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Bavel Los Angeles Reviews
this is the craziest most delicious restaurant i have ever
this is the craziest most delicious restaurant i have ever visited. would recommend for a celebration or special occasion for sure! the price reflects in the quality and thoughtfulness of the dishes. the flavors, textures, presentation, everything was on point. we ordered a spread, 2 appetizers, and 2 entrees for 4 people, which turned out to be a perfect amount! service was a little awkward as the server took down our order wrong, but after i let them know, they took the dish back and gave us the correct order without issue. beautiful restaurant with a lively and homey ambiance. would come back!
I here for a girls night dinner on a Monday night and made
I here for a girls night dinner on a Monday night and made reservations beforehand. From the outside, you may easily pass by this spot without noticing, but inside is so airy, chic, and modern. I especially love the hanging plants cascading down the high ceilings. As a sister restaurant to Bestia, I had high hopes for this spot serving Mediterranean cuisine. As we sat down, we started off with drinks. Also, they need to change their chairs or add hooks to all the tables as every woman was holding onto their purses throughout the dinner, which was not ideal especially at such a nice dinner spot. For drinks, I had the Marah ($20) and Raphaella ($18). The marah was similar to an amaretto sour while the raphaella was more fruity and refreshing. Both drinks were pretty strong and I definitely felt some buzz from them. For food, we started off with the Hummus Duck 'Nduja ($17) and Chicken Liver Pate ($24). Both of these spreads were delicious and a good way to ease the hunger with some carbs --great for sharing. Then we had 4 appetizers as recommended for 4 people: Cherry Tomato ($23), Oyster Mushroom Kebab ($26), Fried Quail ($28), and Grilled Prawns ($35). The prawns were crispy and spicy along with the fried quail that had a nice crunch too. I liked how pretty and refreshing the cherry tomatoes were, which surprised us all. While the mushroom was good, it wasn't anything too special though. Lastly, we got the Whole Lumina Lamb Rack ($89), which came with 8 perfectly cooked pieces. The lamb was so tender, which you don't often find with lamb. While pricey, this was a detectable dish that was done very well. Overall, a beautiful meal that brings some unique takes of ingredients to the table. While it's definitely a spurge for a special occasion, it's great for the food and ambiance.
Emily was our server and Pablo was our busser.
They were very attentive and maintained a clean table. Emily helped with the menu since we had allergies. The manager came by to say hi and the staff was always smiling at us. Cute decor. Fun music! And the food was insane! I recommend the cheesecake and whipped feta! Emily suggested the non alcoholic wine and it was shockingly really good, very refreshing and even though it was in can she put it on ice and refilled my glass so it would stay cold. Very nice touch, great service so ask for Emily when you go!
We finally tried Bavel!! Yes the food is elite! And the
We finally tried Bavel!! Yes the food is elite! And the staff is very knowledgeable about the menu and the wine selection. Came here on a busy Saturday night- waited a little bit to get seated but got a nice patio table in the end. Btw valet is 13$ We started with the duck hummus spread with the super fluffy pita. Followed by the grilled prawns with tzatziki. Everything was great but the star of our meal was definitely the wagyu beef cheeks tagine! Must try. Since it was my birthday we had to get dessert too and we didn't go wrong with the labneh cheesecake with berries! We were so full at the end of the night but tried to finish it all
Worth every dollar.
The quality of the food was par none and the customer service was just as amazing.
TLDR My meal just seemed okay.
I enjoyed the dishes at Bestia a lot more. The appetizers were better than my entree. Cocktails were just okay as well nothing on the menu sounded interesting. Service was very good though. Seems like an okay place to just come and share some appetizers with friends but you need plan ahead, so I probably won't be back. Overall Heard a lot of good things about Bavel online so was looking to try it. Made reservations a couple weeks in advance and got to try it. It has a very lively atmosphere. Seated within a couple minutes after arriving. One thing I noticed is that the seating is very cramped so you are in close proximity of other people it is also very awkward getting up from your table because you will usually bump the adjacent table. Waiters are attentive. Food does take awhile to come out because it is always full. The only notable dish for me was the mushrooms everything else (including cocktails) was just okay nothing spectacular. I only had one entree though. So I feel like Bavel is over hyped. Parking Free street parking if you are lucky. There is a valet though. Atmosphere Very loud probably not great for an intimate date night better for social events. Service Very attentive probably the best I have seen. Drinks While the drinks sounded interesting on paper it really didn't stand out in flavor. Food Hummus duck 3 stars Didn't really stand out from other hummus I have tried. Grilled mushrooms kebab 5 stars The best dish they made it exactly like a beef kebab. Best dish probably worth coming here just for this to say you tried it. Lamb shawarma 2 stars Very underwhelming dish considering the price and after eating the mushrooms.
Good food and service, but imo overhyped and not worth the
Good food and service, but imo overhyped and not worth the price point. Hummus Duck 'Nduja - delicious and best item we got! super creamy and flavorful and the pita is so soft and fluffy Oyster Mushroom Kebabs - good, but not spectacular, small serving for what it is Slow Roasted Lamb Neck Shwarma - Good
Ate the beef tar tar here last night and ended up throwing
Ate the beef tar tar here last night and ended up throwing up all night long with the shivers. I'd say you should avoid that dish this weekend.
