Ambience 5/5 Service 5/5…read moreFood 10/10 I would 100% come back and try more of their food.

Raffi's is a famous Mediterranean place in the LA area. they are quite packed and the waitlist is…read morevery long. We ordered food 1.5 hours in advance. We ordered over the phone as the website was down. Huge portions - love that. Bread was a little bland but still did the job. Chicken koobideh seasoned fine and rice was good...would come again!

Yummy and affordable Armenian food! I tried Armenian food for the first time, and Zhengyalov Hatz…read morewas the perfect stepping stone for that! The Zhengyalov hatz and lahmajun are made fresh behind the counter by Armenian women, and service was fast and efficient. Zhengyalov hatz was simple, but flavorful and fresh; tasted light and refreshing with all of the herbs and veggies inside. Lahmajun was crispy like a cracker, yet so savory and well-spiced in its meat on top. Armenian food is delicious, and I have to thank Zhengyalov Hatz for introducing me to it. If I lived closer, I'd happily return for more!

Love this place. We come here all the time, and I like to get take out to bring home and eat the…read morerest of the day. I have to know, though. It's one zhengalov hatz, so is it two zhengalov hatzes?

The party lunch is a must-try! You need to be at least 2 people to enjoy this delicious and…read moregenerous meal.Drinks are yummy Salad Rice Hummus & Mutabbal Tabbouleh Cheese Fresh vegetables Chicken Filet Bulgur pilaf ...and so much more! The flavors are absolutely delicious, the music is delightful, and the ambiance is warm, welcoming, and friendly. The servers are also wonderful and attentive. Great food, great atmosphere, and a great experience. Highly recommended!

Made a reservation for the DineLA menu, which is happening August 14-28. We arrived at 4:45 and…read morewaited a bit to be seated. Ordered two of the standard dinner and two of the vegan dinner and it was a lots of food--we ended up taking about 4 boxes to go at the end of the meal, definitely come hungry if you decide to do the set menu. My personal favorite was the falafel and the baba ghanoush, especially with the pomegranate seeds which provided a nice brightness. I appreciated the variety of flavors across the different appetizers and plates. Had the choice of coffee, hot mint tea, or hot black tea to close out the meal which helped with digestion. The space is lavishly decorated and it was busy throughout, while likely also was the cause for slower service. Street parking wasn't too hard to find as it was still early for dinner time on Sunday.

Seriously this place SLAPS! Hamov hamovvvv lol. A…read morefamily-owned take out spot that surpasses most of the average sit in kabob restaurants. TLDR: Hear me out, if you have any doubt about chicken being less superior to beef or other meat. TRY the chicken thigh here. It makes justice for chickens (I still need to try their beef or lamb tho) I was running errands in Glendale today and I was starving and looking for lunch spots around. Turns out Mini Kabob was 3 mins walk away, it was a no brainer, my feet just took me there. Didn't expect to go there, so didn't order ahead but I'm fine with waiting. After last time's magnificent chicken thigh, I was determined to try their other entrees. However, Armen said the chicken thigh is the best seller out of their entrees- well, time for a round 2 I guess? This time I'm eating the entree at the spot and I just gotta say- IT SLAPS!! I'm genuinely not a big fan of chicken, because when you can choose beef why chicken? But this chicken is so juicy, so tender, so heavenly. Yummy!! The garlic sauce is great but the hummus and the fresh lavash, h o l y - f. Last time it was already so good even as a leftover, and eating it right at the spot is just transcending. I also tried their Armenian pear soda, it's delicious and refreshing with the heat right now in summer. I left with my tummy happy and their service is always great, they get busy but still no attitude, no bs, gives the right recommendations. Even this is like a take out restaurant, it still surpasses most of the kabob restaurant. Without doubt I'm coming back again after their break, please be there. I love you mini kabob

Updating my review because we got to try their Chicken Cesar wrap and it is sort of mind-blowing…read morehow good it was. This place is still amazing, but now you can order online too.

First time patron of Asteria, and I must say this place blew every other Mediterranean restaurant…read moreI've tried out of the water. We made reservations just in case there'd be a wait on a Friday evening, but surprisingly the restaurant wasn't busy, a shame for them, but something we were grateful for. We ordered the baba ghanoush right away because I was absolutely famished, and we were also served a generous plate of hummus with delicious homemade chips on the side. The chips were salty and tangy, which paired perfectly with the hummus. I ordered the chicken breast and luleh combo, while my partner got the filet mignon with tzatziki, and everything was incredible. It was my first time trying chicken luleh and I can confidently say I'm a fan now. Perfectly seasoned, tender, and flavorful. The rice was cooked perfectly as well. The only thing I would've loved is a side of raw onions, but that's purely personal preference. What really says it all is that the entire meal was eaten mostly in silence and not a single picture was taken, which is completely out of character for me as a foodie. "Camera eats first" absolutely does not apply at this restaurant. The establishment is run by a lovely couple in the kitchen along with one server. It's a quaint little spot that feels warm and personal, and I already have a feeling I'll be coming back often.

