The hype is a no. Sorry. This review is for the owner so he/she can take the feedback and maybe tweak a few things. Let's start with positives... the falafel was amazing. The hummus was good. Unfortunately that's it.
The not so greats.. 1. The chicken had overly gummy pieces. It's expected but not to that degree 2. The chicken was not hot and had little flavor. 3. The rice was not hot and not very warm even. 4. The salad was an after thought and would have done better with pickled vegetables for flavor and keep it a bit more authentic 5. The pita bread tasted like pita I would by from an American grocery store. Which I had expected to be a bit more authentic. The texture was poofy and almost like it wasn't cooked thoroughly. Did I mention the falafel was perfection, it was dfiferent. HOT. And it tasted freshly made even. Really good. Back to feedback...6. Fries the texture was good but again they were almost cold would have been fine with warm. The oil they were cooked in had an after flavor otherwise I liked them. Now for the wraps 7. Same thing as far as chicken..gummy...on the room temp side almost cold. The pickles were good, but the tortilla was so basic I felt like I was eating a raw tortilla from grocery store once again. Tortillas are meant to be warmed up pretty well. The seasume sauce was good though I like it with the wrap but the garlic sauce had no flavor more than basic. 8. Lentil soup was okay fresh and hot the chips that came with it were fantastic except I could taste the after flavor of the oil again otherwise these would have been a favorite.
If you aren't used to eating this type of food it might be top notch so that's great but don't take a date here until after 3rd date at least it's not really a date place. The atmosphere is all black walls the tables are cheap and seating. It's really a to go spot in my opinion.
We had to ask for a table to be cleaned. There was only one other diner in this place. The hour we went was at about 645pm so it was really slow. Noone in line yet the door was filthy. The service was poor. There was no water in the water that was complimentary but he gladly filled it right away. The food came out in decent timing, it wasn't fast which we wouldn't want. They played hip music which was fine. And loved loved the lamps overhead. Wish the estethetic matched the lamps a little more.
Final note. We ate in. Not to go. And we wasted soooo much packaging . It was all served on plastic or paper and plastic good stuff but such a waste. I felt I was eating at home or in my car.
The place has potential. I think it has so much hype that it survives. But if you want to take it up a notch that's the feedback. We had a hard time enjoying due to those things but it wasn't bad food.
Oh and no special drinks add a dd to the drink menu as far as canned choices the coke and 7up is too basic. Go back to izzy drink maybe we tried to order them but you were...
Read moreAnwar's Kitchen - A Mediterranean Delight in the Heart of LA's Fashion District
Stepping into Anwar's Kitchen feels like stumbling upon a hidden gem nestled within the bustling streets of Downtown Los Angeles. Located amidst the vibrant Fashion District, this culinary haven promises an authentic taste of the Mediterranean, and it certainly delivers.
Upon entering, the ambiance exudes warmth and comfort, inviting patrons to unwind and indulge in a culinary journey curated by none other than Palestinian-American social media sensation, Anwar Jibawi, and his talented mother, Amal Jibawi. Their passion for Middle Eastern cuisine shines through in every aspect of the dining experience.
As my girlfriend and I settled in, we were greeted with friendly smiles and prompt service, setting the tone for what was to be a memorable dining experience. Having heard about Anwar's Kitchen through TikTok, we were eager to explore their offerings, and we weren't disappointed.
Opting for the Combo Beef and Chicken Shawarma Plate, I was immediately impressed by the generous portion sizes and the tantalizing aroma wafting from the plate. Each bite was a symphony of flavors, perfectly seasoned and cooked to perfection. The tender beef and succulent chicken shawarma were complemented flawlessly by a medley of traditional Mediterranean sides, creating a harmony of taste that left me craving more.
To complete our meal, we indulged in a serving of baklava, a sweet treat that served as the perfect finale to our culinary adventure. Each layer of flaky pastry was enveloped in a rich blend of nuts and honey, providing a satisfyingly sweet contrast to the savory delights we had enjoyed earlier.
What truly sets Anwar's Kitchen apart is its commitment to authenticity and quality. With 100% Halal-certified ingredients and recipes passed down through generations, every dish is a labor of love, crafted with care and attention to detail. It's evident that Anwar and his mother have poured their hearts into creating a dining experience that pays homage to their heritage while delighting the taste buds of patrons from all walks of life.
In conclusion, Anwar's Kitchen is more than just a restaurant; it's a culinary journey that transports diners to the sun-soaked shores of the Mediterranean. Whether you're a TikTok aficionado or simply seeking a memorable dining experience in the heart of LA, this hidden gem is a must-visit destination. Trust me; you won't be...
Read more1st time here and could not be more disappointed. I was very excited and looking forward to trying this place, been a big fan of Anwar's channel for a while and as a Muslim, I enjoy trying Halal food all over. I would like to preface the story by saying the Supervisor, Wendy, was extremely kind and accomodating and the only good thing about this place.
The place was nice and quiet when I arrived (empty). I placed my order with the Supervisor on shift, Wendy, at the register. Sat down to wait for my food and placed my bag on table right next to me. 5 minutes later, a male employee approached me and very aggressively asked if it was my bag. I responded "Yes". He irritatedly asks me to move it to the smaller table next to me. As I stand up, he launches into a tirade about how larger parties may arrive later and to not take up so much space. I was very surprised by it all, his rude, aggressive tone and his ridiculous argument. I point out that I was sitting at 1 table, next to my stuff and if the need arose, I wouldve gladly moved for other people. Again the place is still mostly empty. This guy gets in my face and continues being rude and aggressive, we argue back and forth for a quick couple of minutes and he starts calling me names, asks if I "want trouble" & "are you dumb"? Just 4TR, I hadnt been rude to this person at any point so far but enough was enough. As soon as he resorted to insults I told him to "Get out of my face" because he was "Seriously disturbed in the head". Mind you since halfway into our interaction, poor Wendy had been standing there trying to convince him to stop and leave. Despite me telling him to gtfo my face, he only left me alone after much pleading from Wendy. She apologized to me and said she would let the manager know of this behavior. I told her I was very shaken and upset about this hostile and rude behavior and I no longer wished to eat their food. I wouldnt trust anything coming from a kitchen where such a vile person was working, who knows what he'd do. She immediately gave me a full refund and again apologized for the male employee's behavior, saying he was new and gad only been there 2 months. I thanked her and left.
I have both purchase and refund receipts. Ive attached a photo of where I was sitting.
This was truly a most upsetting and disappointing experience, the worst customer service...
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