I have been going to this place for the past 15 years, since I came to Glendale. Back then, we have recently come from Brazil and did not know much about Mediterranean Cuisine. So been Polish Brazilian, adventures food lover, I went after an invitation from an ex-employer who told us that he worked there and that it was the most authentic Mediterranean Restaurant in Glendale. And we did. What a mistake! We have been hooked on ever since! You don't have to go overseas to experience Mediterranean cuisine at its best, for it is right around the corner here in Glendale, CA located at 304 North Brand Blvd. The staff is SUPER NICE, polite, friendly, attentive, professional, respectful, polite, etc. Been from Brazil, we LOVE a family atmosphere where FOOD and DANCING comes together! This place is a bomb! I can't speak for the entire world culture, but as a Brazilian, they have everything that is required for a Restaurant. Back home we have SAMBA DANCERS, here at Carousel, they offer you BELLY DANCERS!} But forget about the AMAZING ENTERTAINMENT, the food itself is enough to make you addicted. I was first introduced to Lebanese Cuisine back home where we have THE LARGEST population of LEBANESE outside LEBANON so Kibe, Raw Kibe (Beef Tartar in French), Tabule is part of our everyday life for we are surrounded by Lebanese Community back home. Here in Glendale we had the opportunity to try that same Cuisine at its best. Yesterday, I took a group of 4 members of my staff to Carousel so they could try and taste what real Mediterranean food taste like and as expected, the Service was Phenomenal, the Food is out of this world, and the Ambiance takes you back to the Middle East. My partner and I have been to every place you can imagine, and I can tell you that their food is just amazing. My favorite is the following: Yes, it's a huge list! Fattoush Mezza Cucumbers, tomatoes, onion, bell peppers, parsley, fresh mint, spices, toasted Pita bread and verdolaga (seasonal available) mixed with a sumac-citrus vinaigrette. Hammos Garbanzo with sesame seed oil, tahini, lemon juice and garlic. Mutabbal (Baba Gannuj) Roasted Eggplant, mixed with garlic, sesame seed oil, tahini and lemon juice. Mousakka Eggplants, baked with onions, tomatoes, chickpeas and peppers. Tabbuleh Chopped parsley, cracked wheat, tomatoes, onion, lemon juice and olive oil. Sarma (Warak Enab) Fresno Grape leaves, stuffed with rice and vegetables. Kebbeh Nayyeh (Chi-Kofta) Lebanese Steak Tartar made with fresh Filet Mignon and cracked wheat. Served flat, topped with a special salad and olive oil. I am NO LEBANESE by I grew up among them back home in Brazil and here I am at home! Everyday in a hot sunny day in CALI, I crave their Traditional Carousel Lebane Style Beer! It is a must, you have to try it. It takes me back to COPACABANA BEACH in Rio De Janeiro. The Greek or Fattoush is to Die for! Next time in Glendale, this is your Ticket to Lebanon and you don't want me to start on the Belly Dancing again! Kevin Aksacki read more

My recent dining experience at this restaurant left much to be desired. I regret to say that the quality of the food was far from satisfactory. Not only was the taste underwhelming, but the presentation also left a lot to be desired. To my dismay, while indulging in one of the dishes, I discovered a strand of hair nestled among the ingredients, which was truly off-putting. To compound my disappointment, the hygiene of the establishment seemed questionable, as the second plate I received appeared to be visibly dirty. It's disheartening when such basic standards are not met, and it significantly impacted my overall impression of the place. Adding to the litany of mishaps, the service was not without its own set of issues. When it came time to settle the bill, I was astounded to find that they had brought us the wrong check. This oversight reflects a lack of attention to detail and professionalism on their part, further diminishing the experience. All in all, my visit to this restaurant was marred by a series of unfortunate events that left me dissatisfied and frustrated. I would caution others to consider their options before choosing to dine here, given the disappointing quality of the food, hygiene concerns, and the overall lackluster service. read more

