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Al Amir Lebanese Cuisine
Category: Restaurants Middle Eastern Middle Eastern [Edit]
5217 Laurel Canyon BlvdLos Angeles, CA 91607
Neighborhoods: North Hollywood, Valley Village
(818) 508-1592
- Hours:
Tue-Sun 11 am - 9 pm
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Delivery:
- Yes
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
- Dogs Allowed:
- No
Katy L. said: "ZANKOU.. OH man.. this place never lets me down. The Roasted Chicken Tarna dish and/or wrap is delish..ESPECIALLY with that white sauce... let me clarify what this white sauce is for those who have perverted minds.. but the white sauce…" read more »
40 reviews for Al Amir Lebanese Cuisine
40 reviews in English
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Review from Rachelle W.
Studio City, CA
4/9/2012
Fantastic food and very reasonable prices! I am SO happy to live next to this bomb ass place!
Husband and I had the eggplant appy thing (mousaka?) which they serve with a huge piece of thin Pita bread. Then we had 1 order of Chicken kebab plate that was so perfect we ate every single bite! The chicken is extremely flavorful and juicy, the hummos is fresh and perfectly flavored, and the salad and rice complement the rest of the plate. I was VERY impressed with the quality and taste of the food. The service was VERY friendly and quick. We were stuffed and left with an $18 bill. Cant beat that! 1 kebob plate + 1 appy + Pita is enough for 2 people.
This is not a place to go for the ambiance, but it is comfortable and quick for a casual dinner.
The only drawback is my love for WINE and BEER with this type of food. They dont serve alcohol :( Oh well. Take out and my home bar will work just fine. -
Review from Sergio G.
Woodland Hills, CA
5/17/2012
We were driving around for something different and we found this place on yelp,
It's small but very friendly service. We started with a sampler starter with all kinds of good stuff, we loved it then my wife had the chicken ka-bobs bursting with flavor and I
Had the beef Shawarma and it was delicious!!! Thanks to all the yelpers because of you guys I've been eating delicious foods! -
Review from Lee F.
4/8/2012 1 Check-in Here
The place is in a shopping center. They are new to the area and the place is nice and clean. I had the Baba Ghanoush as an appetizer and the Chicken Kabob Sandwich.
The Baba Ghanoush was good and flavorful, but the sandwich was lacking in flavor. It was not terrible, but I tasted better. I like my kabobs to be more juicy, tender, and more flavorful.
On the other hand, the staff was nice and friendly. I believe this is a family owned establishment. -
Review from Lupe G.
Toluca Lake, CA
3/17/2012 5 Check-ins Here
I am a sucker for kabobs and rice. If I see it somewhere, I try it. But, this has also led me to some really bad food. Al Amir opened up and I had to try it. Wow, their chicken kabob plate is delicious. The chicken is juicy, the rice is flavorful, the hummus is AMAZING. I haven't been adventurous enough to try any other plate because I like this plate so much.
The staff is really friendly and attentive if you eat in, They've given me free dessert a couple of times! If you pick up, they're just as friendly and your food is always ready - nice and hot - when you arrive.
Try this place! -
Review from Mary R.
Los Angeles, CA
3/23/2012
EDIT: I've changed my rating for this restaurant from two stars to three for this reason: the owner emailed me and graciously offered to make me another appetizer combo on the house (at the restaurant). He mentioned that there is a PDF menu online that does provide the prices (something I didn't see). What he didn't do, was be defensive or rude. As I said in my initial review - he is VERY polite. I suspect my experience would be different at the establishment in lieu of ordering delivery/takeout, so I'm going to give this place another try. In my book, customer service is high on the list of what makes a place great, and the owner of Al Amir is definitely customer service oriented.
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After reading the reviews on Yelp and after recently moving into the nearby neighborhood, I so wanted to love this place. Nope. Perhaps, I should have eaten in the establishment?
My delivery order was a mistake all the way around. For one thing, one BLARING thing, why don't they have their menu prices listed on their website menu? In hindsight, I should have backed out of ordering upon noticing this.
