Middle Eastern food is probably my all-time favorite cuisine. I could eat it again and again, and never tire of it. I just love all the flavorful and well-balanced dishes, from the unique use of vegetables to the freshly baked breads- I can't get enough! I had heard great things about Dune in Atwater Village, and made sure to stop by on a recent trip to Los Angeles. This casual, no-frills spot doesn't offer a huge menu, but they don't need to. They do a few things very well, so you really can't go wrong. Place your order, then pick a seat out on the sidewalk patio, and enjoy your food al fresco. My husband and I shared the pickled beet sandwich and the lamb and falafel Mezze plate. The sandwich comes on perfectly chewy ciabatta, piled high with pickled beets, toum, capers, kalamata olives, pickled onions, Bulgarian feta, an 8-minute egg, shoestring potatoes, and seasonal greens. It's a mouthful, but a truly delicious and well-balanced one. The Mezze offers everything I love about Middle Eastern cuisine all on one plate. The pasture-raised lamb and organic green herb falafel come with housemade flatbread, hummus, house pickles, marinated cabbage and onions, tahini sauce, olives, and seasonal greens. I love using the flatbread as a vehicle to enjoy everything at once. Just pile it on and devour. Dune will definitely be added to my regular LA rotation- I already cannot wait to go back (and try the baklava!) next time I'm in town.
cafe mogador
Cafe Mogador is probably my husband's and my #1 go-to neighborhood spot. Although it's always super packed on the weeknights and for weekend brunch, we love going for a quiet weekday breakfast. Due to my husband working in a kitchen himself, which usually consists of very long hours and late nights, we get to go out for breakfast dates more often than dinner dates. It's quite nice to have the random Tuesday morning free together, and we love nothing more than indulging in breakfast at Cafe Mogador. We literally don't even look at the menu anymore, either. It's always the Middle Eastern eggs, poached, for me, and the Moroccan Eggs with a side of Merguez sausage for him. Plus a cappuccino and Americano, or two, of course. It really never lets us down, and is always so filling and satisfying. The fluffy za'atar pita bread is the perfect accompaniment for cleaning up every last drop from your plate. We love sitting in the enclosed "backyard" area, which has a bit of a jungle feel with all the greenery, and is the perfect temperature year-round!
glasserie
Glasserie is a bit of a hike for most in NYC- it's at the very top of Greenpoint. But trust me, it's 100% worth the trip. The fresh and unique take on Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine is comforting and satisfying. It almost doesn't feel like you're in NYC! Sit outside at a cute table on the cobblestone walkway, or cozy up in the rustic-feeling interior. Whether you dine for brunch or dinner, prepare to be impressed! At brunch, the mezze feast is a must-order: freshly grilled flatbread (with herbs & flaky sea salt-so addicting!) with 10 varying small plates, complete with unlimited refills!