It was almost a month ago, that I went to Carousel Restaurant in Brand Blvd. It was Friday night, the Restaurant was crowded, when I first entered I heard a sound of Arabic music, I was amazed, the singer's voice was mellifluous and soft. The place was so romantic and clean, which attracted me at the first sight. Then a very Kind and young server greet us gently and politely and seated us to our reserved table, which was full of colorful and yummy appetizers like (Hummus,Tabuleh,muhammara, falafel and so on), then another young Server approached to us and politely asked us to order a drink . After a while the group of Belly dancers came, they were very very very professional, and I've really really enjoyed it, then our Server brought the Beef & Chicken Kebab which was the most delicious Kebab I've ever eat. Then another famous Singer came and started to sing, the dance place was full. We were enjoyed the evening a lot. In my opinion Carousel is the best Middle Eastern and Lebanese Restaurant, I've ever been. The customer service is great. I will never forget that evening. I suggest every body to experience a night at Carousel Restaurant, You won't regret! read more

It was not like the reviews that i read. first the menu on line is cheaper than the menu in the restaurant. We asked for hafleh beiruti (family style)for four people, and they bought us one small plate of Humus, Taboule, ... and all the other appetizers that is on the list in the menu but in a very small quantity with a lot of bread. The entree was 4 small chicken and meat pieces; around 2 inches square, and 2 small tiny lula (kafta) . When we asked the waiter if this quantity is for 4 people, he told us if we want more he can bring some more with out paying were surprised cause we are not beggars, just give us what we payed for. And because they know that they are cheap, the waiter overheard us complaining, he started to explain that the food is enough and if not then we are big eaters. We payed $130 for nothing. We had 3 kids that didn't eat, so we went and bought them hamburgers. This is my first and last visit to this restaurant. If you want to eat don't go there, unless you already ate at home. Disappointing. I do not recommended to anyone. read more

Carousel is hands down one of my favorite Middle Eastern restaurants. Every time we come, we order family-style because it's the best way to experience all the incredible flavors they offer. The portions are just right...not overwhelming, but definitely generous enough to share, and everything is so fresh and delicious. The chicofta is packed with flavor, perfectly seasoned, and has just the right texture. The soojook (Armenian sausage) is bold and savory, with a great balance of spice. The hummus is incredibly smooth and creamy, perfect for scooping up with their fresh, warm pita bread. And the kebabs--whether it's chicken or be--are always juicy, tender, and grilled to perfection. Beyond the amazing food, the service is always excellent. The staff is friendly, attentive, and quick to accommodate any requests. They make sure your table is never without fresh bread or anything else you might need. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, making Carousel the perfect spot for a family gathering or a fun night out with friends. Highly recommend! read more

you dont have to be remotely armenian, lebanese, persian, etc to come here and have a wonderful time. the service is by far the best in glendale, the staff is so industrious and always wonderful. i am pretty white, so i butcher all the names of the delicious food i want to order, but there is a blonde waitress who will correct you and not make you feel like an idiot. she is always on top of her game when i eat there, and it is a pleasure to be served by her. the chicken kabob is the most tender and flavorful piece of meat i have ever had. i order it all the time, and it never fails to be excellent. also the cheese boreg is killer! kind of like a middle eastern version of mozzarella sticks, but with a salty and buttery edge. the rice pilaf is perfectly cooked every time also. i know there is probably an army of nationalities in the kitchen cooking, but the way their food tastes i get this image of an armenian grandma lovingly crafting my food... the place is just utterly classy. i would eat here every day of the week if i could. read more

We have been coming to Carousel from way back in the early days of the original Hollywood location. Love their home cooked food & the family. I even bring clients here when I want to share our culture & good food. Unfortunately our last recent visit when we were there with few of my girlfriends the new Manager they hired ( some slik looking guy) was bad news from my first experience. I had ordered tahn it's our traditional yogurt drink, he gave us a look like I was crazy & had no idea what that was. We asked him about the menu & the different family style options he had no clue & was not helpful. Then the whole time we felt rushed because he kept walking over & looking over our table made us feel very uncomfortable to the point that I told our waiter why they want to kick us out & we are still going to enjoy our desserts & tea. I hope by next time I come back the owners would let this manager go or put him in the back kitchen so he doesn't interact with the customers. read more

