I Traveled with my family on spring break vacation from the east Coast and but sheer luck stumbled on this gem of restaurant, we were greeted very warmly by the host Em Shady who I believe is the owner, being it's our first time and didn't know what to order from the vast menu options , we relied on her to recommend a few dishes and 3v of them were a daily special, every single one of them was absolutely delish and the amount of food was very generous, excellent cook and Arab generosity, a super winning combination, ask the other dishes we ordered were cooked to perfection and on the most traditional way, I could not believe that such a restaurant could exist in America especially that some of the ingredients had to be imported from the middle east, I can confidently say that I've never came across such an authentic middle eastern food experience anywhere in the East Coast during my more than 35 years in America. Or host added a few dishes for is to try including the beef and chicken Shawarma which were outstanding, that experience took me a few years back and thousands of miles away to my beloved Palestine, the smells the excellent food and the generosity of Em Shady are nearly impossible to find anywhere, a month later and my family still talks about Al Baraka and we can't wait to visit again, it can't come soon enough, sending our blessings to our host and her family, this was a rare meal to remember, I wished my phone battery hadn't died that day to picture document...
Read moreThe Best Iftar Buffet – A Heartwarming Middle Eastern Experience
This Palestinian-owned restaurant offers one of the best iftar experiences you can find. The owners are there working with their team, warmly welcoming every guest with genuine hospitality. From the moment you arrive, it feels more like being invited to a generous house gathering than dining at a restaurant.
The buffet is a true celebration of Middle Eastern food—rich in flavor, variety, and tradition. Everything is homemade and absolutely delicious. From a wide selection of appetizers to hearty main dishes, there’s something for everyone, across all generations. The quality and taste of every item speak volumes about their care and authenticity.
Their dessert selection is especially unique and traditional, offering sweets you won’t easily find elsewhere. They also serve tea, coffee, a range of soft drinks, and flavorful soups—all generously and continuously offered throughout your meal. Their hookah area is another nice touch for those who enjoy it.
The space is large, so there’s always a comfortable spot to sit and relax. The staff consistently check on you, making sure you have everything you need. It’s clear they take pride in offering not just food, but a full, welcoming experience.
We come here every Ramadan, and it continues to impress us year after year. Highly recommended for anyone seeking a warm, authentic Middle...
Read moreFirst time customer here. To my pleasant surprise, this place has 2-3 daily specials which are home cooked meals type of entrees. A rarity in Mideastern restaurants in Southern California. Options today included okra and Qudra meat and rice that looked like Mansaf, which is their speciality as mentioned in an LA Times article / review. I picked shaikh el muhshi, Whig is stuffed baby zucchini with ground meat in cooked yogurt sauce. It came with pita bread, pickles and rice. It really tasted like home cooked. Came on a serving tray piping hot. The lady manager is very hospitable and courteous. A smalll cordial chitchat then I had to head out but happily. Good to know there is real home style entrees daily. More INTRIGUING than usual menu of other restaurants that are found. If you like Mideastern foods and cuisine, add this place to the short list.
The atmosphere isn’t bad, but I could not make a distinction between is this a casual eatery or family oriented. It was mostly men who are on business in little...
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