Shawbak Lebanese Kitchen: A Dream 15 Years In the Making
Written and Photographed By Nancy Clover
Maya Jamaleddine at Shawbak
Some restaurants are businesses. Others are the realization of a lifelong dream.
Maya Jamaleddine has dreamed of creating a place where food brings people together. Now, that dream has become reality with the opening of Shawbak Lebanese Kitchen & Bakery.
Shawbak is already a popular spot: they sold out more than once during their soft opening last week. Visitors are raving about their loaded hummus, man'oush (Lebanese 'pizzas'), sfayeh (meat pies), Turkish coffee, and more.
If Maya's name sounds familiar, it's because she is a Melrose City Councilor and has been feeding our community for years. She created Melrose's first Ramadan Community Dinner, prepared meals-to-go during the COVID pandemic, and delivered food to refugees staying at the airport.
For Maya, sharing food has never been just about cooking — it has always been about caring for people.
The inspiration for Shawbak comes from generations of family tradition. The art of cooking was passed down from her grandmother and mother, and their influence can be felt throughout the restaurant. A Singer sewing machine, reminiscent of the one her grandmother used, is proudly displayed, while woven baskets like those her mother served food in add touches of home and history throughout the space.
Step inside and you'll find a warm, welcoming atmosphere with natural wood tones, comfortable seating, beautiful photographs of Lebanon, and thoughtful details that make you feel less like a customer and more like a guest in Maya's home.
In fact, that's exactly the feeling she hopes to create.
The name "Shawbak" is the Lebanese word for rolling pin, a fitting tribute to the generations of family recipes and traditions that inspired the restaurant.
Maya's vision is simple but powerful: a place where neighbors gather, friendships are formed, conversations happen naturally, and everyone can enjoy exceptional food. Whether you're meeting friends for lunch, enjoying a family meal, grabbing a pastry and coffee, or even working remotely for a few hours, Shawbak is designed to be a welcoming community space.
It truly is a family affair, with Maya's husband and children helping bring this dream to life alongside her. The restaurant has also been thoughtfully designed with sustainability in mind, reflecting her commitment to both community and the future.
Melrose has always embraced locally owned businesses, and Shawbak is exactly the kind of place that makes a community special — a restaurant built on family, tradition, generosity, and a genuine love of bringing people together.
The warmth you feel when you walk through the door is real. Maya isn't just opening a restaurant — she's inviting all of us into her kitchen. Welcome to the neighborhood, Shawbak.
Shawbak is open for breakfast and lunch on weekdays (closed on Tuesdays), and all-day breakfast (until 3:30pm) on weekends. You can find their most up-to-date hours and menu on their website.
