Middle Eastern Restaurants near Pasadena, CA

“My family and I frequent a lot of Mediterranean/Middle Eastern restaurants, whether it's a sit down restaurant or takeout--and Sahara might just be the best we've ever had!

We heard good things about Sahara and decided to check it out yesterday; and it exceeded expectations.

I had the beef kebab plate, while my mom and brother had the chicken kebab plate. We loved how they had complimentary snacks (olives, cheese, and cucumber) and also that the plate came with either soup or salad. The meat dishes were so flavorful and honestly the best we've had at any restaurant. They gave a lot of meat too; 8 pieces for each dish. The baba ghanoush was also great.

Last but not least, Mary, our server, was extremely pleasant and attentive. We can't wait to go back!“

“Came in with a big order on a Sunday and they gave me the best service with a great CAN DO attitude! Love it when they reflect positivity and it gave me warmth right back.

Food of course was amazing and fresh! Very well priced and kinda cute they put everything in pizza boxes. Highly recommend for family orders!“

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

“My mother, step father, and I ate there over a year ago. They kindly asked me to leave a review on Yelp—I don't have Yelp. And over time I forgot. My step father wants to eat there for Father's Day...so I'm leaving a long overdue review now. The food is delicious, larg portions, place is clean and family owned— the main things I look for when choosing a restaurant.“

“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!“

“Great food! Excellent service! 😍“

“Thank you to the Raffis staff for their professional work, friendly approach, and delicious food. A funny story happened today. My friend and I had lunch, had a good time, and forgot the envelope with money on the table. A few hours later, we remembered that we had forgotten the money on the table. We went back and they returned our money to us.Thank you very much:Rafuel,Martin,Luis❤️you are professional👍“

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

“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“

“A++++++++++++++++++++++++“

“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.“

“We hadn't heard about the golden Skwer before we were looking for a banquet hall for my mom 60th birthday. Reached out and promptly received a call from Carla she was great with giving all the information of everything that is included with booking with them, right off the bat I loved speaking with her she was super friendly even with just speaking over the phone and very nice and friendly when we met to confirm details. everyone in her staff was very friendly. Banquet hall is beautiful in itself, food was amazing we had so many people compliment on how good the food is(mind we we hadn't tried till day of event) we booked because of Carla

We strongly recommend the golden Skewer, couldn't be more happy with the venue and service and FOOD.“

“This is the first iranian restaurant ive been to that doesnt serve kabob. Its so unique, and all their dishes taste so so so good. Its like traditional home-styled dishes. Amazing. They have some modern twists to some stuff like the appetizers. And they have sekanjebin, I loved it (an apple cider vinegar drink - kinda like poppy but better lol). Im going back forsure. P.S. the ambiance is nice with the old-school iranian decorations and plants. The lamb gheimeh is to die for.“

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

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

“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. 👍🏻👍🏻“

“Great experience. Staff was very friendly and I got my take out meal from the time I ordered to the time it was in my hand in <10 min. Food was so good! We got the Meze Plate and shared it between 2 people - Should have gotten 2 orders. Will be back!“

“We just had dinner here for the first time, and the food was absolutely amazing! We were warmly greeted by Vanessa, who was incredibly kind and welcoming.

We ordered the Branzino and the Chicken Combo Plate, and everything was delicious. We also tried the hummus, strawberry mojito, and baklava—each dish was full of fresh, vibrant flavors.

Thank you for the excellent food and outstanding service. Our entire experience was wonderful from start to finish.

May God shower this restaurant with blessings, prosperity, and continued success. We will definitely be back!“

“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.“

“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!“

“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“

“I have been here twice now and BOTH times the food was excellent. I don’t even know which one is my favorite, but you must try the fatoush salad and the mante. Not only is the food amazing but also the service! Quick, kind, and welcoming. I can’t wait to come back!“

“What a blessing it was to stop by here. What started as just a day to look for dresses, we were amazed to find this place!

Not only was the food absolutely delicious! But the owner welcomed us with open arms. Everything fresh, and made with love.

Coming from San Diego, it was a treat to be feel like we were “home”. You all have to try this beautiful business! You will savor each and every bite.

God bless you guys <3“

“Seems like a training day. When you are a new customer and you order a plate, you have no idea what comes with it and no explanation. I ordered a two meat chicken beef combo and was asked if I wanted meat. It was off but the food was delicious...“

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

“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“

“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!“

“I visited this restaurant with my boyfriend great service, incredible atmosphere, polite staff, great food and drinks we will definitely come again.من قطعا این رستوران را توصیه می کنم“

“Super Deli! 100% recomendado 😋“

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

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

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

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

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

“Olive Branch Restaurant is an absolute gem!

From the moment you walk in, you’re welcomed with warm hospitality that instantly makes you feel at home. The food is nothing short of incredible—fresh, flavorful, and clearly made with care. Every bite tastes authentic and perfectly balanced, from the tender meats to the vibrant, seasoned sides and freshly baked bread.

The portions are generous, the ingredients are top-quality, and everything comes out beautifully presented. You can really tell this is a place that takes pride in its food and service. The staff is friendly, attentive, and genuinely passionate about what they do, which makes the experience even better.

Whether you’re coming for a quick lunch, a family dinner, or a relaxed night out, Olive Branch never disappoints. It’s easily one of the best Mediterranean restaurants around and a place I’ll keep coming back to again and again. Highly recommend!“

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

“Very tasty cuisine. Highly recommend.“

“Since I was born, kabob has been my favorite food, full stop. I’ve had kabob all over LA County. They charge you $38 at Raffi’s and Pardis for a kabob barg plate, give you the same amount of meat, and fill the plate with rice. Masis Kabobs’ food has no flavor; they don’t marinate their meat correctly and don’t cook their tomato enough, as it’s always mostly raw.
Harry over at Moon Mart Kabob gives you the best kabob, jigar, and abgoosht. If it’s you and a few friends, go over to Moon Mart Kabob, and you’ll realize why it’s so good, in my opinion. He charges you $20 for kabob barg, and he’s such a nice guy that you’ll be really happy eating there and giving him your business—not just because of his niceness, but also because he knows his stuff.“

“Delicious and beautiful food!“

“It was my first time here, the place looked clean. The young lady at the register was super friendly and courteous. I ordered the lamb chop plate as well as the chicken Kabob plate. The lamb chops were very tasty and tender. The ONLY thing was that the rice and lamb chops were very salty. Unfortunately, I couldn't finish my food, it was just too much salt. I'm willing to give this place a second chance only because I love lamb and they are close to me. The pros outweigh the cons and hopefully next time it won't be salty. Will keep you posted“

“Classic Persian Food.

The OG of Mediterranean restaurants in Glendale.

Consistent Quality, Fair Pricing. Huge parking lot in the back across the alley.

I order #4 package to go for 4 people!“

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

“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.“

“Great food and excellent service“

“I visited this restaurant on Sunday! The cashier with black hair helped me decide on my order a very polite and handsome guy !,)
I ordered the shawarma bowl and came back again in the evening. Everything was very delicious. Special thanks for such great service!😍“