My friend strongly recommended this restaurant and has gone
My friend strongly recommended this restaurant and has gone multiple times. The food and service lived up to my high expectations. FOOD: Hummus duck 'nduja (pitas soooo soft and fluffy), dried aged trout crudo (refreshing), fried zucchini flower with dungeness crab (delicately fried), oyster mushroom kebab (deliciously smoky), malawach (reminded me of roti), grilled dorade (main), ice cream terrine. All excellent, I particularly loved the appetizers and I think sharing 1 main was sufficient as we were fully stuffed at the end. We saw the next table get the famous lamb neck schwarma and there was no way we could fit that in our stomachs. In fact we had to box half of the dorade to-go (still tasted fabulous next day in toaster oven). Only rec is that that the terrine needed a knife or something to cut it so we could get all the layers at once in a bite (which tasted infinitely better than eating a spoon of each section). DRINKS: pomegranate lemonade with sumac, blackberry ale Total for food, drinks, tax (2 people): $238 before tips. SERVICE: Everyone was very clearly motivated to help and meet any of our needs, the staff frequently checked in. There was a moment we wondered why there was only one spoon for the crudo but a second spoon was brought before we needed to ask. AMBIENCE: Beautiful interior but full and noisy. It was also loud on the patio where we were seated but after sunset they retracted the shade and we could converse much more easily. PARKING: $10 in the garage after 6:30 pm. Alas I didn't realize this and made the reservation for 6pm. Dinner is about 2h total.
Dining at Bavel was an absolute delight from start to
Dining at Bavel was an absolute delight from start to finish. The service was excellent, with our server being attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely friendly. The ambiance is charming and casual, creating a warm and lively atmosphere. The food was amazing, with each dish beautifully presented and bursting with flavor. Every bite showcased the skill and creativity of the kitchen. Bavel is a must-visit restaurant, and I highly recommend it for a fantastic dining experience.
The best middle eastern cuisine in California
BAVEL - middle eastern cuisine, LA downtown - Michelin awarded - Vegetarian friendly, Vegan Options By the chance of this time visit to California, I could visit many good restaurants. But I would like to introduce several ones which were impressive for me. The first one is BAVEL which is middle eastern restaurant, located in downtown LA. You can meet the Chefs of Ori Menashe and Genevieve Gergis. I am allowed to take photos for the cooking spaces including his staffs. It has very joyful, lively vibe. The Heka and Havah are good, helpful cocktails for appetizing. Marinated Olives ($9) are also recommendable with them. Among the dishes, I really like grilled prawn ($34), harissa marinade. I also like braised Wagyu beef cheek Tagine ($48) which comes with the coconut rice. But if you do not like the braised or stewed beef, the grilled one will be good selection. Reservation is essential and Valet parking is available at $13. @sarah_kim_ Thanks for the reservation! 🙏 Staffs are very friendly and helplful.
Good food
Really good but not amazing. I go to lots of restaurants and felt compelled to right about this one. The service was excellent, the stools at the counter ok - not that comfy. So busy , a bit noisy - great buzz but not intimate. More of being at a posh bar than a restaurant. Food was good, a few things let it down. The tangine in traditional pot ; pot was like warm- so pot all for show; tangine decanted into it and then rapidly cooled it. That’s quite poor. We had asparagus- in the U.K. we have English asparagus season the quality is outstanding ; this asparagus was just ordinary. However it was spiced! So take a delicately flavoured veg and hide the flavour with something punchy - it was a bit odd. The baba Hannah was excellent- subtle Smokey flavour sublime. The sweet potatoe flat bread alittle sickly - but I think that’s what US market like. Would I rush back - no , but overall enjoyed
Recommended
When it comes to dining out, I have always relied more on the kindness of strangers, namely restaurant critics, than on word of mouth from ordinary folk like myself (Yelpers and what not). Chefs/spouses Ori Menashe and Genevieve Gergis have 3 restaurants in the LA Times' Top 101, with Bavel the highest-rated (Bestia and Saffy's are the others). Until now I had tried none, despite their longevity. Bavel is a Middle Eastern restaurant in the Arts District, perhaps LA's most concentrated epicentre of acclaimed eateries. Bestia, their Italian place, is a few blocks south. Bavel is a bright and airy space with indoor and patio seating. The noise level inside can be quite high. Reservations are strongly advised. I was seated at their long bar, which serves the full menu and is great for couples or solo diners. The menu is divided into Spreads, Appetizers, Entrees and Desserts. Per the LA TImes' critic, I ordered the hummus duck 'nduja, slow roasted lamb neck shawarma and, for dessert, the strawberry sumac and sweet cheese pastry. For an appetizer, my waiter recommended the dry aged trout crudo, and he was spot-on--it was fresh, bright and tangy. The hummus was brilliant, so light and airy, as if whipped; the accompanying pita was also weightless. The waiter had recommended the chicken liver pate as a spread, which I must try in the future. The shawarma was decent, but very rich, fatty and unctuous, served over laffa which much-needed pickled veggies, tahini and spicy ajika served alongside. It was a huge portion and not boneless; as someone who took anatomy in college, I recognized a cervical vertebra on the plate. My waiter had recommended the whole lamb rack (lamb chops), and I should have taken his advice over the Times' critic, even though they cost over $30 more. The leaf-shaped pastry was great, served with pistachio ice cream. I would certainly return to Bavel, but will probably try Bestia and/or Saffy's first.
