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Best Middle Eastern Restaurants in Los Angeles

50 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked

Last Updated: February 2026

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Our Top Pick
Orla by Michael Mina
Michelin-starred chef's Mediterranean vision with unmatched ocean views

Essential Picks

$$$$ Santa Monica Brunch, Greek
Chef Michael Mina's oceanfront fine dining temple showcases elevated Mediterranean small plates with bold Middle Eastern spices and dramatic Pacific views. The ever-evolving menu channels aromatic bazaars through dishes like shakshuka, saganaki, and lamb chops, each executed with precision and creative flair.
Must-Try Dishes: Saganaki with Black Truffle Honey, Wagyu Beef Tartare, Baklava French Toast
What Makes it Special: Michelin-starred chef's Mediterranean vision with unmatched ocean views

Notable Picks

$$$ Fairfax Mediterranean, Middle Eastern
Bacari W 3rd is a Venetian-inspired small plates spot where Mediterranean-leaning dishes, craft cocktails, and a leafy patio make lingering over shared plates the default move. Locals treat it as a flexible neighborhood dining room for everything from happy hour to late-evening dates, with a menu that rewards mixing pastas, vegetable plates, and grilled meats.
Must-Try Dishes: Lamb hummus with warm pita, Bacari fries with aioli, Seasonal seafood pasta
What Makes it Special: Mediterranean-influenced small plates and wines served in a lush 3rd Street patio setting.
$$ Westchester Middle Eastern
Long before Westchester filled up with chains, Jino's Pars was serving saffron-scented rice, juicy koobideh, and rich stews to travelers and locals near LAX. The menu leans deep into traditional Persian plates with generous portions, making it a reliable destination for hearty dinners and family gatherings.
Must-Try Dishes: Koobideh kabob with saffron basmati rice, Shish lick rack of lamb, Ghormeh sabzi herb stew
What Makes it Special: A long-running Persian standby near LAX known for big portions and classic stews.
$$$$ Hollywood Mediterranean, Middle Eastern
Laya is a chef-driven Middle Eastern restaurant just off Cahuenga, pairing Lebanese-inspired mezzes and skewers with cocktails in a moody, design-forward space. It’s where Hollywood comes for lively, shared dinners that feel equal parts night-out destination and serious modern cooking.
Must-Try Dishes: Beetroot hummus with warm pita, Charcoal-grilled lamb skewers, Sumac-roasted chicken with toum
What Makes it Special: Chef Charbel Hayek’s polished Eastern Mediterranean cooking in a high-energy, design-led room.
8.7
$$$$ Fairfax Mediterranean, Middle Eastern
Members pairs a Moroccan-inspired dining room with a members-club sensibility, offering Mediterranean-leaning plates alongside live performances and a curated nightlife program. The kitchen leans into grilled meats, seafood, and mezze that feel more polished than the average club menu. It’s best approached as a full evening out rather than a quick bite.
Must-Try Dishes: Members’ Signature Mezze, Charcoal-Grilled Lamb Chops, Spiced Seafood Tagine
What Makes it Special: Moroccan palace–style setting that merges Mediterranean dining with club programming.
8.7
$$$$ West Hollywood Mediterranean, Middle Eastern
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
Fairfax Mediterranean, Middle Eastern
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.
$ Westwood Middle Eastern, Ice Cream
A Westwood institution since the 1970s, Saffron & Rose scoops dense, floral Persian-style ice cream in flavors that define the neighborhood’s Persian Square. Lines of locals, students, and families turn the modest shop and sidewalk tables into a nightly scene after dinner.
Must-Try Dishes: Saffron pistachio ice cream, Rosewater ice cream, Classic faloodeh
What Makes it Special: Decades-old Persian ice cream shop central to Westwood’s dessert culture.
8.6
Culver City Middle Eastern, Breakfast
This design-forward cafe blends California ingredients with Middle Eastern and Latin flavors in refined dishes like shakshuka and merguez sandwiches. Founded by Ivan and Gabby in their deeply personal vision from 2017, the bright space showcases thoughtful plating and a warm community atmosphere.
