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    Almaya

    4.9 (128 reviews)
    Closed • Closed
    Updated 1 month ago

    Order Almaya Takeout or Delivery

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    ALMAYA ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Trendy
    Good for groups

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    Recommended Reviews - Almaya

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    Reviews With Photos

    Cyl C.

    Date: July 11, 2026 Purchases: Salmon Burrito Mole Empanada (2 pieces) Baklava (1 piece) Orangina Complimentary: Pickled Carrots and Garlic Water Experience: My husband was craving a Mexican fusion place and the original location he wanted to take us to is closed on Saturday. But with a quick search and Yelp we were able to stumble upon this place without backtracking from where we were at. There was free parking on the street and we were surprised to find that this place was located in a food court being shared with two other restaurants. The staff was kind and actually brought our food out to us once we placed our order. I was able to munch on some of the pickled carrots and garlic they had by the water before we got our food. The mole empanada was delicious with the crunchy outside, savory middle, and the green sauce that came with it was the cherry on top. The salmon burrito I got was juicy and a bit oily for my liking, but delicious. The baklava was a great ending note for me to a wonderful meal. I can't wait to come back again just for the empanadas!

    Matthew P.

    This place is so good!! Such a hidden gem in Lincoln Heights This spot is inside of a small food hall! It's unsuspecting but their food is so good. We each got a plate and each one was packed full of flavor. Ordering is super easy at the counter and they bring your food out to your table. Everything was so tasty and fresh. It'd be a great place to get takeout too if you're in a rush! I will definitely be back soon!

    Chicken Hummus plate with Jamaica and water
    Jeff L.

    This place is the best lunch in Lincoln Heights I didn't know I wanted! A coworker recently tipped me off to Almaya for an amazing mix of Mediterranean/Mexican food. So far, I've tried the beef and chicken hummus plates, and they were both absolutely delicious. If you can swing eating in, I highly recommend it as the food comes out piping hot with incredible presentation for a lunch venue. Service is quick and friendly, too! This walk up restaurant is located inside a contemporary food court across the street from St. Vincent's off Ave 21. 1 hour parking is free at St. Vincent's, or there is also street parking.

    Cesar And Desiree A.

    We were in the area and wanted to try something new. Almaya did not disappoint! The service was helpful and great. The spicy creamy chicken was tender and moist - coupled with the rice was excellent. Their birria was also spiced and prepped well. We're taking the empanadas, stuffed grape leaves, and baklava to go. Couldn't resist! Conveniently located in a clean food hall. We'll be back!

    Spicy Creamy Chicken Plate
    Nani N.

    It was inside a food court, so there's only really street parking to get here. It wasn't too crowded when I came on a Friday at 1:00pm. My friend had suggested this place and mentioned that on Tuesday they do tacos which I was looking forward to trying, but maybe next time. I got the Spicy Creamy Chicken plate which was absolutely delicious. The chicken was so tender and not dry at all. They give you options of either hummus or beans for the side and a salad also. The pita bread was so crispy and complimented the whole dish. I do wish that they would give more rice, but nonetheless, the dish was my favorite! I also tried my friend's lamb plate she got and I cannot rave enough about that. It was so tender and the meat fell right off the bone.

    Empanadas
    Michelle A.

    Amazing food, service and location! I was recommended Almaya and since we were in the area we decided to stop by. It's located inside a food hall, it's clean with plenty of seating. We had spicy chicken (not pictured), empanadas, falafel and baklava. Everything is spectacular and service is so helpful and kind. We will definitely be back!

    Gala
    Arminda D.

    We only tried the falafel plate and the chicken burrito/wrap, but both were amazing the falafels were crispy and flavorful, with amazing hummus and toasted pita bread. Really good food here!

    Ayesha Z.

    Such an amazing find with great customer service and food!! It's located inside of a food hall and the quality of the food here is so good. We got three tacos; asada, chicken shawarma, and birria along with a birria burrito. The flavor was top notch and it tasted so fresh. I also loved at how light and thin the chips were. The green salsa paired so well with everything! Definitely check this place out.

    Spicy Creamy Chicken Plate
    Gabriella I.

