Best Mediterranean Restaurants in Los Angeles
50 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
Bacari W 3rd
Mediterranean-influenced small plates and wines served in a lush 3rd Street patio setting.
Notable Picks
#1
Bacari W 3rd
8.8
Bacari W 3rd is a Venetian-inspired small plates spot where Mediterranean-leaning dishes, craft cocktails, and a leafy patio make lingering over shared plates the default move. Locals treat it as a flexible neighborhood dining room for everything from happy hour to late-evening dates, with a menu that rewards mixing pastas, vegetable plates, and grilled meats.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lamb hummus with warm pita, Bacari fries with aioli, Seasonal seafood pasta
What Makes it Special: Mediterranean-influenced small plates and wines served in a lush 3rd Street patio setting.
#2
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
What Makes it Special: Michelin-recognized with cookbook-worthy seasonal Mediterranean cooking
8.8
Laya is a chef-driven Middle Eastern restaurant just off Cahuenga, pairing Lebanese-inspired mezzes and skewers with cocktails in a moody, design-forward space. It’s where Hollywood comes for lively, shared dinners that feel equal parts night-out destination and serious modern cooking.
Must-Try Dishes:
Beetroot hummus with warm pita, Charcoal-grilled lamb skewers, Sumac-roasted chicken with toum
What Makes it Special: Chef Charbel Hayek’s polished Eastern Mediterranean cooking in a high-energy, design-led room.
#4
Carmel
8.7
Members pairs a Moroccan-inspired dining room with a members-club sensibility, offering Mediterranean-leaning plates alongside live performances and a curated nightlife program. The kitchen leans into grilled meats, seafood, and mezze that feel more polished than the average club menu. It’s best approached as a full evening out rather than a quick bite.
Must-Try Dishes:
Members’ Signature Mezze, Charcoal-Grilled Lamb Chops, Spiced Seafood Tagine
What Makes it Special: Moroccan palace–style setting that merges Mediterranean dining with club programming.
#5
Ladyhawk
8.7
Top Chef Middle East winner Charbel Hayek's refined Eastern Mediterranean restaurant inside Kimpton La Peer Hotel serves elevated Lebanese cuisine with California flair. The $110 mezze platter on a rotating lazy susan is the star, featuring nine spreads, falafel, and warm pita that easily feeds two.
Must-Try Dishes:
Mezze Platter with Nine Spreads, Shawarma-Spiced Australian Wagyu, Spanish Ahi Tuna Crudo
What Makes it Special: Michelin-trained Top Chef winner elevating Lebanese home cooking
#6
Next Door
8.7
Next Door is a modern Israeli, Glatt kosher dining room from chefs Adir Cohen and Liad Ichiye, opened in late 2022 with a fine-dining approach to Mediterranean flavors. Plates lean polished and seasonal, with careful cooking, a strong wine and cocktail program, and service that feels closer to a special-occasion restaurant than a neighborhood casual spot.
Must-Try Dishes:
Charred eggplant with tahini, herbs, and fresh-baked laffa, Grilled lamb kebab with sumac onions and salatim, Whole branzino with herb oil and market vegetables
What Makes it Special: Fine-dining modern Israeli cooking with Glatt kosher certification and polished hospitality.
#7
Open Sesame
8.7
This 26-year Lebanese institution draws crowds for generous portions of charbroiled kabobs, shawarmas, and chicken tawook alongside exceptional vegetarian mezze. Chef Ali Kobeissi's commitment to fresh ingredients and authentic flavors has made this Belmont Shore fixture a Mediterranean food destination where reservations are strongly recommended.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken Tawook, Mixed Kabob Plate, Open Sesame Salad
What Makes it Special: Lebanese recipes passed through generations with emphasis on fresh daily preparation
8.7
The Little Door is a long-running French-Mediterranean restaurant tucked behind a famous blue door, known for its garden patio and candlelit dining rooms. Guests book it for anniversaries and celebrations where rack of lamb, seasonal seafood, and mezze-style starters pair with a strong wine list and slow-paced service.
Must-Try Dishes:
Herb-crusted rack of lamb, Seasonal Mediterranean seafood entrée, House mezze platter
What Makes it Special: Romantic French-Mediterranean patio restaurant favored for anniversaries and special nights.
