Almaya

Almaya has become one of my favorite local spots. Everything I’ve tried, from the dishes to the drinks and desserts, has been amazing. Everything tastes fresh and flavorful, and the customer service is great too! Shoutout to Nikki at the front, who is always so kind. This is the best Taco Tuesday spot for sure. You get a side of chips and a couple of delicious salsas. My favorites have been the chicken shawarma and shrimp tacos.

The chicken shawarma plate here is seriously so good. The chicken is full of flavor and the rice is perfectly fluffy. It comes with a fresh side salad and creamy hummus that totally hit the spot. Almaya is part of a food hall that’s still being developed, so it’s exciting to see it grow.

Best new spot in the community. I work as chef but grew up in the area. So to think something so delicious and delectable is so close by . Amazing ! Thank you to all the staff and chefs . It's the best shawarma burrito I have had in years .

Love this new spot, healthy(ish) and delicious options. Definitely going into the rotation Pictures: spicy creamy chicken plate with hummus; spicy whipped feta; crispy cauliflower; chicken shawarma bowl. All winners

Love that we have a more casual Mediterranean restaurant in Lincoln Heights! I ordered the spicy creamy chicken plate and I was blown away. It was so flavorful, fresh, and filling! I could’ve cried eating it. Probably the best dish I’ve had among all the restaurants in the food hall where Almaya is located. Big shoutout to the warm, crispy pita bread that went great with the cold and fresh hummus. The complimentary pickled veggies were a nice touch. Almaya is a family owned small business and the owners and staff were really kind! Highly recommend.

A MUST TRY! If you are in the area, passing through or even going to dodger game from out of town, you have to try this place. It was just a random place we chose to go to. When we arrived I was a little skeptical because it was off the beaten path and the location they have was small and set in a little store front where they share the space with 3 other restaurants, but let me tell you that once the food started to arrive we were blown away. I worked in the restaurant industry in the past for 15 yrs, from fine dining to bar and grills, and I am quite picky. Food falls into 3 categories for me, bad, ok, and excellent. And this place did not disappoint. From the time the first appetizer arrived which was the Brussels sprouts which are served roasted with pine nuts, citrus shavings and a basilica drizzle. Perfectly roasted where the outside has the crunchy chip texture and the flavors just explode in your mouth, next was the falafel, and most Mediterranean places I go to the falafel can be dry and chalky and bland, these falafel were through the roof, cant remember the last time ive ever had falafel this good, Absolutely delicious, full flavor, light and soft with a perfect crunch on the outside served with their homemade Taziki sauce, humus, and and house dipping sauce. The Hummus was soo creamy and absolutely good. One of the best ive ever had. And those that have had average hummus know what i mean. Then it was time for our meal. We ordered the spicy creamy chicken, and their special that day which was a kafa burger. The chicken was cooked perfectly, it was super moist and the sauce was delicious, not hot spicy, so if your worried about heat from spice you do not have to worry. The rice that came with it was also cooked perfectly. The flavor of the sauce had me wanting more and more. The burger wasn't your normal burger and I'd put it up there with any gourmet burger you can get from any high end burger joint. It was a smash burger style with marinated beef, bacon, grilled red onions, lettuce and a Taziki sauce. The meat was incredible. Every bite was soo flavorful that I couldn't believe it. The place was opened by two friends who worked in a restaurant together and decided to open their own place. I hope this restaurant survives cause we need places that serve actual real good food. I cant even write all that I think about this place. It was just amazing. And definitely will be returning even if I have to drive over an hr and a half to get there. Wish everyone who opened a food establishment cared about the quality of their product as much as this one. Which is why only 1 in 10 restaurants survive. Try out this place, you wont regret it.

Almaya is hands-down one of the best takeout spots around. The food is consistently fresh, flavorful, and beyond satisfying. The spicy creamy chicken plate with hummus is rich and perfectly spiced. The crispy cauliflower is addictive in the best way, and the chicken shawarma bowl is a flavor-packed go-to. Every dish I’ve tried has been seriously impressive. If you’re after bold, delicious food that hits the spot every time, Almaya’s the place.

I randomly decided to try Almaya a few of weeks ago, and I’m so glad I did! After ordering from them a couple of times, I can confidently say the food here is excellent. They have vibrant and unique flavors, hand made tortillas, and you can taste the great quality in every bite. I can’t wait to go back and try more menu times! 10/10

This place does not miss! We have had their breakfast and their dinner and both are fantastic. I can 100% recommend the chilaquiles with chorizo as well as the spicy saucy chicken. Everyone I have interacted there has been nice, helpful, and friendly. My biggest recommendation, order extra pita chips and don't miss out on the baklava.