    Inside of a food court with 2 other options. This place is incredible! It's a family run business- half Mexican half Egyptian- so there's something for everyone. I got taquitos and my boyfriend got the spicy creamy chicken plate- idk what's in that sauce but it's drinkable! Good portions, had some to take home. Counter service. Will be back and bring friends!

    Jose C.

    ​Almaya is the perfect fusion of Mexican and Mediterranean cuisines! I ordered the Chicken Shawarma Burrito, and the explosion of flavors on the first bite was absolutely mouth-watering. It perfectly balances a traditional chicken burrito with distinct Mediterranean flavors. On top of the amazing food, the staff is incredibly friendly and helpful, and the ambiance is peaceful with good music playing at just the right volume. This place is an absolute must-visit!

    Falafel Plate

    Truly the BEST Mediterranean in the area. What a cool fusion of Mexican and Mediterranean. The pita and homemade hummus are so amazing, arguably best hummus I've ever had. The falafels are so moist and never dry which is rare for falafel. Agua Fresca is also so insanely good. Will go out of my way to come here. It's in a food hall and street parking and parking in St Vincent De Paul is easy. Highly HIGHLY reccomend!!!!!!

    Spicy Creamy Chicken and Chicken Kabab Plate
    Chris R.

    Awesome!! We got the chicken kebab plate and the spicy creamy chicken (as well as some baklava). Everything was EXCELLENT, the service was awesome, and I LOVE the complimentary peppers on hand. I'll be back!!

    Falafel plate
    Chad K.

    The food was amazing and the prices were very reasonable. I got a TON of steak on my plate in the Asada Kabab. I was stuffed. My wife ordered the falafel plate and took leftovers home. I tasted the falafel and it was perfectly cooked. It is easy to mess up falafel and a hard thing to get just right. It can be dry, or too oily or too thick, or cold, or too salty. So many things can go wrong. This falafel was perfect. If you are a falafel lover, I highly recommend trying it! Parking can be a little tricky, but there is free parking at the thrift store across the street. We found street parking, but it can be like the Hunger Games depending on the time of day. The only thing that wasn't my favorite was the horchata. It was a little too sugary and on the sweet side for me. Everything else was extremely good and very enjoyable. Plus, this service could not be friendlier.

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    2 years ago

    Helpful 6
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    Love this 5
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    1 year ago

    Consistently great food and good portions. A good hybrid of Mediterranean and Mexican, yet each hold up to their own culture's highlight!

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    2 years ago

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    1 year ago

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    2 years ago

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    1 year ago

    Recommend this place! Great food and great people! Chicken shwarma plate, falafel, baklava, everything I tried was delicious!

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    2 years ago

    Helpful 2
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    2 years ago

    DELICIOUS FOOD INCREDIBLE. Tried both the Shakshuka and the chilaquiles and let me tell you, magical. Also their Cafe de Olla is chefs kiss

    Helpful 1
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    Love this 4
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    Page 4 of 4

    Ask the Community - Almaya

    Is the meat halal?

    Yes! Our meat is halal. We make our chorizo using halal beef, our sausage is made with halal chicken, and we have halal beef bacon.

    View All 2 Questions

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    Anwar's Kitchen

    Anwar's Kitchen

    4.5(462 reviews)
    3.0 mi•Downtown
    •$$

    So bummed it's closed down now their food was delicious and always consistent...great pricesread more

    I keep coming back to Anwar's Kitchen for one simple reason: the food is consistently good. Not…read more"pretty good for takeout," not "good on a lucky day," just genuinely solid every single time. This time, I went with the Anwar Style Chicken Shawarma to try something new. The portion size alone is impressive. The container is packed and feels substantial the moment you pick it up. The base is a bed of fries, and these are not just filler. They are thick, well seasoned, and sturdy enough to handle all the toppings without turning into a soggy mess. On top of the fries is a generous amount of chicken. The chicken tastes freshly cooked, with that warm, savory flavor you expect from good shawarma, never dry and never overly salty. There are pita chips mixed in, which add a great crunch and texture against the fries and chicken. Multiple sauces are drizzled throughout the dish. I chose a side of their spicy sauce. The creamy white sauce balances things out, while the orange sauce brings a mild heat and a little extra depth. None of the sauces overpower the dish, they work together to coat everything evenly and keep every bite flavorful. Diced tomatoes and corn adds a touch of sweetness that surprisingly works really well here. A sprinkle of herbs throughout helps brighten everything up and keeps the dish from feeling too heavy, even though it is definitely filling. This is comfort food done right. It is messy in the best way, packed with flavor, at least to me it was. If you are looking for something hearty, satisfying, and consistently well made, I will always recommend Anwar's Kitchen. Anwar's Kitchen delivers quality food, and I will keep ordering from them.

