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    Lemon Zest

    4.4 (175 reviews)
    ModerateMediterranean
    Open 12:00 pm - 8:00 PM

    Order Lemon Zest Takeout or Delivery

    Lemon Zest Photos

    LEMON ZEST ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Quiet
    Casual
    Trendy
    Good for groups

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    Recommended Reviews - Lemon Zest

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    Reviews With Photos

    Terrence T.

    What a great find! My friend and I were in Sherman Oaks and wanted lunch! Strolling around Ventura Boulevard we stopped in front of the Lemon Zest Cafe and were enamored by the menu! Walked in a were welcomed by friendly staff. The menu was Mediterranean cuisine with a splash of California flare. We ordered the Chipotle Cheese Fries and dolmas (stuffed grape leaves). Great portions, fast service and very cheerful/lemony ambiance.

    Interior
    Ray M.

    First time visitor and I was extremely pleased with my entire dining experience at this restaurant. Upon entering, I immediately noticed that this restaurant was very clean, well organized, the music playing was so relaxing. The employees were extremely friendly, polite, welcoming and genuinely and visibly happy that we were dining in their restaurant. Service was EXCELLENT!! We ordered the chicken kabob lunch portion. While we were waiting for our food, the owner brought us a complimentary large, dish of pita and hummus. It was so good! Our entrees finally arrived (15-20 minute) and wow!! Everything looked and smelled delicious! One taste of the rice, chicken and salad and I was floored! There was so much flavor in each bite. Every item was AMAZING, fresh and very tasty. This was definitely a positive dining experience.

    Loaded fries. Yummy.
    Will G.

    This place is located right in the middle between Sepulveda & Van Nuys on Ventura. Parking is tricky. 8pm is the cutoff. There are a few tables outside so I'm guessing it's dog-friendly. The interior is nice. They serve beer and wine. The server was very friendly. I had a Lamb Gyro - which was blandly seasoned. Had hoped for the intense flavors I had had previously - but this chef I a bit safe. It's all good. To each his own. My friend had the Chicken Kabob plate and really enjoyed it. We loved the hummus. The pita breads were surprisingly thin. Tasty. But, thin. All-in-all a pleasant dining experience. I will definitely come back to try a few other dishes. Get your grub on!!

    Amy T.

    Completely fell off. I remember going here years back when they had the Glendale location only. It would come with salad rice and more meat! I understand that was years ago. It damn, so sad they get more business and get more popular, restaurants usually get worse. Such a basic meal. So disappointing.

    So good
    Mali S.

    We love this place I will definitely will come back. The service is beautiful also very clean. This is what I really always care very clean and very very polite. Customer service top of the line. Trust me if you tried once you will definitely go back again.

    Combo #1 chicken and lule with half and half sides
    Tatiana M.

    Pit stop on my way to through LA and found this gem I feel so disappointed that I've driven past this place so many times and never stopped by. Now I know better this place is delicious I got a chicken and lule kabob combo plate with a side of baba ghanoush the serving was huge I'm glad I opted for a half rice half salad. The kabobs were so flavorful and tender. I'm making myself hungry as I type this review. The staff were really sweet and my order came out quick. The ambiance inside is quite nice a lot of seating options inside and out.

    Ruchika P.

    If you are looking for fresh fare that won't weigh you down come check out Lemon Zest. The food is moderately priced and delicious. The location has ample parking in a lot behind it and the 1st hour is validated by the restaurant. Side note the baba ganoush was super tasty!!! Also if you like Falafel that is heavier on the garbanzo beans rather than parsley and other herbs then you will enjoy what they have to offer.

    Menu
    Nihaahs E.

    An Unforgettable Culinary Experience at Lemon Zest Kebab and Shawarma! If you're looking for a dining experience that tantalizes your taste buds and warms your heart, Lemon Zest Kebab and Shawarma is the place to go! From the moment you step inside, you're greeted with a welcoming smile and the tantalizing aroma of freshly grilled kebabs. This isn't just a restaurant--it's a journey into the heart of flavor and hospitality! The Food: The menu is a feast for the senses! I started with their signature kebabs, which were perfectly charred on the outside and juicy on the inside. The lemon zest seasoning added a burst of citrusy freshness that elevated every bite. Their shawarma is nothing short of spectacular--each wrap is generously stuffed with tender, marinated meat and fresh veggies, all wrapped in pillowy-soft pita. The sauces? Oh, the sauces! The garlic sauce is creamy and rich, while the tahini has just the right nutty balance. Don't even get me started on the sides! The hummus is silky smooth, the tabbouleh is vibrant and zesty, and the fries are crispy perfection. For dessert, the baklava was the perfect ending--sweet, flaky, and drizzled with just the right amount of honey. The Atmosphere: The ambiance is cozy yet modern, with warm lighting and tasteful decor that reflects the vibrant Middle Eastern culture. Whether you're dining with family, on a date, or grabbing a quick bite solo, the space feels inviting and comfortable. The Owner: What truly sets Lemon Zest apart is the owner. They radiate genuine warmth and hospitality, going above and beyond to ensure every guest feels like family. Their passion for food and community shines through in every detail, from the carefully curated menu to the personal touches that make the dining experience so special. Why You Should Visit: Delicious, fresh, and flavorful food Excellent customer service that makes you feel at home A cozy atmosphere that's perfect for any occasion Lemon Zest Kebab and Shawarma is a hidden gem that deserves all the recognition it can get. If you haven't been, you're seriously missing out on a slice of culinary heaven. I'll definitely be back (probably sooner than I should)! Bravo to the team for creating such an exceptional dining experience!