Nestled in the plainly named "Food Hall" in a gentrifying area of Lincoln Hts. Almaya is representative of the best of LA: fusion food, in this case Mexican and Mediterranean. Almaya offers you the choice between handmade tortillas or pita, pinto beans or hummus. Their baklava is great as well as their crispy cheese rolls and guacamole. Definitely coming back to try other combinations. The owner is awesome and also offers samples of their homemade juices like Jamaica, cantaloupe and others depending on what was made that day. Fear not, there is parking at the St. Vincent thrift store across the street.

I have to follow up to say this place continues to amaze me! I've literally eaten every menu item they offer and it's all incredible. I've brought lots of people here to lunch with me and they were all impressed. The main reason for the follow up is to mention the specials. They have unique and delicious items most of the time. They have things that aren't on the menu too. Be sure to look at the board out front or ask, because the specials are creative and flavorful!

The food is terrific here. I loved the chicken plate. My husband had the steak kabob plate. Our friend had the chilaquiles. The humus was creamy and flavorful. The pita bread had a nice texture and was golden. We even got baklava with our meals. The service was friendly and they even brought out all of food to the outdoor seating due to us having a dog. The interior was clean and bright. There is free parking too. We will be back for sure next time we are in LA. Everything is fresh. flavorful, and the portions are huge.

I had a late appointment at USC and was really craving Mediterranean food when I discovered Almaya just a couple miles away. The interior is super bright and appealing. I ordered the chicken kabob plate with rice, which was quickly and thoughtfully prepared. I was going to try to wait until I got home to eat it but it smelled so damn good that I gobbled it like a savage at every red light. I loved the fusion of flavors, and everything was so fresh. I can't wait to go back and try more!

I attended a dinner where the food was catered by Almaya and was completely impressed by how great the food was! At first, I was a little surprised by the combo of Mexican and Mediterranean dishes, but upon learning that the chef's background is a blend of the two cultures, it all makes sense! Starters included a tray of hummus (beautifully decorated by edible flowers) and tray of guacamole, with fried pita chips and tortilla chips. I particularly loved their brussels sprouts and spicy cauliflower which were both delicious! The chicken kabobs and salmon kabobs were cooked perfectly and very flavorful. There was also a couple of salads and Mexican rice. Everything was so fresh and well-executed that you could tell that it was made by someone who cares a lot about food and cooks with lots of love. It made me wish I lived back in LA so I could eat their food more often!

Amazing Food and Friendly Service at Almaya! My family and I went to Almaya Restaurant, and it was such a great experience! The people who work there are super nice and made us feel welcome right away. The place has a really cozy and down-to-earth feeling, and we got to choose between sitting inside or outside. We came with a group of six, and every single dish was full of flavor. I ordered the salmon kabob plate, and it was cooked just right--no complaints at all! We also tried the birria, which had great portions and was so tasty. And the tzatziki? Amazing! Everything was super fresh and delicious. If you're looking for a place with great food and even better service, Almaya is the spot. We will definitely be coming back!

Almaya is an absolute gem! The fusion menu is creative, bold, and full of flavor--you can tell there's real thought behind every dish. Each plate blends different cultures and ingredients in a way that feels both fresh and comforting. It is a full family operation and it's in a food hall that has plenty of space and super clean. The service was attentive and friendly and the owners were there and made sure we had everything we needed. The staff was happy to offer recommendations and explain the different menu items. From the presentation to the flavors, Almaya delivers! If you're looking for something exciting and different, this place is a must-try.

Everything is delicious. Great attention to detail, unique blends of flavors. One of my favorite local restaurants. Delivery tastes great still. A staple in my household

I stumbled upon Almaya by chance after a quick thrift run nearby. I've passed the food hall before but never stopped in--until today, when curiosity got the best of me. Out of the variety of food options, Almaya immediately stood out. I asked what was popular, and the lovely host recommended the Shawarma Chicken. However, I had already spotted the Salmon Burrito on Yelp, and it looked too good to pass up. I took a chance--and I'm so glad I did. While waiting, I chatted with the host, who shared that the restaurant has only been open for three months and is a family-run business. I always love supporting family-owned spots, and I had a feeling this was going to be special--and I was right. The Salmon Burrito was phenomenal. Flavorful, fresh, and satisfying without being heavy. No exaggeration--it was one of the best meals I've had in a while. I'm a creature of habit, and when I find something I love, it instantly becomes part of my regular rotation. Almaya is officially on my list. Great people, amazing food, and a place I'll be coming back to often. Highly recommend adding it to your list, too.

