Middle Eastern restaurants in Los Angeles have been a staple of the city’s dining landscape, for decades. Some of LA’s finest establishments can be found in modest mini malls, run by families hailing from Lebanon, Egypt, Turkey, Armenia, Syria and other nations around the eastern Mediterranean. All of them, from small cozy places to premiere locations, promise a delicious array of dishes you can’t miss. Let’s discover the best Middle Eastern restaurants in Los Angeles!
Saffy’s
Saffy’s in East Hollywood offers an exceptional experience of Middle Eastern food in LA, blending gourmet flavors with a vibrant neighborhood atmosphere. Securing a reservation at this stylish kebab house is worthwhile, particularly for their renowned shawarma. Wrapped in fresh laffa, it features tender, wood-fired spit-roasted lamb and beef, complemented by tomato, lettuce, tahini, spicy ajika sauce, and sumac-dusted onions, ensuring a delightful harmony of textures and flavors in every bite.
📍 Location: 4845 Fountain Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90029
🍽️ Must try: Challah, Lobster, Skewers
☎️ Phone: (424) 699-4845
Bavel
Nestled in LA’s Arts District, this upscale Middle Eastern gem is celebrated as one of the city’s finest eateries. Known for its consistent quality and elegant ambiance, the restaurant offers impeccable service and a menu featuring standout dishes like spicy duck ‘nduja hummus, whole roasted lamb neck on laffa bread, and creamy farm cheese with za’atar and oil—a true delight for discerning palates.
📍 Location: 500 Mateo St #102, Los Angeles, CA 90013
🍽️ Must try: Duck, Oyster Mushroom, Malawach
☎️ Phone: (213) 232-4966
Raffi’s Place
Glendale thrives on its beloved neighborhood gems, and Raffi’s is one of the finest Middle Eastern restaurants in L.A. Our top pick is the barg—thinly-sliced filet mignon, grilled to perfection and served on sumac-dusted rice with a grilled tomato and Anaheim pepper. The portions are generous enough to feed you and your friends for a week in a French bistro-esque setting complete with a tree at the center.
📍 Location: 211 E Broadway, Glendale, CA 91205
🍽️ Must try: Kabab koobideh, Kashk Bademjan, Mast-o Musir
☎️ Phone: (818) 240-7411
Nua
Nua, nestled in Beverly Hills’ Crescent Hotel, offers some of the best Middle Eastern food in Los Angeles with its upscale Israeli cuisine. Highlights include their charred eggplant with tahini, date syrup, and tomato salsa, along with a flavorful shakshuka during brunch. Don’t forget to try their sesame-coated Jerusalem bagel, perfect for dipping into runny yolks.
📍 Location: 403 N Crescent Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90210
🍽️ Must try: Shakshuka, Chicken Skewer, Falafel
☎️ Phone: (310) 247-0430
Marouch
Since 1982, Marouch has been a beloved pillar of Hollywood’s dining scene, celebrated for its Armenian/Lebanese cuisine. While its shawarma is renowned, the true essence of Marouch shines through its diverse mezze offerings, including smoky-sweet muhammara and spicy sugok, along with a generous bowl of hummus filled with ful. For authentic Middle Eastern dining in Los Angeles, Marouch stands as an essential destination among restaurants.
📍 Location: 4905 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90029
🍽️ Must try: (323) 662-9325
☎️ Phone: Lentil Soup, Baba Ganoush, Kebab
Kobee Factory
Nestled in a small Van Nuys strip mall, Kobee Factory is a standout Arab restaurant in Los Angeles, offering some of the city’s best Syrian cuisine. While many opt for takeout, locals enjoy dining in for dishes like rice-stuffed musadeen and hearty msabbaha. The crispy chicken shawarma wrap, with juicy chicken and perfectly seared flatbread, is a must-try that 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 a central hub for L.A.’s Armenian community, offering a full menu available for takeout and delivery amid the quieter atmosphere brought on by the pandemic. Known for their generous kebab platters, it’s a must-try spot for Middle Eastern food in Los Angeles. Don’t miss adding a spicy soujuk appetizer to your order!
📍 Locations:
- 5112 Hollywood Blvd #107, Los Angeles, CA 90027
- 304 N Brand Blvd, Glendale, CA 91203
🍽️ Must try: Steak Tartar, Borek, Fattoush
☎️ Phone:
- (323) 660-8060 – Hollywood
- (818) 246-7775 – Glendale
Furn Saj Bakery
‘Saj, located in Granada Hills, is a must-visit for the best Middle Eastern food in Los Angeles, even if you’re not venturing far into the Valley. Featuring a diverse menu with over 70 items, their standout is the perfectly charred chicken shawarma that promises to captivate your taste buds. Don’t miss the chance to try their delectable baked goods, like the crispy saroukh filled with cheese and onions.
📍 Locations:
- 11146 Balboa Blvd Granada Hills, CA 91344
- 1331 S. Lone Hill Ave #120 Glendora, CA 91740
- 26791 Agoura Rd Unit D-1 Calabasas, CA 91302
🍽️ Must try: Zaatar, Manakish, Beef Shawarma Wrap
☎️ Phone:
- (818) 368-4000 – Granada Hills
- (909) 394-0081 – Glendora
- (818) 914-5001 – Calabasas
Best Shawarma
For exceptional Middle Eastern food in Los Angeles, head to Best Shawarma in Glendale. Renowned for tender lamb shavings and crispy French fries, their lamb shawarma strikes a perfect balance of smokiness and citrus zest. Whether enjoyed in a fluffy French roll, wrapped in pita, or served with rice, enhance your meal with their nutty tahini sauce.
📍 Location: 602 W Glenoaks Blvd, Glendale, CA 91202
🍽️ Must try: Chicken Shawarma, Beef Kabob, Hummus
☎️ Phone: (818) 550-7577
Sunnin
Just across from Ramayani, this classic Lebanese spot in Westwood stands out among Middle Eastern restaurants in LA for its exceptional shawarma. With efficient counter service for quick lunches and ample seating for groups, it caters perfectly to both solo diners and teams. Don’t miss their delicious fried cauliflower and falafel—essential sides that complete your dining experience.
📍 Location: 1776 Westwood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90024
🍽️ Must try: Beef Kefta, Stuffed Squash, Tabouleh Salad
☎️ Phone: (310) 475-3358