Armav — Restaurant in Los Angeles

Best meals we’ve ever had in Pacific Palisades! What’s wrong with my neighbors that this place isn’t more crowded? Please give it a try so it stays here for decades. So many mediocre restaurants here are filled, I don’t get it. My office is in Larchmont Village so I mostly eat in the city, with its plethora of great eateries. Armav describes itself as Armenian and Mediterranean cuisine—best I’ve ever had in all LA. The spices are so aromatic and the chef/owner Kim is deft with them. His spinach boureg (like spanakopita, but more delicate) was delicious, and the Orzo Lemon Chicken soup and Moroccan carrot soup were divine, the latter topped with artful design. I’ve tried a few lunch dishes, and they were also generously portioned, interesting and very tasty. Chef Kim, noting we were leaving without having dessert last night, sent us home with two portions of baklava, which he makes with pistachios, not walnuts. OMG. The décor is so pleasing to the eye, tables spaced for privacy (indoors and out), and there’s also a gorgeous wood bar that makes solo diners comfortable while couples can sit intimately close. I hope Armav finds many new customers as pleasantly surprised as...

My friend was in town for one night and we looked up places that had vegan and gluten free options for her. It was 5 stars so we decided to give it a try. I appreciate a beautiful asthetic environment, the decor was simple but elegant. Lighting was perfect. There is outside and inside dining. We started with the dolmas, beef & lamb with rice. Tender and delicious. We shared chicken and steak kabobs. They were beautifully presented, and perfectly prepared. Our server, Jonathan was spectacular! It was a slow evening and he was handling the tables inside and outside with skill. He was pleasant and funny and professional. This place is a gem! Don’t think about it anymore, go there now! You won’t regret it! I can’t...

I had dinner there tonight with my father, I was thrilled to see an Armenian restaurant come to the Palisades which has long had a surplus of Italian and little else. I ordered the falafel appetizer and was transported back to my trip to Jordan eating fresh falafel from Madaba on my way to Mount Nebo. The falafel may have been my favorite dish, which is saying something, if only for that nostalgia.

The rest of our meal was similarly delicious. The fried cauliflower appetizer also had wonderful flavor, and my father who loves beet salad, couldn't think of one he had better than this one. And the sea bass was perfectly cooked. I will be...