Absolutely bang on
Quite simply the best place we are in LA. The theme here is cooking on a fire with mostly North African Arabic influence. Everything is amazing but my favourites: Duck Nduja hummus Lamb chops Flame grilled mushrooms Flatbreads Could go on really. Great venue and atmosphere.
not too long ago i have a really hard couple of days
not too long ago i have a really hard couple of days dealing with an unfortuate legal situation. my husband took me here to cheer me up, and it worked! Had the lamb and a cocktail, went home happy and have been back a few times since. Love pretty much everything about this place, but especially the food. Not fussy or pretentious, but good, flavorful and filling.
Dropped in for dinner with my boyfriend on a Tuesday.
We were able to get seats at the bar with only about a 20-minute wait. Our bartender/server was outstanding - she was so much fun. The food was great, as always. We started with a cocktail for him and a hot tea for me. The drink - the Aria (Tropical - mezcal, rum, macadamia, pineapple, lime, banana, nutmeg, mint) -was so subtle, well-balanced, and delicious. We got the farm cheese - a favorite, must-order dish when we go. We also had the butter lettuce salad which was a great hit of brightness to balance the complexity of the grilled prawns. And we finished with the lamb neck shawarma (most of which we packed up and took home).
This is one of the most disgusting restaurant I have been
This is one of the most disgusting restaurant I have been to, their servings are way too small they make up their own Types of food that are creative but gross I would definitely not recommend eating here.
Povi was such an amazing mixologist and host as we sat at
Povi was such an amazing mixologist and host as we sat at the bar, which I'd recommend, literally one of the best restaurant experiences I've had in a long time. Vibe was on point, music, food a 10! Definitely recommend and Povi's customer service and attention to detail on our drinks and food recommendations was on point. We'll be back for sure!!!
Exceptional food, service and ambiance.
Whenever friends visit this is my go to for a memorable LA experience.
Came here for a friend's birthday.
The interior of the restaurant was nice - if not, a bit crowded. The music was pretty loud so it was difficult to talk with friends. Street parking. Ordered the oyster mushroom skewer, prawns, bread, baba ghanoush hummus, celery root, and the dorade fish. Decent food, portions were on the smaller side. We were asked if there were any food allergies by the waiter and my friend said sesame. After we all eat the hummus, she starts to have an allergic reaction. (throat swelling, itchiness) Apparently, the hummus has sesame, AND it was in the puree of the celery root dish. There was miscommunication between the waiter and manager. Although we appreciate the verbal apology, none of the issues were comped. We are extremely lucky that my friend is not deathly allergic to sesame. Please do better and make sure EVERYONE is on the same page.
Duck hummus- 5/5 the best way to start this meal! Not only
Duck hummus- 5/5 the best way to start this meal! Not only was the hummus great, the pita was also warm, soft, fluffy and oh so good! Prawns- 5/5 the perfect spice level, and perfect amount of tang. Paired wonderfully with the tzatziki sauce. Lamb- I'm not a lamb person at all, a little game-y for me. But meat was so tender and juicy. Mushroom skewer- charred nicely, but nothing too extraordinary. Wine was chosen by the restaurants sommelier. She was welcoming and very knowledgeable! Chose the perfect wine for kir dishes and liking. $110 for the bottle
Man I'm kinda bummed.
.. Bavel was my go-to spot to celebrate special occasions when I lived in LA. Today's dining experience was a letdown. The prices have skyrocketed since we last visited 3 years ago and portions have gotten smaller. There duck hummus was still banging. The pita seems to have changed though. The $25 oyster mushrooms (my favorite) were not the large juicy pieces of charred mushrooms that we were used to when Bavel first opened. Today, they were tiny little scraps with barely any charring. A piece of my pita had a little shred of plastic in it. Accidents happen, but when you're dropping $225 on a meal, I expect to not get served a piece of plastic in my food. The tagine used to be served with a fluffy mountain of couscous and now it's a tiny cup of rice and a very small amount of beef. I don't know if this was just an off night but it was a letdown tonight.
Bavel is always excellent! The outstanding flavor are
Bavel is always excellent! The outstanding flavor are always amazing! I know it LOUD but the service & food is always a step above!!