    Photos
    Anwar's Kitchen
    Anwar's Kitchen - Street view

    Street view

    Anwar's Kitchen - Falafel plate Gyro plate Chicken shawarma pita Anwar's style gyro Baklava

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    Falafel plate Gyro plate Chicken shawarma pita Anwar's style gyro Baklava

    H&H Brazilian Steakhouse Downtown LA - Grass fed Picanha & Organic Wine

    H&H Brazilian Steakhouse Downtown LA

    4.4(1.2k reviews)
    2.9 mi•Downtown
    •$$$$
    Romantic vibe
    Private events

    LOVE THIS PLACE! The…read moreAmbiance is wonderful and Overall this was a pleasant experience, with good value marked by excellent service. The food was cooked perfectly as well! If you're a first timer make sure to note that your little table tag (looks like a drink coaster) signals whether you're FINISHED or WANT MORE STEAK.

    My wife chose H&H Brazilian Steakhouse in Los Angeles for my birthday dinner. We picked it in part…read morebecause of the halal options, which we appreciated, but overall the service and experience were disappointing. We had a 6:30 reservation, and after being seated at table L4, it took several minutes before anyone came over. When our waitress Karen finally approached, she greeted us with "Hello, ladies" without really looking at me. She then realized I was a man and apologized. I do have long curly hair, so I understood how the mistake happened, but it made for an awkward start to the evening. She was pleasant while explaining the menu and helped us understand which items we could eat. One of the main reasons my wife chose H&H was because of the halal meat options. Since we do not eat pork, our waitress specifically told us she would let the meat servers know not to bring pork to our table. Unfortunately, pork was still brought over to us, which was disappointing considering our dietary restriction had already been clearly discussed. After taking our drinks and getting us started, our waitress essentially disappeared. We had to flag down other staff throughout most of the meal whenever we needed something. Meanwhile, nearby tables were receiving regular check-ins and much more attention from their server. We were among the few couples of color in our immediate area, and while I can't say why our service was so different, the contrast was noticeable and made the experience uncomfortable. The meat servers were actually one of the bright spots and a big reason this isn't a one-star review. Several of them were friendly and accommodating. However, the red-and-green card system didn't seem to work consistently. Even with the green side showing, there were times we were passed by and had to ask for certain meats. The food itself was mixed. The Brazilian limeade was probably my favorite part of the meal. We also really enjoyed the cinnamon pineapple, fried plantains, Brazilian cheese bread, and the mashed potatoes, which were excellent. Some of the meats were good, but others were overly fatty or very tough and difficult to chew, also we did not like the big crystals of salt all over the meat which made it very salty. The fried corn wasn't for us. The farm-to-table area was another disappointment. We noticed numerous small flies flying around the food, which immediately turned us off, so we barely took anything from that section. Cleanliness also stood out for the wrong reasons. There was visible dust buildup on the wall and lighting area behind our table, as well as on the small lamps around us. In the restroom, there were no paper towels available for drying your hands, only the air dryer. My wife had also specifically noted on the reservation that we were celebrating my birthday. There was no acknowledgment until she went and reminded the staff herself. They eventually brought something out, which I appreciated, but by that point it felt more like an afterthought. Even getting the bill at the end was difficult. We were left waiting and eventually had to track someone down just so we could pay. There were definitely some good moments, the Brazilian limeade, cinnamon pineapple, Brazilian cheese bread, mashed potatoes, some of the meats, and several helpful meat servers, but for a birthday dinner costing us well over $200, I expected much better service, cleanliness, attention to our dietary request, and overall hospitality. Unfortunately, this was not the birthday dinner we were hoping for.