In a nutshell, a friend and I ordered:
1. Mezza combo (appetizer combo)
2. Mixed Grill entree
3. Pickles
4. extra pita
Our bill? $32.00. By the way, the Mezza combo was for ONE person, not two. Nowhere on their online menu does it stipulate that you should order for two if you want enough for two. Huh? Most restaurants (as in almost all good restaurants) provide appetizers for at least two people (two of each item) in order for their customers to share. Appetizers are not entrees and rarely are they considered meals. And if this is not the case, then the restaurant should state as such online! (i.e. list the price for the appetizer for one or more...)
Needless to say, what I got was an appetizer for ONE where I had to cut everything in half - which meant just a bite of each item, none of which were all that memorable (or good; the hummus is passable, but everything else could be found in far better Lebanese joints - think Cedar House).
Then, the Mixed Grill entree was heavy on the rice, medium on the hummus and chintzy on the meat - all of which were dry. Three tiny bites of chicken and two skinny beef "somethings."
The pickles were just dandy as was the pita - oh, yay! Should have just ordered both for dinner. I will say that the garlic sauce was yummy....but it's just garlic, olive oil and salt!
So, basically, we spent $14 on an entree (totally not worth it) and $14 on an APPETIZER plate for ONE person (none of which any of the offerings were costly - the restaurant is robbing folks on this plate). $4 for pickles and bread????
I'm assuming all of this because, again, NO prices are listed on the website (nor were we given an itemized receipt or delivery menu...WTH?).
Then, to make matters worse, the driver showed up with no change. My friend handed him two $20 dollar bills (all the cash he and I had). I hit the roof! $32 for way-less-than-impressive food and $8 for a tip to a driver who drove and walked this lukewarm crappy food up to us?? No way!
I called the restaurant. The only reason I'm giving this place two stars is because the owner called me back promptly and sent his driver back out to give us change. (the owner was very polite)
Still, I will never order from here again or go there. Sorry, but first impressions are critical, and this one went sour. -
Review from Louie S.
Van Nuys, CA
3/29/2012 1 Check-in Here
So I was driving around trying to find something different and I found Al Amir. Their kabobs and hummus are delicious. They make their own baklava and the tabbouleh had a lot of flavor in it. I have had Mediterranean food before, but Al Amir does it well. Other places are too sloppy and quick. Al Amir prepares the food with time and thought with their own twist and flavors in it.
Needless to say that I will be coming back. -
Review from Maya N.
Van Nuys, CA
4/18/2012
The most authentic Lebanese cuisine in the valley for sure! Absolutely delicious! The owner is the funniest, sweetest, and most generous guy I've ever met. If you haven't tried this place yet, you are missing out!!
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Review from Paula B.
2/10/2012
Tried this place for the first time. Very nice, friendly staff. Everything we tasted was executed professionally and perfect. This is probably the best middle eastern food I have had in a while and it was perfect!
Hummus - 5 Stars
Babaganoush - 5 Stars
Tabouli - 5 Stars
Grape Leaves - (cold like dolma) - 5 stars
Fried Cheese - 5 Stars
Pita Bread - of course, warm and 5 stars
French Fries - Perfectly made - 5 stars
Baklava - needs more syrup - but was really good. -
Review from Lena O.
Los Angeles, CA
2/15/2012
Anyone I've taken here has really enjoyed it, from my American friends and husband to my middle-eastern born parents. Nothing too fancy, just honest Lebanese food at reasonable prices. Don't let the small strip mall location fool you. The food is top notch and the service friendly. They have lots of veggie and non-dairy options, which I love!
Since I'm not a meat eater, I order either the falafel sandwich or veggie delight combo. The falafel is light and airy, the hommos is creamy and perfectly seasoned, and the warak enab (stuffed grape leaves) might almost be as good as Mom's. The baba ghanouj is quite tasty, too.
We can't come here without ordering the fattoush and spicy potatoes. Be warned, the fattoush is nice and salty and the potatoes full of garlic. My dining companions highly recommend the beef kafta. The beef or chicken shawarma and chicken kebab are also high on the list of favorites.
