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Berenjak Downtown LA
Master Critic Review
Berenjak Downtown LA
8.4
Berenjak brings a Tehran-inspired kebab house to Soho Warehouse, pairing coal-grilled meats and mezze with an indoor-outdoor room that feels like a lush city garden. It’s lively but polished, geared toward groups who want to share platters and cocktails at a table that feels celebratory.
Must-Try Dishes:
Koobideh kebab, Jujeh chicken kebab, Ghormeh sabzi with rice
Scores:
Value: 6.7
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: Coal-fired Persian kebabs and stews served in a garden-like Soho Warehouse setting.
Who should go: Sharing-focused groups who love richly spiced Persian flavors.
When to visit: Prime dinner hours when the patio and bar feel most alive.
What to order: Koobideh and jujeh platters, ghormeh sabzi, fresh breads.
Insider tip: Build a table-wide sofreh of dips, herbs, and breads before mains.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet is available at Soho Warehouse (typically $10–$15); limited metered street parking on Industrial St. and surrounding blocks fills quickly after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy; elevated pieces fit the crowd but polished jeans and a nice top are fully acceptable.
Noise level: Lively and energetic; conversation is doable at smaller tables but group tables trend loud during peak hours.
Weekend wait: Expect 45–70 minutes without a reservation, especially for patio seating.
Weekday lunch: Minimal to no wait; walk-ins are usually seated promptly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — multiple mezze, dips, salads, and some mains can be made vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited — a few dips, salads, and breads work, but mains are largely meat-focused.
Gluten-free options: Moderate — some grilled meats and salads qualify, but many dishes center on breads; ask staff for safe picks.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want lively energy and shared plates; the garden ambiance is romantic, though the volume level skews more social than intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes — arrive early (before 6:30pm) or aim for bar and patio walk-in spots; later hours often require a waitlist.
Is it kid-friendly? Best for older kids or teens; the space is bustling, seating is tight, and the menu leans toward bold flavors not ideal for very young children.
Best For
Better for: Group-sharing Persian plates, energetic indoor-outdoor vibes, and showpiece kebabs that outshine many LA Middle Eastern spots for presentation and ambiance.
Skip if: You want a quiet meal, very vegan-friendly options, or quick in-and-out dining — the experience is designed for lingering and sharing.