... and it happened again: Bavel was amazing. We would have
... and it happened again: Bavel was amazing. We would have come back anyway, but an additional incentive was a gift card I had received. Wonderful cocktail and mocktail to start. And to follow: Hummus Masabacha (wow!), the farm cheese (with a risk to eat too much of the delicious bread), honeynut squash flatbread, oyster mushroom kebab, ... and a supersplendid dorade!! The pear cake was unbelievable, served with real espresso (remember: Bestia misses out on real coffee). PREVIOUS REVIEW ... as promised, I HAD (!!!) to come back! And I was not disappointed. Party of 5 with items to be shared from across the menu - it was again a dream. Too bad that the Octopus was not available this time. Nissim cocktail to start (mmmh), Hummus with Duck Nduja on the side, Baba Ganoush, Heirloom Lettuce Salad, Middle Eastern Cured Meats, Roasted Cauliflower, Grilled Prawns with harissa and zucchini tsatsiki, Malawach Flatbread, Grilled Dorade, all just melted on the tongue. Not to forget the addictive pita bread ... and as dessert the Cardamom Apple Prune Cake as well as a Almond Blossom Honey Nougat Glace. What can I say, all that within the lively, trendy, sexy atmosphere of a modern interior: I won't be able to resist coming back again! PREVIOUS REVIEW 1 This was a dream!!! Wait: was it real, was I there, or did I just dream it? I guess both. Everything was just perfect and marvelous. No wonder why it is so difficult to get a table reservation. From the arrival, everything is supercool, the architectural outline and design result in a spectacular and warm (should I say hot) ambiance with lots of light, open kitchen with a huge fire, plants and electrical fixtures playfully populate the ceiling: I could sit there even without the food. And let's be clear: the ambiance has to nail you down because one could otherwise easily get blown away by the fabulous food!! The menu list is long, and apparently also changes here and there, too long to try everything but an absolute invitation to come back. Everything is a wonderful fusion of beautiful appearance, creative and very flavorful combinations of unexpected ingredients, tender texture, hot and mild at the same time. The pita bread, fresh, warm and fluffy, is just a prelude. Nothing but a feast when combined with the humus - which I believe is the best I've ever had. Other items - all like the great finale of a firework except that more was to come - included the Scallop Crudo, Tomato and Plum salad, a Malawach flatbread, and the Grilled Octopus, which again was nothing like the rubbery stuff that is served in many other places, but something more tender and flavorful than I ever had before, it almost meled on the tongue Even though it is tempting to order too much, the server provided firm recommendations where to go and when it was enough. But it was better to leave some space for desserts: OMG, the Roasted Fig Tart and the Vanilla Date Crème Brule were an excellent combination, and both for themselves very light, incredibly smooth and tasty. Rounded up by a real espresso (remember: a MIA at Bestia ...). Job not finished, I will need to come back...!!
One of the best meals ever
Hip L.A. restaurant with excellent food in a somewhat sketchy neighborhood. Don’t be put off - there’s safe valet parking. I’ve been to many mediterranean style restaurants all over the world and this one stands out with the quality of preparation, service, and atmosphere. The pita bread alone is worth the price of admission (both baked and fried are excellent). Everything was great - our entrees (the rack of lamb and the beef cheek tagine) stood out as exceptional. Don’t miss this if you’re in the area.
Trendy Middle Eastern Restaurant
My wife and I had dinner here last night. WE booked an early dinner for 6.15. The place was almost full but we were seated immediatley. The restaurant is vibrant and lively. The courses are delivered with an explanation of exactly what you're getting and sthe staff are happy to interact and anser your questions. The meal really was first class. Every dish was excellent but the stand outs for us were the sea trout crudo and the quail. Would definitley go again next time we are in LA
Disgusting
They serving Arabic food and they are claiming that it’s Israeli. Food and culture appropriation at its worst form. not good.
Gorgeous, Delicious Food with Plenty for Vegetarians
We were lucky enough to score a table for 2 at Bavel ahead of a nearby event. We don't live anywhere near downtown so it's not an area we'd typically be dining in. Our experience at Bavel led me to the conclusion that it'd be worth heading downtown, just to eat here. It's a delicious destination with lots of options for vegetarians and an incredible amount of detail and artistry put into every dish. We were seated at the bar in front of one of the prep stations, so when I say that there's an incredible amount of detail and artistry put into the dishes...it's not just because of the gorgeously presented food that was served to us, it's because our eyes actually got to witness it being prepared a couple of feet away from us. It was impressive. My wife and I shared: Malawach - I'm a sucker for malawach...Something happens when that deep fried bread meets that fresh tomato puree. It's magic. Cherry Tomato - I wouldn't normally order a plate of tomatoes, but this dish was so beautiful and delicious. I'm a tomato convert. Let them be the stars! Hawaj Cauliflower - hearty and generous in portion size even for 2 people sharing with other dishes. More yum. Roasted Strawberry Pavlova - a dessert I just wanted to kiss it was so beautiful, and again really tasty. Everything we had here was amazing. Things change seasonally so there's a constant reinvention happening, and some of the things we got aren't on the menu anymore as a couple months have gone by. But we would eat here any time. We couldn't have been happier vegetarians at Bavel.
