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ZipPicks Awards

Best Middle Eastern in Downtown LA

Vibe Check this spot

Food Quality 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 5
Consistency 5
Cultural Relevance 5

0 / 5 selected

Master Critic Review

Cali Kebab 7.8
Chinatown
A no-frills Persian charcoal grill planted in the middle of Chinatown, built around koobideh and filet mignon kebabs that pull a loyal repeat crowd on portion size and price point alone. The format is fast-casual counter service tuned for downtown lunch runs and quick dinners, where the draw is straightforward grilled meat with Mediterranean sides rather than atmosphere or polish.
Must-Try Dishes: Koobideh, Hummus, Filet Mignon Kebab
Scores:
Value: 8 Service: 7.5 Consistency: 8 Food Quality: 8 Atmosphere: 7.5 Cultural Relevance: 7.5
What makes it special: Persian-Mediterranean grill in Chinatown where generous portions and competitive pricing keep regulars coming back for charcoal-grilled kebabs
Who should go: Persian food fans seeking quick, affordable kebabs downtown
When to visit: Weekday lunch to avoid peak takeout rushes
What to order: Start with the hummus, build your meal around the koobideh, and ask about any filet mignon specials
Insider tip: Ask your server about off-menu specials or daily features
Logistics & Planning
Dietary Options
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? No - this is a casual, counter-service halal kebab spot in Chinatown geared toward quick meals and takeout. The atmosphere is utilitarian rather than intimate, with no romantic ambiance or table service. Better suited for a quick, affordable bite than a date night.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes - this is a casual walk-in spot with no reservation system. It operates primarily as a counter-service and takeout/delivery establishment, so walk-ins are the standard. No booking needed.
Is it kid-friendly? Casual enough for kids given the laid-back counter-service format, but no dedicated kids menu was found online. The menu features kebab plates, wraps, and sides that older kids would likely enjoy. High chairs and family-specific amenities are not confirmed - call ahead to verify.
Is it good for groups? Not ideal for large groups. This is a small, casual takeout-oriented spot in Chinatown with limited dine-in seating. For groups of more than 4, seating may be tight. No private dining or large table options were found. Best for 2-3 people grabbing a quick meal together.
Is there outdoor seating? Not confirmed. No outdoor seating was specifically documented online. The restaurant's Chinatown storefront on N Broadway may have limited sidewalk space, but dedicated patio or outdoor dining was not verified. Call ahead to confirm current setup.
Best For

Hours

Monday11am - 9pm
Tuesday11am - 9pm
Wednesday11am - 9pm
Thursday11am - 9pm
Friday11am - 9pm
Saturday11am - 3pm
SundayClosed