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ZipPicks Awards
Best Mediterranean in Downtown LA
Master Critic Review
ERA Grill (Halal Mediterranean Food)
7.8
A DTLA food truck running halal Uzbek-Mediterranean street food — plov, samsa, and manti alongside shawarma — with late-night hours that keep it parked until 2am on weeknights. The 81% five-star rate across 338 reviews suggests the core menu lands reliably, though a 12% one-star cluster signals occasional misses. Works best as a post-shift or late-night stop for anyone who wants Central Asian comfort food at street-cart prices near Figueroa and Cesar Chavez.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken Shawarma, Plov, Samsa
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 7.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.5
What makes it special: DTLA food truck serving halal Uzbek-Mediterranean street food — shawarma, plov, and samsa — until 2am on weeknights.
Who should go: Late-night DTLA workers and halal-seeking Uzbek food fans
When to visit: Late night weekdays; kitchen runs until 2am
What to order: Lead with the chicken shawarma wrap, add a plov for the table, and try a samsa if they have it fresh.
Insider tip: Ask your server about off-menu specials or daily features
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only — it's a food truck at a DTLA intersection near Figueroa and Cesar Chavez. Spots can be tough to find but not impossible; expect to circle the block once or twice at peak hours.
Dress code: Come as you are — this is a sidewalk food truck with no seating, so anything goes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: VeggieMA ($13.99) — mushroom, fries, salad with red and white sauces in a wrap. The shourpa (meat and vegetable soup) contains meat, so stick to the VeggieMA.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? No — ERA Grill is a food truck on Figueroa Street, not a sit-down restaurant. There's no dedicated seating, ambiance, or table service. It's best for a casual late-night bite or quick grab-and-go. If you're already on a date exploring DTLA, stopping here for shawarma wraps could be a fun spontaneous move, but it's not a date destination on its own.
Can I get a table without a reservation? There are no reservations — this is a food truck. You walk up, order, and go. Wait times depend on the line, which can build during late-night hours when nearby residents and students come out. During off-peak daytime hours, expect minimal to no wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes in terms of food — the menu has straightforward options like wraps, kebabs, and hand-cut fries that kids tend to enjoy, and portions are generous. However, there's no dedicated kids menu, high chairs, or family amenities since it's a food truck. The late-night crowd skews young adult. Best for families during daytime hours.
Is it good for groups? It works for casual groups grabbing food together, but there's no table seating, private dining, or group booking since it's a food truck. Everyone orders individually at the window. For a group of friends looking for a cheap late-night eat in DTLA, it's a solid pick — just don't expect a sit-down group dining experience.
Is there outdoor seating? No dedicated seating — ERA Grill operates as a food truck. Some informal seating may be available nearby on the sidewalk or in the surrounding area, but there is no patio, tables, or covered dining space owned by the truck. Most customers take their food to go or eat standing nearby.
Best For
Better for: Late-night cravings after midnight when almost everything else is closed — open daily until 2 AM with massive shawarma wraps and hearty Central Asian comfort food at under $16 a plate.
Consider Alternatives If: You want a sit-down dining experience — this is a standing-room food truck on a street corner with no tables, no restrooms, and no shelter from weather.
Hours
Monday9am - 2am
Tuesday9am - 2am
Wednesday9am - 2am
Thursday9am - 2am
Friday9am - 2am
Saturday9am - 2am
Sunday9am - 2am