Expensive disappointment
Completely let down on this one - I was so excited to plan for a date night at Bavel during our vacation to LA! We arrived for our reservation for two on a Saturday evening, the restaurant interior looked stunning. To my surprise, the host seated us in their outdoor overflow area - fantastic great view of their tarp plastic windows and back entry. When I asked to be seated inside, I was told there would be no way to estimate how long it would take to seat us. Felt this was pretty unreasonable, but since we had another reservation elsewhere for drinks, we decided to stay and deal with the overflow area seating. Once seated, we had three different staff approach our table to ask for dietary preferences and give the “intro” speech. Felt like since we were a small table instead of a group, we kept getting passed to different servers. When I shared we were dairy-free, the server crossed out most of the menu (lol). The only plant-based options I had were appetizers - cauliflower and hummus. Both were good, but it was pretty surprising that there was nothing else that could accommodate dietary options (especially for this cuisine, which usually has options with vegetables, lentils, etc.). We asked for the cauliflower to be brought out the same time as the entree my spouse ordered, and were told it couldn’t be accommodated. Again, just kept feeling like you only received quality service if you had a large group tab. My spouse had visited earlier in the month with a group and had RAVED about the incredible service and ambience at this restaurant — so I know that there is a completely different experience available here. Paid the same price tag though. Ugh - such a bummer, wish I had known!
Great Experience
Fantastic beautifully prepared food with an Israeli twist. Beautiful restaurant with both indoor and outdoor seating. Be sure to make a reservation.
An Enchanting Evening at Bavel: Where Atmosphere, Cuisine, and Service Converge
Bavel is a culinary gem that excels in every aspect of the dining experience. Its atmosphere is nothing short of amazing, with a captivating blend of classical charm and contemporary elegance that sets the stage for an unforgettable evening. But it's not just about the aesthetics; Bavel's food is truly exceptional, with a menu that boasts a delightful fusion of flavors and ingredients that will tantalize your taste buds. What truly sets this restaurant apart, however, is its second-to-none service, and if you're fortunate enough to be welcomed by the gracious front of house, Mia, consider yourself incredibly lucky. Her warm and attentive demeanor elevates the entire dining experience to an even higher level of excellence. Bavel is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking an extraordinary dining adventure.
Hip Middle eastern spot that’s a sister restaurant to Bestia and Saffys
It’s a go-to spot whenever a friend is visiting because the atmosphere is laidback but hip, the service is attentive, and the food is tasty. I particularly enjoy the lamb neck and the hummus with pita bread. Additionally, our group of three got an extra order of pita bread, Moroccan carrots, and the peach cobbler for dessert. That was a good amount of food for us (it’s family-style). I would strongly recommend making a reservation as the restaurant is popular, otherwise, they do accept walk-ins. Even though we had a reservation, we were seated 20 minutes past our expected time. Valet parking is available or you can find street parking. They recommended not parking on the bridge as there had been a number of car breakin’s.
Amazing Mediterranean cuisine
Bavel has to be one of my top dining experiences in all of LA. My cousins made reservations weeks in advance. When we arrived there was a line out the door. The ambiance is great inside. They have a ton of greenery hanging from the ceiling inside. Theres a large outdoor dining patio. Noise level wise its pretty loud here. If you want a quiet place Bavel is not it. If you're on Tiktok this has to be one of the hottest restaurants in the area right now. We ordered the following: Appetizers: BABA GHANOUSH HUMMUS MASABACHA YELLOWTAIL CRUDO TABOULEH GRILLED PRAWNS LAMB FLATBREAD CHARRED OCTOPUS Entrees: GRILLED DORADE SLOW ROASTED LAMB NECK SHAWARMA All of the spreads are must orders. The crudo, flatbreads and prawns were delicious as well. The prawns definitely stood out. There was a spicy harissa marinade and the addition of the cured zucchini & cucumber tzatziki were amazing. Both of the entrees were perfect. By the time we got to them with all of the appetizers some of us were almost full. Between the 8 of us these 2 entrees were perfect. The fish was marinated and cooked perfectly. I loved the lamb. The meat was so tender and flavors were on point. Our experience here was definitely 5 stars. We were in a rush to go to an event and our service team was so accommodating. All of the reviews raving about Bavel got it right. It was my cousins 3rd time going here the last 6 months. I will definitely be back to try some of their other appetizers.
My favorite restaurant in LA.
Amazing food and service. Great vibe. Can't go wrong with any of the food options but the MALAWACH is a must.
LOVE. Literally my favorite place to eat in ALL of LA.
LOVE. Literally my favorite place to eat in ALL of LA. Anything they prepare is made with pure love. That goes without saying anything you order from here is delicious. I even tried the chicken pate once which was also delicious, I just probably won't order it again because just the thought of mashed chicken liver makes me cringe. But either way I highly recommend that you try all the food you don't think you'd like HERE, chances are they'll be the ones to change your mind
Hands down my favorite restaurant in LA at the moment.