#9
Aristo Cafe
8.6
Aristo Cafe is a long-running, family-owned Mediterranean restaurant in South Torrance known for charcoal-grilled kabobs, generous combo plates, and recipes passed down for decades. Locals treat it as their go-to spot for chicken kabob, lamb, and gyros when they want a sit-down meal rather than quick takeout. Portions are substantial and the kitchen keeps standards high despite steady crowds.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken Kabob Lunch Special, Lamb Kabob Entree, Gyros Plate
What Makes it Special: Family-run Mediterranean spot with charcoal-grilled kabobs and big plates.
#10
Checker Hall
8.6
Checker Hall transforms a restored 1920s Masonic hall into a Mediterranean-leaning supper-and-cocktails room with shareable mezze, skewers, and composed plates. The menu blends California produce with dishes like labneh, seared halloumi, and harissa-spiced vegetables, so it works as well for a full dinner as it does for snacks with drinks. A buzzy bar, balcony views over Figueroa, and ties to the Lodge Room music venue make it a fixture of Highland Park nights out.
Must-Try Dishes:
Roasted Harissa Carrots, Seared Halloumi Salad, Baja Shrimp Skewers
What Makes it Special: Part restaurant, part cocktail den, Checker Hall pairs Mediterranean-leaning plates with a dramatically lit 1920s Masonic hall setting.
Authentic Turkish cuisine arrives in Belmont Shore with tender doner kebabs, house-made baklava, and Ottoman-influenced dishes served in an intimate space decorated with traditional Turkish lamps. The halal menu draws from Mesopotamian, Armenian, and Greek culinary traditions while maintaining distinctly Turkish flavors and exceptional hospitality.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lamb Doner Plate, Galata Special Grill, Kunefe
What Makes it Special: Fresh halal Turkish cuisine with attentive service rarely found elsewhere
8.6
100% gluten-free and soy-free Lebanese bistro serves organic Levantine cuisine under olive trees on their shaded patio. Established in 2015, the Bistro family-crafts seasonal menus daily using local farmers' ingredients, from fresh-baked pitas to elaborate mezze spreads.
Must-Try Dishes:
Fig and Goat Cheese Flatbread, Shakshuka, Off the Grill Plate
What Makes it Special: Fully gluten-free Lebanese menu with bakery using organic, clean ingredients
#13
Novikov
8.6
Dual Mediterranean and Italian dining rooms serving breakfast through dinner with sophisticated interpretations of coastal classics. The Canon Drive location brings London's acclaimed Novikov concept to Beverly Hills with theatrical presentation.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lobster Pasta, Wood-Fired Sea Bass, Truffle Pizza
What Makes it Special: Dual Italian and Mediterranean dining rooms with distinct menus
8.6
Soom Soom Fresh Mediterranean turns out shawarma, falafel, and sabich plates at a fast-casual pace, drawing heavy traffic from both neighborhood regulars and delivery platforms. Portions, salad spreads, and build-your-own options make it a reliable stop when you want something filling yet relatively light compared with heavier 3rd Street meals.
Must-Try Dishes:
Falafel pita, Chicken and beef shawarma plate, Sabich pita
What Makes it Special: High-volume Mediterranean counter spot known for customizable shawarma, falafel, and salads.
8.5
This vegan diner reinvents Mediterranean staples with plant-based flair, blending bold spices from both India and the Levant. Locals flock here for craveable falafel, masala shawarma, and never-miss signature sauces—serving up hearty flavors fit for omnivores and vegans alike.
Must-Try Dishes:
Falafel Wrap, Masala Shawarma Plate, Loaded Samosa
What Makes it Special: LA’s only all-vegan Mediterranean–Indian diner experience.
#16
Haifa Restaurant
8.5
A long-running Pico-Robertson Israeli kitchen where shawarma, hummus, and grilled plates land with real depth and neighborhood confidence. Portions are generous, seasoning is assertive, and the menu rewards repeat visits across salads, skewers, and mezze.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken shawarma plate, Hummus with falafel, Grilled lamb kebab
What Makes it Special: Classic Israeli comfort with high-volume, proven neighborhood reliability.
#17
Open Sesame
8.5
Open Sesame’s Beverly Grove location brings the long-running Lebanese brand’s generous plates, halal grilled meats, and mezze-heavy menus to a colorful indoor–outdoor space. With over a thousand reviews and steady 4.0+ ratings across platforms, it’s the reliable choice for shareable shawarma, chicken tawook, and salads before or after a night on Beverly.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken Tawook plate with spicy garlic potatoes, Open Sesame combo with fattoush salad and hummus, Fried cauliflower with tahini and lemon
What Makes it Special: High-volume Lebanese spot with halal grills, big portions, and a long track record of steady crowds.
