From exotic appetizers to divine desserts, experience the culinary nirvana that is Bavel, the Middle Eastern marvel in Downtown LA's Arts District.
Listen, Los Angeles is an ever-changing panorama of culinary delights, but among its labyrinth of eateries, Bavel has emerged as the stylish cousin to the renowned Bestia. Created by the dynamic culinary duo Genevieve Gergis and Ori Menashe, this Middle Eastern haven is making Downtown LA’s Arts District the epicenter of food couture.
Unlike your stereotypical Middle Eastern restaurant, Bavel dives deep into the intricate cultural fabric of the region, drawing inspiration from Israel to Egypt and Morocco. Straddling the line between American ingenuity and Middle Eastern tradition, Bavel is not your standard kebab joint. It's an experience that dances on the tongue and romances the soul.
Whether you’re cruising the streets of downtown LA in search of culinary nirvana or you’re a dedicated foodie plotting your next big find, trust us, sweeties — this is your next stop.
You're crossing into a fairy tale fused with gritty industrialism when you step through Bavel's doors. Right from the door, you're greeted by vines elegantly suspended from the ceiling, as if you've entered the forested kingdom of a modern-day Sleeping Beauty. The flora is countered by metallic tones and sturdy brick walls, embodying the perfect blend of nature and human creation.
But the gorgeous, massive open kitchen really sets the scene. Led by Ori Menashe, this culinary ensemble performs daily, firing up everything from hummus to wagyu in a display of cooking virtuosity.
Bavel is quintessentially artsy but never with a whiff of pretension. A side patio opens up under twinkling lights, offering an alfresco dining experience like no other in downtown Los Angeles.
With its sleek marble countertop, the bar is the epitome of sophistication. Bavel is your big, fat, gorgeous wake-up call for anyone who had this delusional notion that Downtown LA was a wasteland of dullness.
Okay, let's dish on the food because that’s the main event, sweetheart. You can't go wrong, starting with Bavel's hummus variations. Hummus Borlotti Masabacha is a textured feast brimming with creamy borlotti bean puree, tantalizing tomatoes, and citrus notes.
If you’re in this for something a little more unusual and a little meatier, how about Hummus Duck 'Nduja? Duck ’Nduja, an Italian sausage spread, finds its stage here as a complement to Middle Eastern flavors like sumac and tahini. This is fusion at its most delectable, elevating hummus from a simple spread to an art form.
And about the Baba Ghanoush — it’s like someone took the eggplants on a Tunisian holiday, spicing them up with pine nuts and herbs. It’s the rich relative who shows up and steals the show.
For those of you who think bread and spreads are the ugly stepsisters of the culinary world, Bavel makes them the belle of the ball. Whether you're dipping pita or slathering it over laffa, these starters are superstars at setting the stage for an unforgettable journey into the very soul of Middle Eastern cuisine.
When it comes to Bavel's bread options, you'd be forgiven for mistaking them as the stars of a glamorous photoshoot. Their pita is no bland supermarket afterthought. No, honey, this pita is tender, chewy, and slightly charred to perfection. It's the kind of bread that steals the spotlight even when paired with Bavel’s stunning spreads.
But it’s important not to overlook the unique options that pair with starters and entrees on this menu — the black sesame buckwheat loaf. Oh, honey. The nutty aroma combined with the crunchy crust creates a bread experience that is nothing short of luxurious.
And if you want flatbread that goes beyond the ordinary, the laffa is soft and warm — cloud-like perfection. This Middle East classic is ideal for transporting kebabs, prawns, and tagines straight to your mouth.
The slow-roasted lamb neck shawarma is a must-try for the carnivore in you. The lamb is seasoned and roasted to perfection, presenting flavors that span from smoky to spiced.
The drizzle of tahini and a hint of ajika give it an extra kick that keeps your taste buds on their toes. The texture is so tender that it practically melts on your tongue, making every bite a tactile wonderland.
But let's say you're more of a beef aficionado. The Braised Wagyu Beef Cheek Tagine is your order, and that we can say with confidence.
