For lovers of Mediterranean cuisine, there is good news: Kabab Grill.
Traditional favorites are served up in an ornately whimsical manner. The presentation of each dish is delightful tabouli garnished with a tomato fashioned into a rose, lemon carved into a crescent-shaped sculpture, and more.
But more impressive still is the taste. The reason for this is that Kabab Grill starts with the freshest ingredients and creates dishes from scratch on the premises. The falafel, for instance, is made with lamb that is ground each morning. The baklava is also homemade. Even the sauces (and there is a medium hot sauce that brings just enough heat without sacrificing flavor) are made from owner Ayesha Abaza’s own recipe.
Kebab Grill is family owned and inspired by the executive chef’s experiences with large family gatherings and parties. The goal of the restaurant was originally to bring the culture and taste of fresh Mediterranean food to a take-out and quick-serve environment, but Abaza says that many of their customers have begun to eat in the restaurant rather than their homes.
Earlier this week, Kabab Grill began serving a buffet dinner and in September will begin serving a lunch buffet. Patrons now have a choice whether to have their order prepared while they wait or to sample their way through menu. For palates unfamiliar with Mediterranean food, I recommend beginning with the buffet in order to get a sense of the dishes you like best.
One can’t-miss item, however, is the kababs. The meat is juicy and tender and the spices come to life thanks to the wood-fire oven. The chicken kabab is served with a delicious mint-yogurt sauce (homemade, of course).
And I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the pita. The bread, still puffed with heat from the oven, is crisped just enough to be the perfect vehicle for dipping. Try it with some of the best hummus I¹ve ever tried, dab it in the olive oil and lemon with the tabouli, or just eat it plain.
Kabab Grill, at 10401 Venice Blvd., features take-out and catering. For more information, go to kababgrill.net or call (310) 202-0041.