#18
Vala Kitchen
8.5
Vala Kitchen sits along Sunset with a Persian-leaning menu of kebabs, rice plates, and stews served in a casual, modern space. It’s a go-to for polished but approachable Middle Eastern flavors before or after nearby studios, shows, and screenings.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken barg with saffron rice, Beef koobideh platter, Ghormeh sabzi stew with tahdig-style rice
What Makes it Special: Persian kebabs and stews delivered with a lighter, health-conscious touch on Sunset.
#19
Zankou Chicken
8.5
Vibes:
Comfort Food Classics
Family Friendly Favorites
Quick Bites Champions
Group Dining Gatherings
The Downtown branch of Zankou Chicken brings the family-run chain’s classic Lebanese-style rotisserie chicken, tarna and shawarma plates, and famous garlic sauce to a busy corner of 7th Street. High-volume foot traffic, takeout, and delivery prove its role as a go-to option when locals want reliable Mediterranean plates and wraps at accessible prices. The room is utilitarian, but the combination of roast chicken, kabobs, hummus, and pickles keeps it firmly in the DTLA rotation.
Must-Try Dishes:
Quarter Dark Chicken Plate, Chicken Tarna Plate, Tri-Tip Shawerma Plate
What Makes it Special: Long-running Lebanese rotisserie and shawarma plates anchored by legendary garlic sauce.
8.4
Modern Greek spot pairing mezze and grilled mains with a thoughtful wine list in a stylish Abbot Kinney room. Go for a date-night pace, knowledgeable pairings, and shareable plates.
Must-Try Dishes:
Grilled octopus, Lamb chops, Horiatiki salad
What Makes it Special: Greek-leaning menu with dialed wine guidance by the glass.
#21
Ara's Shawarma
8.4
Ara’s Shawarma on Sunset focuses on fast, filling Middle Eastern plates built around juicy rotisserie shawarma and charcoal-grilled meats. It’s a workhorse counter spot that feeds everyone from nearby workers to late-night Hollywood crowds with big portions and long hours.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken shawarma plate with rice and salad, Beef shawarma wrap, Family mixed grill platter
What Makes it Special: High-output shawarma counter balancing speed, price, and charcoal-grilled flavor.
#22
Bacari
8.4
Venetian-inspired small plates from Chef Lior Hillel featuring Mediterranean and Italian influences in a rustic downtown setting. The Kronfli Brothers' eighth location excels at shareable tapas, craft cocktails, and their signature 90-minute open bar special.
Must-Try Dishes:
Sea bass with tarragon aioli, Glazed pork belly, Lamb hummus
What Makes it Special: House-baked bread with roasted garlic olive oil sets the tone for creative small plates
8.4
Venetian-inspired small plates from Chef Lior Hillel create shareable Mediterranean experiences across multiple dining spaces. Natural wines and craft cocktails complement creative dishes from lamb hummus to truffle mac, all served in a rustic-chic setting with courtyard seating.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lamb Hummus, Truffle Mac & Cheese, Glazed Pork Belly
What Makes it Special: 90-minute open bar special and innovative Mediterranean small plates perfect for sharing
8.4
Venetian-inspired small plates restaurant features tree-house-like outdoor patios with rustic Mediterranean decor throughout multiple levels. Chef Lior Hillel crafts Mediterranean tapas alongside rotating small-production wines, creating a neighborhood favorite since becoming the Kronfli Brothers' fifth LA location.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lamb Hummus, Pear and Brie Pizza, Brussels Sprouts
What Makes it Special: Multi-level outdoor patios with rustic Mediterranean charm and 90-minute open bar special
#25
Bella Pita
8.4
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Late Night Legends
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Bella Pita is a tiny, late-night counter spot near UCLA where pitas and "wowshi" stuffed breads are griddled to order and loaded at a generous toppings bar. It’s one of Westwood’s most reliable under-$15 meals, especially when you need something handheld on the walk home.
Must-Try Dishes:
Falafel Wowshi, Chicken Shawarma Pita, Hummus with Toppings
What Makes it Special: House-baked pitas and wowshi wraps with a generous toppings bar.
