Where: Los Angeles
What: Mediterranean PlaceList
Who: Chef and co-owner of Bacaro LA, Lior Hillel recently opened his third location, Bacari GDL, in the epicenter of Glendale. With a full vino bar, one of a kind cocktails and eclectic beers from across the globe, this is the ideal spot to relax and kick back with Mediterranean-influenced Italian dishes for a shopping hiatus at The Americana. From the feta, za'aatar, sumac and tahini-doused chopped salad and pomegranate molasses brussel sprouts to the ricotta and beet gnocchi salad, the Israeli-born chef will take your tastebuds for a mouthwatering trip. Or, you can just take advantage of the 90-minute open bar special? Whatever you choose, be sure to check out some of chef's top LA restaurant picks for when he gets nostalgic about the flavors of the Middle East.
Chef Lior Hillel
Brussel Sprouts from Bacari GDL
Bacari GDL
Glendale
Lior Hillel: Bacari GDL serves a fusion of Italian and Mediterranean flavors from torn pappardella to lamb chops. My Israeli roots are reflected in the menu as I add za’atar and sumac to the chopped salad, du’ah spice to season the oxtail and pipel chuma to spice the banana prawns.
Carousel Restaurant
Glendale
LH: Hands down one of the best Middle Eastern restaurants I have visited outside of Israel, although my business partners, Danny and Bobby, would argue that Lebanon is the best. The food is an explosion of fresh flavors, lots of citruses, and plenty of lamb dishes. Thinking about it now, I realize I am long overdue for a visit! When you are there, the Kibbeh Nayyeh and Shanklish Salad, and of course the Lamb Kastaleta, are my personal favorites.
Bella Pita
University Village
LH: Bella Pita, near Bacaro LA, is very popular with USC students. I enjoy it because it's quick when I need something on-the-go. There is a salad bar with vegetable toppings and sauces; the white garlic is addicting and the extra hot is extremely spicy, but I love it. Order the Chicken Wowshit Pita, it's really good!
Ta-eem Grill
Fairfax
LH: This is one of the most authentic Mediterranean restaurants in L.A. The Chicken Shawarma in the Laffa is so good. Be warned, it can get really busy on Sundays.
Dune
Atwater Village
LH: I drive by Dune on my way to Bacari GDL. They offer great Middle Eastern sandwiches, I especially like the falafel and lamb. There is a variety of great homemade sauces and fresh vegetable toppings made from local, organic and sustainable high-quality ingredients.
Haifa
Pico-Robertson
LH: Hafia has THE best hummus, so creamy and flavorful. Once you try it, you really can't go back to the pre-packaged stuff again.
Bowery Bungalow
Silver Lake
LH: Bowery Bungalow is a great hidden gem in Silver Lake. The space equates to a cozy cottage with a nice patio out back. The fried cauliflower is excellent, the Babaganoush is great, and the Slow Cooked Lamb is just exploding with Mediterranean ingredients like za’atar, freekeh, and Ras El Hanout.
Falafel Arax
Glendale
LH: I’ve known about the East Hollywood location for a while but never found the time to go. Now that I’m in Glendale most of the time with new restaurant, I am close to their newer location that opened about a year ago. The falafel sandwich is really good and super reasonable. I can leave there totally satisfied for $6.
Kismet
East Hollywood
LH: There's been a lot of hype about this place and I finally went after I saw Jonathan Gold's review. I thought it was a fun take on Middle Eastern food. Go with a group and get the rabbit platter, you won't regret it!
Carousel Restaurant
Images courtesy of Bella Pita
Bowery Bungalow courtesy of @dpoder
Images courtesy of Kismet