Middle Eastern Restaurants near Pasadena, CA

“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.“

“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!!!“

“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.“

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

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

“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“

“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“

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

“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!“

“A++++++++++++++++++++++++“

“A HUGE thank you to the Golden Skewer team, and a special thank you to Carla and Daniel for the amazing service you’ve shown our team at Franco Law Group. We truly appreciate your dedication and the immense effort you put into providing excellent service all around.

We’re grateful for how consistently you go above and beyond to make sure everything runs smoothly. We’re also excited to visit you in person very soon, as our attorney highly recommends your restaurant and always speaks very highly of your team.“

“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.“

“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.“

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

“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....“

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

“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“

“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.“

“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!“

“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.“

“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.“

“First time dining here on this visit to Los Angeles. Everyone loved the hummus appetizer with bread and Sabzi (mint leaves and red onions sprinkled with sumac). The Soltani Kabab and lamb skewer were flavorful and delicious; however, the chicken Soltani was rather bland and flavorless. To the restaurant's credit, they gave us another order of Soltani Kabab because we didn't like the chicken Soltani. Our server Ali provided friendly but slow service throughout our meal. A very good dining experience overall; however, I would dine here again if in the area.“

“Their feta alone gets 5-stars itself. Everything else is beyond exceptional as well.

Food - got the Grilled Chicken Souvlaki sandwich and Steak Fries. Their portions are fairly large, so I was able to take some home and enjoy it again. As mentioned, their feta is amazing. The souvlaki sandwich was PACKED with a bunch of meat and vegetables, so wasn't able to really eat as a sandwich, but that didn't bother me at all. The grilled chicken was cooked perfectly. Their steak fries were delicious as well!

Service - Super friendly, accommodating, and just a dang delight. So respectful and professional.

Ambiance - A very cute spot where you order your food first then take a seat in their small and very intimate dining area. But really cool that your food is being prepared on the other side of the wall.

I get why my sister loves this place and the diners inside looks very satisfied as well. Can't wait to find myself near another location so I can have it again.“

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

“The beef and chicken kabobs were excellent. The variety appetizers were good but lacked flare in presentation and taste . Neither nor our guest are fans of their sweet rice.qay too sweet.I would get plain rice. I prefer pilaf Lebanese / Armenian style. Armenian coffee good desserts lacking. Very comfortable AC on a hot early evening“

“I have been coming here since 22 years ago. I was happy to see it open again. The guy and his sister are very friendly and nice. Food is amazing . Best Mediterranean food in town . Live it . I'm a fan of this restaurant and I go back on time everytime I come here. Thanks for this amazing place“

“Super Deli! 100% recomendado 😋“

“The food is amazing. The service is amazing. There is nothing negative about this place. I drive from far to get food from this place and I will never mind it. They have a loyal customer with me. The owner is super friendly everyone here is friendly. The owner was super kind in helping me plan out food to serve for my husband's birthday dinner. This place will continue to be my go to place and I will always send my friends here.“

“Byblos Mediterranean bakery has the good food , amazing and excellent service, and all the staff at Byblos are very nice, helpful and friendly too. Wishing them all the best And the prefect place to sit and enjoy the meals I rate Byblos Mediterranean baker 5“

“The food is great, we order it often! But the delivery guys ALWAYS REFUSES to come bring our food to our office. Why are we tipping for delivery to not be done properly? It’s so annoying I’ve called the restaurant to bring it up but he literally always makes us go downstairs.“

“I had lunch with my family and the food was Delicious. Try you won't regret it“

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

“Excellent veggie and cheese pizzas and spinach/ chicken with crumbled blue cheese!!“

“Kabab Way in Glendale is absolutely incredible! Their kababs are packed with flavor and cooked to perfection — truly some of the best I’ve had. The chicken is juicy and delicious, the grilled tomatoes are perfectly charred, and the rice is fluffy and full of aroma. Everything is consistently fresh and tasty. Highly recommend this spot if you're craving authentic and delicious kabab. A must-try!“

“⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

After a 6-hour ride through beautiful roads, our group of 12 motorcyclists stopped at Olive Branch Restaurant for a well-deserved Persian lunch. The food quality was excellent, portions were generous, and the prices were very reasonable. Highly recommend the Chelo Kabab Soltani — absolutely delicious! A perfect spot to recharge after a long ride.“

“Սիրելի եղբայր Սագո, Շնորհավորում եմ քեզ քո անվան տոնի օրվա կապակցությամբ և մաղթում եմ քեզ առողջություն, հաջողություն և անսահման երջանկություն: 👏👍🙏 Անունովդ ապրիս 😘“

“Yummy food. Big portions snd economical Had chicken kabob plate. Comes with pita bread hummus abd cucumber salad abd rice. Couldn’t finish“

“Absolutely delicious food. Competitive prices, and welcoming atmosphere. The servings were generous; You will not leave here hungry. I highly recommend this establishment and look forward to my next chance to dine here. 👍🏻👍🏻“

“We are so happy we found this place in Glendale.
Their food is authentic and amazingly delicious.
Their shish kabob, chicken, and lule is the best from the many we have tried over the last five years.
The owner, Harry, is such a nice person and it shows in the food he makes.“

“Very tasty cuisine. Highly recommend.“