M Shatila Sweets and Baklava

I only came here a few times, we loved the ice cream and baklava. Sad to see it closed, maybe they didn’t make enough to keep the place open. Hopefully they will try again, we loved it!

What makes this place special is the Syrian/​Lebanese style ice cream. It’s neither gelato nor anything like Persian ice cream. It’s sweet, creamy, sticky, and very rich. My favorite is «ushta «, a fresh cream flavor with a hint of something floral. Totally amazing. The mango and apricot flavors are good, too.
I also like the kunafa. They also have middle eastern style pudding– muhalebeh– something I haven’t seen since I was a child in Turkey. I don’t know if they always have it, though.
The people who work there are super nice!

I’ve had the ice cream a few times. Good assortment of flavors and very tasty. The people who work there are super nice and friendly. Large assortment of all sorts of other treats but I always go straight for the homemade ice cream.

Pros:
–Authentic
–Best kunefeh I have EVER had
Cons:
–NO PARKING!!!
I would’ve LOVED to give this place 5 stars and become a regular. Their baklava is the closest tasting to baklava in Syria! Unfortunately I can’t because of the inconvenient parking lot. It was Saturday afternoon and there was NO parking in the shopping center or even on the streets around the block. I went in and out 3 times looking for parking while searching for a spot around the block.
If you’re going to check it out on the weekend I recommend going with somebody and have them drop you off and drive around the block or something.
For a more detailed tasting experience read on…
I’d like to clear something up for the people comparing this baklava to other geographical locations. There is a difference with baklava made in different countries. I have family both in Syria and Lebanon and I have had the pleasure of eating baklava from both, I’ve even had actual baklava in Greece (way too sweet and drenched in syrup for me.)
In my opinion, M Shatila is more Syrian style. The Baklava Factory is more Lebanese style. (I heard that the owner of Shatila was a former employee of baklava factory, not sure though.) I have also heard that they do have some sort of affiliation with the Michigan location. I digress…
The pastry in the Middle East is VERY rich in butter, you REALLY taste it. I would describe the rich buttery taste to Ghee (clarified) butter. Also the baklava in the Mid East is very crispy, flakey, light in syrup and cut in small pieces.
This is THE closest baklava I’ve had that tastes similar to the Middle East, hence why my parents love this place. I will repeat that this was THE BEST KUNEFEH EVER! Their other assorted baklava was very sweet, rich and SATISFYING.
I loved this place but unfortunately (no fault on their part) the parking lot was so inconvenient that I would only come back under circumstances.
Most likely NOT on the weekends unless someone could wait in the car for me.

The cases at M. Shatila are full of mouth-​watering pastries – baklava is just the start – but we always head straight back to the house-​made ice cream. Fresh, fresh, fresh fruits, nuts and other flavors, and a wonderfully creamy, chewy texture. We’ve enjoyed every flavor we’ve tried (apricot, chocolate, lemon, pistachio), but I am here to testify that the CANTALOUPE is life-​changing! It may be the single most delicious thing I’ve ever tasted, and I’m pushing 60. M. Shatila is bright and open, a great place to meet friends for good conversation over pastry and coffee. And ice cream. Did I mention the ice cream?

From the moment I walked in I was amazed by all the authentic Arabic sweets they have! The best part about it is that the chef is actually lebanese and it seems to be a family run business. They give each customer 110% service. They’re so sweet and kind, I love the service here. But I love the food more. They had the best mushakel I’ve had since I’ve been in Egypt and I’ve looked everywhere and couldn’t find it. I brought some to my friends and family and they all loved it and ate it in seconds!

not good at all. dont go. cakes were old and everything else had too much sugar. i cant believe they used shatila’s name. no where near!

Fantastic Arabic sweets and great baklava to buy in the city. Very friendly management and a great hospitality.

I expected more from this place, considering it carries the name of the Shatilas from Dearborn MI, not sure what kind of association they have with them, but their baklava and knefe doesn’t taste anything like the stuff from the Shatilas, let alone from Lebanon. I give it 1 stars for the attractive help behind the counter!
If you are from Lebanon, don’t bother trying it, you will be disappointed!

What an amazing gem in North Hollywood. I honestly can’t recall eating better pistachio ice cream in my life.

This place is great. I came in to try the baklava. This establishment is not your typical baklava bakery; this is truly a middle eastern bakery the baklava tastes sweet and buttery just like it does in Lebanon. I had a sample of the ice cream and it was just like the ice cream in Lebanon. If you ate looking for a taste of the middle east this is your place.

Amazing sweet, soft, buttery, melts in your mouth yummy … Must try at least once I highly recommend it

Finally!!! Knefe that is fresh and tastes delicious. It reminded me of Lebanon. Yummyyyyyyyy!!! Real Lebanese baklava and so much more.
I never rate on anything but the actual food and I must say it is a 5 star all the way.