A Delicious Lebanese Gem with Quirky Charm If you're searching for unforgettable Lebanese food in an unpretentious setting, Barbonzai delivers in spades. The moment the food hits the table, any doubts about the decor fade into the background. Let's get the obvious out of the way: the interior is... eclectic. A mix-and-match assortment of tables gives the space a slightly haphazard vibe. But if you're willing to overlook the visual dissonance, you're in for a real treat. This place doesn't just serve food--it serves flavor, heart, and authenticity. My dish was bold, vibrant, and absolutely delicious. Everything feels fresh, well-balanced, and made with care. Whether you're diving into creamy hummus or perfectly spiced grilled chicken each bite is a reminder of why you came--and why you'll be back. Quick and the lemon dressing and garlic dip adds flavor! Come hungry, and maybe bring a friend who doesn't mind sitting on a mismatched chair. It'll be worth it read more

Was pretty amped for takeout from here but ultimately this was a bit of a letdown for this cuisine. Grabbed the chicken pita and steak platter, neither of which really was very interesting or well-flavored. The steak itself was particularly disappointing, as it really wasn't seasoned at all and felt like just some ground meat that was grilled. The dips were fine but couldn't make up for the rest of the meal read more

One of the best I've tried! The flavors were fresh and authentic, and the sauces made every bite the perfect combination. Definitely my new favorite spot for Lebanese food. read more

Barbonzai Lebanese Eatery - Steak Pita - Lebanese Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

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I went today for a late lunch and had the platter with chicken, tabbouleh and baba ghanoush with the garlic sauce. It was so fresh and tasted delicious. So to be fair I am upgrading my review of Barbonzai to 5 stars. Well done and I will be back read more

Barbonzai Lebanese Eatery - My Chicken Platter with baba ghanoush and tabouleh. It was delicious. - Lebanese Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

Awesome fresh food! Their labneh and tabbouleh! Goes great with the lahm bi ajeen. Pitas are baked fresh to order and their babaganoush is great too! read more

What a fun surprising find! This place is.. in the Lab-- which means there's traffic in the parking lot, almost on a constant basis. Especially on the weekends; strategize with your tummy and your time. The falafel is so fresh and crispy, crunchy and flavorful. The bowl- which you have three options for lettuce, spinach or rice- I did ALL like the little piggy I long to be. The fries were not as spiced as one would expect but it was still super yummy and the eggplant hummus is just unstoppable in scooping. It's the perfect amount for such a tasting box and packet of two pita bread sliced. Comes with plenty of sauce and satisfaction to your hunger. No coffee available in this falafel hut though. Plenty around in the Lab. Great for vegetarians. Now if only the parking wasn't so intimidating.... read more

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Fast service Quality food Reasonable prices Anytime I see the word "Falafel" I must try! I've had some terrible dry ones and some fresh crunchy ones. This one is top tier for sure!! The pickles and sauce brings this all together. So flavorful!!! I would skip on the air fry cauliflower as they weren't crunchy at all and a bit to salty, but non the less I would for sure some back and get another pita falafel and their tasty starry sodas! Side note their spicy tahini and regular hummus are very flavorful and not to be missed out ! Next trip I gotta try their baklava !!! read more

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I love this place. The family that runs It treats you like family. She always asks about my dog and makes sure I grab treats for her. I work across the street and started coming here about a year ago. Everyday I'm in the office I eat here. Their bowls and wraps are very filling. I always get the falafel. Their soup and salad is a meal on its own. All the food is fantastic and the people are very friendly and care about you. read more

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Where has this place been all my life?? Seriously, though, the lentil soup is so delicious! And the falafel pita wrap is the best I've had. The sauce is amazing. I have appointments in Costa Mesa near The Lab so a friend recommend this place to me. She did not steer me wrong. I don't eat meat so the combo of the falafel pita wrap and the lentil soup is perfect. The falafel tacos are also delicious. Everything tastes fresh and homemade. Prices are very reasonable too. The owner, Sam, and the staff are all so helpful and friendly too that's it's a pleasure giving them business. Highly recommend!!! read more

Barbonzai was an amazing find! Having tried most of the restaurants at Irvine Spectrum, we decided to venture further into the neighborhood. So glad we did! The food was fresh, flavorful, and reasonably priced. The TV was a little loud, but it didn't impede our conversation. Check it out! read more