Must-Try Dishes: Shakshuka, Merguez Sandwich, Barbari Bread
What Makes it Special: Husband-wife founded cafe merging Middle Eastern-Latin flavors with California seasonality
8.6
$$$ Santa Monica Greek, Middle Eastern
Hidden behind a neon pink sign near the pier, this Mediterranean escape transports diners to coastal Morocco and Spain through vibrant mezze platters and lobster catalana. The multi-level venue buzzes with energy from its pink-fringed patio to the upstairs nightclub after dark.
Must-Try Dishes: Lobster alla Catalana Pasta, Mezze Platter, 7 Spice Chicken
What Makes it Special: Mediterranean party palace with late-night dancing upstairs
$ Beverly Grove Mediterranean, Middle Eastern
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.
$$ Fairfax Mediterranean, Middle Eastern
Open Sesame’s Beverly Grove location brings the long-running Lebanese brand’s generous plates, halal grilled meats, and mezze-heavy menus to a colorful indoor–outdoor space. With over a thousand reviews and steady 4.0+ ratings across platforms, it’s the reliable choice for shareable shawarma, chicken tawook, and salads before or after a night on Beverly.
Must-Try Dishes: Chicken Tawook plate with spicy garlic potatoes, Open Sesame combo with fattoush salad and hummus, Fried cauliflower with tahini and lemon
What Makes it Special: High-volume Lebanese spot with halal grills, big portions, and a long track record of steady crowds.
8.5
$ Westchester Greek, Middle Eastern
Pita Cafe is Westchester’s busy counter-service spot for quick plates of shawarma, kebabs, and gyros that travel well for takeout or delivery. With thousands of app ratings and steady neighborhood traffic, it’s the go-to when you want fast, filling Middle Eastern flavors without leaving the Manchester strip.
Must-Try Dishes: Chicken kabob plate with hummus and rice, Beef and lamb gyro wrap, Falafel with garlic sauce
What Makes it Special: High-volume neighborhood staple for affordable kebabs, gyros, and shawarma with very reliable takeout.
$$ Hollywood Mediterranean, Middle Eastern
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.
$$ East Hollywood Mediterranean, Middle Eastern
Ara’s Shawarma on Sunset focuses on fast, filling Middle Eastern plates built around juicy rotisserie shawarma and charcoal-grilled meats. It’s a workhorse counter spot that feeds everyone from nearby workers to late-night Hollywood crowds with big portions and long hours.
Must-Try Dishes: Chicken shawarma plate with rice and salad, Beef shawarma wrap, Family mixed grill platter
What Makes it Special: High-output shawarma counter balancing speed, price, and charcoal-grilled flavor.
8.4
$$$$ Beverly Grove Middle Eastern
Basbussa blends modern Middle Eastern cooking with a lounge-like dining room, pairing mazze, kebabs, and raw bar plates with cocktails and late-night energy. It skews more celebratory than everyday, with DJs and a clubbier vibe layered on top of rich, sharing-friendly platters.
Must-Try Dishes: Mazza Hummus with warm pita, House Kebabs with hummus and tahini, Basbussa Royal Semolina Cake
What Makes it Special: Middle Eastern mazze and kebabs served in a high-energy, lounge-style setting.
8.4
$ Beverly Grove Mediterranean, Middle Eastern
Berlins brings Berlin-style döner kebabs to 3rd Street, stacking spit-roasted meat, vegetables, and sauces into overstuffed wraps and boxes. The focus is squarely on hearty, portable sandwiches with bright sauces and plenty of crunch, making it a go-to when you want something more flavorful than a basic gyro.
Must-Try Dishes: Beef and lamb döner sandwich, Chicken döner wrap, Döner box with fries
What Makes it Special: Dedicated döner shop channeling Berlin’s kebab culture with generous wraps and bowls.
$$$$ Beverly Hills Middle Eastern
Michelin-starred Chef Steve Benjamin's coastal Mediterranean sanctuary offers refined farm-to-table California interpretations of European coastal cuisine. The sophisticated space delivers impeccable service alongside wood-grilled John Dory and caviar-topped scrambled eggs.
