Panini Kabob Grill - Woodland Hills — Restaurant in Los Angeles

If you live in or around Woodland Hills and haven’t been to Panini Kabob Grill (Panini Café) yet, you're honestly missing out on one of the best hidden gems in the area. This place has become our go-to family spot—whether it’s a casual weekday dinner, weekend outing, or just a night when no one feels like cooking but we still want something fresh and satisfying.

Let me start with my personal favorite dish—the Tofu Kabob with Koobideh Seasoning. Yes, you read that right: tofu, but seasoned like traditional koobideh. I know it’s not on the menu exactly that way, but the staff is always kind enough to make it with koobideh-style spices when I request it, and it’s absolutely incredible. The tofu itself is grilled to perfection—crispy edges, tender center, never soggy or bland. But what makes it unforgettable is that smoky, savory, deeply spiced koobideh flavor. It gives the tofu this bold, comforting taste that even meat-lovers would enjoy. I usually get it with brown rice and grilled veggies, and it’s the perfect balanced meal: plant-based, filling, and flavorful.

On the other hand, my partner is all about their classic Koobideh Kabob, and I totally get why. It’s one of the best koobideh dishes we’ve had in Los Angeles, and we’ve tried many. The ground beef is always juicy, seasoned just right, and grilled with care. There’s no greasiness or overpowering saltiness—just pure, well-balanced flavor. Paired with saffron basmati rice, grilled tomato, and a side of their creamy cucumber yogurt, it’s a dish that never disappoints.

One of the best things we’ve discovered is their Family Combo Meal, which is not just a great value but also perfectly portioned for a family of four. It includes a generous variety of kabobs—usually koobideh, chicken, and sometimes shrimp or steak—plus rice, grilled vegetables, and lavash bread. It’s the ideal choice when everyone wants to share and try a bit of everything. For the price, it’s hard to find a better deal that delivers both quantity and quality. We always leave full and happy, and sometimes even have leftovers for the next day.

One thing that really stands out about Panini Café is the consistency. We've been coming here for over a year, and the food is always fresh, always flavorful, and always cooked just right. The quality never dips, even during busy times. That kind of reliability is rare these days and truly appreciated. We’ve also ordered takeout several times, and the experience has been just as good as dining in. Everything is packaged thoughtfully, portions are generous, and nothing ever feels rushed or messy. They always include enough sauces, utensils, and napkins, which might sound small, but it’s a detail that many places overlook.

If I had to make one suggestion, it would be to consider expanding the vegetarian and vegan kabob options. The tofu is fantastic, especially with koobideh seasoning, but it would be amazing to see it prepared with other marinades as well—like a lemon-herb or Mediterranean spice version. Maybe even a grilled veggie skewer combo as a main dish. That said, I’ve always been able to customize my plate, and the staff is more than willing to accommodate.

In summary, Panini Kabob Grill in Woodland Hills is a shining example of what makes Mediterranean cuisine so universally loved: it’s healthy, flavorful, comforting, and satisfying. Whether you’re ordering my beloved tofu koobideh plate, going for a traditional koobideh kabob, or diving into the family combo for a full spread, you’re getting real food made with care. And at a time when eating out can feel rushed or hit-or-miss, Panini Café continues to deliver a consistently enjoyable experience.

We’ll keep coming back, and I’ll keep recommending it to friends, neighbors, and anyone who asks for a great place to eat in Woodland Hills. If you're looking for delicious kabobs, plant-based options, generous portions, and...

My 46 year old daughter gave me a $50 gift card to the Panini Kabob Grill for my 72nd birthday.. She said the Chicken Kabob with rice was excellent. I live in Culver City and could have gone to the restaurant in nearby Century City. Didn't want to have to pay for parking so I drove 35 miles to the Woodland Hills location. I read the reviews, good and bad, and was concerned about the few negative reviews I had read. I called the restaurant and spoke to one of the managers by the name of Anthony. I told him my wife and I were coming in on Saturday, October 2nd to celebrate my 72nd birthday and wanted to make sure I would be taken good care of. Told him I was concerned about the few one and two star reviews I had read and asked him if he had read them. He told me the restaurant was rated 4 and a half stars and assured me I would be taken good care of. Thank you Anthony !!

Upon arriving I was greeted by an angel of a hostess named Paula. She is a beautiful person with a very kind attitude. She really made my birthday lunch a wonderful experience. She stopped by our table and said, "how's it going birthday boy." Really liked that comment. Thank you Paula !! I asked her to assign me one of the best servers and she recommended Derrick. He did not disappoint. He gave me and the misses 5 star service.. Thank you Derrick !

My wife and I both ordered the $19.99 steak kabob with two sides- rice and salad. The portions were large and the food was excellent. You really get your monies worth at this fine restaurant.

The place is very busy and might take a little while to be served. The kabob comes hot off the grill and remains nice and warm when served. You have to tell your server how you want your steak cooked- rare, med rare or well done- in order to have it prepared the way you like it.

My wife and I had a wonderful experience thanks to Anthony, Derrick and the lovely hostess Paula. Really enjoyed the nice scoop of vanilla ice cream I was given for my birthday . It was...

Worst management, rudest staff I have ever experienced

Well…68 years old and the first time I have ever been kicked out of a restaurant or any place for that matter. Maybe I can add a bar fight to my bucket list!

Came for dinner on a Saturday night… we waited in the short line as they seated the two parties in front of us. When it was our turn they were now full and we’re told it would be a 15 minute wait for our party of 2 outside. Great no problem 😀 We waited about 30 minutes…still no problem but we noticed they seated the two parties of 2 that were behind us at outside tables & there was now about 30 people waiting. We approached the hostess to tell her and all she would say was “one moment” I tried to tell her they skipped us and she ignored us. She kept calling more parties for the next 10 minutes and every time me or my wife tried to say something to her….. she wouldn’t look at me let alone listen…. All she would say is “one moment”

I was very nice & in a good mood up to this point. Now I was getting pissed… I guess I don’t like being invisible.

The manager came over and I tried to explain but all he wanted to do was argue about how they do their seating. I think I finally got him to understand that we had been there before they even had a wait. He pointed to a table and said he would sit us…. At this point the same hostess said no she was seating another the party there.

A managers job is to manager, I think he has a job beyond his skill level.

I lost it…. Called her two words first one starts with an F …. Second one with a C. … tore up the wait list… let her deal with that!

And… I got kicked out …. Like I would still eat here.

At least I was no longer...