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ZipPicks Awards
Best Mediterranean in Palms-Cheviot Hills
Best Middle Eastern in Palms-Cheviot Hills
Master Critic Review
Almaza
7.8
A full-service Lebanese kitchen anchored by a spacious hookah patio that keeps the parking lot full well past midnight on Venice Blvd. The draw is the combination—charcoal-grilled kabobs and lamb chops followed by hours of outdoor lounging—which makes it a default for groups who want dinner and a long evening in one stop. Expect weekend waits and a lively crowd; go inside if you want to actually hear your table.
Must-Try Dishes:
Hummus, Kabob, Lamb Chops
Scores:
Value: 7.5
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 7.5
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 8
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Full-service Lebanese kitchen paired with one of LA's most popular hookah patios, drawing crowds well past midnight
Who should go: Groups seeking late-night Lebanese food with hookah
When to visit: Late evening for the full patio and hookah experience
What to order: Start with hummus and tabouleh to share, order kabobs or lamb chops as mains, and add a hookah for the table
Insider tip: Grab a spot on the patio early — it fills up fast on weekends
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Small plaza lot behind the building plus street parking on Venice Blvd; spots in front go fast on weekends—arrive early or plan to circle the block
Noise level: Lively and upbeat—indoor dining is conversational, but the outdoor hookah patio raises the volume; request inside seating for a quieter meal
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Strong selection: vegetarian combo platter (hummus, grape leaves, tabbouleh, falafel, baba ghannouj), vegetarian sampousa, and most cold mezze are meat-free
Vegan options: Several naturally vegan mezze: hummus, baba ghannouj, stuffed grape leaves (rice and herb filling with olive oil), and fattoush salad
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a traditional first date — this is a casual Mediterranean spot with a hookah lounge vibe, TVs throughout, and a lively social atmosphere. Conversation is easy at normal volumes, but the ambiance leans more 'hanging out with friends' than romantic. If your date enjoys hookah and relaxed Middle Eastern dining, it could work as a low-pressure casual date. For a more intimate experience, look elsewhere.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — walk-ins are common and generally not a problem. The restaurant is spacious and stays open late (until 1 AM weeknights, 2 AM weekends), so even on busier evenings there's usually availability. Reservations are accepted if you want to guarantee a spot for a larger party, but solo diners and couples can typically walk right in.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for early dinners — the casual atmosphere and generous family-style portions work well for kids. However, no dedicated kids menu has been confirmed, and the hookah lounge aspect means smoke can drift from the patio area. Best for families before the evening crowd arrives. The late-night hookah bar scene is not a kids' environment, so plan to visit earlier in the day.
Is it good for groups? Yes — one of its strengths. The space is roomy with large tables that can seat 10+, and groups of 14 have been accommodated on a Friday night without issue. The casual vibe and shareable platters make it natural for big gatherings. No private dining room confirmed, but the spacious layout gives larger parties room to spread out. Book ahead for groups over 8 on weekends.
Is there outdoor seating? Yes — a covered patio that doubles as the hookah lounge. It's a social gathering spot with a cozy vibe, popular for hookah and late-night hangouts. Heating and exact capacity not confirmed — call ahead if weather is a factor. Note: if you're sensitive to smoke, the patio is primarily a hookah area.
Best For
Better for: Late-night group hangs with hookah on the patio—open until 1 AM weekdays and 2 AM weekends, with big shareable platters that suit the vibe
Consider Alternatives If: You want a quiet, smoke-free dinner—hookah smoke drifts from the patio and the energy skews social over intimate
Hours
Monday11am - 1am
Tuesday11am - 1am
Wednesday11am - 1am
Thursday11am - 1am
Friday11am - 2am
Saturday11am - 2am
Sunday11am - 1am