I had an amazing experience at Carousel Middle Eastern Restaurant! The food was absolutely delicious, and the service was exceptional. From the moment we walked in, we were greeted warmly by the staff and seated promptly. The menu had a great variety of Middle Eastern dishes, and everything we ordered was fantastic. The hummus was creamy and flavorful, and the falafel was perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. The shawarma was juicy and well-seasoned, and the rice pilaf was fragrant and delicious. The atmosphere of the restaurant was also lovely, with beautiful decor and comfortable seating. The staff was friendly and attentive, and our server was very knowledgeable about the menu and gave great recommendations. Overall, I highly recommend Carousel Middle Eastern Restaurant to anyone looking for an authentic and delicious Middle Eastern dining experience. The food, service, and atmosphere were all outstanding, and I can't wait to come back again! read more

I've heard alot about this place since I work on Brand so I decided to finally give it a try. Arrived with a friend during the lunch hours only to see that the place was completely empty. We were seated in their patio room and just across the street Portos, Quiznos, & Hot Wings were packed as usual but Carousel was completely empty and now I see why. The food itself arrived fast but the service was almost non-existant. I had to track down the waiter who was having a deep conversation about God knows what with one of the employees. When I asked for a refill they told me they'd be there in 1 second. Well 1 second turned into 2-3 mins for a simple pepsi refill. As far as the food goes it was ok but the shawarma was very oily, and the overall experience was forgetable. By the end we were stuck with a $50 bill for 2 small entrees and an appetizer. What a rip off! I have learned my lesson and will definitley stick to Porto's or Hot Wings from now on. read more

We have been coming to Carousel from way back in the days of the original location Hollywood. Love their home cooked food and the family. I even bring clients here when I want to share our culture and good food. Unfortunately when we were there this time with few of my girlfriends the new Manager they hired( some slik looking guy) was bad news from my first experience. I had ordered tahn it's our traditional yogurt drink he gave us a look like I was crazy & had no idea what that was. We asking him about the menus & the different family style options he had no clue. Then the whole time we felt rushed because he kept walking over & looking over our table, to the point that I told our waiter why they want to kick us out & we are still going to enjoy our desserts & tea. I hope by next time I come back the owner would let the manager go or put him in the back kitchen so he doesn't have contact with customers since he has no customer service. read more

Exceptional & Superb dining experience, we always get when dinning out now days. I' have been coming to Carsouel for some time, but it is the personalised service and warm welcome from the manger Khaled That makes all the difference to me & my family. Being recognised and addressed by name, makes us feel welcome and special. Carousel had always offered the best Lebanese Mezza you can get in California, the kababs are a great quality of meat, well marinated. But nothing wow. I still order everything on the menu, I highly recommend the family style. Great variety and value. The desserts are a must, and boy that gazil el banat with 3 different ice cream flavours is out of this world, it was sent to our table complements of the management, I wish I knew about it way before, now it has become my new Guilty pleasure. Will always come back . I have been coming to carousel for at least 15 years and always I read more

Carousel Restaurant is a vibrant and reliable spot for Lebanese and Middle Eastern cuisine with consistently good quality. The atmosphere is lively and energetic, making it a great place for group dinners or a relaxed night out with wine and shared plates. The menu has a wide variety of classic dishes, all well prepared and flavorful. The sarma is a standout -- tender, well-seasoned, and cooked just right. Meze plates are fresh and nicely balanced, perfect for sharing. Everything tastes thoughtfully made, with attention to traditional flavors and presentation. Portions are generous, and the overall experience feels polished without being pretentious. Service is efficient and professional, even when the restaurant gets busy. Carousel is a solid choice if you're looking for authentic Lebanese food in a lively, welcoming setting. A dependable go-to for Mediterranean comfort food with a bit of flair. read more

I recently visited Carousel Restaurant Glendale, CA 91203 with a group of 12 people for Mother's Day on May 14, 2023, and I was extremely disappointed with my experience. The food that was served to us was spoiled and expired, which not only ruined our meals but also posed a serious health risk. It's unacceptable for any restaurant, especially when serving a larger group. Regrettably, several members of my family, including myself, suffered from food poisoning after dining there. This experience has been deeply distressing and has left a lasting negative impact. Based on this disastrous visit, I strongly urge everyone to avoid this restaurant entirely. It was an overall disappointing and unsatisfactory dining experience. I hope that the restaurant will take steps to improve its food safety and service standards so that other diners do not have to experience the same thing read more