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    H&H Brazilian Steakhouse Downtown LA - Grilled Pineapple

    Grilled Pineapple

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    The light private room

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    Bavel - Baked Alaska

    Bavel

    4.4(3.1k reviews)
    2.5 mi•Arts District, Downtown
    •$$$

    This is one of the best restaurants I've been to in a while! Our favorite bite was the duck hummus…read more It had a nice kick to it and it was so flavorful, and it came with this super fluffy, very hot pita. I also really enjoyed the brightness of the crudo, and the grilled oyster mushrooms or a must. And for someone that doesn't really like lamb, I thought the rack of lambs was actually pretty good and tender. And if you have room for dessert, definitely get the baked Alaska. It is so fresh, fruity, and bright! Surface is fantastic. Our waiter was able to preempt our every need and brought out the dessert menu and each of the courses before we asked. It is also such a gorgeous place with hanging pothos from the high ceilings!

    Came here for a group dinner on a Wednesday evening with some friends to celebrate our…read morefriendiversary! Bavel has been at the top of our list of places we've all wanted to try, so we were very excited to finally make it happen. Walking in, the space is beautiful and feels very elevated while still having that open-concept feel. There are cute plants and vines hanging from the ceiling and an open kitchen where you can see everything happening. The lighting was interesting though. Our table was lit very brightly, while some of the other tables looked much more dimly lit and intimate. Our server was great, and the sommelier was wonderful as well. We went with wine pairings throughout our meal, starting with a splash of sparkling white wine. HUMMUS DUCK 'NDUJA (tahini, parsley, cilantro, sumac, blistered pita)10/10. This was DELICIOUS. The texture and flavors were everything. SILKY smooth hummus with that fatty, deep flavor from the duck 'nduja. My goodness, I would like to drink it. The warm pita that came with it was pillowy soft and perfect for scooping everything up. Amazing dish. I would order this every single time, hands down. DRY AGED TROUT CRUDO (coconut citrus broth, charred chill & onion, mandarinquat, turmeric ginger oil, kaffir lime) 8/10. Crudo was yummy with the coconut citrus sauce. Tangy, a little sweet, herby, zesty, with the fattiness of the fish. But I didn't taste anything especially different even if it was dry aged. ROASTED CAULIFLOWER (vegetable curry sauce, rose pickled beets, garam masala, horseradish, cilantro)7.5/10. This dish was good, but nothing spectacular compared to everything else we had. The flavors were there, but overall it tasted a little more muted in comparison to the rest of the meal. GRILLED OCTOPUS (skordalia potatoes, broccoli, lamb XO, dill, lemon, olive oil)9/10. Loved! SO TENDER. I've had plenty of octopus that ends up chewy or overcooked, so I really appreciated how perfectly this was cooked. ROMANO BEAN TEMPURA (cashew cardamom cream, tomato date chutney, black garlic aioli, smoked habanero)8/10. The sauces were SO good with the tempura beans. The batter was very light and crispy, while the beans themselves were cooked until just tender enough. Such a good bite in terms of both texture and flavor. SLOW ROASTED LAMB NECK SHAWARMA (tahini, ajika, pickled vegetables, carob molasses, laffa)10/10. AMAZING DISH. The meat literally fell off the bone. I already love the flavor of lamb, and this one was just chef's kiss. The tangy pickled vegetables paired with the rich lamb and tahini worked so well together and made for the perfect bite. 10/10 would recommend if you like lamb and have people to share it with! 22OZ BONELESS MARGARET RIVER RIBEYE (fermented mushroom cream, marinated cucumbers, dill)9.5/10. This was cooked SO WELL. The fermented mushroom cream was an amazing sauce to pair with the steak. There are a lot of rich, fatty elements here, so the marinated cucumbers were perfect for breaking everything up and balancing the bite. One of my biggest takeaways from the entire meal: DO NOT SKIP THE SAUCES. Every sauce, condiment, and side that came with the dishes felt intentional and elevated the flavors exponentially. 10/10 sauce situation going on at Bavel. For dessert: STRAWBERRY SUMAC & SWEET CHEESE PASTRY (pistachio ice cream, sheep's milk ricotta, cured sumac)9/10. I'm not a huge sweets person, but this really hit the spot. I do love a good pastry, and the ricotta was just sweet enough without being too sweet, which in my eyes makes for a perfect dessert. NOUGAT ICE CREAM BAR (dark pecan caramel, chocolate butter cake, chocolate shell)9/10. Another great dessert. Loved the chocolate, the deep caramel flavor, and the nuttiness from the pecan. Great textures too, although the chocolate shell made it a little difficult to cut and share! Honestly, I want to come back just for the hummus. Everything was delicious, the wine pairings were great, portions were generous enough for sharing, and the service was wonderful. Bavel is such a lovely spot for an elevated dining experience, whether you're coming with a group or for a date night. Loved our experience here. Thanks for a great meal, Bavel!

