Middle Eastern Restaurants near Pasadena, CA

“WOW! I love the simple menu here with dishes that have been perfected and are so so good. We came for dinner and it was pretty slow. Food is made fresh and takes a minute, but that’s to be expected. Highly recommended checking this place out and supporting this amazing small business!!!“

“I am addicted to the sahara fries. I have been there 3 times and everytime I say that I will be trying a new dish but their sahara fries (half cream chop and half chicken shawerma) always seem to be calling my name, the atmosphere gives a very casual semi fast food vibe but the food is quality. HIGHLY recommend this place.“

“We have been coming to Heidar Baba for many years, and it truly feels like a hidden gem in Pasadena. The food is absolutely delicious – authentic Mediterranean flavors that are always fresh and full of taste. Every dish reminds us of the rich and vibrant traditions of the region.

What makes this place even more special is that the recipes go back more than five thousand years, carrying the heritage of the ancient peoples of the East and the Mediterranean. These dishes have passed through millennia yet remain alive in traditional cuisine, preserved with care and authenticity.

The service is excellent, warm, and attentive, making every visit a pleasant experience. The atmosphere is calm and family-friendly, perfect for both quiet dinners and gatherings with loved ones.

Heidar Baba has become one of our favorite places to enjoy not only great food but also a welcoming and relaxing environment. Highly recommended to anyone looking for real Mediterranean cuisine in Pasadena.“

“Never had batter beef Showerma in usa thumbs up for ABU KABAB I highly recommend it you must try“

“Recently my nephew got married and on his reception taken place on universal city Hilton hotel and we found Mazze banquet from Pasadena for catering. The food was excellent the service was excellent everything was on time. We had 250 guests and everything went smoothly. Food quality was 10 out of 10. Service was 10 out of 10. So happy so happy. Definitely recommend.“

“The food was great!! and good company.“

“The lamb gyros are the best things ever. 😊“

“⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐😍😍😍😍😍 every meal is made fresh. Hands down a favorite“

“goooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooood“

“Always a good interaction when coming to Z Falafel. The cooks are such nice guys and always so helpful when I may ask about one of their many options on the menu. I always try to switch up my plate when I come here and not once have I had a disappointing meal from this location. Keep going hard!“

“Our first time and we will definitely go back!!“

“Great food! Excellent service! 😍“

“Great Lebanese taco joint. Vegetarian options. Generous portions. Very satisfying.“

“Great food fast and great service“

“Everything was delish!! No doubts, all of it was fabulous!!“

“I went here with a group of coworkers on a Tuesday afternoon for lunch (~12pm). Surprisingly, at that time, it wasn't busy. This is a very tiny hole-in-the-wall restaurant that isn't found on the main street of LA. Inside the restaurant is small, so they have tables outside. There is a lot of shade, so it's pleasant to sit outside. Parking, however, could be a hassle if you drive here. The tables are located on the street and near the parking lot. Meaning, it felt like a car could hit a table if it got out of control.

I ordered the combo plate (~$16 at the time of this writing). They gave us extra pita bread because our party was pretty big. Everything tasted fresh and home made. The kebabs were sizzling hot right off the grill. The salad was seasoned and crunchy. The hummus wasn't as flavorful or beany tasting, but I preferred it that way because everything else had flavor. The rice balanced any overwhelming flavor.

I'm typically picky and if I find a Mediterranean food that's good, I just stick with that and don't try anything else until someone else recommends or invites me out to eat. Having said that, I would definitely return here.

Summary:
- CLEANLINESS. Clean. They placed spill pads (almost like the one you'd find in the Boiling Crab) for our tables outside.
- COSTS. $ Affordable. $16 for a decently portioned meal. It will definitely fill you up.
- CUSTOMER SERVICE. The staff was friendly. They gave us extra pita because we had a large party.
- FOOD QUALITY. Good and perfectly balanced. Not too overwhelming on any one specific dish.
- FOOD QUANTITY. Large portion size.
- BATHROOM. I saw a one gender only bathroom near the cash register. (I didn't enter or use it, so I don't know the condition of it.)
- WAIT TIME. About 10-15 minutes total for our group of 6 people to get everything.“

“From the moment I stepped in, I could tell this place was something special. The atmosphere was calm, clean, and welcoming — perfect for both casual meals and special occasions. The staff greeted us with warm smiles and made sure we felt comfortable right away, which really set the tone for the evening.

The food was exceptional. Every dish we tried was fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented. You can really tell that high-quality ingredients and attention to detail are a priority here. The portions were generous, and everything came out at just the right temperature. One of the dishes stood out as a favorite — full of flavor and cooked to perfection.