Inside the cute Barranca food hall with a shared outdoor patio/garden seating area. Staff was friendly and brought our food and drinks to us. Shawerma burrito was flavorful and moist with a delicious salsas and pickles bar. The coffee and agua frescas were tasty without being too sweet. Parking is free at the St. Vincent de Paul lot across the street.

I can't say enough good things about this place, everything is absolutely delicious. This is my second time ordering and I felt it deserved a raving review. The owners are the sweetest too, which makes it even better. I'll definitely be back. Definitely try the Brussels sprouts!!!!

I was excited to try this new Mexican-inspired Middle Eastern place; they have cool items like birria plates with hummus and salad. We tried the chicken shawarma and grilled steak plates. Every component was done so well and seasoned perfectly; hummus, salad, rice, and tender protein. I don't know if I'd go out of my way to go back but if you're in the area or can order I highly recommend.

I had two of their Agua Fresca's , both the pineapple and cantaloupe and both were sooooo delicious and refreshing only the cantaloupe survived for a photo! Will be back for food. The staff was awesome and definitely made the interaction fun. It's definitely a hidden gem between these small streets.

A MUST TRY! If you are in the area, passing through or even going to dodger game from out of town, you have to try this place. It was just a random place we chose to go to. When we arrived I was a little skeptical because it was off the beaten path and the location they have was small and set in a little store front where they share the space with 3 other restaurants, but let me tell you that once the food started to arrive we were blown away. I worked in the restaurant industry in the past for 15 yrs, from fine dining to bar and grills, and I am quite picky. Food falls into 3 categories for me, bad, ok, and excellent. And this place did not disappoint. From the time the first appetizer arrived which was the Brussels sprouts which are served roasted with pine nuts, citrus shavings and a basilica drizzle. Perfectly roasted where the outside has the crunchy chip texture and the flavors just explode in your mouth, next was the falafel, and most Mediterranean places I go to the falafel can be dry and chalky and bland, these falafel were through the roof, cant remember the last time ive ever had falafel this good, Absolutely delicious, full flavor, light and soft with a perfect crunch on the outside served with their homemade Taziki sauce, humus, and and house dipping sauce. The Hummus was soo creamy and absolutely good. One of the best ive ever had. And those that have had average hummus know what i mean. Then it was time for our meal. We ordered the spicy creamy chicken, and their special that day which was a kafta burger. The chicken was cooked perfectly, it was super moist and the sauce was delicious, not hot spicy, so if your worried about heat from spice you do not have to worry. The rice that came with it was also cooked perfectly. The flavor of the sauce had me wanting more and more. The burger wasn't your normal burger and I'd put it up there with any gourmet burger you can get from any high end burger joint. It was a smash burger style with marinated beef, bacon, grilled red onions, lettuce and a Taziki sauce. The meat was incredible. Every bite was soo flavorful that I couldn't believe it. The place was opened by two friends who worked in a restaurant together and decided to open their own place. I hope this restaurant survives cause we need places that serve actual real good food. I cant even write all that I think about this place. It was just amazing. And definitely will be returning even if I have to drive over an hr and a half to get there. Wish everyone who opened a food establishment cared about the quality of their product as much as this one. Which is why only 1 in 10 restaurants survive. Try out this place, you wont regret it.

I always appreciate businesses that make a point to remember my name and give me a genuine smile. They serve different types of soup through out the week. A lentil and a surprise soup. I love surprises. I love this place. You can taste the love in each dish. I've tried the asada and it was really good. Beans and rice super yummy. The chicken plate was also yummy. I think every item I've tried from here is absolutely delicious. Take a chance and try this family restaurant out. You won't be disappointed. There's love in each bite. and did I mention it's delicious?

The most delicious arroz con leche ever!!! It's so decadent and delicious . I also love the pita bread , it's crispy and delicious . I love coming here . We drive 30 minutes to enjoy !

