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    Raffi's Place

    4.4 (7.5k reviews)
    Closed 11:30 am - 10:00 pm

    Waitlist - Raffi's Place

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    Raffi's Place Photos

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    RAFFI'S PLACE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Outdoor seating
    Good for kids

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    Recommended Reviews - Raffi's Place

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    Pantea M.

    There is usually a long line to be seated but the food is so worth the wait, We were greeted by some delicious fresh herbs and fresh breads. Their kabob quality is one of the best i have ever had. We tried their baghali polo with lamb and wow, the lamb was so tasty and well made, same with the soltani, so flavorful. If you like Persian food, Raffi is a must!

    Rice
    Wesley Y.

    Service 10/10 Food 10/10 Vibe 10/10 First time coming here and this was the perfect post 6 mile hike meal. Our server was so nice and gave the perfect recommendation - we ordered a rack of lamb, beef and chicken combo. Soooo good and juicy. We also got some hummus and dayum it hit the spot. It was super affordable, I am def coming back!

    Main courses (beef, chicken, lamb, veggies and rice)
    Ginna S.

    We came here last Saturday around 4pm for an early dinner to celebrate a few birthdays. We came with a group of 10 adults and one baby . Knowing that there could be a wait due to our party being large and it being so close to dinner time, I arrived about 30 mins earlier to let the hostess know. The hostess at the front desk wasn't the most friendly and was pretty adamant that we would have to wait for everyone to arrive before being seated. Eventually, everyone in our party arrived and we were seated by 4:15p. Despite the lack of warmth felt by the hostess, our waiter/s were amazing! They helped us pick our meals and made suggestions as we wanted to do "family" style and try a little bit of everything. Everything was delicious and the portions so generous we had a lot to take home. If I could this give this place a 4.5 star rating due to the poor hospitality at the beginning, I would. But, hey, give people the benefit of the doubt and round up because everything else was superb, right?! Tips on parking- valet is 12 dollars but across the street, it's 90mins free and 3 dollars for every hour after that.

    Matthew P.

    Omg I'm so happy I finally got to try the famous Raffi's in Glendale!! I've heard so many great things from friends about their kebabs and plates, and specifically the beef Koubideh, which I was so excited to try. It lived up to the hype and it was so flavorful. The portions are huge so I also had a lot to take home! Service was so quick and very attentive to all our needs. I love the outdoor vibe of the restaurant too. It really made it feel like such an authentic local spot. Will definitely be back again soon!

    Complimentary pita with herbs, onions, etc.
    Denise L.

    I've been wanting to try Raffi's Place for years, so when I happened to be in the area last night, I finally made it happen! A heads-up if it's your first visit: the restaurant is walk-in only and does not take reservations for parties under 10 people. We arrived around 8:15 p.m. and were surprised by how massive the restaurant was. There was still a short line, but we only waited about 15 minutes before being seated. As we walked past all the tables, I noticed how large the plates were so my friend and I opted to split one entrée. Unfortunately, the beef koobideh and chicken koobideh had already sold out for the night. Instead, we ordered the Chicken Barg Kabob which came with two grilled skewers of thinly sliced chicken breast served on a bed of basmati rice accompanied by a grilled tomato and an Anaheim pepper (a type of chili pepper with mild heat). The waiter told us it would be about a 30-40 minute wait for our food to come out. While we waited, they brought out complimentary pita bread with butter, a raw whole onion (sliced in half), radish, mint, and chopped onions/ parsley. I've never had this combo before but it was nice to have a snack to nibble on. Looking back, I wish I ordered the eggplant dip to enjoy with the pita bread. By the time our food arrived, we were starving and scarfed everything down. The chicken kebob was flavorful and moist, and the basmati rice was perfectly fluffy. Although we shared an entrée, the portion was generous so we left pretty full. I'm already planning a return trip-- and hopefully next time I can try the beef koobideh which appears to be their most popular dish. TL;DR: Huge portions, inexpensive prices, friendly service, a lively atmosphere, and a great spot for groups.

