Aroma Cafe — Restaurant in Los Angeles

New staff and still astonishly friendly, as accommodating as can be and the food is good-- though 1/3 more the price and 1/3 less the portions. The former $10 lamb kebabs (2) with salad and roasted vegetables or potatoes is now $15.50 and has one kabob. Still filling enough for a meal + take some home and delicious! And no bread with it these days either.

I was with a vegetarian and there were very few options because the dishes that require long cooking have ground meat already in them. Also, we had rhetorically asked, "how can grilled potatoes not be wonderful?" Well they were not: pale and charred and overcooked. The roasted veggies are still my favorite in town. Also, the interior no longer has the decor with trellis and looks stark, which doesn't matter when there are customers in it. Still the same wonderful, homey food cooked to order. Happy to see it survived the pandemic although the owner is no longer with us. His widow is still behind the stove, cooking dishes to order. so it is not fast service food by any means!

This little "hole-in-the-wall" cozy place got us coming back for their off-the-menu whole fish and now for the kabob or veggie plates that can also include grilled veggies instead of the salad and rice for an extra cost. Stylish Turkish coffee service is available. Balkan flat bread remains a paleo dilemma : "Lepinja" a softer, still crispy outside, focaccia sort.. and with Kaymak (cheese butter spread on request, now for $1 extra cost, and $14 for a tin to purchase). We used to come here for the extraordinary service alone, which always intelligent, efficient, heartfelt and accommodating. Current newcomer servers are friendly and still learning the ropes.

The "grocery" section and refrigerated product counter seem to be more fully stocked...

The portion was incredibly small—honestly, I don’t even think you'd consider it a child’s meal. For $17, I expected more than just 2 ounces of meat and a very small scoop of rice. They only gave me one small skewer of ground beef, which is disappointing compared to other Middle Eastern restaurants I’ve been to over the years, where they usually serve at least two skewers. I would’ve been happy to pay a few extra bucks for a second skewer if it was an option. They really should offer it for those who want a fuller meal.

The rice was dry and lacked flavor, and the meat was tough. Even though it was ground, the texture was off. The two stars are really for the salad—it was fresh and flavorful, the only part of the meal I’d consider going back for. Beyond that, though, it wasn’t worth it. I ended up finishing my dinner at Chick-fil-A, the only place open on New Year’s Eve.

On top of that, the people outside smoking were basically acting like extras in a spy movie—staring at you when you walk in, walk out, or even sit in your car. It made the whole thing feel like a weird reality show I didn’t...

I can not say enough great things about Aroma Cafe—an absolute must-visit! I indulged in the Ćevapi, Sarma in Sour Cabbage, Cherry Pie, the vegetable sandwich, and the melted grilled block of feta, and everything was beyond excellent. Each dish was perfectly prepared, flavorful, and authentic—pure comfort food heaven.

The Ćevapi were tender and packed with flavor, while the Sarma brought that perfect balance of savory and tangy notes. The Cherry Pie? Absolutely divine—a sweet and tart masterpiece. The vegetable sandwich was fresh, hearty, and satisfying, and the grilled feta was next-level creamy and perfectly charred.

On top of the incredible food, the servers were quite friendly and professional, making us feel genuinely welcome. Their hospitality was exceptional—warm, attentive, and perfectly paced.

If you’re looking for a place with outstanding food and top-tier service, Aroma Cafe delivers on all fronts. I’ll absolutely be back and highly recommend this spot to anyone seeking an unforgettable...