Levant Bistro + Bake Shop: A Dessert Lover's Paradise
Nestled in the heart of the city, Levant Bistro + Bake Shop is a hidden gem that exudes charm and sophistication. From the moment you step inside, the beautifully designed interiors transport you to an authentic Lebanese setting, complete with intricate decor and a warm, inviting ambiance.
I ventured to Levant strictly for dessert, driven by a craving for something sweet and a curiosity about their reputed Lebanese treats. As I walked in, the soft lighting and cozy seating created the perfect atmosphere for a relaxed evening. It was clear that this was an ideal spot for a dessert date night.
The dessert menu was a treasure trove of delights, offering a wide selection that made it difficult to choose. After much deliberation, I settled on three highly recommended items: Knafeh, bread pudding, and a cup of chai.
The Knafeh arrived first, a visual masterpiece of golden-brown pastry filled with sweet, stretchy cheese, topped with a drizzle of rose syrup and a sprinkle of crushed pistachios. The first bite was heavenly—crisp on the outside, warm and gooey on the inside, with the delicate flavors of rose and pistachio enhancing the experience. It was a perfect blend of textures and tastes that danced on my palate.
Next came the bread pudding, which was equally impressive. Soft, moist, and generously spiced, it was comfort food at its finest. Each bite melted in my mouth, with hints of cinnamon and nutmeg making it a heartwarming treat. Paired with the rich, creamy custard, it was a dessert that felt like a warm hug on a cool evening.
To wash it all down, I sipped on a cup of chai. The aromatic spices and the perfect balance of sweetness made it a delightful accompaniment to the desserts. It was comforting and invigorating, the perfect end to a sweet adventure.
As I savored each bite and sip, I couldn't help but imagine returning to Levant for brunch or dinner, eager to explore more of their authentic Lebanese offerings. The thought of sampling pastries from their bake shop added another layer of excitement.
Levant Bistro + Bake Shop is a must-visit for anyone with a sweet tooth or a love for authentic Lebanese cuisine. Whether you're planning a romantic dessert date or looking for a new brunch spot, Levant promises an experience that will leave you craving more. Highly...
Read moreWhat a treat! I have ordered a lot of delivery from here and was excited to try it out in person for brunch with a couple friends. I usually get the falafel sandwich (pita), chocolate cake, and one or two other things. Everything is always fresh and delicious. Two of us in the party have celiac, and a dedicated gluten free restaurant is so hard to find in LA, so we were really looking forward to it. Street parking is hit or miss in the area, but there is a lot that's relatively large and seems to have high turnover so parking shouldn't be a problem.
We sat inside and were one of a handful of tables in there; everyone else seemed to be out on the patio, which had pretty good shading. Everyone working there was so attentive and friendly. We ordered a bunch of food, with some modifications, and that was no problem. Everyone loved everything they got! For the starters, I tried the hummus and octopus. Both were SO good. The octopus was particularly well cooked; just crispy enough without being overdone and rubbery. The pita was so tasty we had to get an extra order. My friends had the zaatar, too, but I was too busy with the other two dishes to try. We also got the brunch special with a bottle of prosecco and choice of two juices, which was fun for brunch. Pictured is one with a (very light) portion of wildberry juice.
For the mains, we got shakshuka x2 (one with goat cheese, one with merguez (sausage)). Those came with amazing french bread, which was crispy and perfect for dipping. I overordered but my friend finished the entirety of hers. My other friend got the Lebanese egg pie and it looked amazing. It was basically a perfectly cooked deep dish meets regular pizza, where the egg replaces the sauce... hard to describe but would definitely try it out. That, too, was completely gone in a matter of minutes from it being delivered.
One of my friends got an iced mocha to go at the end and said it was great as well. In sum, no notes, this place is great!! We can't wait...
Read moreThis place was absolutely incredible and such a hidden gem in echo park. So much flavor and attention to detail in every single dish, and the ambience + service was lovely.
Food: The garlic herb bread was divine- I’d go back here just for this. The bread was surprisingly gluten free and had a yummy chewy texture mixed with fresh cheese and herbs inside. The platter - this was deliciousss and came with freshly made, gluten free pita bread and 3 different dips (each of which were sooo flavorful and balanced). Everything on the platter was so good, we couldn’t stop eating haha. Even the rice was well seasoned with a slight apple cinnamon flavoring. Could tell that the ingredients they used were very fresh- the server told us all the meats were organic & grass fed which was a nice plus :) Dessert - this was our first time trying Knafeh which is melted cheese encased in a crispy flour shell with pistachio & lavender. SO good, we were so full after this but our forks couldn’t stop going back for more. Drinks - they have a solid drinks selection of coffee, lattes, teas, wine, etc with happy hour from 3-7pm. I had one of their roses which was delicious and paired well with the food
Ambiance/parking: Very clean and friendly service here! It’s nice but not pretentious. Would recommend eating on the patio if the weather’s nice but they also have indoor seating and wifi. We came on a Saturday at 6pm with a reservation and saw multiple parking spots in the lot right outside the restaurant. Could imagine parking being more difficult at a busier time tho.
Overall, I honestly don’t think you can go wrong with anything on their menu- the food was some of the best Mediterranean I’ve had in a while. I’ll definitely be back to try their brunch...
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