#26
Berlins
8.4
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Comfort Food Classics
Quick Bites Champions
Family Friendly Favorites
Berlins brings Berlin-style döner kebabs to 3rd Street, stacking spit-roasted meat, vegetables, and sauces into overstuffed wraps and boxes. The focus is squarely on hearty, portable sandwiches with bright sauces and plenty of crunch, making it a go-to when you want something more flavorful than a basic gyro.
Must-Try Dishes:
Beef and lamb döner sandwich, Chicken döner wrap, Döner box with fries
What Makes it Special: Dedicated döner shop channeling Berlin’s kebab culture with generous wraps and bowls.
8.4
Family-owned since 1999, this Belmont Shore mainstay follows Mama Rodou's traditional recipes using first cold-pressed Greek olive oil and hormone-free New Zealand lamb. The Friday night Kleftiko special features lamb slow-roasted for eight hours, while Thursday evenings bring live Greek music from local legend Sotos Kappas.
Must-Try Dishes:
New Zealand Lamb Chops, Kleftiko (Friday Special), Saganaki Flaming Cheese
What Makes it Special: 26 years of family recipes handed down from grandmother to daughter Nicky
8.4
This family-owned gem has been a Pasadena institution for over 20 years, serving authentic Armenian-Lebanese cuisine with lightning-fast service. The owner Koko personally ensures quality in every shawarma wrap and kebab plate, while locals line up for the legendary garlic sauce.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lamb Kebab Plate, Chicken Shawarma Wrap, Homemade Garlic Sauce
What Makes it Special: The garlic sauce locals dream about between visits
#29
Margot
8.4
This rooftop Mediterranean stunner atop Platform delivers coastal Spanish-Italian cuisine with sweeping city views and psychedelic-chic design. Weekend brunch showcases wagyu steak and eggs alongside oatmeal pancakes, while the outdoor patio with pyramid heaters makes every meal feel like a sunset celebration.
Must-Try Dishes:
American Wagyu Steak & Eggs, Patatas Bravas, Fried Chicken with Calabrian Honey
What Makes it Special: Rooftop location with 360-degree views and Mediterranean coastal cuisine
#30
Pita House
8.4
Family-run Mediterranean spot opened in 2016 serving generous portions of kabobs, shawarma, and handmade baklava with consistently fresh ingredients. Known for juicy meats marinated in-house and creamy hummus varieties that draw regulars from across the Westside.
Must-Try Dishes:
Beef Kabob, Chicken Shawarma, Mixed Kabab Plate
What Makes it Special: Halal meats with build-your-own bowl concept and 3000+ delivery reviews
#31
Shamshiri Grill
8.4
Vibes:
Group Dining Gatherings
Family Friendly Favorites
Comfort Food Classics
Birthday & Celebration Central
A Westwood institution since the early 1980s, Shamshiri Grill serves generous platters of Persian kebabs, stews, and fresh breads in a space that turns from casual by day to softly romantic at night. It’s a neighborhood standby for multi-generational celebrations and big-group dinners.
Must-Try Dishes:
Koobideh and barg kebab combo, Lamb shank with baghali polo, Tahchin with chicken
What Makes it Special: Long-running Persian spot known for heaping kebab platters and fresh bread.
#32
Skaf's On York
8.4
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Family Friendly Favorites
Hidden Gems Heaven
Quick Bites Champions
Skaf's On York is a family-run Lebanese spot where charcoal-grilled kebabs, creamy hummus, and vibrant salads anchor a menu built for generous plates and sharing. Opened in 2023 by the Skaf family behind long-running North Hollywood and Glendale locations, it brings Zahle-inspired cooking to a relaxed York Boulevard space with a warm, clay-toned dining room and patio. Consistently strong reviews highlight its balance of homey flavors, quality ingredients, and fair pricing.
Must-Try Dishes:
Shish Tawook Plate, Hummus with Chicken Shawarma, Falafel Combo Plate
What Makes it Special: A third-generation Skaf family restaurant, it delivers charcoal-grilled Lebanese classics, bright salads, and housemade baklawa with polished counter-service ease.
8.4
A 14-seat one-man operation where a chef with Eleven Madison Park and Per Se training applies fine-dining discipline to regional Turkish dishes—bulgur dumplings with hours-long preparation, kebabs with Sonoma-sourced beef fat, fermented tarhana butter. The kiosk ordering and industrial Fashion District location strip away formality, leaving direct connection with the cooking and a price point well below what the technique would command elsewhere.
