Our Ethos & Story:

Why Cedars Café Exists

Cedars Café was born from a dream, to merge Lebanese culinary heritage with Florida’s vibrant seasons, all under a guiding principle: respect for ingredients, community, and the planet.

Our Roots

In 2004, Marlene and Antoun Elkhouri opened a small family restaurant in Melbourne, Florida, guided by the belief that food is love made visible.
Their goal was simple — to share the generosity and warmth of Lebanese hospitality with their new community.

From those first plates of hummus and tabbouleh to the lively chatter of guests who quickly became family, Cedars Café grew into a cornerstone of Melbourne’s food scene.

Their daughter, Chef Toni Elkhouri, grew up inside that kitchen, absorbing the aroma of garlic and olive oil, the rhythm of mezze shared around a table, and the value of zero waste long before it became a trend.

Today, Chef Toni carries forward her parents’ legacy, blending Lebanese flavors with sustainable practices and modern R&D to create food that’s both innovative and deeply rooted in culture.

“Every dish tells our family’s story of heritage, hard work, and hope.”

Our Philosophy

  • Sustainability as Practice. Not just a label, composting, reusing, preserving, and reducing waste in every dish.

  • Community-Focused. We partner with Florida farmers, source locally when possible, and build relationships that nourish beyond the plate.

  • Flavor-First Innovation. Each dish celebrates curiosity, technique, and the power of simplicity.

  • Cultural Continuity. We honor Lebanese traditions, mezze, shared plates, and warm hospitality, while evolving for today’s tastes.

At Cedars Café, you don’t just dine, you become part of a story.
One built on family, sustainability, and the joy of feeding others with heart.