Forn Al Hara

Anaheim’s Little Arabia neighborhood has one of the largest collections of Middle Eastern restaurants on the West Coast, and you could easily spend an entire weekend here trying all the spots. But if you only have time for one, make it Forn Al Hara. This Lebanese bakery specializes in manaeesh, a Levantine flatbread topped with anything from zaatar and cheese to labneh and honey.

Indulge in the timeless tradition of Mediterranean breakfast with Forn Al-Hara's exquisite manoushe. A staple of Middle Eastern cuisine, manoushe is a flavorful flatbread topped with a variety of savory ingredients, ranging from za'atar (a blend of dried herbs including oregano and thyme) and olive oil to cheese and fresh vegetables. At Forn Al-Hara, each manoushe is meticulously crafted to perfection, boasting a crispy exterior and a soft, pillowy interior.

Yusra: Forn Al Hara specializes in manoushe (or manakeesh, plural), which is to the Arab world what burritos are to Californians. You can eat it for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or even at 1 a.m.; there are no rules with manakeesh except that the bread dough has to be rolled thin but still have enough body to hold the different toppings. For breakfast, I prefer the herbaceous za’atar which has a zing from the sumac.

Walk into Forn al-Hara, also known as Tripoli Pastry, and you'll be confronted by a shining glass case of dozens of kinds of Arabic pastries. Baklava is only the start; there is phyllo dough stuffed with pastry cream, there are rolls tinted pink with rosewater, and huge trays of the shredded semolina pastry called k'nafeh. On the wall is a list of savory flatbreads and rolls that will be made to order for you.

One of the other top specialists in Little Arabia is Forn Al Hara, which is heralded for its manaeesh. These flatbreads are light, airy, and doughy, and can be topped with everything from za’atar, a blend of herbs and sesame seeds, to cheese and ground beef. The bakery also makes other traditional goods like fatayer (stuffed spinach hand pies) and baklava.

Forn Al Hara has become my go-to spot whenever I want to indulge in fresh Middle Eastern pastries. I especially love their cheese boat and mana’eesh (flatbread topped with oregano), filling the air with freshly baked dough's most inviting aroma. The bakery feels warm and cozy, making it perfect for a quick snack or a laid-back breakfast.

The specialty at Forn Al Hara is manaaesh (aka manakish or man'ousheh), a small, round flatbread that's typically topped with za'atar, cheese, ground meat or some combo of these. And this bakery makes some of the best around. Seriously, they're so good, you'll have trouble choosing and you might need to order a dozen.

Located in the heart of “Little Arabia,” Forn Al Hara only uses the finest ingredients. They prepare their dough daily, using only the freshest vegetables and ingredients to ensure their customers receive the best food quality. Besides Maneesh and Wraps, you can find Pizza and even sweets.

Meet Forn Al Hara, a hole-in-the-wall bakery and pizzeria serving flatbread pizzas piled with tangy cheese, fresh veggies and tasty grilled meats. The portions are generous and the prices are reasonable, making it a favorite spot for locals.