Best Middle Eastern Restaurants in South Pasadena

12 restaurants available nearby

A photo of LavShash Kebab Restaurant restaurant

1. LavShash Kebab Restaurant

3.3

Price: Expensive

• Middle eastern • Pasadena

Booked 3 times today

At LavShash Kebab Restaurant in Pasadena, CA, you'll find a treasure trove of authentic Armenian flavors that delight the palate with every bite. Renowned for its dedication to traditional Armenian recipes and meticulously selected ingredients, LavShash has quickly become a culinary landmark. Patrons rave about the "delicious and perfectly seasoned lamb kebabs" and the khachapuri, which many claim is "the best I've ever tried." The inviting atmosphere is matched by impeccable service, creating a dining experience that goes beyond just eating. A visit to LavShash is not just a meal; it's a foray into the heart of Armenian cuisine, celebrated by locals and visitors alike. As one reviewer puts it, "the food tastes clean and fresh" making it clear why this spot is a must-visit for anyone seeking a genuine taste of Armenia in Pasadena.

2. Bavel

4.8

Exceptional(4993)

Price: Expensive

• Middle eastern • Downtown

Booked 80 times today

A Middle Eastern restaurant in the Arts District of downtown Los Angeles.

3. Saffy's

4.8

Exceptional(1201)

Price: Expensive

• Middle eastern • East Hollywood

Booked 48 times today

A multi-regional Middle Eastern restaurant in East Hollywood, from Chefs Ori Menashe and Genevieve Gergis of Bestia and Bavel.

A photo of Carousel Restaurant restaurant

4. Carousel Restaurant

4.8

Exceptional(594)

Price: Moderate

• Middle eastern • Glendale

Booked 22 times today

At Carousel Restaurant in Glendale, the vegetarian and vegan offerings are a vibrant celebration of Middle Eastern cuisine. With an extensive array of over 60 meza items, diners can indulge in traditional vegetarian delicacies such as "hummus, falafel, and tabouleh," all perfected from generations-old family recipes. The meticulous supervision of Chef de Cuisine and co-owner Mrs. Rose Tcholakian ensures that each dish showcases the utmost quality and freshness. Guests have praised the "wonderful" vegan options like the moussaka, stuffed grape leaves, and warm pita bread, making it a haven for vegans and vegetarians alike. Carousel provides a "habit-forming journey" into authentic Lebanese culinary traditions, making it a must-visit for anyone seeking exceptional plant-based dining.

A photo of Carousel Restaurant - Hollywood restaurant

5. Carousel Restaurant - Hollywood

4.8

Exceptional(101)

Price: Expensive

• Middle eastern • East Hollywood

Booked 3 times today

From of our family to yours, Carousel is the premier Los Angeles area restaurant providing guests with the complete culinary experience when it comes to enjoying traditional middle eastern and Lebanese cuisine. In the Middle Eastern culture, meza (Lebanese term for appetizer) consists of a vast array of small sized, hot and cold dishes, great for sampling and sharing. At Carousel, our menu offers a selection of kebabs to seafood to an array of vegetarian items. We offer more than 60 meza items, ranging from familiar dishes, such as hummus, falafel and tabouleh to more traditional delicacies. Everything that we serve comes from original family recipes passed down through generations. With the supervision of our Chef de Cuisine and co-owner, Mrs. Rose Tcholakian, each dish that is served is sure to bestow the quality and freshness Carousel is well known for. For those unfamiliar to Lebanese food, a helpful service staff will guide you through what is sure to be a habit-forming journey.

A photo of Elena's Greek Armenian Restaurant restaurant

6. Elena's Greek Armenian Restaurant

4.5

Awesome(29)

Price: Moderate

• Middle eastern • Glendale

Booked 1 time today

Elena's Greek Armenian Restaurant in Glendale is a culinary gem that offers a true taste of Greek cuisine. Patrons rave about its "mouthwatering kebabs" and the "fluffy rice and crisp salads," all bursting with authentic flavors that transport diners straight to Greece. Celebrated for its "tender and well-seasoned" meats and a variety of dishes that are "super authentic and oh-so-fresh," Elena's stands out as a beacon of quality. One enthusiast exclaimed, "This is the BEST I've had in years!" adding to its stellar reputation. With its warm ambiance and friendly service, Elena's is not just a meal; it's an experience that embodies the spirit and taste of Greece right in the heart of Glendale.

