Z Garden Mediterranean Cuisine — Restaurant in Santa Monica

The luxury of tasting authentic North African food without having to hop on a plane… 🤗

I spontaneously decided to try this restaurant as a Valentine’s Day treat to myself, and I can confidently say—it was the best decision I made! The taste of the food transported me back to a part of the world I’ve been fortunate enough to visit. The authenticity of the flavors, the aromas, and the atmosphere made me feel like I was there again, without having to hop on a plane.

There were quite a few options available, but I chose the lentil soup and the slow-cooked traditional lamb shank, as it’s not easy to find here in LA. And I’m so glad I did—it was absolutely divine. Juicy, tender, and packed with flavor, every bite felt like a warm embrace, reminding me why North African cuisine is so special.

But beyond the food, what truly made this experience unforgettable was the hospitality. The staff was so warm, humble, and incredibly attentive to every guest’s needs. And the owner? He has the most amazing smile and a presence that is both courteous and approachable, making you feel right at home.

The restaurant itself is spotless, adding to the comfort of the dining experience. I also loved seeing such a diverse crowd that day—it was a beautiful reflection of how food brings people together. On top of that, the prices are very reasonable, and free parking is available, making it all the more convenient.

This wasn’t just a meal; it was an experience. I walked in alone on Valentine’s Day but left feeling like I had given myself the best gift—an evening of incredible food, warmth, and hospitality. I will definitely be coming back to taste the lamb chops and baklavas but this time with my friends!...

VEGAN REVIEW We’ve had such a great experience with Z Garden!

Found out about them through their booth at the Saturday morning farmers market at Virginia Ave. Park— yummy dips & pita chips (also the people manning the both are friendly & helpful). They’ve got the vegan items dialed in.

Decided to give their restaurant right around the corner I try, best decision ever! We got some kind of delicious vegetarian combo plate. Every item we had was fresh & tasty but special shout-out to the their falafel, baba ghanoush, garlic dip & cauliflower!!! Those are the real MVPs. As for the restaurant itself— simple decor, nice outdoor dining are, fast & friendly service, ample parking. Good compliance to Covid Safety measures (thank you!)

Also used them to cater my birthday. Otto replied to my email request promptly & worked on a mostly vegan menu for me (added some meat kabobs for the dads who “need meat” lol). Don’t you hate when catered food pales in comparison to your restaurant experience? Not the case here! Everyone raved about the food, even the meat loving dads. Note: IT IS SO MUCH FOOD. I ordered for 15, had 21 guests, and there are STILL leftovers. Next time might change around some quantities, but everything was just as tasty as it was in the restaurant. Delivery was on time & again, friendly service.

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A hidden gem. There are many Mediterranean restaurants in the West Los Angeles, Culver City and Santa Monica area, but they all offer the same, mostly Iranian influenced dishes as Mediterranean. Mediterranean food is a common set of dishes that's shared in a vast region.

If you want to experience the various tastes and aromas of the old Mediterranean cultures in an underrated family style environment, this is the right place.

They offer a great selection and value. Call them to inquire about their buffet lunches offered on certain days.

Nasir, the owner and chef combines his experience working as the Executive Chef at renowned hotels to capture the cuisine of French, Lebanese, Turkish, Italian, and Greek through subtle yet delicious combination of fresh vegetables and meats. He makes you feel as if you are at his dinner table at home. Fresh cucumber infused water is included as a drink and palette cleanser.

He began a career in the food industry as a Executive Chef at the Intercontinental Jeddah (Saudi Arabia) before moving to Grand Hyatt Dubai and finally Royal Manceaux in Paris, where he continued his studies into French culinary arts.

Restaurant is very clean and there's ample parking in the attached...