0 Followers
Levant Bistro + Bake Shop
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Levant Bistro + Bake Shop
8.6
100% gluten-free and soy-free Lebanese bistro serves organic Levantine cuisine under olive trees on their shaded patio. Established in 2015, the Bistro family-crafts seasonal menus daily using local farmers' ingredients, from fresh-baked pitas to elaborate mezze spreads.
Must-Try Dishes:
Fig and Goat Cheese Flatbread, Shakshuka, Off the Grill Plate
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 8.5
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: Fully gluten-free Lebanese menu with bakery using organic, clean ingredients
Who should go: Health-conscious diners and those with dietary restrictions
When to visit: Weekend brunch or early dinner under the olive tree patio
What to order: Shakshuka, fig flatbread, levantine salmon, house-baked pita
Insider tip: Everything is naturally gluten-free—even the incredible pita bread
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only - relatively easy to find spots on Sunset Blvd or residential streets within 2-3 blocks. Metered until 8pm on weekdays.
Dress code: Casual Echo Park style - jeans, sundresses, athleisure all fit in perfectly
Noise level: Quiet to moderate - the outdoor patio setting makes conversation easy, though it can get livelier during weekend brunch
Weekend wait: 20-30 min without reservation Friday/Saturday evenings
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, walk-ins welcome
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Excellent - majority of menu is vegetarian with creative mezze spreads, roasted vegetables, and grain bowls
Vegan options: Very good - most vegetarian dishes can be made vegan, just ask about dairy in specific items
Gluten-free options: Everything is 100% gluten-free including all baked goods - certified gluten-free facility
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, especially for daytime dates. The charming olive tree patio creates an intimate but relaxed atmosphere, and the healthy menu gives you plenty to talk about. Perfect for health-conscious daters who want somewhere special without pretense.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday lunches and early dinners (before 6pm) are usually safe for walk-ins. Weekend brunch is their busiest time - definitely book ahead or expect 20-30 minute waits between 10am-1pm.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes, families with young kids are welcome, especially for brunch. The outdoor setting gives kids space, and the menu has approachable options like pita and hummus. Most appropriate for kids who can sit for a meal - not a loud, chaotic family spot.
How long does a meal typically take? Plan for 60-75 minutes for a full meal. Service is attentive but relaxed, matching the leisurely patio vibe. Perfect for unhurried brunches or long conversations.
Do they have a full bar? Limited beer and wine selection focused on organic and natural options. Come for the food and ambiance, not craft cocktails.
Best For
Better for: Best gluten-free dining experience in LA - every item is safe for celiac diners without compromise on taste. The outdoor patio under olive trees is genuinely charming, not just utilitarian. Exceptional for health-conscious brunch where clean ingredients actually matter to you.
Skip if: You want hearty, indulgent Lebanese food - this is the lighter, cleaner interpretation. If you need quick service or a lively bar scene, look elsewhere. Also skip if you're seeking traditional Lebanese authenticity over California-organic fusion.
Levant Bistro + Bake Shop
8.2
Founded in 2015, this entirely gluten-free Lebanese bistro serves organic Levantine cuisine without compromising flavor or texture. Owner Anita's family recipes translate into fluffy fresh-baked breads, aromatic stews, and seasonal dishes prepared from scratch daily in a light-filled dining room with an olive tree-shaded patio.
Must-Try Dishes:
Goat Cheese & Fig Flatbread, Kafta Karaz with Lamb, Shakshuka
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 7.9
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: 100% gluten-free Lebanese menu using organic, non-GMO ingredients with exceptional bread
Who should go: Anyone with dietary restrictions and Lebanese food enthusiasts
When to visit: Lunch or early dinner Tuesday-Saturday; closed Mondays
What to order: Fresh baked breads, any seasonal stew, roasted carrots
Insider tip: Everything is gluten-free but you'd never know - the breads are remarkably fluffy
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only - moderately difficult. Sunset Blvd has metered spots (free after 6pm weekdays, all day Sunday). Side streets are residential permit zones but check signage carefully for 2-hour visitor windows.
Dress code: Casual comfortable - athleisure totally fine. Echo Park vibe means jeans, sundresses, or workout gear all work.
Noise level: Quiet to moderate - easy conversation throughout. The patio is especially peaceful under the olive trees.
Weekend wait: 20-30 min wait Friday/Saturday 6-8pm without reservation. They don't take reservations so arrive before 6pm or after 8pm.
Weekday lunch: Minimal to no wait Tuesday-Friday lunch. Peak is 12:30-1pm but even then it's quick.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Excellent - 60%+ of menu is vegetarian. Multiple mezze, grain bowls, and seasonal vegetable mains.
Vegan options: Very good - clearly marked vegan options throughout menu. Can modify most vegetarian dishes by omitting labneh or cheese.
Gluten-free options: 100% gluten-free kitchen - everything is safe including all breads and baked goods. Certified gluten-free facility with dedicated prep.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, especially lunch or early dinner on the patio. It's low-key but thoughtful - sharing mezze is built-in conversation, noise levels allow actual talking, and the healthy-but-indulgent food shows you care without being stuffy. Avoid Friday/Saturday peak hours when it gets more crowded.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes - they don't take reservations at all, it's entirely walk-in. Weekday lunch and early dinners (before 6pm) are easiest. Weekend dinners expect 20-30 min wait from 6-8pm. Put your name in and walk around Echo Park Lake while you wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Very - high chairs available, kids menu with familiar options (all gluten-free), and the staff is patient. Patio seating works best with toddlers. Great for kids with celiac or gluten sensitivity since cross-contamination isn't a concern. Avoid peak weekend dinner if your kids are loud - it's a smaller space.
Do they have a full bar? No - beer and wine only. Focused selection of natural wines and Lebanese wines, plus a few local craft beers. BYOB not permitted.
How long does a meal typically take? 60-75 minutes for full meal with mezze and mains. Service is relaxed but attentive - they won't rush you but also won't linger. Quick lunches possible in 30-40 min if you order strategically (skip multiple mezze courses).
Is it actually good if you don't need gluten-free? Absolutely - most diners don't have dietary restrictions and come for the flavor. The gluten-free aspect is invisible unless you're looking for it. This isn't 'health food' compromise cooking - it's legitimately delicious Lebanese cuisine that happens to be gluten-free.
Best For
Better for: Levant Bistro beats competitors on: dietary accommodations without quality compromise, neighborhood ambiance without pretension, and organic ingredients at accessible prices. Choose this over generic Lebanese chains for actual home-style cooking, or over trendy gluten-free spots that sacrifice authenticity for dietary compliance. The patio experience rivals pricier Echo Park restaurants.
Skip if: Skip if you want: traditional mezze platters with pita variety (everything here uses their house flatbread), full bar cocktails, late-night dining (closes 8pm most nights), or pure authenticity purists who consider gluten-free adaptations inauthentic. Also skip for large groups 8+ (space is limited) or if you need guaranteed immediate seating on weekend evenings.