1 Star -- Even One Star Feels Too Generous…read more I honestly don't understand how this restaurant has such a high Yelp rating. My family loves Armenian food, and after seeing Asteria rated around 4.7 on Yelp, we decided to try somewhere new for Saturday lunch. We drove 1 1/2 hours expecting a nice family meal. Unfortunately, I regretted that decision almost immediately. Parking was difficult, but that was the least of our problems. The real problem started when we walked in. No "Welcome," no "Hello," no smile -- nothing. The woman working there simply stared at us. Her attitude made us feel like, "Oh great, more customers." We felt unwelcome from the beginning. She was dressed very fancy, but looking upscale means nothing when basic hospitality is missing. Her attitude was so cold that we didn't even feel comfortable asking questions about the menu. When taking our order, if she didn't understand something, instead of politely saying "Excuse me?" or asking us to repeat ourselves, she responded: "Huh?" "Huh?" I seriously considered leaving, but after driving 1 1/2 hours with my parents and wife, we stayed. Unfortunately, the food didn't make things better. Several dishes were extremely salty. My parents couldn't even finish half their meals. My father said the meat was tough but kept eating some because he didn't want to waste the money. My wife took only a few bites because her food was so salty. I normally LIKE salty food, and even I thought it was too salty. The service during our meal was practically nonexistent. Not once did she come over on her own to ask if everything was okay or if we needed anything. Every time we needed something, we had to call her ourselves. It was also close to 100°F outside, and the restaurant was extremely warm. I couldn't even tell if the A/C was running. Meanwhile, she had a fan blowing on herself near the counter. Then, while we were still eating, she started taking one of our plates away. We had to tell her, "We're still eating," and she put it back. Then came the check. We were told that the tip should be left in cash. I normally tip around 20%, and I'm happy to tip more for good service. But after this experience, I honestly didn't feel like leaving a tip at all. I was so frustrated that I even considered leaving one penny to show how I felt about the service. My family told me, "Don't do that. Just don't ever come back." So despite being completely unhappy, I still left a 15% cash tip. To be clear, I didn't leave 15% because the service deserved it. I left it because I was done with the situation and simply wanted to pay and get out. After paying, I walked outside before my family because I didn't want to spend one more minute inside that restaurant. All I could think was: "Why did I drive 1 1/2 hours and spend my own money to be treated like this?" I don't know whether this woman was an employee, manager, owner, or connected to ownership. But if she's an employee, management seriously needs to pay attention to how customers are being treated. If she's involved in management or ownership, then that would explain a lot about the service we experienced. A restaurant can post beautiful pictures and present itself as upscale, but real class is shown in how you treat your customers. We weren't asking for five-star luxury service. We expected the basics: greet your customers, take their order politely, check on the table occasionally, and don't take away their food while they're still eating. Maybe the people leaving great reviews had a different server, came on a different day, or simply got lucky. I can only review what my family and I personally experienced, and our experience was nothing like what a 4.7 rating led us to expect. We drove 1 1/2 hours, received cold and dismissive service, ate overly salty food, had to repeatedly call the server ourselves, sat in an uncomfortably warm restaurant, had a plate taken while we were still eating, and were then told to leave the tip in cash. Despite all of that, I still left 15%. Would I come back? Absolutely not. Would I recommend this restaurant to family or friends? Absolutely not. If you're thinking about making a long drive because of the high Yelp rating like we did, I strongly suggest thinking twice. If you still want to try it for yourself... Good luck. Once was more than enough for me.