    Entrance from the street (but the host is in the back)
    Clara C.

    I heard about Raffi's Place maybe 10-15 years ago. I am surprised I remembered them, and I am surprised they are still around! They are located just minutes from the Americana and Glendale Galleria. Parking is $12 cash only for valet or you can find free 2-hour street parking nearby. I love that the menu has the Farsi names. I don't understand any of it, but they have English descriptions underneath. Service was mid. The busboys were helpful, but our main server was always hard to find. They served complimentary flat bread (I don't know what it's called, but it was like 2-ply toilet paper) with salted butter bricks. They also included a plate with herbs and raw onions. -Hummus $12: good ol mashed garbanzo beans. Can't go wrong with hummus. This was good with the bread, but part of me wished they served pita. -Rack of lamb kabob $42: It's not actually served on skewers. We had about 5 small lamb chops. The lamb was so delicious. The grilled onions and tomato were so good. The rice was ok; it felt like too much rice. I think the menu should offer options to order kabobs only and no rice. Also the dishes here have way too much rice. If I come back, I would try barg kabob, which is the skewered beef filet mignon.

    Barg (filet) plate
    Katrina T.

    My friends are raving about this place, and so we decided to give it a try on a Sunday! It was my first time here, we arrived around 1 PM and the wait was about 20 to 30 minutes long. Not bad at all for a Sunday. Upon arriving we were seated in the outdoor patio area. I ordered the Ikra dip + the Barg (filet) plate. Everything was delicious. The dip is a must. We actually ordered two portions of this because it was that delicious! The fillet was cooked to perfection - extremely tender and full of flavor! The service was amazing - the only little note that I have is that if you decide to come here during the summertime, I would request sitting indoors because it does get quite hot and humid! Even with that being said, I would totally sit out in the heat to enjoy this meal again!

    Cucumber and Yogurt Dip (4 stars)
    Daniel C.

    We came to Raffi's for lunch while visiting my sister and her hubs. Glendale happens to have a large Armenian community, so not surprisingly there are lots of Persian/Armenian restaurants to choose from. We opted for Raffi's Place after a morning stint at Shane's Inspiration Playground in Griffith Park. Raffi's is a huge restaurant that's very welcoming and festive. Waiters are friendly and carry huge trays full of juicy kabobs with mountains of rice. It has a bit of a banquet hall feeling. Parking available in nearby pay lots within a block or two. We shared a few entrees and still had plenty of leftovers. Highlights of the lunch: 1. The free, Lavash bread is paper thin yet chewy in a good way. My 6yo must have ate a half dozen or more. You can enjoy it plain, dip it in cucumber yogurt or go authentic with raw onions, radish, and mint/basil. 2. I loved the chicken thigh kabob. Super juicy and perfectly seasoned. Besides the grilled tomato there's also a big green chili pepper. The default saffron rice is our favorite but you can try 3-4 other variants for a surcharge. 3. Ny sister got the Scottish Salmon Kabob which is also excellent. Moist and perfectly cooked too. 4. Wife and bro-in-law wet with classic Beef Koobideh and portions were huge. They give two large pieces that are roundish in shape - Not flattened to make it look big like other places. BIL ate like 1/4 of his Koobideh and packed the rest as takeout, LOL! We are all foodies but past a certain age our metabolism slows, LOL! Highly recommend Raffi's - family and kid friendly and you'll leave very full or have leftover for days.

    Marivic C.

    Amazing dinner experience with my bestie last night. Tried a few items on the menu! Service was amazing and ambiance was beautiful. First time and sure to try again! Server - Martin was very helpful and great customer service! Also no issues on valet parking it was in and out!

    Inedible baghali polo (fava dill rice)
    A A.

