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!“

“Found Monta Factory last year. My waistline has suffered ever since. Sarkis just jams out perfection in a dumpling. The dough is crispy the filling is flavorful and the tomato and yogurt are both delicious. The Su Boreg is crispy and flakey and tasty as well.
If you go here, just go ahead and get the large. I got a small once and regretted it. They serve Salmon Sandwiches, but whenever I stop by, I can't force myself not to get the dumplings. They have a vegetarian option too.
Sarkis the owner is very nice and welcoming and knowledgeable about the food. I am not Armenian, but I am definitely a convert to Armenian Dumplings bc of this place!! Treat yourself.
This is a no frills spot that focuses on doing 2 or 3 things perfectly. They have a few little tables outside if you can't wait to get home!
You can also buy frozen and reheat at home.“

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

“1. The food was very good. The rice was done perfectly
2. Need to resurface and polish all table. The finishing material on the wood has desolved and it is sticky and anoying
3. Please toast the pita bread.
4. Upon the arrival of the customers, please by default present water. You also need to do a better job filtering the water. It taste like tap water which garbage.
5. The servers were good but need to pay attention to other customers. It seems like the are all single task type of people. They need retraining.“

“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“

“What an unforgettable dinner! Everything was flawless—a perfect 10 out of 10! The food was absolutely delicious, the hostess was incredibly warm and welcoming, and our server provided impeccable service all night long. The restaurant has such a charming, elegant ambiance, and every single detail was spot on. I already can’t wait to come back—highly recommended!I have to give a special shoutout to the lamb. I’m usually not a fan of lamb, but this was the first time I've ever had it cooked so perfectly, and it completely changed my perspective. The side dishes were rich, the drinks were amazing, and every single dish we tried was bursting with flavor“

“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.“

“One of my favorite spots in LA!

I’m always craving their mazeh plate (especially in the sweltering summer, it’s so refreshing and tasty). I swear their smashed olives made the world stop the first time I tried them. Im OBSESSED with their torshi! I legit think about it several times a week.

Honestly everything is good- chicken, potatoes, sandwiches. Barbari bread is out of this world and I always get a few extra slices.

Great beverages too- albaloo spritz and Al’s Palmer are yummy and refreshing.

They have several desserts I’ve been meaning to try but the ferni and sholezard are too good I can’t not order them lol.

The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming and the perfect casual spot to catch up with friends.“

“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.“

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

“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 family and I decided to stop by and grab Mediterranean food and my husband brought me by his spot he has been going to for 1 yeah or+ years. Upon entering you get greeted by the sweetest owner and staff. The menu is quite extensive and has variety of things from kabob plates to wraps; then burgers and vegetarian options. I ended up getting the lamb and beef kabob plate with hummus and rice. I also got a side of falafel and some fries to share with the family. The hubby got the beef kabob plate and we shared with the girls. Portions were quite filling and more then enough for our family , hummus was so good. Everything is fresh and house made to the sauces that come with it. The garlic being some of my favorite. This family owned place serves really good food and made sure the family was fed and happy. Definitely recommend and absolutely coming back.“

“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!“

“I like their foods and workers are super friendly.“

“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!“

“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“

“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“

“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...“

“I was car shopping and got hungry, we came into this place by Google maps and let me just say, this place is awesome, we had hummus, potato salad and yogurt and cucumber appetizer, AMAZING, we got two platters one ground beef and steak and One chicken and steak, both steaks were cook to perfection (it's freaking rare to get perfect steaks in any restaurant) chicken was tender and juicy, ground beef was nice and soft, portions are really good, I m a heavy hitter and I ended up full, also Eddie is the man, great customer, ask for him when coming here (unfortunately I forgot to take pictures)“

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

“I can't tell you how many times I've meant to eat here, but I'm always in and out of this plaza. I finally got the chance to sit down and get a chicken shawarma here and it is *exactly the way I like it*. There are so many different types of shawarma, each country's style slightly different, but my favorite is when it is fairly flat, and with fries inside. Yay!!!!!! Please go here. The folks who work here have the loveliest vibe.“

“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“

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

“Super Deli! 100% recomendado 😋“

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

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

“Delicious and beautiful food!“

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

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

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

“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!“

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

“Very tasty cuisine. Highly recommend.“

“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!“

“We’ve lived in Glendale for many years where kabobs are a dime a dozen, however Hamlet’s kitchen has some of the best Lula around. The plates come with rice, lavash, a pepper, onions and sometimes tomato and the portions are enough to share between two people. They only accept cash and the prices are a little steep, but the food is always excellent. Some note the staff to be rude, but I’m guessing that’s the language barrier vs them purposely being rude, our experiences and interactions have been pleasant.“

“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.“