FurnSaj Bakery & Restaurant

There's something almost hypnotic about watching bread being made on a traditional saj — the dome-shaped griddle that gives this bakery its name. At FurnSaj in Granada Hills, dough is stretched thin by skilled hands, draped over the hot convex surface, and pulled off seconds later as perfectly bubbly, slightly charred flatbread. It's theater and tradition rolled into one.

FurnSaj Bakery & Restaurant has become a Granada Hills institution for anyone who appreciates authentic Mediterranean baked goods. The menu is centered around what comes off that saj and out of the ovens: manakish (Lebanese flatbreads), savory pastries, and fresh breads that form the backbone of Lebanese cuisine.

The zaatar manakish is the essential order. A thin, crispy flatbread generously topped with a blend of dried thyme, sumac, sesame seeds, and olive oil — it's simple, ancient, and utterly addictive. Eat it fresh and hot, tear it apart with your hands, and you'll understand why this is breakfast across the entire Levant.

The cheese manakish, topped with a blend of akkawi and mozzarella, is equally wonderful — bubbly, stretchy, and satisfying. For something more substantial, the lahm bi ajeen (meat pies) are perfectly spiced and make an excellent lunch alongside a fattoush salad.

Beyond the bread, FurnSaj serves solid Lebanese plates — shawarma, falafel, grilled meats, and a range of mezze that are well-executed and generously portioned. The hummus is smooth and lemony, the baba ghanoush is smoky, and the tabbouleh is bright with parsley and lemon.

The bakery counter near the front is a danger zone for anyone with a sweet tooth. Baklava in several varieties, date cookies, and various filled pastries are all available to grab and go. They also carry fresh pita and flatbreads by the bag, which is a lifesaver for home cooking.

The space is modest but always humming with activity. Families, students, and regulars cycle through from morning to night. The prices are exceptionally reasonable — you can feed a family of four generously for under thirty dollars.

With a second location in Calabasas, FurnSaj is slowly expanding, but the Granada Hills original remains the heart and soul of the operation.