The OG Soup Dumpling: Why Khinkali House is Glendale's Best Kept Secret…read more Let's get one thing straight: if you think the "soup dumpling" started with a two-hour wait outside a Din Tai Fung, you're about 600 years late to the party. While the culinary world is currently obsessed with the delicate, bite-sized Xiao Long Bao--which didn't even show up until the 1870s in Shanghai--the Georgians have been perfecting this craft since the 13th-century Mongol invasions. Khinkali is the OG. It's the rugged, fist-sized ancestor that doesn't need a bamboo steamer basket or a delicate, nervous touch. It's a meal that requires soul, a bit of primitive technique, and a complete disregard for your clean shirt. Tucked away on Artsakh Avenue, Khinkali House is where you go to pay your respects to this ancient culinary titan. Atmosphere and the Art of the Rainy Day I happened to drop in on a rare, miserable rainy day in Glendale, and let me tell you, sitting out in their roomy, covered patio area while the water drummed against the roof was pure atmospheric gold. It's the kind of setting that demands heavy, unapologetic comfort food. The service here is sharp, warm, and attentive--the kind of old-school hospitality that makes you feel like a regular before you've even opened the menu. The Opening Act: Borscht with Soul You don't just jump into a pile of massive dumplings. You have to prepare the palate. I started with a bowl of their Borscht, and it was exquisite. It arrived as a deep, vibrant crimson pool of beet-infused soul, swimming with tender beef, cabbage, carrots, and potatoes. It was earthy, slightly sweet, and served at a temperature that could ward off any chill in your bones. It's the kind of bowl that tells you immediately that this kitchen isn't just following a recipe; they're honoring a bloodline. The Main Event: The Four Pillars of Khinkali Then came the heavy hitters. Unlike the thin-skinned, elegant Xiao Long Bao, Khinkali is built for battle. It's a massive, boiled parcel with a thick, satisfyingly chewy dough gathered at the top into a sturdy little knot or "handle" (the kudi). You don't eat the handle--you use it to hoist the beast, bite a small hole in the side, aggressively slurp out the liquid gold trapped inside, and then devour the rest. I worked my way through all four flavors, and each was a masterclass in balance: Ground Beef & Pork: The classic heavyweight. The moment you pierce the dough, a rich, heavily spiced, aggressively savory broth floods your spoon. The meat is fatty in all the right ways, laced with herbs that cut through the richness. It is purely addictive. Lamb: A masterclass in bold, unapologetic flavor. The lamb adds a deeply gamey, sophisticated depth that grounds the entire dish. As it boils, the rendered fat mixes with the internal cooking liquids inside that thick doughy cavern to create a broth that is darker, earthier, and aggressively flavorful. It's a heavy, soulful revelation that hits you right in the chest. Mushroom: Often treated as a vegetarian afterthought in other places, here it's a star. It hits you with a massive wave of umami. The mushrooms are tender and earthy, producing a fragrant, woodsy liqueur inside the dumpling that makes you realize you don't need meat to create a complex masterpiece. Georgian Cheese (The Undisputed Champion): I'm just going to say it--this was my absolute favorite. It is an exercise in pure, primal decadence. Instead of a meat broth, biting into this unleashes a molten, gooey river of tangy, salty Georgian cheese. It pulls, it stretches, and the sharp, slightly funky bite of the cheese against the warm, thick dough is a spiritual experience. I could eat ten of these and die happy. The Return Trip The tragedy of Khinkali House is that the dumplings are so filling, you have to leave the rest of the menu unexplored. But I am already plotting my return. Next time, I'm coming back for the Adjarskiy Khachapuri--that famous Georgian boat-shaped bread loaded with melted cheese and crowned with a fresh egg yolk and a pat of butter. I also have my eye on the Zhengyalov Hatz (a traditional Armenian herb-filled flatbread), and the wildly intriguing Osetrina (Sturgeon) Skewer, which you just don't see every day. The Verdict: Respect the Elders Let's cut the noise. Xiao Long Bao is great for a polite, light lunch, but Khinkali is for when you want to feel something real. Khinkali House has managed to bring a 13th-century mountain staple to a Glendale patio and make it feel like the most relevant thing on the street. It's bold, it's historical, and it's flat-out delicious. If you want to experience the true evolution of the dumpling, get yourself to Khinkali House. Grab a handle, watch the rain, and eat like a Georgian highlander. You can thank me later.

Food was good and our server was nice, but I was honestly confused and disappointed with the way…read moregratuity/tips were handled. We were 4 adults and 1 child, and an automatic 18% gratuity was already included in the bill. However, on the receipt the section saying "tips not included" was circled, which made it seem like gratuity had NOT been added yet. Because of that confusion, I ended up leaving an additional cash tip. I understand restaurants may add gratuity automatically for larger groups, but if gratuity is already included, the receipt and staff should make that clear instead of circling "tips not included." It creates unnecessary confusion for customers. Also, automatically adding gratuity regardless of service feels questionable. Thankfully our server was kind, but if service had been poor, customers should still feel they have a choice regarding tipping.

