I’ve been visiting this cozy restaurant since it opened, partly because it is half a block away from where I live, and partly because I love Lebanese food which I think is hard to find in Mexico City.

Zatar

Even though Colonia Narvarte and the next neighborhood, Colonia Alamos, have a Lebanese population, good Lebanese restaurants are hard to find. They are rather expensive and the food is not as fresh as one would expect. El Camellito is not the cheapest place on earth but I’m always glad to pay around 6 dollars for really well made food and intense flavors. Over half a year, this little restaurant has grown from offering classic plates such as tabouleh, babaganoush, pitas, and delicious desserts made with dates, walnuts and pecans, to serve more elaborated plates. Fatayer (a kind of empanada), hamburgers, and a traditional plate which is different every day are now in the menu.

Two things are astounding: what they call Arab Pizza or zatar whose basic ingredients are pita and cheese to which you can add olives, tomato, mushrooms or meat. It is cooked in a brick-made oven that enhances all the flavors.

The falafel also deserves a special mention since this is the only place I’ve found in Mexico where tahini is home made. I mean, it’s real sesame paste and not mayonnaise mixed with weird flavors trying to imitate tahini as I’ve experience in some other restaurants.

Falafel at El Camellito

El Camellito is run by a family quite concerned about both the freshness and the quality of the food they serve. Depending on what you order, the service could be a little bit slow, but it’s worth it. Other suprises can be found in the menu. American Express card is welcomed and if you have a friend in the neighborhood you can order food to go.

El Camellito, Zempoala 148 on the corner of Avenida Universidad; phone: 5519-1381. Close to Etiopia metro station and Centro SCOP metrobús station. Monday to Saturday from 12am to 10pm, Sunday from 12am to 8pm