The Village at Totem Lake has become a lively, bustling spot for shopping, entertainment and dining — especially dining. And while you’ll find everything from casual burgers to high-end sushi here, you won’t find anything else quite like Hanoon, the new one-of-a-kind Middle Eastern eatery in Kirkland.
Hanoon, roughly translated, is Arabic for “tenderness, compassion and kindness.” Owned and operated by the beloved mama restaurant group, this charming spot transitions from a casual lunch cafe by day into an elevated dining destination by night. It also serves an extremely enticing weekend brunch, complete with cardamom-spiced espresso martinis and $27 bottomless mimosas.
Much like all of mama’s properties (which include Seattle’s Mamnoon and MBar), Hanoon’s interior is decidedly elegant without being pretentious. The gorgeous backlit bar is the perfect place to enjoy a cocktail and a solo meal, while the spacious dining room is great for hosting groups. When the weather allows, the team will open the oversized windows and set up a few tables for patio dining.
There’s never a bad time to visit Hanoon, but for an initial impression, the dinner menu is especially delightful. Bring a date or a small group so you can enjoy everything family style, because you’ll definitely want to order a variety of mezze, shared plates and ala janab (sides). The menu changes seasonally, focusing on fresh, local ingredients. Ask for the specials when you arrive — your server will be delighted to tell you what the chef has been working on.
You can never go wrong with hummus at a place like this and, here, the amount of garlic and tahini used is perfect. The moushakal includes hummus, baba ganoush, basal labneh and muhammara, which is a perfect appetizer for a table to enjoy. Make sure to order extra Arabic bread.
When it comes to entrees, keep it classic and try the shish taouk (yogurt-marinated chicken kabobs) and kefta meatballs. Plant-based guests love the mushroom kebab, which is made from foraged confit mushrooms. If you’re lucky enough to see the heirloom tomato flatbread on the menu, don’t miss it — it will turn even the biggest tomato skeptic into a fan.
This is definitely the place to indulge in a well-crafted cocktail and a sweet treat to complement your meal. With drinks like the Levantini and Smokey Paloma on the list, it’s clear that there’s a master mixologist at work here. They also offer plenty of non-alcoholic options, including tarragon limeade. For dessert, the mama’s cookies hit the spot — and each order comes with three of them.
It’s exciting to see The Village at Totem Lake expanding, and Hanoon fits right in. If you’re in the mood for warm, earthy cuisine with a Middle Eastern twist, you’ll love it here.
Hanoon is open daily, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. For more information, visit nadimama.com/hanoon.
12670 120th Ave. NE Ste. 166
Kirkland, WA 98034