We ordered the baby back ribs plate-something not many places offer-and it did not disappoint. It…read morecame with rice, hummus, and tabbouleh, and everything tasted incredibly fresh and made with care. The ribs were perfectly juicy with great seasoning. The hummus was smooth, fresh, and had just the right amount of garlic. The tabbouleh was also solid, but the standout for me was the rice-soft, buttery, and easily one of the best I've had in the area. Definitely looking forward to coming back and trying more dishes.

**BETTER FOR TAKEOUT ARMENIAN FOOD**…read more We were in the area and stopped by Tava after seeing all the glowing reviews. PARKING Strip mall location with easy parking on a weeknight, no issues there. AMBIANCE You eat here out of convenience, not for atmosphere. The space felt stale and bare, with an overhead TV blasting Armenian music videos the whole time. Not exactly inviting. Do yourself a favor and get takeout. FOOD Chicken Shawarma Plate - $15.99 We ordered this expecting rice, not fries, our bad. It came with hand-cut fries (more fries than chicken), pita bread, and a side of hummus. Everything was fresh and generally tasty, but the chicken leaned a bit too salty for my taste. The hummus, however, was creamy and solid. Rating: 3.5/5 Peach Cake - $10 Pricey for what it was. It looked promising but was dry, with custard inside. Rating: 2/5 OVERALL Friendly service and reasonably priced plates. Not the best Armenian food I've had, but far from the worst. RECOMMEND if you don't mind your food on the salty side.

Restaurant is called Elysee now. (I do not see on yelp)…read more Hrach was fabulous. Vip super secret and private dining room perfrct for intimate parties, dates, or planning murder of your ex. Literally my friend and I were talking about anything and everything in the comfort of our own private room, with our own private air conditioning unit Food and service A+

Ate Armenian food for the 1st time. Got the Oxtail Khashlava, Eggplant dip, and Ground beef kebab…read more(my finger covered up the picture). I'm no Armenian food expert, but I felt All three were delicious and well seasoned. Reminds me of Persian food & some Mediterranean food, but even better ! Service was great. Louisa was very attentive and helpful for answering our questions. Ambiance: This place is definitely geared towards hardcore old world immigrants. Decor is super extra. Folks drive black Mercedes. They started doing live music at one point, and I felt like we were in another country. I love it.

I love living in Phoenix but I do miss the Armenian diaspora communities that California has. I do…read morenot want to go down memory lane of places because I will get too hungry and sad, but one of the places I surely miss from L.A. Is Sipan Bakery. Their falafel tacos are genius. The bread is so good, their fries are amazing. The falafel is so good, and paired with a bottle of Mexican Coke, perfect. My Lenten fast would've been miserable without this place. Everything tastes fresh when I visit Los Angeles (or Glendale specifically) I make it point to come here. It's in a strip mall off of Glenoaks, parking is so-so but not the usual Glendale crazy parking that will make you rip your hair out, and I think you can park around the corner on the street it's worth the walk.

Hidden Gem with the best hummus I've ever tried. Falafel wrap also was fantastic. The service was…read moregreat, food was out quick and fresh. 10/10 recommend

I've never had Georgian food, so it was very intriguing when our friend introduced us to one in…read moreGlendale. The restaurant is situated in a small strip mall with some parking spaces. When we first walked into the restaurant we thought we were the only patrons, then we found out the host just likes to seat people in the private booths which are separated from the main dining room by straw dividers. I read on the other reviews that they thought the server was not very nice, however my experience was the opposite - she provided helpful input when we asked for advices on the cuisine, and even recommended us to try the khinkali with sour cream which she provided and didn't have to. On to the food - we ordered the eggplant appetizer, it's similar to baba ghanouj but this one is a bit spicier and so yummy with the bread that came with it. We also ordered khinkali which is Georgian's version dumplings (we ordered the boiled version but there's also fried ones available). The skin is on the thicker side and was very chewy, the filling was well spiced with herbs, when you cut into it the juices come flowing out, yum! Our fav dish was the chimeruli which is baked hen drenched in a garlicky cream sauce that was more of a soup to me and i could not stop drinking it down! The hen was roasted so nicely with crispy skin, and along with the sauce just made the whole dish so hearty. Things are on the pricier side but I would still definitely recommend this restaurant to anyone who's adventurous in trying different cuisines. It was interesting to note that they had two menus, one for Georgian foods, and the other for Armenian foods. Btw the restaurant charges a "non cash fee" for all non cash payments.

The Khinkali was pretty good and the bread was fantastic. I did not enjoy the Sacivi as much to be…read morehonest, but I think it might be just due to regional differences, we prepare it slightly different which I prefer. Service is quick and attentive as well.