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Ammatoli
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Ammatoli
9.0
Chef Dima Habibeh's James Beard-recognized Levantine restaurant serving wood-fired Mediterranean breakfast and brunch with daily-delivered produce and bread. The menu blends Palestinian musakhan and traditional shakshouka with California-influenced chilaquiles, earning consistent placement on the LA Times' 101 Best Restaurants list.
Must-Try Dishes:
Shakshouka with Harissa, Fattet Hummus, Palestinian Musakhan (Weekend Special)
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 8.9
Consistency: 9.2
Food Quality: 9.4
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 9.3
What makes it special: James Beard recognition and LA Times 101 Best placement for authentic Levantine cuisine
Who should go: Sophisticated diners seeking vegetable-forward Mediterranean breakfast with depth
When to visit: Weekday happy hour 3-6pm for $1.50 oysters
What to order: Shakshouka, any hummus variation, fresh-baked puffy pita bread
Insider tip: Chef Masah Habibeh (Dima's daughter) creates the acclaimed dessert program
Ammatoli
8.7
Chef Dima Habibeh's women-owned Levantine destination serves fresh-baked pita and house-made hummus alongside wood-fired manoushe and grilled kebabs in a bright, modern space since 2018. Daily-delivered produce and scratch-made preparations showcase Palestinian, Lebanese, Syrian, and Jordanian flavors with standout dishes like spicy garlic lemon chicken and Palestinian msakhan.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spicy Garlic Lemon Chicken, Three-Way Mezza, Palestinian Msakhan
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 8.8
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 9
What makes it special: Women-owned Levantine kitchen with daily-baked pita and scratch-made preparations
Who should go: Date nights, brunch seekers, Mediterranean food enthusiasts
When to visit: Weekday lunch for patio dining, weekend reservations essential
What to order: Spicy garlic lemon chicken, three-way mezza sampler, fresh manoushe
Insider tip: Happy hour offers excellent mezze deals and outdoor patio seating fills quickly
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Pine Ave and metered lots nearby - arrives 10min early on weekends, validation not available
Dress code: Casual to smart casual - jeans and nice top work perfectly, no need to overdress
Noise level: Conversational - bright dining room has energy but you can easily talk across the table
Weekend wait: 30-45 min without reservation Friday/Saturday after 7pm, book ahead strongly recommended
Weekday lunch: Walk-ins usually seated within 10 minutes, patio fills by 12:30pm
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Excellent - most mezze options are vegetarian, including hummus varieties, baba ghanoush, falafel, and manoushe
Vegan options: Very good - hummus, baba ghanoush, tabbouleh, fattoush, and falafel are all vegan, staff knowledgeable about modifications
Gluten-free options: Limited - fresh pita is central to the experience, some grilled meats and salads work but notify server for cross-contamination awareness
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes - upscale-casual atmosphere hits the sweet spot between impressive and comfortable, shareable mezze format naturally encourages conversation, and the bright modern space feels welcoming without being stuffy. Patio seating adds romance factor.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday lunches and early weeknight dinners (before 6:30pm) usually fine as walk-in. Weekend dinners book solid - make reservation 3-5 days ahead. Bar seating sometimes available for parties of 2 without wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for ages 8+ who eat adventurously - hummus, pita, and grilled chicken appeal to many kids. Atmosphere is adult-oriented (no kids menu or high chairs prominently offered) so better for tweens/teens than toddlers. Brunch service more family-friendly than dinner.
How much should I budget per person? $35-45 per person with shared mezze and entree, $25-30 if sticking to mezze only. Add $10-15 for cocktails or wine. Happy hour mezze brings cost down to $20-25 range.
Is it authentic Middle Eastern food? Yes - Chef Dima Habibeh brings authentic Palestinian and Levantine techniques with daily-baked pita, scratch-made preparations, and traditional recipes. Not fusion or Americanized, though presentations are modern and refined.
Best For
Better for: Choose Ammatoli for authentic Levantine flavors in a modern setting, exceptional fresh-baked pita, and women-owned commitment to quality over quantity. Best when you want upscale Middle Eastern without formality, or seeking Palestinian/Jordanian specialties beyond typical Lebanese standards.
Skip if: You want quick casual service (this is sit-down dining), need extensive gluten-free bread options, prefer larger portions at lower price points, or seeking belly dancing/hookah atmosphere - this is refined and focused on food quality over entertainment.