Bold flavors meld together in a rich, sumptuous affair. Beets lend an earthy sweetness, while pomegranate gives a tart punch, ensuring every bite is a kaleidoscope of flavors. All the ingredients blend perfectly without losing the individuality and distinct notes that make every touch to your taste buds both familiar and a revelation.
Vegan and vegetarian darlings, Bavel’s got you. Not one to be outshined by its meaty offerings, the plant-based selections at this Middle Eastern hotspot are nothing short of transformative. Take the Fattoush, for instance.
A vibrant blend of seasonal veggies, this salad is topped with green garlic pita chips for that extra crunch we all adore. It’s basically a garden party on your plate, turning even the most skeptical carnivores green with envy.
Let’s pivot to Hawaij Cauliflower. This is cauliflower with attitude. Seared to perfection, each floret is seasoned with brown mustard seeds and fried curry leaves. What elevates this dish to the next level — and the one after that? Serrano creme fraiche.
It’s like a creamy, spicy hug for your palate. A sensation that won’t let you down, this dish dances through flavors of the Middle East with a wink and a nod to the more adventurous Californian palette.
And if you're still skeptical, why not give the Oyster Mushroom Kebab a whirl? Trust us, it's got enough character to give any meat dish a run for its money. Perfectly grilled, each mushroom is a delightful burst of umami with a hint of smoky goodness that lingers on your taste buds.
The lovage and avocado purée provides a creamy backdrop against which the sumac and Meyer lemon pop, making each mouthful a symphonic blend of flavors. In a world where restaurants often sideline vegetarian and pescatarian options, Bavel puts them front and center, ensuring that every dish, regardless of its protein, is an absolute knockout.
Carnivores and herbivores alike keep coming back for more, and for good reason.
Well, well, well, now that we've whetted your appetite, let's get to the libations that make every meal at Bavel an epic affair. Sip on a Nebuchadnezzar, Bavel’s twist on the Old Fashioned, one of the world's oldest and most loved cocktails. It’s not just your regular whiskey cocktail but one with intriguing layers of flavor. It packs a punch that could knock you off your barstool — but in the best way possible, darling.
Or, if you're more of a sour sophisticate, Naarah is the tarragon-and-cucumber-laden dream you never knew you needed. Each sip of this cocktail is a journey through zesty and earthy tones, creating a perfect balance that dances on your palate. It’s basically a soiree in a glass, and you're invited.
Located in the trendy Arts District of Downtown Los Angeles, the cocktail menu mirrors Bavel's gastronomic journey — eclectic yet grounded, with a dash of flair that makes it stand out in a city teeming with world-class drinking spots.
Crafted with care by mixologists who understand that a cocktail is not just an accompaniment but an integral part of the dining experience, each drink is a headliner in its own right. Whether you’re pairing it with Middle Eastern classics like hummus and kebabs or savoring it on its own, the cocktails at Bavel assert that this is not just another restaurant in Downtown LA — it’s a culinary extravaganza that touches all your senses.
Darlings, let's end this culinary escapade on a sugar high, shall we? Genevieve Gergis, the culinary queen behind these delights, has crafted an array of sinful options that are practically begging for your attention. What's on the table, you ask?
The Peach Cobbler. And if it’s not on your table, it should be. Sprinkled with saffron and buckwheat donuts, every bite is a harmonious blend of tart and sweet. It's a modern take that catapults this Southern staple into the stratosphere of haute cuisine.
If you’re more of an ice cream kind of dessert eater, the Persian Mulberry Ice Cream is another Genevieve Gergis original that shouldn’t be missed. Creamy, tart, and kissed with the exotic flavors of the Middle East, it's the kind of treat that transports you straight to a bustling bazaar in Morocco or a sunlit terrace in Israel.
This Middle Eastern jewel is a fully-fledged culinary odyssey located in the vibrant Arts District of Downtown Los Angeles. Whether you're sipping a Nebuchadnezzar at the marble bar or enjoying wagyu tagine on the side patio, Bavel draws you into its unique world of sophisticated casualness.
One visit and you’ll already be texting your friends, plotting the next extravagant night out at Bavel. It's the culinary sanctuary you didn't know you needed but won't be able to resist visiting again. If you’re ready for a fabulous night, make that reservation and head to 500 Mateo St, Los Angeles, CA 90013, like … now.
