0 Followers
Kismet
Master Critic Review
Kismet
8.8
Michelin Bib Gourmand recipient helmed by chefs Sara Kramer and Sarah Hymanson serving seasonally-driven Middle Eastern plates in a bright, minimalist space. The Persian crispy tahdig rice with golden egg yolk and buttery crust anchors a vegetable-forward menu that changes with the seasons but consistently delivers fresh, health-conscious flavors without sacrificing richness.
Must-Try Dishes:
Persian Crispy Rice (Tahdig), Lamb Ribs with Plum Sauce, Cucumber Salad with Rosewater Labneh
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 8.7
Consistency: 8.9
Food Quality: 9.2
Atmosphere: 8.5
Cultural Relevance: 9.5
What makes it special: Michelin-recognized with cookbook-worthy seasonal Mediterranean cooking
Who should go: Food enthusiasts seeking refined vegetable-forward Middle Eastern cuisine
When to visit: Dinner reservations essential, especially weekends
What to order: Tahdig rice, lamb ribs, malawach bread with labneh
Insider tip: Natural wine list curated by knowledgeable sommeliers pairs perfectly with vegetable dishes
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only - competitive after 6pm. Arrive 10-15 minutes early or use nearby paid lot on Vermont ($8-12)
Dress code: Elevated casual - nice jeans and button-down work, but you'll see plenty of date-night dresses
Noise level: Lively but conversational - can hear your date without leaning in, though weekend energy picks up
Weekend wait: Reservation essential - walk-ins rarely accommodated Friday/Saturday
Weekday lunch: Lunch not offered - dinner service only
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Outstanding - 60% of menu is vegetarian by design, not accommodation
Vegan options: Strong options - 4-5 dishes easily modified, tahdig can be made vegan
Gluten-free options: Good selection - naturally GF Middle Eastern dishes, knowledgeable staff about modifications
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent choice - sophisticated without being stuffy, shareable plates encourage interaction, and the bright space feels special but approachable. Noise level allows real conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Unlikely on weekends. Weeknights before 6:30pm or after 9pm you might snag a bar seat or small table. Book 1-2 weeks ahead for prime times.
Is it kid-friendly? Better for teens and tweens than young children - no kids' menu, higher price point, and dinner-only service doesn't suit early family dining. The food is accessible enough for adventurous young eaters.
How long should I plan for dinner? Budget 90 minutes minimum - service is attentive but paced for sharing multiple small plates. Date nights easily stretch to 2+ hours.
Is it worth the hype? Yes, if you appreciate vegetable-forward cooking done with serious technique. Skip if you need large portions of meat or prefer traditional heavy Mediterranean fare.
Best For
Better for: Kismet excels at creative vegetable preparations and Persian-inspired dishes that feel light but satisfying. The tahdig rice is legitimately Instagram-famous for good reason. Choose this over competitors when you want Michelin-quality cooking in a space that's buzzy rather than formal, or when your group has diverse dietary needs.
Skip if: You're craving heavy, traditional Middle Eastern comfort food (kebabs, heavy stews) or need large protein-centric portions. Also skip if you need lunch service or want a quiet, intimate conversation - this is a scene. For more traditional flavors, hit Carousel in Glendale; for quieter ambiance with Mediterranean food, try Botanica in Silver Lake.