This has been one of the hot spots for quite some months now, and it's totally worth it. That said, definitely book a reservation in advanced to secure a table!Bavel is Bestia's sister restaurant (same chefs), and serves Middle Eastern food. And just like Bestia, Bavel's food does not disappoint.They have an outdoor and indoor eating area. The outdoor area does have covering, so you won't get wet on rainy days. Both areas are pretty loud with music, so it's a bit hard to hear people talk unless they're talking louder than normal.As mentioned, the food is amazing here. Bavel is meant to be family-style, so you should order a bit of everything to share. I personally recommend the duck hummus which comes with a perfectly baked pita bread. I've heard people recommend the fried pita, which I did not get to try because they were out that day. We also tried the Moroccan carrot which comes in a beautifully colored presentation, along with carrots you get beets and whipped feta. Very refreshing!My all-time favorite from Bavel is their oyster mushroom kebab. I would come just for this any time of the day. Don't get this confused with sea oysters.. it's a type of mushroom actually, and despite its name, you will be mind blown by how tasty this is. A must-have every time!The grilled prawns are also amazing and one of their best-sellers. The sauce here is really the show on this item. It's a mixture of tzatziki with some other good stuff.. another must-have.The fried quail was great as well. Loved the crispiness of the dish and alternative to the usual fried chicken.For the entrees, I always go for the lamb shawarma. This can be shared amongst 3 people easily. the lamb is super tender and can be ripped apart with no force. It comes on top of a big pita bread for you to make your own wraps with the pickled veggies they bring you. I have not had the chance to try their other entrees, but it's hard for me to pass on the lamb neck shawarma whenever I go!
Came here with my BF for a midweek dinner after reading so
Came here with my BF for a midweek dinner after reading so many rave reviews...overall it was fine, but rather underwhelming. The first thing we noticed was how crowded and loud the space was; the acoustics must just be really bad, because the noise level almost made it impossible for js to communicate across the table.We got a couple of drinks, hummus, baba ghanoush, prawns, and mushroom kebab. All of these dishes were quite good, and the pita bread was outstanding. However, it wasn't at the level of truly special, which I would have expected for the price.For example, the baba ghanoush was deliciously rich and smoky, but it could have used a little bit more brightness in terms of salt and citrus. The hummus was good but a quite small portion. The mushroom kebab tasted really smoky and meaty, but for $24, the portion was tiny. I think the green sauce should be more substantial (instead of essentially a garnish), and perhaps have another element like a cheese or a nut-based sauce. The prawns were delicious and a good portion size; I don't particularly like being served prawns with the heads on, but I recognize that that's a personal preference.Again, it was fine, and even delicious at times. But for a premium price, 4% extra service fee, $12 valet (if you don't want to risk a car break-in), and the inability to hear yourself or your companions, overall not worth it in my opinion.
Food 5/5Service 3/5Seating situation 2/5The food was
Food 5/5Service 3/5Seating situation 2/5The food was absolutely scrumptious! My favs were the Malawach and the farm cheese. My boyfriends favs were the grilled prawns and oyster mushrooms. The hummus and baba ghanoush were good, but weren't wow level. The pink lemonade was AMAZING. Unique taste, and the sparkling texture made it that much more enjoyable. Def get the pink lemonade over the regular lemonade. Service was a 3/5. Our server's service was 4/5 because he didn't bring our lemonades until halfway through our meal. And we had to bring it up to our server halfway through our meal. And what do you know, it came out in 5 min. Not a big deal, but it did takeaway from the dining experience a bit. The 3/5 was the several hostesses at the front. I felt like one of them was looking me up and down and it was off putting. Had a slightly cold demeanor. Again, not a big deal, but worth noting? Really did not like the seating situation. We made a reservation and chose "standard" instead of counter and high top. We wanted to sit inside because it's so pretty and the ambience is much more classy. But we didn't really have a choice and got sat down outside. Hostess never asked us our preference. I definitely wish we had more of a choice upfront and not have to voice our preference right when we are led to our table.
There's not much to say here other than that this place is
There's not much to say here other than that this place is worth everything -- getting a reservation, getting to downtown, parking, and yes, a hefty bill. I could detail the fantastic service, awesome interior (their patio definitely lags behind the inside), and how just about very single dish I've gotten there is amazing -- but honestly, what's the point? We have and will continue coming back for those special occasions, and you should too.
I resisted dining here for a while because nothing really
I resisted dining here for a while because nothing really jumped out at me when perusing the menu but decided to try it based on the excellent reviews. I was not disappointed. The appetizers, especially, are stellar. The malawach, grilled oyster mushrooms, grilled prawns and fried quail are all so so good. Really everything my party ordered was incredible. The service is friendly and efficient too. Been back a few times now since my initial visit and can't wait to go back.
I can't believe I've never left a review for one of my
I can't believe I've never left a review for one of my favorite restaurants in LA! As of lately the spots I've been trying have been mid so I wanted to take my friends to a spot I know I can rely on. I've been to Bavel a total of 3 times and I think it has gotten better every time. Starting with my favorite. The lamb chops are TO DIE FOR. I am a huge fan of lamb chops, but Bavel just get its right every single time. The yogurt sauce it comes is also spectacular. I've also tried their lamb neck shawarma and that was solid. The portion was also pretty large. Onto the appetizers. Their hummus and baba ghanoush are so smooth and the pita that comes with the dips are so soft and fluffy. I LOVE their oyster mushroom kebab, It is perfectly seasoned and sometimes has crispy bits. I tried their clams for the first time last weekend (I think this is a new item?) and they were also great! I reminded me of a thai curry type of flavor. I've tried the fried quail and the hokkaido scallop crudo. Both were solid, but nothing to write home about. The Morraccan carrot and grilled prawns had all the flavors. The shrimp was charred to perfection and had a nice kick to it, but the tzatziki helped cool down the heat. THE CARROTS. Were subtly sweet and had so much flavor, I didn't know I could like carrots so much. As for cocktails, I wish they had a few more options, but what they currently have on the menu is solid. Each has its own flavorful profile and are pretty stiff (which I like). Overall, Bavel continues to be one of my favorite restaurants in LA and I will continue to visit this spot, whether it be for a birthday or just a date night out.
