Knafeh Cafe

## Introduction / Overview

For Californians seeking a truly unique and authentic dessert experience, look no further than Knafeh Cafe in the heart of Anaheim's vibrant Little Arabia district. This isn't just a pastry shop or a typical cafe; it is a premier destination specializing in the rich, time-honored traditions of Middle Eastern sweets. The restaurant is celebrated for bringing the authentic taste of Nablus, a city famous for its confectionery history in Palestine, right to the tables of Southern California.

The star of the show, and the namesake of the cafe, is the Knafeh—a decadent pastry consisting of sweet, melted cheese, topped with generous amounts of buttery shredded dough (or semolina) and drenched in house-made simple syrup. This treat, often referred to as the 'love child of baklava and fried mozzarella sticks,' is served warm, ensuring a perfect contrast of textures and temperatures with every bite. The Abusir family, who own and operate the cafe, have carried this traditional recipe through generations, ensuring an unmatched level of authenticity and quality that keeps local patrons returning for both everyday indulgence and special occasions.

Knafeh Cafe is the perfect spot for a quick visit or an extended dessert experience. It proudly serves as a Middle Eastern restaurant, bakery, cafe, and dessert shop, welcoming everyone, including the LGBTQ+ friendly crowd, to indulge in the best of Arabic confectionery in a cozy and friendly atmosphere.

## Location and Accessibility

Conveniently located in Anaheim, a culinary melting pot in Orange County, Knafeh Cafe is highly accessible for locals throughout Southern California. Its address places it squarely within the renowned Little Arabia neighborhood, known for its concentration of excellent Middle Eastern eateries and cultural venues.

866 S Brookhurst St, Anaheim, CA 92804, USA

The location is designed with ease of access in mind for all patrons. The property features a wheelchair accessible entrance and a wheelchair accessible parking lot, ensuring comfortable access for all guests. For those driving, the availability of both a free parking lot and free street parking alleviates the common Southern California concern of finding a place to park. Whether you're making a quick stop for takeout or planning a relaxing dine-in experience, getting to Knafeh Cafe is straightforward and stress-free.

You can reach out to Knafeh Cafe using the following contact details:

Phone: (714) 442-0044

Mobile Phone: +1 714-442-0044

## Services Offered

Knafeh Cafe provides a comprehensive range of services and menu options tailored to all customer needs, from individual slices of perfection to full catering trays for large events.

• Dining and Service Options: Customers have the flexibility of Dine-in for a full cafe experience, Takeout for a quick grab, Delivery to enjoy treats at home, In-store pickup, and In-store shopping.
• Signature Knafeh Selections: The menu highlights various Knafeh formats, including the classic Knafeh Slice and larger-format options like the Medium Knafeh Tray (8-10 servings) and Large Knafeh Tray (12-14 servings), which are often made fresh to order. Specialty versions include the Original Dubai Bar, Dubai Knafeh, and Dubai Strawberry Cup, catering to modern tastes while rooted in tradition. They also offer Frozen Knafeh for preparation at home.
• Traditional Pastries: A wide array of authentic Middle Eastern pastries is available, such as Baklava (single or in large mix boxes/by the pound with options like Pistachio), Ma'mool (soft semolina cookies with date, pistachio, or walnut filling), Qatayef (traditional dessert filled with cinnamon & walnut, or cheese), and Warbat (creamy filling sandwiched between flaky fillo dough).
• Unique Baked Goods: Offerings also include Hareeseh (moist semolina cake drenched in simple syrup, with or without nuts) and Helbeh (a fenugreek-flavored semolina cake).
• Cold Desserts: The selection of cold desserts is extensive, featuring fan-favorites like Halawet Jibn (sweet cheese rolls), Madlooaa, Aish El Saraya, and Roz Bhaleeb (Rice Pudding). Modern options include Ferrero Cake and Pistachio Cake slices.
• Beverages: To perfectly complement the rich desserts, they offer strong and traditional drinks such as Turkish Coffee and Arabic Coffee, alongside Karak Tea, various iced options, and standard cafe drinks.
• Catering and Event Services: For celebrations like weddings, graduations, or corporate events, Knafeh Cafe offers catering services with options like professional Knafeh setups made fresh onsite, as well as Turkish or Arabic coffee stations.

## Features / Highlights

Knafeh Cafe has earned its esteemed reputation in the California dessert scene through a combination of traditional artistry and excellent customer service.

• Unrivaled Authenticity: The cafe is run by the third generation of a family from Nablus, Palestine, the city where Knafeh originated. This heritage ensures their recipes for Knafeh (available in both crispy 'khishneh' and soft 'na’ameh' styles) are the best and most authentic version available in North America, according to many customer reviews.
• Acclaimed Signature Dessert: The Knafeh is the clear standout. Customers consistently describe it as being incredibly delicious, with the perfect balance of gooey melted cheese, crunchy pastry, and sweet, homemade syrup, a dessert often associated with celebration and reconciliation in Middle Eastern culture.
• Diverse Dessert Range: While the Knafeh is king, the wide variety of other traditional Middle Eastern sweets—including the highly recommended Halawet Jibn and various Baklava flavors (especially pistachio)—offers something for every preference.
• Exceptional New Creations: The cafe is not afraid to innovate, as seen with the popularity of their unique Dubai-inspired Knafeh variations, which customers say tastes better than the actual chocolate bars they mimic.
• High Marks for Service: A key highlight is the Fast service and the staff's reputation for being polite and attentive, with employees often going out of their way to explain different desserts and assist customers.
• Excellent Beverage Pairings: They offer strong, traditional Arabic and Turkish coffees that are the perfect, classic accompaniment to the sweet, rich pastries, completing the authentic Middle Eastern dining experience.

## What Is Worth Choosing

For a Californian exploring the rich flavors of Middle Eastern desserts, Knafeh Cafe is an essential stop. The main draw is undoubtedly the opportunity to experience authentic Nabulsi Knafeh without having to leave Orange County. This dessert, made from an old family recipe passed down through generations, is a cultural and culinary masterpiece. It's best eaten fresh and warm, where the cheese is perfectly gooey and the dough is at its crispiest, providing a delightful, sweet-and-savory contrast.

Beyond the namesake, it is highly recommended to try the Halawet Jibn (sweet cheese rolls), which customers frequently rate as 'absolutely incredible' and a true taste of home. For those who enjoy a classic, the Pistachio Baklava is a must-try; it's praised for its perfect flakiness and rich, sweet filling. Pairing any of these treats with a cup of strong Turkish or Arabic Coffee transforms the visit into a truly authentic and satisfying cultural ritual.

The cafe’s location in Anaheim's Little Arabia, combined with its welcoming atmosphere and commitment to fast, friendly service, makes it an ideal spot for a quick visit or for picking up treats for your next gathering. With flexible options like in-store dining, takeout, and delivery, Knafeh Cafe seamlessly fits into the busy Southern California lifestyle while providing a genuine taste of tradition.

## Contact Information

Knafeh Cafe invites all dessert lovers in the California region to visit their establishment in Orange County.

Address:

866 S Brookhurst St, Anaheim, CA 92804, USA

Phone:

(714) 442-0044

Mobile Phone:

+1 714-442-0044

Dining Options:

Dessert

Payment Methods:

Credit cards, Debit cards, NFC mobile payments