Made from scratch Lebanese food? Vegan and paleo options? Yes please! Located at the Lab Anti-Mall in Costa Mesa, this place is worth visiting. The place has a cute looking storefront and as soon as you walk in you'll see their signature character, Bonzo, everywhere. He's a little garbanzo bean with a mustache. I walked in, took a brief look at their menu and ordered a bunch of items to-go to try. I ordered: Chicken Pita, Chicken Bowl, Baked Falafel Bowl, Hummus w/Pita, Tabbouleh Salad, Baklava and Potato Wedges. All of the food was fresh and delicious. Some deets: - Chicken Pita: This was a good sized pita. Delicious and filling. 1:1 ratio of chicken to the rest of the ingredients. - Hummus w/ Pita: Yummy. Smooth, delicious hummus. I just wish I had 100 pieces of pita because I love carbs and it would be a good enough ratio to not have any hummus left :P. - Tabbouleh Salad: It's refreshing. It's tasty. I'm not a fan of vegetables but I was a fan of this! - Potato Wedges: They're air fried, so they're not greasy and a bit "healthier". Eat them alone or dip them in one their many available sauces. Overall, all of the food was good. Definitely a good choice if you're looking for a healthy option or just something to eat in general. Very minimal indoor seating but there's also seating around the Lab Anti-Mall. Parking can be a PITA. It seems like during the week you have a better chance at finding parking than the weekend. I received my food in a timely manner and the customer service was excellent. Go try this place, and if you're in the Lake Forest area they have a location there too! read more

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Food was okay but nothing crazy. The service was good but the parking is horrible on weekends. The place is clean and small but does the job

One of the best Mediterranean foods I ever had in GA. Highly recommend . Service is a bit on the slower side, ambiance is exceptional.

I've been on a Mediterranean kick recently and I'm always a "bowl" fan. BL has been on my list for awhile, so I tried it on a rainy day today. I ordered the Bowl - 1/2 Chicken, 1/2 Steak, all three bases - rice, spinach and lettuce. And both garlic and Tahini on the side. It was prepared well, the cashier was very nIce and accommodating and the food was good... but it didn't blow my socks off. I enjoyed it but not sure I'd travel to eat here given other options on the area. read more

Barbonzai Lebanese Eatery - 1/2 Chicken, 1/2 Steak w/ everything else. - Lebanese Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

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Barbonzai Lebanese Eatery is a family own business opened since 2016 (7 years) and has two locations (Lake Forest, Costa Mesa). This Costa Mesa location is within The Lab-Anti Mall Plaza (also known as the hipster center with no parking spaces). Barbonzai is near Habana/Bootleggers and this location used to be a poke shop. There are many similarities with Lebanese food and Mediterranean food so this is great spot if you are trying to eat healthier. I arrived on a Friday evening and there was a couple eating inside. Ordering Screen: (2.5/5) No one was at the cashier but there was an Ordering Screen. The touch sensitivity was horrible and the stand was wabbly. I was jamming my finger on the screen trying to select food options. I was eventually able to pay with my phone but did not receive any texts. Perhaps I typed in my number incorrectly? One other thing I did see was the $1 soup special addition that I could not add. Cashier Service: (5/5) The older man was so kind and friendly! He informed me that the baked falafel would take 10 minutes which I said yes to. He was also able to add onto my soup request. It didn't seem like a busy time as he appeared standing and picking up a spray bottle. Falafel bowl (4/5): Spinach, lettuce, pickles, radish, rice, and falafels. The falafel was tasty and the tahini sauce was great to dip them in. I have to comment that their rice was also very unique. The only thing that I did not like was the recyclable paper bowl which was wet on the bottom and dampening my table. I would order sides of pita next time and would have loved to see if their pita was made from scratch. Lentil Soup (5/5): Great textures and hearty. I appreciate that it was not salty as well. The bowl also came with crackers which I tossed because the soup didn't need it. Positive Feedback: I wished that Barbonzai could showcase their food or how they make their items. There are restaurants like Sababa Falafel Shop where they present everything behind a glass and make the food in front of you as you order. It would also be terrific if they had more pickled or fermented items like turnips and onions. Overall, this is one of the only places I would come back to in this plaza. read more