Must-Try Dishes: Wood-Grilled John Dory, Caviar Scrambled Eggs, Brussels Sprouts & Kale Salad
What Makes it Special: Michelin-starred chef's Mediterranean interpretation in a five-star hotel
$ Pasadena Mediterranean, Greek
This family-owned gem has been a Pasadena institution for over 20 years, serving authentic Armenian-Lebanese cuisine with lightning-fast service. The owner Koko personally ensures quality in every shawarma wrap and kebab plate, while locals line up for the legendary garlic sauce.
Must-Try Dishes: Lamb Kebab Plate, Chicken Shawarma Wrap, Homemade Garlic Sauce
What Makes it Special: The garlic sauce locals dream about between visits
$$ Hollywood Middle Eastern
Open since the late 1970s, Moun Of Tunis turns dinner into a North African feast with multi-course Tunisian and Moroccan prix fixe menus, hand-washing rituals, and occasional belly dancing. Cushioned banquettes, low tables, and long-running ownership make it a destination for celebratory group meals rather than quick bites.
Must-Try Dishes: Moun of Tunis Feast prix fixe, Brik (Tunisian fried pastry), Chicken B’stilla
What Makes it Special: Decades-old Tunisian and Moroccan feasts with hand-washing ceremony and belly dancing.
$$ Westwood Middle Eastern
Open since the early 1980s, Shaherzad is one of Westwood’s original Persian restaurants, known for house-baked bread and substantial kebab platters. Diners come for reliably grilled meats, fragrant rice, and an old-school atmosphere that feels more like a neighborhood dining room than a polished modern concept.
Must-Try Dishes: Soltani (barg and koobideh), Tahdig with khoresh, Grilled salmon kabob
What Makes it Special: Decades-old Persian spot baking bread and grilling generous kebab platters.
$$ Westwood Mediterranean, Middle Eastern
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.
$$ Downtown LA Mediterranean, Middle Eastern
A 14-seat one-man operation where a chef with Eleven Madison Park and Per Se training applies fine-dining discipline to regional Turkish dishes—bulgur dumplings with hours-long preparation, kebabs with Sonoma-sourced beef fat, fermented tarhana butter. The kiosk ordering and industrial Fashion District location strip away formality, leaving direct connection with the cooking and a price point well below what the technique would command elsewhere.
Must-Try Dishes: İçli Köfte, Levrek Marin, Shrimp in Tarhana Butter
What Makes it Special: A 14-seat one-man operation where a chef trained at Eleven Madison Park and Per Se serves Turkish dishes elevated with French and Japanese techniques
$$ Marina del Rey Mediterranean, Middle Eastern
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.
$ Bell Middle Eastern, Wings
World Famous Grill is a busy halal Mediterranean counter spot on Florence Avenue known for shawarma, kabob plates, and build-your-own wraps alongside burgers and fries. Locals treat it as an all-purpose comfort stop where you can grab hefty plates, garlic-drenched fries, and sweets late into the evening in a casual strip-mall setting.
Must-Try Dishes: Chicken shawarma fries, Beef kabob combo plate, Chicken shawarma bowl
What Makes it Special: Halal Mediterranean grill where shawarma, kabobs, and burgers share the menu.
$ Northridge Middle Eastern
A family-owned Lebanese bakery in a Northridge strip mall turning out handmade manakish flatbreads with Halal-certified ingredients—the kind of focused, single-concept operation where repetition breeds mastery. The value proposition is hard to beat at budget pricing, and 1,446 Google reviews at a near-perfect rating suggest the kitchen almost never misses. Come prepared for volume—it gets loud—and don't expect ambiance beyond clean and functional.
Must-Try Dishes: Zaatar Manouche, Stuffed Zaatar Cheese Manouche, Nutella Manakish
What Makes it Special: Family-owned Lebanese bakery turning out handmade manakish flatbreads with Halal-certified ingredients all day long
$$$$ Beverly Hills Middle Eastern, Mediterranean
This upscale Greek seafood palace flies in Mediterranean catches daily, presenting them simply grilled or raw to highlight pristine quality. The sweeping indoor-outdoor villa setting with lemon trees creates transportive Aegean ambiance steps from Rodeo Drive.