For the proximity, price, and quality Al Amir is definitely one of my current favorites. FYI, they're very generous with the pickled turnips, so if you're not a fan (like my husband) make sure you ask for it on the side. -
Review from Sean P.
North Hollywood, CA
Falafel superb, hommos amazing, baba ganouj although Im not a fan theirs made me a fan quite delicious.
Everything else I ordered was very good as well, Kabob and shawerma, their grape leaves are really good too and tabouleh yummy. -
Review from Keila N.
It was a leisurely Sunday when we stopped by Al Amir. We ordered the chicken kabob and the Mezza combo. I thought everything was delicious, and the price was fair. Service was excellent.
This is a small operation located in a strip mall. It seemed rather new as the Grand Opening sign was still displayed.Listed in: Cheap and Good
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Review from Grace M.
Studio City, CA
1/12/2012
My husband and I had a http://restaurant.com certificate for this place so we decided to try it. I was a little hesitant about strip mall Lebanese food - but let me tell you, this place is delicious! We had the Baba Ghanouj and the Labni (with garlic) which were both amazing. We also got the chicken wings which were lemon-y and garlic goodness. Not a whole lot of meat on them but they were done to perfection. Well worth it! Lastly, we both ordered kebabs and the portions were large enough that we easily could have shared one entree.
The service at this place is fantastic and it is spotless. I highly recommend! -
Review from Kyle S.
Lake Forest, CA
4/2/2012 1 Check-in Here
Great food! All of us were very happy. The waiters are nice and very knowledgeable about all their food - I get the feeling from them that everything is homemade and prepared fresh from themselves (which it probably is!).
Definitely will be back when I am in the area again! Big portions and great taste. -
Review from Jack A.
Van Nuys, CA
12/22/2011
My wife and I love this place! Now let me give you a little bit of background, my wife grew up in Lebanon so she is very picky about the Lebanese food. First time I ordered take out and she had it, she loved it! Now when we want to have middle eastern, lebanese food we know exactly where to go.
Their hommos is the best in town, it is thick, has very good texture and flavors. Reminds me of home made hommos. Their shawarma and falafel are delicous, pair it up with their spicy potato and you'll come back for more! Everytime i go I try something new.
Doing reviews is not really my thing but this place is definitely worth the few minutes of my time. -
Review from Julia H.
N HOLLYWOOD, CA
5/15/2012
The most authentic and delicious Lebanese food I have had this side of Paris. I say this with exact confidence as I am Lebanese myself and take great pride in my own culinary skills. I was born here but my mother taught me the importance of fresh and ingredients, all of which can be found in the offerings at Al Amir. The stuffed squash and eggplant are the best that I have ever had (sorry Mom). The kibbee in yogurt sauce was a dish I never ate until I had the one at Al Amir. The roast style leg of lamb is delectable and heart with vegetables cooked to tasty perfection. I could go on and on but suffice it to say that it truly honors the name of Lebanese Cuisine and, amazingly, the portions are generous which is not always the case with finer foods. Ask for the lemonade, which is not always available, because it's yummy, fresh, refreshing and the best in LA. Kudos to Al Amir for taking my ancestral food to the highest degree of gastronomy.
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Review from Gonzalo Y.
Burbank, CA
3/29/2012
Simple but good food.
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Review from Judith B.
Los Angeles, CA
2/4/2012
I'm obsessed with this restaurant. The chicken kabob dish with its lemony Lebanese salad, creamy hummus, extremely moist kabobs, and vinegary pickled veggies is to die for. If you are gluten-free like me and are getting the chicken kabob dish, ask them to leave the pita bread out of the box. The first time I got it they put it right on top of the other items but have been very sweet in leaving off now when I ask. I also love the spicy potatoes (not too spicy with overtures of cilantro) and my kids love the beef kabobs just straight up in a dish sans anything else.The restaurant is spotless and the people are sweet. I dare say that I like Al Amir better than Carnival, and I really dig Carnival.
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Review from Stuart W.