The service was equally impressive. The staff was attentive without hovering, offering great recommendations and checking in just enough to make sure everything was perfect. It’s rare to find a place that gets both the food and service so right. I’ll definitely be coming back and recommending it to friends and family.“

“The best service and the food always amazing! Tastes like its homemade and with so much love! Such nice people with the family vibes is my favorite part! Thank you for always providing at my events! Always my go to spot!“

“Hey...everybody I would like to encourage you to support our local business during this pandemic times.I DO highly recommend DONA MARTA'S KITCHEN RESTAURANT because she has that special SAZON which reminds me to my grandmother. There you can eat a variety of ANTOJITOS MEXICANOS....of course mine is ENCHILADAS ROJAS DE SALSA GUAJILLO....“

“A++++++++++++++++++++++++“

“Գլենդելում հայկական ուտեստների իրական համն ու հոտը վայելել հնարավոր է միայն հրաշալի ,,Մեր Երեւան ‘’ռեստորանում Highly recommended“

“Amazing food. Great family run business. It’s just like eating a home cooked meal every time. The family is one of the nicest you will meet. Been coming here for a lot of years and the food is consistently great. Also, they do catering for any sized parties.“

“Today, for the first time, I had the pleasure of tasting borsh (soup) and I have to say was the best soup I have ever tasted. It had enough spicy-tart ratio. I appreciate good food and this was absolutely perfect. Thank you!“

“Welcome To Massis Kabob The Original Out In Glendale, California! I am here with Eduard who Highly Recommended this place because of their Very Delicious Persian and Armenian Food that they Specialize In! For Lunch: We are having their Lamb Chops with French Fries which Tasted Very Delicious! I want to personally thank Eduard for taking the time out of his day to do an Interview with ME and participating in my Youtube Channel! I also want to personally thank Eduard for taking ME there as well back on Thursday, April 3rd, 2025. Sincerely yours, Howard Paul Shore Executive, Volunteer Tourism Promoter For Google Maps And Youtube Massis Kabob The Original Visitor And Customer /HPS PS: Please Subscribe To My Social Media Under: Youtube Channel: socialmediawriter Instagram: socialmediawriter Facebook: Howard Paul Shore Tiktok: socialmediawriterr #massiskabobtheoriginal #glendale #california #food #restaurant“

“O. m. G. A must if you are in silverlake region - def get the mazeh plate - the mirsa ghasemi and the wild shallot yogurt were sooooo good. I got the ash e jo & it was so hearty but light at the same time- did not feel bloated afterwards. Super fast service & hella outside shaded seating, perf for people watching.“

“Yes I haven't been here since the pandemic but I recommend it with all of my friends and family“

“Clean, fresh and flavorful food - Cornish hen kabob plate and tabouli salad- was quite a nice surprise and delightful experience nestled in the heart of the Garment district.“

“This is a hidden gem. The food is good, fresh and healthy. I don't often review but I always get the combo dinner plate here at least every two weeks. Their chicken and beef are tender and just the perfect blend, with the garlic, of course. I highly recommend. See you guys soon!“

“The “Fried Chicken Shawarma” sandwich was one of the best chicken sandwiches I have ever tasted. It delivered on flavor and the chicken was so crispy. The spicy tahini and charmoula add such great notes that distinguishes it from your ordinary chicken sandwich. This is not your ordinary chicken sandwich.. This one is special.!!!!
Kudos to Chris for your wonderful service and hospitality…“

“Asteria Restaurant in Glendale is a true hidden gem that delivers an unforgettable dining experience from the moment you walk in. The ambiance immediately sets the tone—warm, cozy, and authentically nostalgic. You're greeted by the sight of an old-school piano, vintage black-and-white photos lining the walls, and charming little chandeliers hanging from the ceiling. It feels like stepping into a timeless Mediterranean home.

But the real star is the food. I ordered the **Chicken and Filet Mignon Beef Kabob Plate**, and it was nothing short of extraordinary. The filet mignon was melt-in-your-mouth tender, perfectly seasoned, and grilled to perfection. The chicken kabob was juicy, flavorful, and had that irresistible charred edge that makes every bite better than the last. Served with fluffy basmati rice, roasted vegetables, and warm pita, the plate was a masterclass in flavor and presentation.

Asteria’s menu is packed with mouthwatering options—from classic Mediterranean appetizers to hearty wraps and kabob combos. Each dish feels thoughtfully prepared and full of bold, satisfying flavors. Whether you're dining in for a special night or grabbing takeout, Asteria delivers on every level. This spot is the real deal—authentic, flavorful, and absolutely worth the visit.“

“Welcome To Massis Kabob The Original Out In Glendale, California! I am here with Eduard who Highly Recommended this place because of their Very Delicious Persian and Armenian Food that they Specialize In! For Lunch: We are having their Lamb Chops with French Fries which Tasted Very Delicious! I want to personally thank Eduard for taking the time out of his day to do an Interview with ME and participating in my Youtube Channel! I also want to personally thank Eduard for taking ME there as well back on Thursday, April 3rd, 2025. Sincerely yours, Howard Paul Shore Executive, Volunteer Tourism Promoter For Google Maps And Youtube Massis Kabob The Original Visitor And Customer /HPS PS: Please Subscribe To My Social Media Under: Youtube Channel: socialmediawriter Instagram: socialmediawriter Facebook: Howard Paul Shore Tiktok: socialmediawriterr #massiskabobtheoriginal #glendale #california #food #restaurant“

“It’s the most place to hangout and enjoy caravans meal. Great food and excellent service Caravan restaurant is the best and awesome place“

“The food es excelente!! My first time buying there, definitely worth it!!“

“Delicious and beautiful food!“

“What a great hidden place! I have been craving Mediterranean food for the longest and I found this great place . Along with the food that I found delicious the atmosphere hit the spot for me. My entire experience was simply pleasant from beginning to end. Thank you to the entire staff both front, kitchen and cleaning crew.
Sincerely,
Chicago“

“Great place, delicious food 😋. Worth the drive 👍“

“Really like the food. So tasty! I guess the price matches the quality and taste. Highly recommend to try this restaurant. I ordered the beef (forgot the name). I guess it is the most popular one since all of us ordered the same thing (my first time here).“