Part of my new relocation project, after the wildfires, has been to highlight new places that give light to their customers be it their menu, service and hospitality, and just that extra special something. That said, I LOVE ALMAYA! nestled in Lincoln Heights (near the popular St.Vincent's) you'll find the best fusion of Mexican & Mediterranean cuisine carefully prepared by the chefs of ALMAYA. A must is their Taco Tuesday selections, but don't stop or be limited to one day out of the week. As everyone in Mexico knows: Tacos are today & tomorrow :) Also recommended are their breakfast burritos, soups (the lentil was so soothing on a late evening) and the shawarma combo. For drinks and dessert -- the Horchata has the right balance of spices and sweet that lets you know it's like a homemade special and not that processed stuff... But, please add a rice pudding and baklava, fantastic! The space is located on the first floor of the Barranca lofts and shared the area with other great eats. You'll have choices and a comfy place to relax and enjoy your meal in or to-go. I'll be back many

Y'all this is one of my fav restaurants. Their chicken kabob plate is amazing. You can tell every single side is thought out. The salad is delicious. The hummus is fresh. I love the fusion of Mexican/Arabic rice. The chicken is seasoned well and so tender. The pita is crunchy. The service is the best. This family has been beyond nice to us each time. Totally recommend.

Just discovered Almaya and the Mediterranean food here is exceptional - from the first bite of their creamy hummus to the last spoonful of rice pudding. The lamb chops were cooked perfectly and the portions were generous. Their chicken dish was rich and flavorful in a way that made me slow down to savor each bite. Even the basics - rice, salad, pita - were fresh and delicious. Family-owned places often have something special, and Almaya nails it with both food quality and service. I've eaten at a lot of Mediterranean spots in Highland Park and Eagle Rock, and a ton in Glendale and nothing comes close to what they're doing here. Northeast LA finally has the Mediterranean restaurant it deserves.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

If I could eat Almaya every single day I would! It's in top 5 restaurants in LA. Service 10/10. Food 10/10 - so fresh, so flavorful, so filling! I've had their spicy creamy chicken, asada kabob, lamb chop special and each has been amazing! The Brussel sprouts, spicy feta dip, baklava and rice pudding are also soo good! Love them

My family and I just had lunch at Almaya and couldn't stop raving about it. Almaya is a new delightful gem in an up-and-coming neighborhood, offering a fast-casual dining experience that doesn't compromise on taste or quality. The food here is an absolute treat--each dish brimming with freshness and flavor. From the moment I took my first bite, it was clear that Almaya prides itself on using only the freshest ingredients. The vegetables were crisp and tasty and the proteins cooked perfectly and very tender. The menu offers a mix of vibrant, well-spiced Mediterranean and mexican dishes. We started with the guac, Brussels and cauliflower... all delicious and an excellent introduction to the meal. For the main, we opted for the salmon and chicken kebab as well as their asada burrito. They were nothing short of delicious. Both the salmon and the chicken was tender, juicy, and packed with flavor, served over a bed of rice and topped with fresh, crisp salad ingredients and hummus and pita that tied everything together. The burrito was huge and had the perfect meat to rice and bean ratio What stands out most about Almaya is how quickly the food comes out without sacrificing quality. The service is great and gave lots of recommendations if you're unsure what to order. It's the perfect place for a satisfying meal when you're on the go but still want something that tastes fresh and thoughtfully prepared. I highly recommend and we'll definitely be back! 10/10

My brother in-law recommended this spot & what a delight. We were a group of 6 & we ordered a lil from each section of their menu. Everything was tasty . The birria, the carne asada kabob, the chicken burrito , the creamy rice pudding! Def coming back.

Delicious food!! The chili verde bowl is amazing. Such a unique mix of Mediterranean flavors and chili verde. The asada burrito is flavorful. You can tell they use quality ingredients and nothing was greasy or heavy. Don't sleep on the turmeric lemonade or the baklava!!! Great people and great food!!

What a gem of a spot! Ample sitting room in this cafeteria like spot, neighbors lots of adjacent businesses. Portions are large & the food is great! The food also came out pretty quickly. Very pleased already with my first visit here!

A great surprise. Family business that offers incredibly fresh, flavorful food at reasonable prices. I've tried a variety of their offerings and have yet to find a flaw.

Food was amazing! We left so full cause we ate everything! My husband and I tried the birria and salmon kabab plate. We also ordered the agua de Jamaica and agua de horchata. For appetizers we had the guacamole and hummus. The guacamole has pickled onions on it and feta cheese. Oof so good. And the hummus was so silky I've never had any like it before. And for dessert, we had everything they offer which was the cream caramel, rice pudding and baklava. Get them all if you can!! If you have to choose one, try the rice pudding first. Then come back for the others. The service and ambiance were great too. Very warm and welcoming. I highly recommend this place!

I keep coming back because I can't get enough!!! The food, the service, the drinks!!! Their quality and care just really takes it. I have came back 4 days in a row because everything is soo soo fresh. I have been getting the chicken kabab plate; So tender and juicy! Their marination should be sold by the buckets! They had an amazing Strawberry Mint Limeade today that paired so well with my meal. I had to end it with their rice pudding! Decadent without being too sweet. Phenomenal!