    I think this place is more about the vibe -- it's a spot to celebrate a special occasion. The dish to get here is the soltani, a combo of koobideh and barg. Pro tip: upgrade to the cherry rice. Also, their tahdig was addictive. It's pricey and only offers valet parking (unless you find street parking), so it's not really a weekly-restaurant kind of place for most people. Every Persian I know has told me this Persian-Armenian restaurant is the best. That said, I was pretty disappointed with the baghali polo (fava bean dill rice) and the hummus, which was grainy. The lavash bread is fine, but I prefer sangak or barbari bread. For the price, honestly, I'm just as satisfied with my monthly visits to International Market Grill inside Jons in Van Nuys for my monthly koobideh and baghali polo fix. Habiza brand hummus from the grocery store makes a better and smoother hummus.

    Salmon Kebab with Greek Salad
    Gabriel R.

    Aw My Raffi's Place. Been awhile but never ever disappoints. The portions are substantial and the food is well seasoned Although prices have creeped up but still what I feel are reasonable and fair Raffi's gives you the feel of dining in one of the local restaurants in Europe. Casual crowd local resident patrons and a mix of languages spoken Their chicken kebabs are to die for and also one of the few places you can find a good salmon kebab as well Being a Mediterranean establishment. You have to get the hummus and Oh Yeah"! Bang!! It's good One of if not the best Mediterranean food in LA. Especially when you factor price locale and consistency. Love love love me some Raffi's Place

    Inside
    Ara G.

    The Bottom Line 5 stars: No matter whether you eat in or take out (this time we took out), , the BEST Persian food in LA, bar none. Location 4 stars: In busy downtown Glendale, California. Valet parking is a safe bet and so are the many parking structures nearby. Street parking is mostly metered and hard to come by. If you tell the Valet you are picking up, they let you temporarily park in the front, without charge. Venue 4 stars: Covered Outdoor and Indoor tables. Nothing fancy but comfy and homey. Be prepared to wait quite as bit during busy hours. You can try the Yelp Waitlist to cut down on wait time, BUT when they get really busy they shut down the wait list. Service 5 stars: Usually good. We took out this time and the front desk people were wonderful and extremely friendly and helpful. Drinks 5 stars: Full bar: A few specialty cocktails, premium spirits, beer, wine, soft drinks, tea and coffee. Food 5 stars: Persian food is the main theme with some additions. Large menu of soups, appetizers, salads, specialty rice, stews and beef/lamb/chicken/fish kabobs to choose from. We usually get the the Baba Ghanoush, the Hummus, the Shirazi Salad, the Beef Barg (Filet Mignon) Kabob, the Beef Kabob Koobideh (Luleh Kabob; seasoned ground beef), the marinated chicken Kabob (with or without bone) and the Chicken Kabob Koobideh (Chicken Luleh Kabob; seasoned ground chicken). You cannot have bad food at Raffi's. Every dish rocks!

    Stephanie C.

    We are sooo happy we tried Raffi's! We happened to be in the area for the afternoon and checked out what Yelp was showing nearby. Boom, Raffi's popped up with its millions of excellent reviews. Hubby said let's go and even though I wasn't craving Persian food that day I'm sooooo happy we went! The food was amazing!!! I thought I've tried good Persian in OC before, but boy was I wrong. Raffi's mutilates all. The service was friendly and efficient which was a huge plus. The only thing we didn't love during our meal was that it's not truly indoors and it was a very warm day, so we were sweating while eating. The food and service were great, so we will definitely be back!

    Koobideh (Luleh Kabob)  @teeeeeeeeeeem

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    Always fresh good service will be back for sure or order to go, love all theire appetizers

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    Raffi's Place Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Raffi's Place

    What are the vegan options, if any?

    There are different rice and salad dishes that are vegan. I think some of the soups/stews may be, too. I'd double-check with the server, though.

    Dothey do take out?

    yes you can call in your order and pick it up

    Do they accept reservations?

    You can join the waitlist on Yelp but they do not take reservations.

    Are they Pet friendly?

