The Story Behind the Café
The owners of Dolce Vita Salon & Spa at 6829 Elm Street spotted an opportunity when the Subway next door vacated its space, and decided to expand their footprint — this time with food and coffee rooted in their Lebanese homeland.
Café Levantine was founded by Fatima Farran and her husband Jean Paul Mahmoud, blending the couple’s love for Lebanese culture with their entrepreneurial spirit. Fatima is a former electrical engineer — a brilliant, technically minded woman — who by heart has always been a visionary entrepreneur. Inspired by her Lebanese roots and fueled by her love for her four children, she embarked on this new adventure alongside Jean Paul.
Though her background is in engineering, Farran loves cooking, baking, and hosting. She runs the kitchen herself, making sweets and other dishes from recipes passed down by her grandmother, aunts, and ancestors. It’s a genuine labor of love — not a concept built for investors, but a family project built for community.
When asked about the café’s origin, Fatima put it simply: “My husband and I have a true passion for coffee. It’s always been a dream of ours to open some sort of café or bed and breakfast.”
The Space
The interior is breathtaking — gorgeous décor that exudes elegance while maintaining a relaxed, welcoming vibe. Outdoors, the spacious patio is an ideal spot to enjoy a sunny day, complete with plenty of seating and umbrellas for shade.
The café has seats inside for about 32 to 35 people, along with the outdoor patio that accommodates another 20 to 25. It also shares a wall with Dolce Vita Salon & Spa, where patrons can order food and drinks to enjoy while getting their hair styled. It’s a seamlessly integrated lifestyle concept — good coffee, good food, and self-care all under one roof.
Reviewers consistently praise the ambiance. One Google reviewer noted that the owners’ attention to detail and welcoming vibes hit you as soon as you approach — guests were greeted before they even reached the door, with staff that was attentive and full of positive energy. Another described it as having “the quality and hospitality of a true hole-in-the-wall Lebanese restaurant combined with McLean fanciness in the atmosphere and execution — perfection.”
The Menu
Cafe Levantine’s menu is where heritage truly shines. Signature food items include shakshuka, lentil soup, egg sandwiches, lebneh sandwiches, arayes wraps, fatteh, and egg and za’atar breakfast croissants. Beyond those, the full menu spans za’atar grilled cheese, grilled halloumi, soups, salads, and sandwiches — a true haven for lovers of Lebanese cuisine.
On the sweets side, freshly made treats include muffins, biscones, and the delicate Osmalieh — a shredded wheat pastry filled with cream that is a staple of Lebanese dessert culture. Gelato is also on offer for those wanting something cool and indulgent.
The coffee and drinks program is equally impressive. Alongside classic options, the café offers unique drinks like Turkish coffee, tea, and a “mixologist” menu featuring inventive creations. Standouts include the Pistacinno (a pistachio-infused cappuccino that has gone viral on social media), the Vanilla Rose latte (which combines the smooth richness of a traditional latte with the sweetness of vanilla and floral notes of rose), a brown sugar shaken espresso, and a mango matcha. There’s also a bold espresso topped with a generous dollop of rich, velvety whipped cream for those who like their coffee unapologetically indulgent.
Everything is halal, and every meal is made to order — no shortcuts, no shortcuts in flavor.
Mission Statement
At Cafe Levantine, the mission is to celebrate the time-honored traditions of Lebanese culture by serving dishes crafted from recipes passed down through generations. Each meal is made to order, ensuring freshness and authenticity in every bite. The café’s unofficial motto says it all: “Just Like Mama Made It.”
The team takes great pride in providing a welcoming atmosphere, exceptional service, and top-notch beverages and treats — a philosophy that is clearly felt by everyone who walks through the door.
Community Roots & Outreach
Cafe Levantine isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a community anchor. As a Great Falls resident and mother of four, Fatima hopes to create a place that feels like a true part of the McLean community, where adults and kids alike feel comfortable spending time — whether grabbing a healthy bite while doing homework or gathering for a book club meeting.
“It’s almost an extension of our salon,” Fatima said, “because that’s what our salon is for a lot of people. That’s their home away from home. I love to see people. It brings me a lot of joy. It truly, truly does.”
The café also accepts catering orders — one reviewer raved that their catering lunch was absolutely amazing, with food that was fresh, flavorful, beautifully prepared, and generous in portions. This makes Cafe Levantine a go-to for office lunches, school events, and neighborhood gatherings throughout the Northern Virginia area.
The Verdict
Cafe Levantine is a genuine gem in McLean — a place where engineering precision meets grandmotherly warmth, and where every croissant and cardamom latte carries the weight of a family’s heritage. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Lebanese food or discovering it for the first time, this is a spot worth returning to again and again. The owners didn’t just open a café — they built a home away from home for an entire community, and it shows in every bite.
Sources
This article was written with the assistance of AI
