Mizlala West Adams — Restaurant in Los Angeles

Food here has always been amazing. But this time, I had bees along with my dinner. Despite Mizlala having some of the best falafels I've ever had, my recent experience & interactions with the manager make it hard for me to go back.

Sat on the patio (they only have outside seats) last month, noticed quite a few bees around and especially around the trash can. There was half of a severed bee on our table as we sat down. Looked above us, there was a fan blowing with lots of spider webs on it and 2.5 dead bees stuck to it, probably the remainder of the bee on our table.

Food was great as always but unfortunately I bit into the remains of a dead bee / the stinger. My tongue and face swell up immediately. I went inside to tell and show the staff & manager who was on the grill. They didn't care at all, more bothered by the fact that there were people waiting in line behind me. I even showed them my tongue but again, 0 f given. I asked the manager (with my super slurred speech at this point) for a direct number so I can eventually call back cuz i needed to leave asap to deal with my situation as my tongue was swelling up. He wrote something on the menu and went right back to cooking in the kitchen. Days later when i finally looked at the number he gave me, I realized it's just the restaurants number that's on the menu. Same exact number. I have called and left a message with the staff, no one ever contacted back. I tried Instagram direct messaging the Mizlala account, no reply. No email or any contact can be found on the website (other than for catering) so in the end.. no one from management ever reached out to even hear what I have to say. Sure, bees exist in the wild and the patio is outdoor. But the fans were covered in spiderwebs with dead bees flying around, falling into tables and food which is unacceptable. What really made me mad was management showing 0 concerns or empathy. Dodging my complaints as hard as possible. Do not go here if you're allergic to bees unless you wanna go to...

A friendly and helpful employee went through the menu with me to clarify which dishes were gluten, soy and dairy free. Believe it or not, I had choices! How rare and exciting.

We decided to over order a little so we could taste many items, this being our first visit. We ordered to share the chicken shawarma plate, the oyster mushrooms, the cauliflower, and a small side of Moroccan carrot salad. This was more than enough for two people. We sat in the charming outdoor patio properly distanced for everybody's safety amongst other considerate patrons.

The oyster mushrooms with green aioli were phenomenal - we'll go back if only just for those. The shawarma plate was also outstanding, containing cumin-forward creamy hummus garnished with tahini dressing and fresh chickpeas; a salad of baby arugula, shredded purple cabbage, dill, mint and cilantro leaves dressed with lemon and olive oil; and amount of perfectly cooked and seasoned chicken shawarma on meltingly soft cooked sweet onion. That was plenty of protein for two people. We both agreed that the cauliflower was so-so. It had been par-cooked or blanched to begin with and then charred on the grill with spices. It comes with a small serving of tahini dressing with a dollop of zhulg. The cauliflower was a little too soft and a little too vapid, only tasting intensely of the char of the grill and some of the heat of the spices. While it wasn't bad tasting it wasn't that interesting either. The Moroccan carrot salad was tasty (and a little spicy for those of us who aren't strong in that department). My pal thought of having a tahini shake for dessert (it's made with soy milk, so is not for me), but was too full to actually order it after we finished eating. Next time!

All together this was a really positive and pleasant experience. We will be back and will...

I had to try this little eatery on a warm Summer evening. The ambience is lovely. The kitchen sits in the back and it is small but always bustling with movement. You have to walk through the outdoor only dining area complete with potted Olive trees to place your order or peruse the menu. It's nice, clandestine and inviting. The young lady who took our order did not smile and seemed to have a perpetual scowl on her face. She was not very warm and friendly when I first met her. I went back a second time and she was a bit more welcoming but thank goodness the food is delicious or I would not keep coming back. She isn't the reason you go anyways (the guy that takes the orders as well is way nicer and friendlier). I ordered the chicken plate with salad but my date got his usual salmon plate and let me tell you...after sampling his meal, I was disappointed I didn't just follow his lead. The chicken was tasty and very good but that salmon!!!!!! Wow...nicely cooked and seasoned and just DELICIOUS! We also ordered the brussel sprouts and those are delicious as well. I've gone back two more times after my initial visit to get the salmon and brussel sprouts. Things to consider: check your food before you leave. They missed my rice the second time I ordered and forgot my pita bread. They kinda apologized but basically told me to check my food. I'm passing that advice on to you. You have to grab the plastic utensils and napkins yourself as they do not add that to the bag. The salmon is 20 something and the Brussels are 10 something...so you are paying close to 40 for one meal but it is worth it. Parking is terrible. Dine in at least once to enjoy the...