Sherman Oaks, CA
3/13/2012 1 photo
I wanted to give this spot a try twice before posting a review. My first visit I chose to try the appetizer combo, see photo. I really enjoyed this selection, hummus & Baba Ghanouj was delicious. The kibbeh was cooked perfect and I would come back for this dish again. At the end of the meal they presented me with a complimentary small dessert to taste which I felt was a nice gesture. Now my second visit, I had the shawarma pita and fries. I was very disappointed in this shawarma sandwich, they were very tight on piling on the meat, not much meat at all compared to other spots in the area, the french fries were delicious though, nice & crispy and a good amount of them too. Again, they brought a small complimentary dessert afterwards to try, very nice people. I will try this spot again in the future, next time the meat combination.
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Review from George H.
Los Angeles, CA
4/20/2012
Very Good food, highly recommended by the Lebanese community here in Los Angeles.
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Review from Trusika L.
Montrose, CA
2/10/2012 1 Check-in Here
Wow! Once again, Al Amir saves the night! I finally got the chance to write a review! By far, the BEST lebanese food in town! I've dined here several times since their grand opening and every time I am beyond pleased! Their baba ganoush is seriously out of this world! So tasty! My favorite dish which I always order is their chicken skewer plate. It comes with a salad, humus, rice and this bread with tomato paste or something, I don't know what its called, but all I know is that my taste buds are truly satisfied! Also, another special they have is the peas and meat plate with rice (bizila) mmmm...wow! I tried that tonight and it was really delicious! Every time I eat here, I feel at home. True authentic lebanese home cooking! Their prices are also very reasonable. Definitely worth a try!
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Review from Punam K.
Pasadena, CA
1/7/2012 1 Check-in Here
They close at 9pm and my friend and I got there at 8:30pm. They were super friendly and very patient. As I was eating I looked up to the waiter and asked "Why isn't there more foot traffic in here? With food that tastes this good this place should be full." Of course it was the first week of the new year and naturally a lot of businesses experience a minor slump because people all of the sudden decide they don't want to eat out as their New Years Resolution. This place won't kill your resolution...believe me.
I need to go back there soon. -
Review from Meredith J.
Sherman Oaks, CA
Updated - 2/10/2012
Came back again! Second experience was better than the last. This time decided to be more adventurous and tried the special which was some sort of rice with chicken and nuts. VERY tasty! Pleasantly surprised once more as to the quality of the food. :)
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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10/25/2011
I love Middle-Eastern food and have been tired of just going to Zankou chicken and thought it would… Read more »
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Review from Sean C.
3/5/2012
Lebanese is part of my new DNA. It's an unfancy cafe inside, but it's the food itself that is fancy. I could probably do the Beef Shawarma pita sandwich once a week for the rest of eternity. The chicken kabab, served with long-grain basmati rice, is another winner. Much to try here, but go for an appetizer first: the San Bousek is a hard dough / dumpling stuffed with ground beef, onions and pine nuts. You can make this cuisine an anytime dessert by dashing on some white powdered sugar. FINAL POINTER: The hummus is as richly mixed and seasoned as I've had anywhere.
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Review from Gali K.
Sherman Oaks, CA
11/13/2011
We got a http://restaurant.com gift certificate from a friend, who recommended Al Amir. Since it it close by, we decided to go there last night. Upon arrival we got greeted and seated by a very charming waiter.
The restaurant is very clean and his modern interior design it's still very comfortable.
We had
Lentil soup
Mezza Combo
Mixed Grill
we loved the food, especially the Mezza Combo!!! all of the items were delicious. We even took some more food home! everything is homemade and amazing...
We are coming back for more... this time with friends... -
Review from Brett K.
Studio City, CA
3/7/2012
This is a pretty good place for some excellent middle-eastern food. Worth the hassle of finding or waiting for parking in their lot. I had a chicken plate that came with little pita pockets filled with paprika and onions, nice touch.
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Review from Juliette P.
Encino, CA
1/17/2012
This is a great little place to get a bite! Not much to look at from the outside...but the food is TERRIFIC. Love the falafel...my favorite! Everything has a lot of flavor. Highly recommended!