    Yummmmmmm
    gina e.

    Lemon Zest Cafe is a cute spot to catch a delicious, casual Mediterranean lunch. You order at the counter and the food is brought out to your table. I went during lunch time on a week day and there was no wait. The food came out fairly fast. Foodwise.. it was so good! ! I ordered the beef lule kabob plate with Shirazi salad and yogurt with cucumbers and it did not disappoint! The beef lule was flavorful and tender. The dish came with a grilled chili pepper which added a nice spice with every bite. The Shirazi salad was refreshing and the cucumber yogurt was good as a sauce for your protein. Don't forget to sprinkle the sumac on your dish! I would definitely come here again.

    5 piece falafel with hummus to-go

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    Page 1 of 5

    Ask the Community - Lemon Zest

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    Panini Kabob Grill

    Panini Kabob Grill

    3.8(179 reviews)
    1.0 miSherman Oaks
    $$
    Kid friendly
    LGBTQ friendly

    We had take out on Mother's Day and loved the trio of hummus and chicken salad and beef kebabs and…read morepita bread. So I decided to visit my local restaurant to order the edamame hummus and beef kebabs plate . It didn't disappoint, the kebabs and rice w onion and tomatoes so tasty. The edamame really good . My only disappointment was when I got to my car thank goodness I checked my bag and there was no pita bread! The server didn't mention that I should get it when I said it was my first time ordering and asking for advice on size etc. I was able to drive back and purchase the pita bread . She wasn't very helpful when I aakws how many I should purchase with the 16 oz hummus and she couldn't help me again!!!....

    I am an out of stater who was hungry and looking for a good place to eat dinner. I found this…read morehidden gem at the Century City Mall by accident when I happened to look down a darkened hallway and saw the Panini Kabob Grill sign, like a neon sign enticing me to come in. Our server Kelly, who looks amazingly young for someone about to become a first time grandmother, provided 5 star service with a radiant smile. Throughout my dinner she kept me well supplied with a small, but delicious selection of beer, (plenty of wine available as well). I ordered the Caprese appetizer and it was even better than described in the menu. There was a good amount of cold, fresh vegetables, mozzarella, hot, fresh pita bread, pesto and olive oil, all presented so deliciously. But the best was Jelly's recommended flat iron steak kabob! I have had well cooked filet before that wouldn't stand a chance next to the tender, flavorful steak cooked so masterfully. It was accompanied with cooked veggies kabob partners that complimented each other so well. Along with the hefty portions of beautifully flavored rice and fresh salad served along side this masterful plate of goodness, I was not in the least disappointed to happen upon this surprisingly clean and well run restaurant. I would encourage you to go and experience what other deliciousness this hidden gem can provide! Keith Bowens - Delaware

    Photos
    Panini Kabob Grill
    Panini Kabob Grill
    Panini Kabob Grill

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    Sadaf Restaurant - Juicy Chicken with rice and salad

    Sadaf Restaurant

    4.3(1.6k reviews)
    2.0 miEncino
    $$$
    Private events
    Catering service

    Been to Sadaf several times, and every time, it is excellent. Ambiance is beautiful and clean…read more Food - I think their chicken kabob is the best I've had in LA. It is better than their beef koobideh and barg, though those are still good. I have had better beef koobideh at other restaurants like Raffis or Shekarchi. Their bread is so fresh and is an elevated experience compared to the usual lavash bread that restaurants give. My friends had the salmon and they really liked it. The maast o khiar is really good too. The service is excellent - all the food came out quickly and the servers were nice. I will say I am Persian (and look very obviously so) and for some reason one lady only looked at/spoke to my husband and not me. I would say it's 4.5 stars because I was put off by this. Parking is tough right next to the restaurant but can be found metered down the street if you don't want to valet. We were a party of 4 at 7pm on a Saturday night and were seated right away at a booth.