Must-Try Dishes:
İçli Köfte, Levrek Marin, Shrimp in Tarhana Butter
What Makes it Special: A 14-seat one-man operation where a chef trained at Eleven Madison Park and Per Se serves Turkish dishes elevated with French and Japanese techniques
8.4
This intimate Moroccan hideaway co-owned by Ryan Gosling serves refined tagines and couscous in a candlelit setting with a charming outdoor patio. Chef Ben Benameur brings authentic Kenitra flavors with modern sensibilities, creating dishes that locals have called 'food they'd eat everyday for the rest of their lives.'
Must-Try Dishes:
Honey Lamb Tagine with Apricots, Zaalouk Eggplant Salad, Chicken Bastilla
What Makes it Special: Ryan Gosling-backed intimate Moroccan oasis with authentic tagines since 2004
8.4
United Bowl Nation is a waterfront café-bar where Mediterranean-leaning grain bowls, mezze, and global plates share space with wine nights and specialty coffee. Locals come for the plant-forward menu, marina views, and a relaxed, all-day hangout energy that works for laptops by day and mellow dates by night.
Must-Try Dishes:
Mediterranean Power Bowl, Vegan Lentil Cigar Rolls, Baklava Selection
What Makes it Special: Waterfront café pairing Mediterranean-leaning bowls with wine nights and views.
8.3
This upscale Greek seafood palace flies in Mediterranean catches daily, presenting them simply grilled or raw to highlight pristine quality. The sweeping indoor-outdoor villa setting with lemon trees creates transportive Aegean ambiance steps from Rodeo Drive.
Must-Try Dishes:
Whole Grilled Branzino, Mediterranean Octopus, Lobster Pasta
What Makes it Special: Daily Mediterranean seafood flown in creates authentic Greek experience
8.3
This Venetian-inspired small plates restaurant brings Mediterranean street food to Beverly Hills with a 90-minute open bar special and charming sidewalk patio. Chef Lior Hillel's tapas-style brunch features everything from Mediterranean corn to truffle mac and cheese in a casual bistro setting.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bacari Burger with Fried Egg, Brussels Sprouts, Jidori Chicken Wings
What Makes it Special: 90-minute unlimited wine and beer special for $32
#38
Fanoos Grill
8.3
Vibes:
Comfort Food Classics
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Group Dining Gatherings
Hidden Gems Heaven
Fanoos Grill is a Persian-Mediterranean kebab house on Crenshaw where combo platters, stews, and charbroiled meats dominate the menu. Regulars come for saffron-scented rice, koobideh, and lamb chops that feel closer to a family gathering than a corporate chain. It’s one of the South Bay’s more complete Persian grills, with huge portions that make it easy to share.
Must-Try Dishes:
Combo #1 Beef & Chicken Koobideh, Chicken Shish Kabob Dinner, Ghormeh Sabzi with Lamb Shank
What Makes it Special: Persian kebab and stew specialist with big portions and depth.
A long-running neighborhood mainstay with a deep Lebanese-Mediterranean menu and huge community buy-in. Plates of shawarma, kafta, and kabobs arrive reliably seasoned and hearty, while the classics (hummus, tabbouleh, lemony soups) anchor the experience. Not fancy, but built for repeat visits and late-night cravings.
Must-Try Dishes:
Beef shawarma plate, Kafta kabob, Chicken shawarma
What Makes it Special: High-volume, late-hours Lebanese cooking that stays dependable.
8.3
Operating since 2003, this intimate Persian grill specializes in Mediterranean cuisine with Tehran-inspired flavors including lamb shank, Turkish chicken kebabs, and vegetarian options. The family-run establishment near Belmont Pier offers cozy indoor seating and a small patio for those seeking authentic Persian-Mediterranean fusion.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lamb Shank, Turkish Chicken Kebab, Beef Kubide
What Makes it Special: Persian flair on Mediterranean classics with 22 years experience
8.3
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Comfort Food Classics
Family Friendly Favorites
Hidden Gems Heaven
Tiny, family-run Habayit turns out Israeli-style kosher plates, from herb-flecked chicken schnitzel to freshly fried falafel and shawarma, in a modest Pico Boulevard strip mall setting. Locals come for homestyle cooking, generous portions, and a rare kosher option on the Westside.
Must-Try Dishes:
Falafel plate, Chicken shawarma plate, Grilled schnitzel
What Makes it Special: One of the only kosher Israeli-style spots west of the 405 with homestyle cooking.
