News Summary
La Roche, an authentic Lebanese restaurant, has opened in the Cooper-Young neighborhood of Memphis. Owners Mustapha Mustapha and Mounir El-Mourabi aim to provide a unique dining experience rooted in traditional Lebanese cuisine. With a focus on freshness and authenticity, the restaurant features a menu filled with classic dishes such as fattoush, hummus, and baklava. La Roche has quickly garnered attention in the community, promising a delightful taste of Lebanon in Memphis.
Memphis Welcomes La Roche: A New Lebanese Dining Experience
La Roche, an authentic Lebanese restaurant, has officially opened its doors in the Cooper-Young neighborhood of Memphis, located at 916 South Cooper Street. The establishment, brought to life by owners Mustapha Mustapha and Mounir El-Mourabi, promises a dining experience rooted in traditional Lebanese cuisine, which sets it apart from their previous venture, Cedars, in Cordova, Tennessee.
A Culinary Tribute to Lebanon
The name ‘La Roche’ pays homage to the Al Raouche Rocks in Beirut, symbolizing the restaurant’s commitment to genuine Lebanese dishes. The ambiance has been carefully curated to provide a relaxed, home-cooked meal atmosphere, contrasting sharply with the fast-food experience associated with Cedars.
Focus on Freshness and Authenticity
La Roche prides itself on the freshness of its ingredients and meticulous attention to detail in every dish offered. The menu features traditional Lebanese appetizers such as tabouli, fattoush, hummus, grape leaves, baba ghanouj, kibbeh, and sambousek, delivering a mix of familiar and unique flavors characteristic of Middle Eastern cuisine.
Highlighting Signature Dishes
The famed fattoush salad at La Roche combines Romaine lettuce, mint, radish, crispy pita chips, and a tangy sumac-pomegranate dressing. Another menu highlight, the sambousek, consists of stuffed dough pockets filled with a flavorful mix of ground beef, onions, and pine nuts, enhanced by spices including coriander and cinnamon.
Additionally, the restaurant’s grape leaves are innovatively stuffed with a mixture of tomatoes, onions, parsley, and lemon, resulting in a creamy texture. Diners can also enjoy mixed grill platters featuring beef, chicken, kafta, hummus, saffron rice, and roasted vegetables. Vegetarian options are readily available as well, appealing to a wide range of tastes.
Expert Cooking Techniques
Chef Isam D. emphasizes the significance of using charcoal in the cooking process, asserting that “the meat cooks in the smoke,” which contributes to the distinct flavor profile of the dishes served at La Roche.
Sweet Endings
For dessert, La Roche offers baklava sourced directly from Beirut to maintain quality and authenticity. This version of baklava is characterized by a less sweet profile than standard varieties and has a texture reminiscent of a delicate cookie.
Local Leadership and Community Engagement
Mustapha’s wife, Arin, is also integral to the restaurant’s operation, taking on managerial responsibilities and enhancing the customer experience. Previously, she operated a food truck, bringing valuable culinary experience to the new restaurant.
Successful Opening and Community Response
La Roche debuted its offerings during the Cooper-Young Festival, and since its opening, it has quickly established a reputation for providing authentic Lebanese culinary experiences. The restaurant has generated significant interest and excitement within the local community, becoming a sought-after destination for those interested in Middle Eastern flavors.
Looking Ahead
As La Roche settles into its new location, the owners remain focused on delivering an authentic dining experience that celebrates Lebanese culture through food. With its striking menu and dedicated approach to service, La Roche stands as a welcomed addition to Memphis’s vibrant culinary scene.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- The Daily Memphian: Memphis Restaurant Deal – Cedars Lebanese
- Wikipedia: Lebanese Cuisine
- Memphis Magazine: Falafel, Fattoush, and French Fries
- Google Search: Lebanese restaurants in Memphis
- Community Impact: New Businesses in Cedar Park
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Middle Eastern Cuisine
- Sauce Magazine: New Lebanese Restaurant in Edwardsville
- Google News: Restaurant Openings in Memphis
Author: STAFF HERE MEMPHIS WRITER
MEMPHIS STAFF WRITER The MEMPHIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMemphis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Memphis, Shelby County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Beale Street Music Festival, Elvis Week, and Memphis in May International Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Memphis Chamber and the Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and music that power the local economy such as FedEx, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and AutoZone. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