    Wow!! I'm surprised at the aggressively negative answers regarding pets. I think most dog owners who ask are responsible owners.There are lots of fine dining places that are doggie friendly. I love Raffi's and come often but it's SO busy that I… 

    Are reservations necessary?

    No, usually they dont require a reservation. but there might be some wait time, especially on weekends. I would suggest calling them in advance if you have a big party.

    Hi there! I'm going to likely be having a family reunion there. I'm vegan and am wondering about my options now rather than when the time comes. What vegan options do you provide? :) thank you!

    The salads are a meal in themselves, but there are vegetable dishes, too. Try the eggplant!

    Do you take reservations?

    Yes.

    Can you order online for pickup?

    Yes.

    Is yelp waitlist open on fridays?

    Yes! We were there on a Friday recently and there was a waitlist. Apparently the restaurant chooses when to let that happen. Depending on holidays or popular events.

    As of March 17 2023 do they have valet parking and do they use yelp reservations?

    You go into checkin and then from that point they update you on Yelp where your position is. You can't make a reservation online.

    Do they have gift certificates?

    Yes. Gift Certificates. In addition, you'll have the opportunity to become a card-carrying VIP for not just of The Tam, but big sister, Lawrys, La Cienega Blvd.

    Do you do catering?

    Yes, I've used them amazing

    Do you take reservations?

    Hi! We used Yelp's wait list and were able to get in very easily. It's on their website.

    Any pets allowed?

    I was informed "Service Dogs" only. Hope that helps.

    Good for a big group?

    Yes, call ahead to see if they can arrange it.

    Do they allow small pet in patio?

    Maybe, it is best to call as their policies may have changed due to COVID.

    Do they stop serving Olivier Salad?

    Can I bring a birthday cake to the restaurant?

    Absolutely - they were very nice when I brought an ice cream cake to the restaurant - they kept it in the fridge or freezer for me. I believe they have a fee for the cake cutting if I remember correctly.

    How about parking?

    Get into Raffies as if you were going to park valet then turn left towards the street and you'll see public parking if you don't want to park valet. Public parking it's on Broadway and Artsakh. I paid $2 for 3 or 4 hours on a Sunday.… 

    Does this restaurant require a vaccination card to eat here?

    I was there earlier this month and they didn't - they said that Glendale wasn't requiring proof of Vaccination yet. But I would definitely call just to double check since things are constantly changing nowadays.

    View All 71 Questions

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    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.

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    Asteria Restaurant

    Asteria Restaurant

    4.7(80 reviews)
    1.2 mi
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    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.

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    0.0 mi
    $$

    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.

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    Khinkali House
    Khinkali House
    Khinkali House - Mediterranean Salad

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    Mediterranean Salad

    TAVA HOUSE - Tava House Restaurant - 1110 S Glendale Ave, Glendale, CA 91205 - (818) 937-9777

    TAVA HOUSE

    4.9(154 reviews)
    0.9 mi
    Family-owned & operated
    Free parking

    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.

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    TAVA HOUSE - Tava House Restaurant - 1110 S Glendale Ave, Glendale, CA 91205 - (818) 937-9777

    Tava House Restaurant - 1110 S Glendale Ave, Glendale, CA 91205 - (818) 937-9777

    TAVA HOUSE - Tava House Restaurant - 1110 S Glendale Ave, Glendale, CA 91205 - (818) 937-9777

    Tava House Restaurant - 1110 S Glendale Ave, Glendale, CA 91205 - (818) 937-9777

    TAVA HOUSE - Tava House Restaurant - 1110 S Glendale Ave, Glendale, CA 91205 - (818) 937-9777

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    Tava House Restaurant - 1110 S Glendale Ave, Glendale, CA 91205 - (818) 937-9777

    Havlabar

    Havlabar

    4.2(112 reviews)
    0.8 mi

    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.

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    Havlabar
    Havlabar
    Havlabar

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    Raffi's Place - mideastern - Updated September 2026

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