A Persian-Mediterranean institution that pairs a full grill counter with a butcher-market backbone, making it a go-to for koobideh, barg, and saffron-rice plates. The kabobs are the star—smoky, well-seasoned, and built for takeout or a simple sit-down meal.
Must-Try Dishes:
Koobideh kabob plate, Soltani (barg + koobideh), Ghormeh sabzi stew
What Makes it Special: Market-plus-kabob house with deeply seasoned Persian grill mastery.
#43
Killer Kabab
8.3
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Comfort Food Classics
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Killer Kabab turns out hefty shawarma and kabob plates from a compact counter just off 8th and Flower, drawing office workers and residents who want full-on Mediterranean flavors without a long sit-down meal. Plates come piled with rice, salad, hummus, and sauces, making it a reliable downtown stop when you want something satisfying and halal-friendly. Delivery platforms and BOGO specials keep it in heavy rotation for nearby apartments and offices.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken Shawarma Plate, Mixed Grill Plate, Gyro Greek Pita
What Makes it Special: Big, saucy shawarma and kabob plates built for serious appetites.
Levant is a sit-down Turkish and Mediterranean restaurant on East Hollywood Boulevard known for big platters, pide, and grilled meats. It doubles as both neighborhood spot and catering hub, so portions skew generous and menus are built for sharing.
Must-Try Dishes:
Levant mixed grill platter, Beef and mushroom pide, Pistachio baklava with Turkish tea
What Makes it Special: Large-format Turkish and Mediterranean platters tailored for family-style feasts.
8.3
Family-owned since 2018, Louká honors its Peloponnesian village namesake with rustic Greek cuisine crafted from recipes passed through generations. This intimate spot sources ingredients directly from Hellenic farms and artisan Greek producers, delivering authentic philoxenia in an elegant candlelit setting.
Must-Try Dishes:
Superior Farms Lamb Chops, Moussaka, Zucchini Cakes
What Makes it Special: Family recipes from central Peloponnese village traditions.
#46
Miznon
8.3
An Israeli counter in Grand Central Market that turns fast-casual into something craveable, anchored by fluffy pita, bright salatim, and punchy roasted veg. The menu is simple but dialed, with proteins and vegetables that stay juicy even at market volume. Ideal for a quick, flavor-forward reset mid-crawl.
Must-Try Dishes:
Roasted cauliflower pita, Lamb kebab pita, Hummus with chickpeas
What Makes it Special: Israeli street-food pitas and salatim executed at market speed.
#47
Olive & Grill
8.3
Modern Mediterranean restaurant featuring an enchanting outdoor terrace beneath olive trees with live music and belly dancing creating a romantic atmosphere. The Lebanese-influenced menu emphasizes shareable mezze plates and grilled kebabs, with hookah service adding to the authentic Middle Eastern experience.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lamb Chops, Chicken Kebab, Fattoush Salad
What Makes it Special: Romantic olive tree terrace with live entertainment and authentic Lebanese cuisine
8.3
A bustling bakery café with a Persian-Mediterranean pastry counter and a menu of snacks, lunch plates, and tea service. Fresh-baked barbari, rotab dates, and cakes draw both regulars and curious passersby for breakfast and afternoon coffee breaks.
Must-Try Dishes:
Barbari Bread, Persian Napoleon, Rotab Date Pastries
What Makes it Special: Diverse Persian pastries and breads baked daily.
#49
Toranj
8.3
Just off Broxton, Toranj pairs polished Persian plates with a sidewalk patio that feels made for lingering lunches and casual date nights. The kitchen is known for its buttery "Juicy Chicken" and properly charred kabobs that skew more upscale than the average student spot.
Must-Try Dishes:
Juicy Chicken, Beef Koobideh, Tahdig with Stew
What Makes it Special: Refined Persian kabobs and stews with campus-adjacent patio seating.
8.3
The West Hollywood outpost of Zankou Chicken brings the family-run chain’s rotisserie chicken, Chicken Tarna, and garlic sauce to a busy stretch of Sunset. This location sees heavy pre- and post-show traffic and has become a reliable choice for fast-casual Mediterranean plates and wraps. Strong value and speed make it a staple rather than a splurge.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken Tarna Plate, Whole Rotisserie Chicken, Falafel Plate
What Makes it Special: Long-running Armenian-owned chain location with famous rotisserie chicken and garlic sauce.