I recently visited Carousel Restaurant with a large party, and I have to say, it was an outstanding experience. The staff was incredibly accommodating and welcoming, making sure that everyone was comfortable and well taken care of. As for the food, everything we ordered was fantastic, but the standout dish for me was definitely the steak tartare. It was expertly prepared with just the right amount of seasoning, and the presentation was beautiful. I also had to mention their amazing pineapple juice - it was so refreshing and the perfect accompaniment to the meal. Overall, I highly recommend Carousel Restaurant. The food is delicious, the atmosphere is lively and fun, and the staff goes above and beyond to make sure you have a great experience. If you're looking for a great spot for a large party or just a night out with friends, this is definitely the place to be. read more

Carousel is hands down our favorite restaurant in Glendale. We have been coming here for years, and the experience is always amazing. No matter how busy they are, the staff is always welcoming, attentive, and genuinely happy to help. Sam, the manager, deserves special recognition. He is one of the reasons we keep coming back. He always greets us with a smile, makes us feel like family, and somehow manages to find us a table even when the restaurant is packed. His positive attitude and dedication to customers truly set Carousel apart. And of course, the food is incredible. Every dish is fresh, flavorful, and authentic. As Lebanese customers, Carousel brings back memories of home with every meal. From the service to the food, everything is consistently excellent. We highly recommend Carousel to anyone looking for the best Mediterranean food in Los Angeles. read more

When I was living outside of the US, I often thought about my favorite foods as a way of comforting myself and Carousel was always at the top of the list. In particular, I was always searching for Lebanese steak tartare (kibbeh nayyeh) and not only was it difficult to find it, but when I did, it was bad. I even went to Lebanon a few times and Carouse's food was in my mind as the best Lebanese food I have ever had in the world. When I returned, I remembered that I was right about Carousel. It is the best Lebanese (Lebanese Armenian if we need to get specific) food in the world. The consistent high quality, the incredible service and the hospitality that form the hallmarks of the restaurant cannot be beaten. I repeat: I've been to Lebanon before and it still wasn't as good as this place. Get everything, try everything, you won't regret it. read more

We had an excellent experience at Carousel in Glendale. The food was outstanding, with every dish packed with flavor and beautifully prepared. The quality of the ingredients and attention to detail really stood out, making it one of the best dining experiences we've had in the area. A special thank you to our server, Bassam, who made the evening exceptional. He was welcoming, attentive, knowledgeable about the menu, and provided outstanding service from start to finish. His recommendations were spot on, and he struck the perfect balance between being attentive and allowing us to enjoy our meal. The combination of delicious food, warm hospitality, and Bassam's excellent service made for a memorable visit. We will definitely be back and highly recommend Carousel to anyone looking for authentic, high-quality Lebanese cuisine in Glendale. read more

I love this place. We had both our kids Baptismal dinner parties at this restaurant. The first time, we kind of got screwed since we were promised a good spot in the restaurant, but another party (larger group) booked it for the same day, so we got a crappy location near the patio and really felt like we were cramped in, 3 separate tables crammed into a tight spot, where the waiters walked by to serve other restaurant guest continually. And the larger party had hired a private band that was so loud, we couldn't hear each other talk. Anyway, they more than made up for it the 2nd time we had our dinner party at this location. The new manager was awesome, and he guaranteed we would NOT experience anything like the first party we had. And he delivered! Service was great, food was great, and our guests were happy...and so were we. read more

I made a reservation with Carousel Restaurant to bring 20 of my students for a Lebanese cultural dining experience. From the start, Sam was incredibly understanding and supportive. I shared our budget, and he took the initiative to create a menu that worked perfectly for our group. When we arrived, everything was beautifully arranged, and the food was absolutely delicious. The restaurant itself is elegant and welcoming, but what truly made the experience stand out was Sam's leadership and hospitality. He was attentive, generous, and genuinely cared about making sure every student felt comfortable and included. His professionalism and kindness turned our visit into a memorable experience. Thank you, Sam--we truly appreciate everything you did. We will definitely be coming back again soon! Samar read more