SKAF’S ON YORK

Sidewalk Kebabs and Kofta Burgers Steal the Show at This Neighborhood Lebanese Joint | Eater LA

"A neighborhood Lebanese joint from the family behind Skaf’s in Glendale, this casual restaurant on the border of Highland Park and Eagle Rock serves tender kebabs, well-seasoned falafel, and tangy labne with threads of cucumber in a colorful, jewel-box-sized dining room connected to an adjacent patio, with warm service and a menu that has something for everyone; it’s a locals’ favorite for date nights, family dinners, or a post-run plate of tabbouleh, and it’s worth the detour for a proper sit-down dinner with a touch of Lebanese hospitality. Creamy, cumin-tinged hummus is studded with sliced beef or chicken shawarma and served with a basket of warm pita; tightly wrapped dolma, stuffed with vegetables and rice and glistening with green-tinged olive oil, are among the best in Los Angeles; and the flame-kissed beef tenderloin shish kebab, served a la carte or piled on fluffy rice, anchors the table. A hot pot of freshly brewed mint tea cuts through the richness of the kebabs—even on hot days—and the ideal pairing is a glass of red wine and at least one pot of tea for the table. Fried cauliflower is a gluten-free and vegan crowd pleaser, with crispy florets and a tahini dipping sauce good enough to eat on its own. The Skaf’s burger, stacked with a grilled chicken or kofta patty, is worth ordering to explore something outside the usual shawarma and muhammara lineup, and Skaf’s on York also serves Lebanese wine and beer, including a grenache syrah blend from Heya Wines. Best for casual weeknight dinners when there’s no food in the fridge, it’s too late to make a reservation, and next-day leftovers are necessary." - Rebecca Roland