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Middle Eastern restaurants in Los Angeles
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Best Middle Eastern restaurants in Los Angeles

2 Middle Eastern tables worth the trip in Los Angeles, United States — what they cost, what to order and how early to book.

Middle Eastern tables are built around sharing — dips, flatbread, grilled meat and salads arriving together rather than in courses.

In Los Angeles the Middle Eastern list is led by Bavel in Arts District (One MICHELIN Star, $70-$120 USD per person). If you want the same cooking for less, Kismet at $30-$60 USD is the value pick.

  1. 1.

    Bavel

    One MICHELIN Star

    Middle Eastern · Arts District · $70-$120 USD

    Ori Menashe, Genevieve Gergis

    Bavel electrifies the Arts District with its vibrant, modern Middle Eastern cuisine, infused with bold flavors and fragrant spices. Chefs Ori Menashe and Genevieve Gergis create dishes designed for sharing, in a stunning, high-ceilinged space that buzzes with energy, making it a must-visit for dynamic dining experiences.

    Order: Duck Nduja Hummus, Grilled Octopus

  2. 2.

    Kismet

    Bib Gourmand

    Middle Eastern · Los Feliz · $30-$60 USD

    Sara Kramer, Sarah Hymanson

    Kismet offers a fresh, vegetable-forward approach to Middle Eastern cuisine, serving vibrant and inventive dishes in a bright, airy space. Chefs Sara Kramer and Sarah Hymanson create a menu that is both healthy and deeply satisfying, making it a popular spot for flavorful, lighter fare and delicious all-day dining.

    Order: Rabbit for Two, Flaky Bread

Booking a Middle Eastern table in Los Angeles

  • · For two-MICHELIN-starred restaurants like n/naka or Providence, secure reservations 2-3 months in advance, especially for weekend slots. Many release bookings on a specific date each month.
  • · Be aware that many fine dining establishments require a deposit or full pre-payment for tasting menus, particularly for larger groups or weekend bookings. Check cancellation policies carefully.
  • · Consider booking a weekday lunch seating at some MICHELIN-starred venues; they often offer a slightly more accessible price point and can be easier to reserve than dinner.
  • · No-show policies are strict. Expect significant cancellation fees if you don't provide adequate notice, typically 48-72 hours. Confirming your reservation often helps avoid issues.

And the local dishes in Los Angeles

French Dip Sandwich

This iconic sandwich, invented in Los Angeles, features thinly sliced roast beef on a French roll, served with a side of au jus for dipping. It's a simple yet incredibly satisfying dish. Try it at Philippe The Original, one of two establishments claiming its invention, for an authentic, historic taste of LA.

Street Tacos

Los Angeles is a haven for authentic street tacos, offering a vast array of fillings from carne asada to al pastor, typically served on warm corn tortillas with fresh salsa, onion, and cilantro. These flavorful, inexpensive bites are a quintessential LA culinary experience. Look for bustling taco trucks, especially in East LA.

Fish Tacos

A Southern California staple, fish tacos feature crispy or grilled fish, often mahi-mahi or cod, nestled in a tortilla with cabbage, crema, and salsa. They encapsulate the fresh, vibrant flavors of coastal dining in LA. Mariscos Jalisco is celebrated for its exquisite shrimp tacos, though many spots excel.

Cobb Salad

Another dish born in Los Angeles, the Cobb Salad is a hearty composition of chopped salad greens, tomato, crisp bacon, chicken breast, hard-boiled eggs, avocado, chives, and Roquefort cheese, all dressed with a red-wine vinaigrette. The Ivy on Robertson Boulevard offers a classic, celebrity-spotting experience with theirs.

Other cuisines in Los Angeles

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