If you’re like us, your Mediterranean cravings currently revolve around three main questions: where to find the best falafel, which hummus is truly life-changing, and whether to order extra pita. Because let’s face it, there’s nothing else quite as comforting when you need a culinary escape. So we’re here to make sure you’re doing Mediterranean right in North Hollywood.
Paapaiii Bbq – NoHo
$ | (401) 777-0777 | WEBSITE
I’ll be the first to admit that I enjoy some heavy, indulgent meals. A juicy steak? A loaded pizza? Yes, please. That said, these days I’m not always in the mood for food that feels too heavy or greasy. But Paapaiii Bbq – NoHo offers Mediterranean and Georgian cuisine, and there’s something almost refreshing about flavors that are super fresh, full of flavor, and made in-house.
And when I’m enjoying perfectly cooked meat that melts in my mouth and their shawarma praised as one of the best, I want to eat something that feels distinctly welcoming: a delicious Paapaiii Tea Pot and their khinkali. And not only does Paapaiii Bbq – NoHo have an incredibly delicious menu with tasty options including vegetarian choices, but the atmosphere with unique music and high-level customer service just feels oh-so-right.
Hy Mart
$ | (818) 506-7264 | WEBSITE
No sandwich shop has confused and delighted me as much as Hy Mart. It has gyros gone wild, Armenian sandwiches, grape leaves, and hummus that you don’t realize are being intentionally fresh until your third visit. Plus, it makes zero effort to explain what’s going on with those unique sauces. In fact, I created a mental map just to help me sort it all out. But it’s such a fun meal that none of this matters.
And Hy Mart’s all-over-the-place menu (where pastrami and Italian sandwiches exist next to plain turkey and cheese subs) confuses and delights me in the same way. That said, I still don’t understand exactly what the hell makes their bread so amazing. If you do, hit me up.
Meats & Flame
$ | (818) 753-0648 | WEBSITE
The first time I watched a documentary about Mediterranean cuisine, I couldn’t help but crave perfectly grilled lamb kebabs. Then, when I visited North Hollywood and smelled the smoky aromas from Meats & Flame’s outdoor cooking area, it immediately gave me a hankering to experience that vibrant atmosphere myself. Because when I was growing up, my family would grill on weekends – but in reality, our backyard attempts never matched this level of perfection.
I don’t know what I would have done with more free time back then, but if I had an extra evening today, I know exactly what I would do – spend it at Meats & Flame, my favorite Mediterranean spot in North Hollywood, enjoying their traditional Eastern flavors. I miss their juicy, high-quality meats so much that I have dreamed for years of how to make that short wait worthwhile – and experiencing their revamped dining experience has given me a new appreciation for what a satisfying meal should be.
Full House Restaurant
$ | (818) 762-0606 | WEBSITE
The premise for this Mediterranean spot in North Hollywood immediately got me hooked – a cozy, inviting atmosphere where the staff puts genuine effort into making every guest feel comfortable. Hence they create an experience that keeps people eager to return. It’s a really welcoming place that explores what it’s like to enjoy excellent food with impeccable service, even when there are small hurdles to overcome. That’s exactly how I felt the first few times I walked into Full House Restaurant.
This spot offers free roadside parking and valet for $10, with popular options like salmon with vegetables and beef liver. It took me around 3 visits to fully appreciate how it works here, and like someone discovering a new favorite, I had no clue how to navigate the occasional language barrier with staff. But the place grew on me, and since I’ve been craving their incredible chicken kebobs and tender lamb chops, I’ve missed their delicious Lulu kabob and their even more delicious hospitality.
But in the meantime, at least I can enjoy their affordable prices and medium portions while planning my next visit.
NOHO CAFE
$ | (818) 509-7973 | WEBSITE
This fantastic little Mediterranean spot tucked away in North Hollywood is a true hidden gem, and I can confirm (don’t ask how) that NOHO CAFE’s oddly tasteful portrayal of homestyle Persian and Armenian eats is alarmingly accurate. While this pairing isn’t the most subtle, grabbing a meal here while craving something hearty and healthy is the way to go. This place focuses on simple, delicious food and doesn’t mess around with its classic recipes.
The NOHO Special is big enough to feed two and includes rice, chicken breast, steak, ground beef, pita, a small salad, and either hummus or tzatziki. Basically exactly what I think would go perfectly with a cozy night in. Also, the owners could just be sitting in an empty room and I’d chat with them for hours. And yes, I know how that sounds.
NoHo Shawarma House
$ | (818) 762-1096 | WEBSITE
You know how some people crave comfort food after a long day? Well, for me that meal is shawarma. Sure, at first the inconsistent hours, simple storefront, and fluorescent lighting are a little off-putting. But after one bite of their tender, juicy shawarma with that flavorful garlic sauce, you’ll forget all about it. Every visit creates a perfect dining experience – one that satisfies your hunger, delights your taste buds, and makes you appreciate good Middle Eastern cuisine.
A meal at NoHo Shawarma House is like that too. This Mediterranean spot never misses a beat, and as far as flavor goes, eating their delicious tzatziki with warm pita comes pretty damn close.
Gharsi Xorovac
$ | (818) 940-9161 | WEBSITE
If you haven’t been, Gharsi Xorovac is about authentic Armenian barbecue that makes you feel like you’ve been transported straight to Yerevan. And the chefs here somehow manage to make every skewer taste like it was grilled over open flames just for you. When I look at a platter of their signature BBQ beef with filet mignon and tender chicken BBQ on my table, I feel like I’m seeing generations of Armenian culinary tradition.
They’re all grilled meats, and yet each has its own distinct character and flavor. And just like with the best family recipes, I love them all and it’s impossible to choose between them. Don’t ask me to.
Tasty Burgers
$ | (818) 764-0572 | WEBSITE
This place gets a lot of flak – mainly because of the name, the location, and the no-frills approach. Now we live in a world of fusion, where names and locations are meaningless. Meaning these days we can enjoy Tasty Burgers for what it’s really about: the relationship between the lovely Armenian family running it and their incredible hospitality. And nothing goes with the warmth of this absurdly friendly spot better than the rich flavors from their beef kebab or chicken kebab plates.
No, it won’t bring back the onion rings they used to serve, but honestly, that’s never been the point.