    Last night we had dinner at Sadaf - Encino, a modern Persian restaurant with several locations. We…read morearrived at 6:35 p.m. and were told there would be a 20-minute wait. Because large parties were gathered near the entrance, we were asked to move into the bar area while we waited. (The restaurant does not take reservations for groups smaller than five.) While waiting, I noticed several tables for four sitting empty on the patio. We were told we could check our place in line via text, but the message never updated beyond "You are 11th in line and should be seated between 7:03-7:09 p.m." After several trips back to the host stand, we were eventually told it would be another 11-12 minutes. We were finally seated at 8:06 p.m.--after waiting more than an hour. I would never wait this long for food anywhere. Unfortunately, the service after being seated did not improve the experience. We had to request menus, and initially were given only two. After placing our order, two additional menus were brought. We asked for water three times before it finally arrived. Later, when our entrées were brought out, the server had removed our silverware and we had to ask for replacements. We started with the Tahdig (crispy rice) served with two stew toppings: Ghormeh Sabzi (slow-cooked beef with sautéed herbs, kidney beans, dried lime, and special seasonings) and Gheimeh Bademajan- eggplant stew. The eggplant stew was definitely the better of the two. For salads, we ordered the Beet and Feta with Persian cucumbers, lemon juice, olive oil, feta, and mint--it was just okay. We also had the Shirazi salad with chopped cucumbers, tomatoes, parsley, onion, olive oil, and lime juice. This is a classic combination and hard to get wrong, and it did not disappoint. For entrées, we tried the whitefish (charbroiled), which my friend felt was not as good as on a previous visit, and the Shish Kabob, which one of us really enjoyed. The true standout of the night was the Juicy Chicken. It was honestly one of the best chicken dishes I've ever had--boneless chunks of incredibly tender chicken, perfectly marinated and charbroiled over an open flame. It was the redeeming quality of the meal. I would give the Juicy Chicken five stars. That said, I would never wait over an hour for it again. While the Juicy Chicken alone would have warrented 5 stars, the service and wait time knocked it down to three. Unfortunately, dining in was not a pleasant experience.

    Photos
    Sadaf Restaurant - Inside

    Inside

    Sadaf Restaurant - Sadaf Salad: Romaine lettuce, baby greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, raisins,dates, lentils, crunchy walnuts, feta.

    Sadaf Salad: Romaine lettuce, baby greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, raisins,dates, lentils, crunchy walnuts, feta.

    Sadaf Restaurant - Juicy Chicken

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    Juicy Chicken

    Olive & Grill - Enjoy the atmosphere

    Olive & Grill

    3.9(883 reviews)
    3.1 miStudio City
    $$$
    Outdoor seating
    Romantic vibe

    Came here for a TimeLeft event. They were warm and welcoming to our group - separate cheques, no…read moreprob. It's a lovely patio space, a quintessential Mediterranean aesthetic. I can't eat a lot of the cuisine due to a legume allergy, so I only ordered the feta cheese plate: five squares of feta dusted with herbs & spices, persian cucumber, tomato, mint, & Greek olives. The Yerevan cocktail was great - an unusual take on a Manhattan with banana liqueur. This would be a romantic spot for just drinks and apps, as it was chill and quiet. There's hookah as well, an extensive flavour menu and a designated "hookah guy" to attend to your setup. There's parking in the lot next door until 10:30pm - be sure to move your car by then, or it will be locked in the garage with an additional charge overnight (this didn't happen to me; I heeded other Yelp reviews and noted the signs around the garage). I paid $6 to park for 2 hours (the restaurant doesn't validate). The entrance is on the side of the building; you'll see it as soon as you exit the garage.

    Ordered for delivery for a party of 5. The good reviews lead me wrong. Average food and the…read morechicken skewers were just okay . The rice was tasty as well as the hummus . The dishes also didn't come with a salad didn't realize there was an up charge for that. I guess I have been spoiled by ZANKOU and their generous portions and extra sauces . O & G sent one garlic sauce for 5 entrees! They also buried the pita bread under the rice so it got soggy no place does that ! The pita usually comes in a side bag . I get it though, they want to take up space in the container . Less bang for YOUR buck . I called to ask if the rest of the sauces were forgotten and expressed how disappointing it all was . The employee seemed unbothered , they must be used it . Soooooo much room for improvement here

    Photos
    Olive & Grill - Welcome!

    Welcome!

    Olive & Grill - Can you feel the breeze?

    Can you feel the breeze?

    Olive & Grill - Come on in!

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    Come on in!

    Lemon Zest - mediterranean - Updated June 2026

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