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    Bavel - Interior

    Interior

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    Craft by Smoke & Fire - LA Live - Brisket Quesadilla

    Craft by Smoke & Fire - LA Live

    4.5(995 reviews)
    3.3 mi•Downtown
    •$$

    My wife and I were just walking through LA Live and received word from a hostess that it was buy…read moreone get one happy hour. So of course we jumped on it. I ordered the Blood In, Blood Out and my wife ordered the Hispanic! At the Disco. Both drinks were amazing. We also ordered an appetizer of their Smoked Hatch Chili Queso which was delicious in every conceivable way. Additionally, the hostess we first talked to and our waiter were both outstanding. A++ service here. We're definitely going to come back next time we're in the area.

    STAY AWAY FROM THIS PLACE!…read more When the employee lured us in, she said to go to the counter inside and wait for someone to seat us. There were several employees that saw us just standing there, but we still waited there for 5 mins before someone told the girl from outside to take us to our table. We were finally seated. Then guy who told the girl to seat us was just standing around d chit chatting with another employees for about 15 minutes before he even came to our table. He never even introduce himself. He just took our order. Another 20 mins came by before our food was served. OUR FOOD WAS ROOM TEMPERATURE. Short Rib was ok. The macaroni was stale and OLD! It was dry and not fresh! We asked for extra BBQ sauce and that didn't arrive for another 15 mins. We had to wave down another employee to try to get the sauce to us. I wouldn't recommend this place! Horrible service. Didn't even come around to see if we needed anything or if everything was good or not. We came here around 1:30pm on 3/16. The restroom was also out of paper towels and soap from the soda dispenser. Poor quality food! Glad I tried it, so I know to not come back again!

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    Craft by Smoke & Fire - LA Live - Mac Rib

    Mac Rib

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    Cali Chilli

    Cali Chilli

    4.0(110 reviews)
    2.2 mi•Little Tokyo, Downtown
    Free parking
    Kid friendly

    Best Indian (Punjabi) food I have ever had. We were a…read morevegetarian family of 4, and ordered Paneer Butter Masala, Malai Kofta, Garlic Naan, and Veg Dum Biryani. Everything was top class, and taste was extraordinary. Ambience is also good.

    Strap in, this place is a full experience. I had posted about it and so many people hit me up…read moresaying they've always wanted to try it and live nearby. After going, I get the hype. We started with those super delicate pani puri style poppers. I've seen them on MasterClass and always wanted to try them, so finally getting them here was a moment. Filled with tandoori flavors, chutneys, mint, and a yogurt center that pops in your mouth. So good. Cocktails paired perfectly too. The pickle one and the Purple Rain were both solid gin drinks. Service was great. The bartender and server were both super knowledgeable and helped guide us through everything, which made a big difference with a menu like this. The ambience is beautiful. Big bar in the back, great lighting, a mix of natural and more moody tones that make it feel elevated but still comfortable. For mains, the pot pies are a must. We tried the biryani and the butter chicken versions, completely different but both worth it. Portions are huge, you will have leftovers. The quesadilla with fajita peppers and tandoori chicken was such a cool fusion idea and worked really well. The boneless truffle chicken had this creamy, almost alfredo style sauce with Indian spices that made it super unique. Ended with the saffron noodle pistachio ice cream dessert and that was unlike anything I've had before. Definitely something you try at least once. This is one of those spots where everything feels creative and intentional. I'll definitely be back.

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    Cali Chilli
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    Almaya - mexican - Updated September 2026

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