I'm no expert. But as a vegetarian, one has no choice but to become experienced in a variety of falafel dishes. That was on the menu here: wrap, bowl, or platter. Barbonzai prepares a delicate and tasty falafel ball. The rice was nice and fluffy. The side salad went well with the rest. All good. And the people were very sweet. They have knitted garbanzo beans that they've named. Adorable! But you can't eat adorable. The food is excellent. Go for that, and enjoy the charm as a bonus. read more

This is my second time back and the halal cheeseburger is the best cheeseburger I have eaten. I ordered the combo so it came with the zaatar fries and a soda. Very satisfying! It was service with a smile, very helpful courteous customer service. The place is nice, clean and the music was good. read more

Visually unexciting bowl with a simple palette of ingredients, but I like that the falafel is baked (staff mentioned an air fryer was involved?) and the cilantro tahini sauce was great. The dressing for the bowl was too much on a base of greens, but I imagine it would've been balanced better on rice with the salty tartness of the pickles. read more

Barbonzai Lebanese Eatery - Baked Falafel Bowl - Lebanese Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

Fast service. Delicious and very convenient. Parking isn't the best but I think it's worth it. Small space so I recommend eating outside or having it for take out. Price is a little above chipotle price. Sam was very helpful read more

Barbonzai Lebanese Eatery - Lebanese Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

Food was awful! I ordered chicken plate with two sides, the taste was not good and it was not fresh. This is not a place to eat fresh and tasty food. read more

Super delicious Lebanese spot! I've tried many Lebanese spots, but this one is such a gem. It is more quick service, than formal sit down, which I loved! The staff was super nice and helpful. And the food was absolutely amazing. We got the chicken wrap as well as the falafel wrap, potatoes, and the tabbouleh salad. The chicken wrap was perfection! The chicken was so well seasoned, and the garlic sauce balanced the dish so well. The falafel wrap was also great, but the falafel itself needed more flavor. The potatoes were super good, but got soggy since they're in the box (as expected). And the tabbouleh salad added a great fresh component to the meal. The sauces were good, although the spicy tahini sauce wasn't really spicy for us. Overall, great energy! We ate at the lab sitting areas, so the environment and weather added to the overall experience. read more

Barbonzai Lebanese Eatery - Lebanese Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

Very tasty falafel taco! So much flavor and the spicy tahini was perfect! Definitely Be back. I was full and still wolfed down the taco. Super friendly fast and great spot. Yum! Sorry no photo - taco already gone read more

Delicious & nutritious Lebanese cuisine. Vegan friendly, falafel & sides Best part most items are air fried or baked! Various options like bowl, wraps, & combo meals. Loved that they had kevita kombucha & other healthy drinks Service is amazing Beautiful interior & exterior Plenty of parking too Highly recommend getting the falafel bowl with 2 sides, like babaganoush & hummus Wraps are large & tasty too And sauces are in house read more

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When I shop in The Lab Anti-Mall, I would need to stop by for something to eat while I'm shopping! I came by with some friends for some healthy dinner, I gotta say that I loved everything on the menu! I loved my chicken pita, hummus with the pita bread, and the falafel! They have vegan, gluten free and paleo options for anyone to eat! I'm loving the space of the restaurant! Their wall art is so cool because I'm loving the design of the moustache! The service here is top notch, the owner explained everything about the origins of the restaurant and how the food is made! read more

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The food, service and atmosphere is soo inviting! I recommend you give it a try. All are invited!

I can be quite critical when it comes to Lebanese food because my husband is Lebanese. I have tried so many local restaurants around LA/OC area and this place hits the spot. I love that the family works here and you can often find dad and sons working here. I noticed they hired a few new employees which wasn't the same when a familiar face wasn't there to greet me with their usual smile. The chicken shawarma sandwich is very good here. Love that it is freshly made. I only wish they added fries to the sandwich but you can always order a side and add them yourself. The tabbouleh salad was not as good but again dad wasn't there, usually that lemony, olive oil, salt dressing takes over my taste buds. The hummus and baba ghanoush is delicious, smooth and silky with the simple pita, makes for a perfect side. Whenever I want fast Lebanese food, this is my go-to spot. read more

