Credit: Farhad Ibrahimzade via Unsplash.
Middle Eastern restaurants in Los Angeles have been a staple of the city’s culinary culture for decades. Some of the best restaurants in Los Angeles are found in strip malls run by families from Lebanon, Egypt, Turkey, Armenia, Syria and other eastern Mediterranean countries. From cozy little spots to top-notch locations, each promises delicious cuisine not to be missed. Discover the best Middle Eastern restaurants in Los Angeles.
Saffies
Saffy’s in East Hollywood offers a fantastic Middle Eastern experience in LA that blends gourmet flavors with a vibrant neighborhood vibe. This stylish kebab house is especially worth booking for its famous shawarma, which is wrapped in fresh laffa and features tender, wood-fired skewered lamb and beef served with tomatoes, lettuce, tahini, spicy adjika sauce and sumac-crusted onions for a wonderful harmony of textures and flavors in every bite.
📍 Address: 4845 Fountain Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90029
🍽️ Must try: Chara, Lobster, Skewers
☎️ Phone: (424) 699-4845
Babel
This upscale Middle Eastern restaurant tucked away in Los Angeles’ Arts District is known as one of the city’s finest eateries. Known for its consistent quality and elegant ambiance, the restaurant offers impeccable service and a menu of standout dishes sure to please even the most discerning palates, including spicy duck nduja hummus, whole roasted lamb neck on laffa bread, and creamy farm cheese with za’atar and oil.
📍 Location: 500 Mateo St #102, Los Angeles, CA 90013
🍽️ Must-try: Duck, Oyster Mushrooms, Marawati
☎️ Tel: (213) 232-4966
Rafi’s Place
Glendale thrives with local favorites, and Rafiz is one of the best Middle Eastern restaurants in Los Angeles. Our top pick is the Burg: thinly sliced filet mignon grilled to perfection and served over sumac-crusted rice with grilled tomatoes and Anaheim peppers. It’s hearty enough to last a week with friends in a French bistro-style setting with a wooden centerpiece.
📍 Address: 211 E Broadway, Glendale, CA 91205
🍽️ Must try: Kabab Koubideh, Kashk Bademjan, Mast-o-Musir
☎️ Phone: (818) 240-7411
Nua
Nua, located in the Crescent Hotel in Beverly Hills, serves up some of the best Middle Eastern cuisine in Los Angeles, along with fine Israeli cuisine. Brunch highlights include the charred eggplant with tahini, date syrup and tomato salsa, and the flavorful shakshuka. Don’t miss the sesame-dusted Jerusalem bagel, which is delicious dipped in the runny yolk.
📍 Address: 403 N Crescent Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90210
🍽️ Must try: Shakshuka, chicken skewers, falafel
☎️ Phone: (310) 247-0430
Marousch
A beloved fixture on the Hollywood dining scene since 1982, Maruuchi is renowned for its Armenian/Lebanese cuisine. Though it’s known for its shawarma, Maruuchi’s true essence is in its diverse mezze dishes, which include smoky-sweet muhamara, spicy sugoq and generous bowls of hummus. Maruuchi is a must-have restaurant choice for those looking for authentic Middle Eastern cuisine in Los Angeles.
📍 Address: 4905 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90029
🍽️ Give us a call: (323) 662-9325
☎️ Phone: Lentil soup, baba ghanoush, kebab
Kobe Factory
Tucked away in a small strip mall in Van Nuys, Kobee Factory is one of Los Angeles’ top Arabic restaurants, serving some of the best Syrian food in the city. While many opt for takeout, locals dine in to enjoy dishes like the rice-stuffed musadeen and hearty musabaha. The Crispy Chicken Shawarma Wrap, with juicy chicken and perfectly grilled flatbread, is a must-try and often sells out by lunchtime.
📍 Location: 14110 Oxnard St, Van Nuys, CA 91401
🍽️ Must try: Grilled kibbeh, tabouli, lentil soup
☎️ Phone: (818) 909-2593
Carousel
This iconic Glendale restaurant serves as the hub of Los Angeles’ Armenian community, and in a pandemic-hit atmosphere, it’s offering its full menu available for takeout and delivery. Known for its hearty kebab platters, it’s a must-visit for Middle Eastern cuisine in Los Angeles. Don’t forget to add the spicy soujuk appetizer to your order!
📍 Location:
5112 Hollywood Blvd #107, Los Angeles, CA 90027 304 N Brand Blvd, Glendale, CA 91203
🍽️ Must try: Steak tartare, Börek, Fattoush
☎️ Phone number:
(323) 660-8060 – Hollywood (818) 246-7775 – Glendale
Fern Saji Bakery
‘Saj in Granada Hills is a must-visit place for some of the best Middle Eastern food in Los Angeles, even if you don’t go far into the Valley. With over 70 diverse menu items, the highlight is the perfectly charred chicken shawarma that’s sure to tantalize your taste buds. Be sure to also try the delicious baked goods, such as the crispy salook, stuffed with cheese and onion.
📍 Location:
11146 Balboa Blvd. Granada Hills, CA 91344 1331 S. Lone Hill Ave. #120 Glendora, CA 91740 26791 Agoura Road Unit D-1 Calabasas, CA 91302
🍽️ Must try: Za’atar, Manakish and Beef Shawarma Wrap
☎️ Phone number:
(818) 368-4000 – Granada Hills (909) 394-0081 – Glendora (818) 914-5001 – Calabasas
The best shawarma
For great Middle Eastern food in Los Angeles, head to Best Shawarma in Glendale. Known for its tender slices of lamb and crispy fries, their lamb shawarma is a perfect blend of smoky and citrus flavors. Whether served on a fluffy French roll, in pita bread, or with rice, the nutty tahini sauce enhances the meal.
📍 Location: 602 W Glenoaks Blvd, Glendale, CA 91202
🍽️ Must try: Chicken Shawarma, Beef Kebab, Hummus
☎️ Phone: (818) 550-7577
Sannin
Located directly across from La Ma’yani, this traditional Lebanese spot in Westwood stands out among LA’s Middle Eastern restaurants for its excellent shawarma. With counter service for a quick lunch and ample seating for groups, it’s perfect for solo or group dining. Don’t miss the delicious fried cauliflower and falafel, which are essential sides to round off any meal.
📍 Address: 1776 Westwood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90024
🍽️ Must try: Beef Kefta, Stuffed Squash, Tabbouleh Salad
☎️ Phone: (310) 475-3358