8 Best Restaurants in California, USA

Fans of Bestia have been lining up for stellar Mediterranean cuisine at this Arts District hot spot, which is owned by the same restaurateurs. Rose-gold stools give way to marble tabletops as the open kitchen bangs out hummus and baba ghanoush spreads, along with flatbreads and lamb-neck shawarma. The vibe is lively, the staff is chill, the patio is a scene, and the food is out of this world. Reserve early, as this place gets filled fast.

For a grand savory adventure inside the Kimpton La Peer Hotel, chef Charbel Hayek prepares an array of winning Middle Eastern and Mediterranean-inspired menu items, such as a mezze platter to pair with a vibrant cocktail. Start with an array of dips, olives, and pita bread, before ordering one or more wood-grilled menu items. Popular dishes include dry-aged Rohan duck and olive-crusted rack of lamb, plus some satisfying vegetarian fare to enjoy with a glass of Old World, Ancient World, and New World wines. 

Persian dining is mostly done in homes, with fine dining a modern concept, but Maykadeh hits the mark with authenticity in Persian cooking as well as saucy, elevated, French-influenced twists. Those in the know come for succulent lamb specialties with saffron rice, served in a dining room with an old-school, white-shirt-and-tie vibe. Kebabs, like the chicken joojeh, and other marinated meats are great for sharing. Other options include ghorme sabzee, lamb shank braised with Persian aromatic herbs. There are plenty of starters, like strained-whey-drizzled eggplant dip, to tease the most hearty appetites.

Azizam is introducing Silver Lake to a casual way to enjoy comforting stews, punchy yogurt dips, and many other seasonal dishes that are often found in the comfort of an Iranian home. The all-day café is ideal for a quiet, leisurely lunch with a book or a friend. Standout items include Maman’s fried potatoes and the savory-and-sweet kofteh tabrizi, a beef and rice dish that socks up the savory tomato broth that collects at the bottom of the plate.

For street food with style, pop into Falafel Heights for a made-from-scratch falafel wrap or chicken shawarma bowl, made Palestinian-style for easy snacking. Be sure to get a few dips on the side for an extra kick.

Chef-owner Mona Leena Michael channels her heritage as a first-generation Palestinian in California. Breakfast, lunch, and Friday-to-Sunday brunch are the main events here, in particular the reservation-only, prix-fixe brunch affair that might feature eight to ten compelling mezze (small plates). Seating is split between the bright, airy dining room and sidewalk tables.

The perfect pairing of simplicity and complexity, Momed serves Mediterranean fare that feels comforting yet upscale. The welcoming atmosphere is just as perfect for a romantic date night as it is for a more convivial brunch with friends.

Jordan-inspired street food is not easy to find in the Bay Area. The unique Californian catch here is the use of flour tortillas, which are a savvy base for the foot-long, narrow wraps that are pressed on the flat top for an extra level of caramelized delight to each bite (a pita option is also available). It’s irresistible, whether filled with the signature slow-roasted yogurt and spice-marinated chicken shawarma, lamb/beef shawarma, or falafel.