Best Middle Eastern in Los Angeles

Passionate about the Mediterranean and its regional fare, this Los Angeles eatery has garnered a legion of followers. Turning their passion into a business, Ta-eem Grill takes pride in the fresh ingredients it uses to procure the finest flavors. The mouth-watering menu has something for everyone, from the ever popular hummus plate, shawarma, falafel balls, kabobs, and combination plates. Everything on the menu is Glatt Kosher, adhering to strict religious guidelines. Save room for dessert and try the flaky and light baklava.

Consistently named one of the best places to try authentic Middle-Eastern specials like Hummus, Falafels and delicious Shwarma; Joe's Falafel is a simple no-frills eatery. Popular with locals, it's a great place to grab a quick lunch or dinner. Their meal plates are very popular, with generous portions and a budget-friendly price. Their signature home-made Lafa bread is a must-try. Favorite dishes on the menu include Gyro sandwich, Falafel wrap and Lemon Chicken plate. For details, visit the website.

Tucked away and hidden in an obscure strip mall, this Middle Eastern restaurant is truly a great Los Angeles find. Marouch Restaurant has garnered much acclaim and has been repeatedly voted as the best in its category thanks to the denizens of this fare Californian metropolis. Specializing in Armenian and Lebanese dishes, Marouch bakes its own pita bread from scratch, offers combination plates and daily specials. All entrees are served with rice, pickles and pita bread, making for a filling meal. From shawarma, kabobs, and falafels, to tabbouleh, and meza appetizers, Marouch has delicious options.

The family-style Carousel in Hollywood features some of the very best Armenian cuisine in the entire city. The selection is diverse and the staff is friendly and attentive. A good indication as to the quality and authenticity of the food is highlighted by the fact that many in the local Armenian community drop in regularly. The menu features a wide variety of appetizers including hummus, tabouli, homemade sausage and other traditional delights. The favorite main course is kebabs, which come in the form of steak, lamb, pork, liver and just about any other meat known to mankind. The wine and imported beer list is also extremely diverse.

Simple and efficient, this white-tiled eatery serves as a fun space to enjoy excellent food on paper plates with plastic utensils. Home style Lebanese delicacies are served here. Fabulous hummus, babaganouj and salads with homemade Lebanese cheese are favorites and should not be missed. Alcohol is not served. Take out service is available and reservations are not accepted.

Tajrish is an authentic Persian restaurant, with a homely vibe. The musical instruments and the bronze frames on the walls add to the Middle-Eastern ambiance. Tajrish is known for the Kabobs they have on offer. Some of their signatures are lamb and chicken kabobs, which are moist, flavorful and perfectly cooked. Rice dishes include Biryani which is served in hearty portions, good enough for two people. Go for the Faloodeh for dessert which is sweet noodles served in a glass.

Whereas in case of most restaurants the old adage “you get what you pay for” holds true, the humble Al Wazir Chicken is a lucky exception, able to pleasantly surprise its patrons. The joint is a classic hole-in-the-wall with a couple of canteen tables – not the kind of spot one comes to for the ambiance. But the tasty dishes and low prices have drawn many returning customers here for years. The fare is traditional Middle-eastern/Lebanese, replete with supple and flavorful chicken dishes and zesty sides and sauces. Falafels are likewise excellent, and the salads are crisp and fresh. For those reluctant to take their meal in the plain environment, takeout and delivery are easy and convenient options. Al Wazir is open late and is known for speedy deliveries.

Zankou Chicken provides cheap delicious food fast. This is the perfect restaurant for a drop-by meal, an outing with a few friends on a bar-hopping night, or a convenient takeout option. The portions are more than generous – ranging all the way to the epic whole chickens, robust and flavorful – accompanied by all the traditional Middle-eastern sides, including falafel, pickled radishes, hummus, and tahini. The place is very affordable, which is a trait locals enjoy and exploit. "Speed, quality and value" has always been Zankou’s motto.

Tucked away from the rushing hubbub of Hollywood Boulevard in the back of the historic Jane's House courtyard, the appropriately named establishment draws folks in from the boulevard with well-mixed and low-priced drinks and heady hookahs. Plentiful seating is available inside, and the patio is a popular choice, with its pleasant ambiance and quality people watching. Aside from substantial drinks, the food here is also highly palatable and comes in generous portions. The menu is mostly Mediterranean fare, with some added basic staples, such as wings and fries. A few nights a week, customers are regaled with a movie projected onto a wall across from the patio or a live music act. Great value and friendly atmosphere make this joint a true hidden gem.