More people need to check this place out. I have a feeling they don't pay for advertising. There is rarely a line and I have never met anyone who didn't enjoy it. It's quality at an affordable price. It reminds of me brands like Whole Foods and chipotle before they went public. It's not special or fancy or wild. It's good simple ingredients prepared well. Eat!! read more

Parking can be hit or miss at this lot, I try to go after 1PM. First time here, I wont ding them on kiosk ordering but ... I wish folks with the kiosk at least acknowledged you, may be a quick menu run down even just say hi? New customers are lost without help. After I ordered I saw how I should have ordered, it was a bit confusing and over whelming for my 1st visit. The food I got was fresh, fair price, but nothing really had that wow factor I was after. Baklava was vegan, on the dry/had side. The combos are odd to me, the sides are 4.00 and the combo just adds 4 or 8 dollars to the end price. No price break or deal, its just called a combo. I think there is something here, the couple eating in shop really raved about everything being great. I was slightly disappointed but willing to try again. read more

Really good falafel. Hummus is top notch with friendly hosts. We will be back! Handicap accessible read more

Barbonzai Lebanese Eatery - Epic steak falafel, couldn't resist hummus with pita - Lebanese Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

IF YOU WANT DELICIOUS REAL HEALTHY FOOD, THIS IS THE PLACE. We tried Steak Pita, Chicken Pita, Tabouleh Salad, Air Fried Cauliflower, Baba Ghannoj (eggplant hummus). The Steak Pita is BOMB. Their pita is so thin, so you get these huge chunks of steak. My fiancé and I split one Pita and we got full. They have the option where you can combine an entree + 1 side for $14. The Tabouleh is refreshing and light! I am usually not a fan of parsley but it's so good!! I HIGHLY recommend the air fried cauliflowers! So simply but so good!!! The best thing is when you're full, you don't have a heavy food coma feel in your chest! You know that feeling when you don't feel like your heart is clogging. read more

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Great fast casual Lebanese joint. Their garlic sauce was a little too mayo forward for my liking and the tabouli was a bit dry, but the chicken shawarma plate is a great deal for some fresh Lebanese food! read more

Chicken shawarma was good and the star of the show was that garlic sauce! Staff was really nice and got the food out quickly.

Amazing food, ordered the steak bowl and the falafel plate. Very tasty, the salads were good too. Will definitely be back. Highly recommend.

Delicious heartwarming food! The lentil soup was yummy. The falafel was perfect! Sometimes they're too soft inside but not this one. The tajin sauce was perfect on the falafel and rice and the baba ganoush had the perfect texture. I will definitely come back here again. read more

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Horrible food , I love Lebanese food , this one was disgusting , i threw it away , couldn't eat the chicken , food was ready in 1 minute . Chicken was old and weird flavor .Would never come back. Hope I don't get sick . read more

I ordered for pick up and they were nice navigating me to the place as its a bit tricky to find when crowded. Make sure to check the order before taking off because I didn't check mine and I didn't find the French fries I ordered and paid for. The food was good but the beef was a bit hard to chew. The chicken was good and I liked the combination of chickpeas in the plate. There is nothing special about the cauliflower side, its just roasted with probably just pepper and salt. read more

Love this place! Everyone here is so sweet. The food is delicious and fresh. The falafel is super moist and flavorful. The prices are very reasonable. great spot to stop in! read more

Loved it! The steak wrap and babaghannouj were our favorite. Chicken was also good but we definitely preferred the steak. The air fried cauliflower was so so. read more

Really enjoy eating at Barbonzai, it's become one of my favorite place to eat or grab and go at the lab. I usually order the chicken pita or the chicken bowl and the air fried cauliflower. The chicken is so flavorful, I love the garlic sauce and the crunchy pickles. Every time I order they are always so friendly, everything is made fresh and when we eat there I enjoy the cucumber water. read more

Barbonzai Lebanese Eatery - Chicken Bowl - Lebanese Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

One of the best takeout or eat in shacks in the anti-mall. Above average flavors. I miss the roasted cauliflower here. Tabouli, hummus eggplant is delicious. Chicken wrap or platter is best. Garlic butter really good. There are only a few tables and cutlery and condiments sort of second thoughts. Tables not really that clean. read more