Food is always amazing here and always consistent.
My favorite is the duck hummus, farm cheese, mushroom kebab, grilled shrimp and the celery roots. Everything on the menu is amazing. Must go
Love the ambiance, food and service.
. we made reservations but we went early and they surprisingly seated us right away which was good because we were hungry after a day at LACMA. 1Less star for parking! Hard to park and valet was full so we had to walk a couple of blocks to park. Service was very good and food came to us timed which was a great idea. We didn't know you could do that but our waitress/bartender suggested it and we loved how they did it! We ordered so much food: the hummus, the malawach, the prawns, mushroom kebab, the curry clams, oxtail tangine, lamb shawarma and for dessert, the nougat ice cream. Meats were falling off the bone tender, sauces were very flavorful and bread/pita was warm and soft, the mushroom kebab was an unexpected goodness of smokiness. You won't know you were eating mushrooms! So incredibly good! The nougat ice cream dessert was unexpected refreshing yumminess and my cocktail (forgot the name) was a "wow" with the smokiness of the mezcal so ended up getting 2 haha!! Cheers! I definitely recommend this place! Such an incredible dining experience!
After this incredible meal, it's apparent to me why Bavel
After this incredible meal, it's apparent to me why Bavel is so highly recommended by some of my favorite Tiktok and Instagram cooks that I follow. This was the most luxurious Mediterranean meal that I have had and our server Michelle was such a wonderful help throughout the meal! Initially, our plan was to order 1 spread, 2 apps, and 2 entrees. Thankfully, Michelle recommended the signature Lamb Neck Shawarma entree and suggested ordering a third appetizer rather than a second entree due to the shawarma's large serving size. This turned out to be the right move for us and I genuinely appreciated her friendly and straightforwardness with our order. I love trying and eating lots of different dishes, but there is nothing more upsetting than over-ordering and being unable to finish most of the food fresh! I absolutely loved the smoked trout rillete spread. It wasn't too fishy, and tasted so bright and fresh with the calamansi herb cream! The hawaij cauliflower reminded me more of an Indian-inspired dish due to the spices and flavor profile. I was obsessed with the Serrano crème fraîche it was served with. The grilled celery root was initially overlooked and recommended by our server. I was shocked at how flavorful this entire appetizer was and how much of the smoky, grilled was imparted onto the vegetable. The malawach essentially reminded me of roti with dipping sauces and poached eggs, in comparison to the other appetizers this was my least favorite but my friend ranked this as their top appetizer. Then, we awaited our entree and I actually doubted how tender the lamb neck shawarma was going to be even though the description said it was slow roasted. I was so shocked that the neck meat quite literally slid off the bone without any resistance! This was the most decadent cut of lamb I have eaten. There was barely any gamey taste, and the spicy ajika and pickled vegetables complemented the rich, fattiness perfectly. This was only half eaten because it was actually so much food between the two of us! We finished the meal with the Almond Honey Blossom Nougat Glace. The ice cream was so creamy and I loved the kumquat and nougat bits embedded throughout. It was such a refreshing dessert with the citrus salad.Overall, the ambiance, service, pacing of the meal, and food itself were immaculate. I had such a wonderful time dining and enjoying trying these new foods without feeling like we were rushed. I would definitely return to try more of their menu!
Bavel is probably the only place I've ever tried that has
Bavel is probably the only place I've ever tried that has me salivating everytime I think about their food. I never knew I could ever think about hummus the way that I do for Bavel's hummus. I also normally hate mushrooms but I could go for any of their mushrooms again. The service was phenomenal and the ambiance was so classy and modern. The only time I ever go back to LA... I'd make sure Bavel would be in the top of my list to visit again.
Bavel has been on my wishlist for a long time so I'm glad
Bavel has been on my wishlist for a long time so I'm glad to be able to finally visit and try several items on the menu. I came with a friend who hasn't been here either. We made a table reservation which I highly recommend cuz the place gets really busy.We were lucky enough to find free street parking just a block away. We were greeted right away and walked to our table. Ambiance was very lively and friendly. Staff members are very friendly and there's always someone going around to make sure any requests while dining is met.Here are the items we decided to share:HUMMUS DUCK 'NDUJA 15tahini, parsley, cilantro, sumac, pitaOYSTER MUSHROOM KEBAB 24lovage & avocado purée, sumac, meyer lemon, cilantroGRILLED PRAWNS 31harissa marinade, cured zucchini & cucumber tzatziki, fresh herbs, limeSLOW ROASTED LAMB NECK SHAWARMA 50tahini, ajika, pickled vegetables, laffaI'm not going to elaborate how delicious each item was but all I wanted to say was everything more then exceeded our expectations. Everything was really good that we devoured each item and finished them in no time at all. I wished we had room for dessert but we were honestly so full.