Must-Try Dishes: Whole Grilled Branzino, Mediterranean Octopus, Lobster Pasta
What Makes it Special: Daily Mediterranean seafood flown in creates authentic Greek experience
$$ Fairfax Middle Eastern, Sandwiches
Dr. Sandwich on Beverly is a fast-casual Middle Eastern counter known for shawarma, kebabs, and overflowing pita and plate combos built from a broad salad and sauce bar. It’s a go-to for quick, filling halal lunches and late-afternoon bites where flavor and volume matter more than décor.
Must-Try Dishes: Chicken shawarma plate, Mixed grill kebab platter, Falafel pita
What Makes it Special: Halal shawarma and grill plates piled high with salads and sauces.
$ Palms Mediterranean, Greek
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.
$$ Hollywood Mediterranean, Middle Eastern
Levant is a sit-down Turkish and Mediterranean restaurant on East Hollywood Boulevard known for big platters, pide, and grilled meats. It doubles as both neighborhood spot and catering hub, so portions skew generous and menus are built for sharing.
Must-Try Dishes: Levant mixed grill platter, Beef and mushroom pide, Pistachio baklava with Turkish tea
What Makes it Special: Large-format Turkish and Mediterranean platters tailored for family-style feasts.
8.3
$$ Downtown LA Mediterranean, Middle Eastern
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.
$$ South Los Angeles Middle Eastern
Taste of Tehran showcases the vibrant flavors of Iran in a modern, minimalist space. Chef-owner Saghar, classically trained at Le Cordon Bleu, crafts each dish from scratch, with top marks for kabobs, daily specials, and an unusually strong vegetarian/vegan offering.
Must-Try Dishes: Chicken Koobideh Kabob, Tahdig with Ghormeh Sabzi, Kashk Bademjan
What Makes it Special: Chef-driven Persian classics in an updated, laid-back setting.
$ Hollywood Mediterranean, Middle Eastern
The West Hollywood outpost of Zankou Chicken brings the family-run chain’s rotisserie chicken, Chicken Tarna, and garlic sauce to a busy stretch of Sunset. This location sees heavy pre- and post-show traffic and has become a reliable choice for fast-casual Mediterranean plates and wraps. Strong value and speed make it a staple rather than a splurge.
Must-Try Dishes: Chicken Tarna Plate, Whole Rotisserie Chicken, Falafel Plate
What Makes it Special: Long-running Armenian-owned chain location with famous rotisserie chicken and garlic sauce.
$ Hollywood Mediterranean, Middle Eastern
Al Basch Chicken is a counter-service Mediterranean and Middle Eastern spot on Sunset known for shawarma, kabobs, and overstuffed pita sandwiches. Portions run large for the price, and regulars praise the char on the meats and the brightness of the salads and pickles. It’s one of the more dependable quick-shawarma options in the area.
Must-Try Dishes: Chicken Shawarma Plate, Mixed Kabob Plate, Falafel Pita Sandwich
What Makes it Special: High-value shawarma and kabobs with standout char and generous portions.
8.2
$$ Long Beach Middle Eastern, Brunch
Chef Dima Habibeh's James Beard-recognized Levantine restaurant brings her Amman, Jordan roots to Long Beach through daily-baked pita, musakhan, and a mezze spread that regulars consider essential ordering. The $$ price point with generous portions makes it one of the region's better values for Mediterranean food at this quality level. Two expansions since the 2018 opening have added private dining space while maintaining the warm, bustling energy that works best for groups.
Must-Try Dishes: Musakhan, Batata Harra, Kibbeh
What Makes it Special: Chef Dima Habibeh brings Amman, Jordan to Long Beach with daily-baked pita, fresh-delivered produce, and Levantine dishes rarely found at this quality in Southern California.