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Review from Paul A.
Los Angeles, CA
1/15/2012
I have traveled all over the Middle East, and I know a lot about Lebanese cuisine. This is among the best restaurants! The food and service are outstanding. I have tried just about everything on the menu, and I have enjoyed every bite.
My favorites are the fried fish, rolled grape leaves, and cabbage rolls. In addition, their kibbe is delightful. -
Review from gina i.
CA
10/17/2011
Just ordered take out from here the other day and it was so great! My boyfriend and I got:
Hommos
Cucumber and yogurt
Kabis (pickles)
Falafel Sandwich
Beef Shawarma Sandwich
Baklava
Everything was delicious! My boyfriend went super duper crazy for the pickles which are sort of like stuffed olives-he's addicted now.The sandwiches were really good, everything was very reasonably priced and they were friendly. I'll definitely get from here again! -
Review from John K.
Los Angeles, CA
10/17/2011
Great new place for authentic Lebanese food.
Everything I had was incredible, including the dessert! -
Review from Kenneth R.
West Hollywood, CA
1/15/2012
This place has spoiled me. The baba ghanoush is among the best I've ever tasted, furthermore, everything that I have ordered from Al Amir is well prepared and delicious.
Excellent middle eastern cuisine, prompt and polite service, reasonably priced. I wish them much success.
The only reason I don't give them 5-stars is that the ambiance is not that great. I usually just get take out. -
Review from Elise M.
North Hollywood, CA
3/26/2012
Nice people, friendly service. Great vegetarian options. I personally loved the lentil soup and veggie appetizer plate. Will definitely come back!
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Review from Paul L.
Moorpark, CA
12/15/2011 1 Check-in Here
Good food and all made to order
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Review from Andrew S.
Los Angeles, CA
3/8/2012
Amazing food! You may have picked up from the most of the reviews that this simple little cafe probably won't "wow" you with its appearance, but if the meals here were being served in a sleek, trendy restaurant, it would start a craze. Until that happens, I guess you'll just have to settle for friendly service and completely reasonable prices.
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Review from Le M.
VALLEY VILLAGE, CA
1/20/2012
Yummy food! Lots of options and fresh!
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Review from erik w.
Sherman Village, CA
3/17/2012
I cannot remember the last time I had such abominable service at a restaurant. I went with a party of eight-- but the place was empty. Our food came in shifts, even though we all ordered the same two or three menu items. As you might imagine, this did't not go over too well with the four children in our party. My order did not arrive until everyone had finished and I had to take it to go. They knocked the price down from entree to appetizer, but to me that's too little too late. There's no excuse for such awful service when there's no one else in the restaurant. Take it from me: Head another mile north on Laurel Canyon and go to Skaff's if you really have a hankering for Lebanese food.
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Review from J G.
Burbank, CA
10/17/2011 2 Check-ins Here
My kid loves this place. Wife loves the chicken kabobs. Babaghanouj was excellent. Kibbeh was excellent. Salads--- fatoosh and cabbage was amazing. Credit card machine was down so cash only.
This is an update becuase food is really good. Very happy with this place -
Review from Lisa S.
Burbank, CA
11/2/2011 3 Check-ins Here
My absolute favorite is their foul. It's on the hot appetizer section on the menu. They put just the right amount of lemon, garlic, and seasoning with cooked foul beans!! Healthy, delicious AND under 6 dollars !
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Review from fadi k.
Glendale, CA
10/12/2011
Best Lebanese food in the valley.
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Review from Daniel T.
North Hollywood, CA
11/13/2011
Good place, beef shawarma and chicken kabob wraps were tasty. Glad to have them in the neighborhood.
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Review from James B.
New York, NY
11/26/2011
The food is very, very good, as is the service. Better than Carnival (on Woodman), which is saying something. The decor is rather stark. Although it's kinda corny I'd like to see some posters of Beirut to give it some character. Some quiet Middle Eastern music would also improve the experience. That said, if you're hungry and you like Lebanese cuisine you won't be disappointed. I am looking forward to going back.
