breakfast for two — a generous wooden board that arrives the width of your table, loaded with love. Expect:

  • Silky, oil-slicked hummus
  • Freshly fried falafel (crisp outside, herby-green and fluffy inside, topped with sesame seeds)
  • Grilled haloumi, creamy labne, and tangy shanklish
  • Sliced boiled eggs
  • Bright pickled vegetables
  • Warm flatbread to scoop it all up

It’s hearty, colorful, and perfect for sharing — the kind of breakfast that makes you slow down and savor every bite.

Other morning highlights include:

  • Shakshuka with baked eggs in a rich tomato-capsicum stew
  • Herby cheese omelette
  • Sujuk (spiced minced beef) scrambled eggs

Lunch & Beyond

The lunch menu keeps things vegetarian-forward with ful medames — a soul-warming fava bean stew brightened with lemon, garlic, parsley, tomato, and cumin — alongside grilled haloumi, dolmades with hummus, and more. Meat lovers can dig into kibbeh meatballs or musakhan-style grilled chicken with hummus, muhammara (spicy red pepper dip), and pomegranate molasses.

To finish, don’t skip the sweets: Marcelle’s pistachio baklava, coconut Turkish delight, or the special Syrian halawet el jibn — a three-cheese semolina cake (haloumi, mozzarella, sweet ricotta) dusted with pistachio and served with rosewater syrup to pour over the top. It’s rich, floral, and unforgettable.

The Vibe & Details

Levanter is warm and unpretentious — exposed brick, simple wooden tables, and a welcoming energy that makes you feel like you’re eating at a friend’s house. No fuss, just good food and genuine smiles.

Levanter Cafe 298 Carlisle Street, Balaclava (03) 8589 3241 levantercafe.business.site

Hours (as listed in older reviews; check ahead as they may vary): Mon–Thu 7am–3pm Fri–Sat 7am–5pm Sun 8am–3pm

If you’re craving authentic Syrian home cooking in a setting that feels personal and heartfelt, Levanter is a little gem worth seeking out. It’s more than a cafe — it’s a quiet celebration of resilience, family, and the simple joy of sharing a meal. Go hungry, go with friends, and let the flavors of the Levant win you over. 🌿🥙