A photo of The Exchange Restaurant restaurant

7. The Exchange Restaurant

4.4

Awesome(545)

Price: Expensive

• Middle eastern • Downtown

At The Exchange Restaurant in Downtown Los Angeles, Asian cuisine is reimagined with an innovative twist, making it a must-visit culinary destination. Led by the talented Chef Narita Santos, the menu showcases a delightful fusion of traditional Asian flavors with Southern California's seasonal bounty, creating dishes that are both authentic and refreshingly unique. Patrons rave about the "flavorful food in an inviting ambience," and the "lamb ribs that are fall off the bone melt in your mouth good." The restaurant's commitment to quality is evident, with each dish crafted from the finest local produce, fresh seafood, and choice meats. Whether you're indulging in the Bacalhau fried rice or savoring the perfectly seasoned hangar steak, The Exchange offers an unforgettable dining experience that brilliantly encapsulates the essence of Asian cuisine with a modern flair.

8. Salt and Olive

4.6

Exceptional(33)

Price: Moderate

• Middle eastern • Glendale

Salt & Olive in Glendale is your go-to destination for authentic and high-quality Middle Eastern cuisine. Guests consistently rave about the "delicious chicken kebab with Greek salad" and the "perfectly seasoned beef kabob," highlighting the restaurant's dedication to authenticity and flavor. The falafels are a favorite among many, described as "my favorite" by satisfied diners. With generous portions and a menu that caters to various tastes and needs, Salt & Olive not only promises but delivers an exceptional dining experience. The glowing testimonials about its "incredibly fresh, incredibly filling Mediterranean dishes" and "perfectly grilled pita" further attest to its culinary excellence. Whether you're a local or just passing through Glendale, Salt & Olive's warm atmosphere and consistently praised service make it a must-visit for lovers of Middle Eastern cuisine.

9. Epique Restaurant

4.2

Awesome(41)

Price: Moderate

• Middle eastern • Glendale

Epique Restaurant in Glendale, CA, is a beacon of Middle Eastern cuisine, particularly Armenian, with a sprinkle of European flair. Guests rave about its "authentic Armenian dishes with fusion touches" and "deliciously unique" preparations like the Ghapama, an authentic classic, and the lyulya kebab. The place buzzes with glowing accolades like, "If you ever want to eat real tasty Armenian food, this is the place!" and "This is the only place I could find food made by Armenian traditions and taste." Diners are consistently impressed by the "amazing food, wonderful ambiance, and beautiful music," making Epique a must-visit for those seeking an authentic Middle Eastern dining experience in a "cozy and luxurious" setting.

A photo of Levant Bistro + Bake Shop restaurant

10. Levant Bistro + Bake Shop

4.7

Exceptional(14)

Price: Moderate

• Middle eastern • Silver Lake

Booked 3 times today

Levant Bistro + Bake Shop, nestled in the vibrant Silver Lake neighborhood of Los Angeles, offers a Lebanese dining experience that is both authentic and accommodating, especially for those with dietary restrictions. Patrons rave about the "delicious and pristine" Lebanese dishes, emphasizing the restaurant's dedication to gluten-free options without compromising on flavor. A standout dish, the Knafeh, is repeatedly praised for its "life-altering" taste. The restaurant's commitment to organic, non-GMO ingredients and a completely gluten-free menu ensures that every dish is crafted with care, making it a "hidden gem" in the area. Visitors also appreciate the warm, welcoming atmosphere and the "excellent service" provided by attentive staff, making Levant Bistro a top choice for authentic Lebanese cuisine in Los Angeles.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

T
Toni
Los Angeles •12 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Great food on Christmas Day!! All staff were awesome. Tons of good food✔️ Excellent price value😎
More info
Carousel RestaurantPrice: Moderate• Middle Eastern• Glendale
•
4.8
B
Beth
Palm Springs / Palm Desert Cities •1 review
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Super yummy- very loud inside but we sat outside and it was better for conversation.
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BavelPrice: Expensive• Middle Eastern• Downtown
•
4.8
I
IsabelVIP
Los Angeles •10 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Had a wonderful time at Saffy’s last night — I have high expectations for this restaurant “group” and y’all deliver great food and service every time. This was also the first time in a long while that I’ve received a bill and thought “this is less than what I was expecting,” a rare joy in these economic times. Happy holidays and thank you!
More info
Saffy'sPrice: Expensive• Middle Eastern• East Hollywood
•
4.8
D
Denise
Los Angeles •1 review
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
Second time going to Laya, and it was exceptional (as was the first time!). Excellent upscale Lebanese food, with ambiance to match. Bravo Charbel and team! Can't wait to go back.
More info
Laya RestaurantPrice: Expensive• Middle Eastern• Hollywood
•
4.9

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12 restaurants available nearby

1. LavShash Kebab Restaurant

2. Bavel

3. Saffy's

4. Carousel Restaurant

5. Carousel Restaurant - Hollywood

6. Elena's Greek Armenian Restaurant

7. The Exchange Restaurant

8. Salt and Olive

9. Epique Restaurant

10. Levant Bistro + Bake Shop

See what locals rave about

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