8.2
$ Westwood Middle Eastern
Café Glacé is a Persian-influenced cafe where Crazy Fries and Special Fries sit alongside sandwiches, Persian tacos, and saffron ice cream. Students and neighborhood regulars drop in for oven-baked fries piled with mortadella, hot dogs, cheese, and sauce, then linger over milkshakes and coffee drinks.
Must-Try Dishes: Crazy Fries, Special Fries, French Fries
What Makes it Special: Persian-inspired cafe where loaded Crazy Fries share the menu with shakes, Persian tacos, and saffron ice cream.
$$$ Pasadena Middle Eastern
This historic venue transforms dining into an experience with its enchanting garden patio, live music, and belly dancing performances. The fire-grilled kebabs and authentic Middle Eastern dishes are served in a romantic brick-walled garden setting with water features.
Must-Try Dishes: Fire-Grilled Lamb Kebab, Mixed Grill Platter, Stuffed Grape Leaves
What Makes it Special: Live entertainment in historic garden setting
8.2
$ Westchester Greek, Middle Eastern
Kebab Bar brings a slightly more polished take on Persian and Mediterranean kebabs to the Sepulveda corridor, with juicy skewers, fresh salads, and creamy dips built from family recipes. It’s a strong choice for a quick but satisfying sit-down meal before or after airport runs.
Must-Try Dishes: Beef koobideh plate, Chicken kabob plate with salad and rice, Falafel with hummus
What Makes it Special: Family-run Mediterranean spot near LAX focusing on well-executed kebab plates and fresh mezze.
8.2
$$ Westwood Middle Eastern
Naab Cafe is a casual halal Persian–Mediterranean spot where kabob plates, ash reshteh, and sandwiches share space with hookah and late-night crowds. It’s the kind of flexible Westwood address where you can grab a quick lunch or linger over big platters with friends well past typical dinner hours.
Must-Try Dishes: Beef koobideh plate with saffron rice, Cornish hen kabob, Ash reshteh soup
What Makes it Special: Halal Persian café mixing hearty plates, sandwiches, and late-night energy.
$$ Long Beach Middle Eastern
Owner-operated Mediterranean grill featuring flame-grilled halal meats and nine house-made hummus varieties including beet, sweet potato, and sweet pea. Generous portions of Lebanese-style kebabs, fresh wraps, and mezze plates draw downtown lunch crowds and early dinner diners.
Must-Try Dishes: Beef & Lamb Shawarma Plate, Shish Taouk, Shorba Lentil Soup
What Makes it Special: Nine house-made hummus flavors and halal-certified flame-grilled meats
Glassell Park Mediterranean, Middle Eastern
A counter-service Middle Eastern staple on Avenue 40 built around juicy shawarma, well-seasoned kabobs, and strong garlic-sauce pull. Portions are generous and the flavors stay classic, making it a reliable stop for takeout or a quick family meal.
Must-Try Dishes: Chicken shawarma wrap, Beef shawarma plate, Falafel plate
What Makes it Special: Classic shawarma and kabobs with standout house garlic sauce.
$$ Marina del Rey Mediterranean, Middle Eastern
Tajrish Kabob is a full-service Persian-Mediterranean restaurant where charcoal-grilled kabobs, stews, and seafood plates anchor a sit-down experience just inland from the marina. Regulars lean on it for well-seasoned koobideh, Cornish hen, and salmon kabobs in a space that now feels more polished after a recent remodel.
Must-Try Dishes: Beef Koobideh Kabob, Cornish Hen Kabob, Salmon Fish Kabob
What Makes it Special: Remodeled Persian spot with charcoal-grilled kabobs and hearty plates.
$ Sawtelle Middle Eastern, Mediterranean
Family-run for 60+ years, Zankou Chicken’s Sepulveda branch remains a top destination for craveable rotisserie chicken, tarna wraps, and their cult-favorite garlic sauce. Steady crowds, large portions, and reliability define this quick-service staple.
Must-Try Dishes: Rotisserie Chicken, Chicken Tarna Wrap, Moutabbal
What Makes it Special: Iconic family-owned chicken, famed for garlic sauce.
