Expect bold spices, creamy dips, and mouthwatering flavors when you book a table at a best Middle Eastern restaurant in Los Angeles. And fortunately for locals and out-of-towners alike, you can find these standout Middle Eastern restaurants in neighborhoods across the city.
Enjoy an acclaimed vegetable-forward menu at a buzzy Downtown spot. Dig into Middle Eastern dishes with live entertainment in Glendale, or feast on a 100% gluten-free, organic menu in the heart of Hollywood.
Book a table at one of the best Middle Eastern restaurants in Los Angeles on OpenTable today.
Read on to discover the 10 best Middle Eastern restaurants Los Angeles right now.
For award-winning Middle Eastern dishes in a chic upscale ambiance — book a table at Bavel (Downtown)
A culinary gem in Downtown’s Arts District, Bavel redefines Middle Eastern cuisine with bold, inventive flavors. Feast on everything from creamy hummus with duck ‘nduja to an epic oyster mushroom kebab to a slow-roasted lamb neck shawarma at the MICHELIN Plate recipient. Pair your meal with artisanal cocktails or boutique wines as you bask in the chic, greenhouse-inspired space with hanging plants and warm wood accents.
For a buzzy hipster vibe paired with outstanding food — don’t miss Saffy’s (East Hollywood)
From the chefs behind runaway hits Bestia and Bavel, Saffy’s has quickly become a destination for its stellar Middle Eastern cuisine, earning MICHELIN Bib Gourmand distinctions in 2022 and 2023. Celebrated for dishes like wood-fired lamb and red snapper tagine, each plate showcases traditional flavors with a modern touch. The vibrant atmosphere, highlighted by mid-century Moroccan-inspired decor, complements a curated selection of playful cocktails and Mediterranean wines.
For traditional Middle Eastern food in a celebratory setting — head to Carousel Restaurant (Glendale and East Hollywood)
A LA staple since 1983, Carousel Restaurant is known for serving classic Lebanese Armenian cuisine in a festive setting, ideal for large groups. Known for generous portions, signature dishes like the khash-khash kebab and chicken lula are complemented by an array of meze, kebabs, and shawarma. Enjoy entertainment like belly dancing and live music on the weekends in the warm dining room filled with scimitars and brass trays at one of the best Middle Eastern restaurants in Los Angeles.
For Middle Eastern cuisine in a club-like atmosphere — check out Basbussa (Beverly/Fairfax/La Brea/Third St.)
Basbussa is known for its contemporary takes on Middle Eastern dishes like shawarma flatbreads and beef and lamb skewers, along with a robust sushi selection for those who want the best of both worlds. Pair your meal with the signature araktini. On the weekends, the restaurant turns into a club-like vibe with dark lighting, live DJs, and thumping beats, transforming it into an all-in-one go-to for those who want dinner with a side of dancing.
For standout Greek and Armenian food with a hookah bar — go to Elena’s Estiatorio (Burbank)
Check out Greek and American spot Elena’s Estiatorio in the Valley for its smoky baba ghanoush, homemade Armenian sausage, or signature lentil soup. Pair your meal with a craft arak cocktail in the intimate modern dining room filled with warm wood and brass accents or out on the lush patio with velvet seating and warm lighting that transports you to a dreamy evening on the Aegean coast. There’s even a hookah menu for those who partake.
For gluten-free Lebanese cuisine at a best Middle Eastern restaurant Los Angeles — hit up Levant Bistro + Bake Shop (Silver Lake)
The all-gluten-free and organic Levant Bistro + Bake Shop menu brings the vibrant flavors of the Middle East to life in a warm, inviting space. Standout dishes include mouthwatering lamb kaftas and a whole grilled branzino, and be sure to leave room for the signature pistachio rose cake. Pair your meal with one of their herbal tonics. With its cozy ambiance and rich culinary heritage, Levant is just as great for dinner as for brunch.
For a dazzling rotating mezze platter for a group paired with inventive craft cocktails — check out Ladyhawk (West Hollywood)
Ladyhawk redefines Middle Eastern dining with a modern, artistic flair. Executive chef Charbel Hayek combines seasonal California ingredients with Eastern Mediterranean flavors for dishes like an olive-crusted rack of lamb. Be sure not to skip the craft cocktails infused with regional spices that you won’t be able to find elsewhere. The sleek, bohemian-chic interior and lively patio make it a dreamy spot to savor mezze under string lights.
For traditional dishes at a best Middle Eastern restaurant Los Angeles — go to Elena’s Greek Armenian Restaurant (Glendale)
Elena’s Greek Armenian Cuisine in Glendale has been serving up traditional Middle Eastern dishes for over 30 years. Beloved for its tender kebabs, savory dolmas, and fresh tabbouleh, every bite is packed with tradition and bold spices. The warm, family-run atmosphere pairs perfectly with the hearty portions and freshly baked lavash. It’s casual enough that families are often seen with little kids to enjoy some classic comfort food.
For some of the best garlic sauce in the city — visit Marouch (Hollywood)
Marouch is where you head for classic Lebanese cuisine. Known for its vibrant mezze platters, tender kebabs, and a much-praised garlic sauce and fresh pita bread, the restaurant is a true feast for the senses. The cozy, old-school ambiance and warm hospitality make Marouch a timeless spot for food lovers craving a taste of tradition.
For a wine lounge experience at a best Middle Eastern restaurant Los Angeles — check out Laya Restaurant (Hollywood)
Helmed by “Top Chef” MENA (Middle Eastern and North Africa) winner Charbel Hayek, Laya is known for its Middle Eastern dishes with a California twist—think za’atar and goat cheese spreads with warm pita and grilled red sea bream with green tahini sauce. The expansive patio, adorned with fire pits and fig trees, is a chic ambiance for savoring herb-infused cocktails under the stars. The lively atmosphere makes this spot feel both stylish and inviting and is ideal for chatting the evening away with friends.
There’s no shortage of crave-worthy Middle Eastern cuisine in Los Angeles. Whether you’re looking for something more casual with traditional dishes or a more upscale dining experience with a full bar and all the trimmings, there’s something for everyone. But the hottest tables fill up fast, so be sure to plan ahead so you’re not stuck waiting.
Snag a table at one of the best Middle Eastern restaurants Los Angeles has by booking on OpenTable today.
To discover more noteworthy dining options in Los Angeles, check out these guides:
- 11 MICHELIN-Star restaurants in Los Angeles to try ASAP
- 11 swanky restaurants in Los Angeles for your next celebration
- 12 top restaurants for every kind of date in Los Angeles
- Los Angeles’ 13 most drop-dead gorgeous restaurants
Esther Carlstone is a travel and food writer based in Los Angeles. Her work has appeared in publications such as Travel + Leisure, Lonely Planet, Forbes, Tripadvisor, Insider, and more. Follow her on Instagram @familyfieldtrip.