Delicious down to earth dishes.
Pretty venue. They were out of lamb shawarma when we went in the late evening. Service was sub par for price point. They seem to prioritize and cater to larger groups rather than couples.
Wow. Bavel definitely lives up to the hype! As soon as you
Wow. Bavel definitely lives up to the hype! As soon as you walk in it feels like you're transported someplace special. The interior of the restaurant is gorgeous, with an open kitchen layout and plants hanging from its high ceilings. More importantly, the food was exceptional! Among the things that really stood out to me were the oyster mushroom kebab, duck hummus, and grilled celery root. There's complexity in every dish and the flavors really blew me away. Probably one of the best dining experiences I've had in a while. The only gripe I have is that it got too loud. They could use a new playlist - I thought their choice of songs didn't match the vibes of the place.
Amazing food! With most $$$ restaurants I do consider the
Amazing food! With most $$$ restaurants I do consider the stars with the ambiance and service but this place - food alone deserve the 5 stars! Love the appetizers! Mushroom kebab a must try. The steamed clams (OMG) the sauce tasted like home for me. (SEA flavor). Farm cheese was super fluffy and creamy. We enjoyed the MALAWACH, it's basically roti/prata. Entree: Lamb fell off the bone - delicious. Ox tail sauce was amazing. Parking: it's DTLA please be prepared but there are a lot of nearby street parking options- valet is available if you have the $ for it. Ambiance: very chill and pretty inside but a little cramped. We sat outer part so it wasn't as nice as the inside part near the bar area. Service: our server, wait staffs and everyone was super nice to us, work very very efficiently and fast. Celebration: apart from people being too cramped together, it's still nice for group birthdays, I wouldn't sit outside for a date since it's pretty loud with crowds.
WOW - I came to Bavel for the 2nd time and was totally
WOW - I came to Bavel for the 2nd time and was totally blown away. The first time was a few years ago - pre-COVID. Everything was delicious, but I wasn't blown away. This time - my friend took me out for a belated birthday dinner. I think our waiter's name was Kevin but it might have been Evan - it was difficult to hear since the restaurant was packed on a Wednesday night. Thankfully my friend had made a reservation weeks before. Our waiter was SO wonderful - he was amazing at making recommendations for drinks, wine, and for the food menu. He was young, but so knowledgable and I was struck by how he carried himself with such maturity for someone so young. We immediately felt like we were hanging out with a friend. We started with the smoked trout terrine with sesame sourdough - absolutely delicious, Our favorite cocktail of the night was with mezcal that he had recommended. The prawns were absolutely mind blowing, and in the photo you'll see their Sea Breem and a butter lettuce salad which doesn't look like much but was quite possibly our favorite thing of the night! Now if you can pull off such a good salad dressing that you can make butter lettuce with sesame seeds one of the top dishes of the night - if not THE TOP - THAT is talent, that is genius.The fish was amazing too - EVERYTHING was amazing. The chocolate/rose donuts were amazing. We also met Tomas who was just the epitome of style and warmth mixed together. He brought by a taste of a Nocino liquor and he was also so gracious and showed me the way to the restrooms - I literally could hang out with that guy. They are doing everything right at Bavel.
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If there is no user posting that fits your schedule, you can bid on your preferred time.
Let's say Peter has a great morning and decides to take his three friends to Bavel Los Angeles at 6 PM the same day.
He checks the restaurant's website and sees that no reservations are available. He then looks at the Bavel Los Angeles page on AppointmentTrader, but finds that there are no user postings either.
That's where the community-driven bid process comes in.
Peter can place a bid on AppointmentTrader, which serves as a reward for any community member who chooses to work on securing the reservation. AT then notifies experienced users who may be able to help.
Step-by-Step Process
1.) Setting a Reward (Bid)
* AppointmentTrader uses historical data to recommend a reasonable reward amount for securing a reservation - let's say $100.
* Peter really wants to go, so he increases the bid (or reward) to $200.
* At this stage, the reservation does not exist yet.
2.) A Community User Picks Up the Bid
* FulfilledThread16, an experienced AT user, has a strong track record of successfully securing reservations and low refund requests, they receive a notification about Peter's bid.
* FulfilledThread16 picks up the bid, meaning they will now work on securing the reservation.
* Peter can now talk to FulfilledThread16 for any questions Peter may have as FulfilledThread16 user fills the bid.
3.) Finding the Reservation
* FulfilledThread16 now uses their connections at Bavel Los Angeles to secure the table.
* If they successfully get the 6 PM table for four, Peter receives a confirmation that the reservation has been secured.
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4.) Payment & Protection
* Once the reservation is secured, FulfilledThread16 receives the $200 reward which is credited to FulfilledThread16's AT balance, where users manage their own funds and can withdraw via available payout options such as bank transfer, PayPal, or Zelle.
* Peter can now enjoy the dinner with his friends at Bavel Los Angeles!
* As with all transactions on AT, disputes and no-show fees are handled through the platform's community-driven resolution system. Users with a strong track record are incentivized to fulfill bids successfully, and community members can report issues to maintain trust in the marketplace.