$ Venice Middle Eastern
Counter-service spot just off Windward Circle serving build-your-own bowls, wraps, and plates with classic Middle Eastern proteins and toppings. Locals use it for quick, customizable lunches and late-day takeout near the beach.
Must-Try Dishes: Chicken shawarma bowl, Falafel wrap, Fried cauliflower plate
What Makes it Special: Customizable bowls and wraps with classic shawarma-and-falafel flavors.
8.1
$ Palms Mediterranean, Greek
Counter-service Syrian spot on Venice Blvd that spit-roasts shawarma in-house and rolls it in fresh saj bread with garlic sauce and pomegranate molasses—the combination that built its following. Draws families and post-workout crowds to a lively patio where the wraps and kabobs move fast at prices that keep regulars coming back multiple times a week.
Must-Try Dishes: Chicken Shawarma Wrap, Beef Shawarma Wrap, Chicken Kabob
What Makes it Special: Counter-service Syrian spot spit-roasting shawarma and rolling it in fresh saj bread with garlic sauce and pomegranate molasses — the combination that made it go viral.
$ Northridge Mediterranean, Middle Eastern
An Egyptian-Persian-Mexican crossover counter in a Northridge strip mall that bakes its own dough daily and runs a halal kitchen covering kebab plates, shawarma wraps, and carne asada tacos under one roof. The value math works for families—full kabob plates and sides at budget pricing with a free lot out back. It draws a loyal Reseda Blvd crowd that treats it as a weeknight default rather than a destination.
Must-Try Dishes: Beef Kabob Plate, Chicken Shawarma, Carne Asada Tacos
What Makes it Special: Egyptian-Persian-Mexican crossover kitchen serving halal kebabs alongside carne asada tacos on housemade dough baked daily
$ Hollywood Mediterranean, Middle Eastern
JoJo’s Mediterranean Grill is a Lebanese-led spot inside the 8000 Sunset complex serving shawarma, kabobs, and mezze with a home-cooking angle. Opened during the pandemic, it has built a following on fresh-grilled meats, generous salads, and friendly, hands-on ownership. It works equally well for casual dine-in, delivery, or group platters.
Must-Try Dishes: Chicken Shawarma Plate, Mediterranean Salad with Chicken, Falafel Wrap with Hummus
What Makes it Special: Owner-driven Lebanese spot in a mall setting with carefully cooked shawarma.
8.1
$ Glassell Park Mediterranean, Middle Eastern
A build-your-own Mediterranean bowl spot in Glassell Park that hits on freshness, generous proteins, and bright sides. The menu leans practical and craveable—kabobs, hummus, rice, and salads—executed for repeat neighborhood lunches and easy takeout nights.
Must-Try Dishes: Chicken kabob bowl, Beef koobideh plate, Falafel with garlic sauce
What Makes it Special: Customizable kabob bowls with consistently fresh sides.
$$ West Adams Mediterranean, Greek
Chef Danny Elmaleh's counter-service Israeli spot delivers coal-grilled pargiyot and fried Brussels sprouts that draw repeat neighborhood crowds willing to circle for parking. The build-your-own pickle bar and tahini shakes add personality to generous sharable plates on a dog-friendly patio with bonfire seating. Best approached as a weeknight takeout run or a leisurely weekend hang where the line is part of the ritual.
Must-Try Dishes: Brussel Sprouts, Pargiyot, Sumac Fries
What Makes it Special: Israeli street food and mezze served in a dog-friendly patio setting that draws neighborhood crowds
8.1
$$$ Culver City Mediterranean, Greek
José Andrés Group brings Turkish, Greek, and Lebanese mezze to Culver City with polished service inside The Shay hotel. Wood-fired preparations and traditional spreads deliver solid Mediterranean flavors, though dishes can lean mild and require sauce support despite bold ingredient lists.
Must-Try Dishes: Wood-Fired Lamb Shoulder, Mezze Spreads, Whole Grilled Fish
What Makes it Special: José Andrés Group pedigree with DC import bringing elevated Eastern Mediterranean