They won me over with their food. They locked me in as a customer cause they went above and beyond. I came here for the first time the other day and was blown away by the quality of their food. I ordered the spicy chicken plate. All of the items on the plate were incredible. Typically, a side salad is a throwaway item for most places, but not here. The ingredients very fresh, were well seasoned, and paired perfectly. I practically licked my plate clean. On this first visit, I left my bag. Nikki, who was working there, noticed and was able to track me down and notify me. I came back the next day and was so relieved. (So glad there are still kind humans in this world). Lucky for me, I was also hungry and decided to try the chicken shwarma plate. It did not disappoint. I will be back, and back often.

Didn't have high expectations since everything else in this food court is like airport food. The chicken shawarma plate is fantastic! Super clean flavors and good size portions.

Love that we have a more casual Mediterranean restaurant in Lincoln Heights! I ordered the spicy creamy chicken plate and I was blown away. It was so flavorful, fresh, and filling! I could've cried eating it. Probably the best dish I've had among all the restaurants in the food hall where Almaya is located. Big shoutout to the warm, crispy pita bread that went great with the cold and fresh hummus. The complimentary pickled veggies were a nice touch. Almaya is a family owned small business and the owners and staff were really kind! Highly recommend.

Wow - Michelin Guide should take note of this sleeping giant. Although Almaya is relatively new, they are - in my book - already a contender to be the next Holbox (that is, a Michelin-starred food stand tucked inside a food court). Everything we ate was exceptional, particularly the Spicy Feta Dip, the Brussel Sprouts, Guac, and Birria Plate. I highly recommend this surprisingly delicious spot whose slogan is "Where Mexico meets the Mediterranean."

Great food! Here's my honest opinion: -Chicken shawarma wrap 10/10 literally perfect with eveything on it -chicken kabob plate 10/10, meat is so tender and flavorful -birria plate 9/10 had better birria but it was still amazing would order it again -beans 5/10 they alright but wouldn't order again, they have like an odd sweaty odor smell to them -hummus: 8/10 would order again -Horchata 8/10 it just has a lot of pulp but i went home and used a strainer and tasted way better

When I first showed up I was very thrown off because there was burrito on the menu. I was a bit concerned because from my experience a restaurant with too many options usually lacks quality however the many was small. It was also located inside of a food hall which immediately rang cafeteria in my head. Once getting inside it was pretty and clean. I proceeded with getting an asada plate and burrito even tho I was in for Mediterranean. The burrito was toasted, balanced and very delicious. My entire experience was fantastic and I was super pleased.

Oh wow. I placed an order by phone and picked up in 15 minutes. I ordered a chicken kebab plate that had really flavorful kebab chunks, tasty pita bread, hummus, salad, rice, and two sauces (both tasted so good) -- I was surprised how amazing the food was. I could definitely taste the fusion of Mexican and Mediterranean flavors. So glad Almaya opened their doors!

We ate here last weekend and enjoyed the food. The server was very friendly and accommodating and the food court wasn't too busy and it was clean and it had a nice vibe to it. We'll definitely be back for more.

I've only tried the Chilaquiles plate from here so far, but it was very good! It came out super fast!

This hidden gem is the best! My 4th visit and first time dining in with friends. (X2 breakfast, x1Lunch and now dinner) We met Joseph today and his service was phenomenal. Not only does the food look absolutely presentable but it tasted just as delicious. Definitely a 5 star location and I plan to be a frequent customer here. Also thank you Joseph for suggesting the Baklava. It was warm and fresh and couldn't ask for no better dessert!

I ordered these amazing sides for my Uncle's birthday party, and they were a huge hit! Bursting with flavor--everyone loved them. This restaurant is definitely a hidden gem!

The Birria Burrito was Of the Hook " Such Great Flavor " This Place is worthy of all 5 Stars " My wife Got The Chicken Shawarma plate " With Rice Hummus and Salad " we were both Totally Satisfied with this Delicious meal " The pineapple & kale Drink was Screaming ". We will be back

This place is legit my favorite spot! I love the quality of the food. I've been here 5 times since they've opened up. I am a foodie and enjoy everything here. I highly recommended coming here. The service is amazing and the staff in the front are so kind and sweet. Speaking of sweet- try the baklava :) you won't regret coming here with your friends and family! Trust me this is the new spot in the area

The most flavorful chicken soup ever- literally would only order my chicken soup from here. perfect appetizer for cold nights.

Really good hole in the wall! Bomb Brussel sprouts, and they were really quick to serve the food!

We are so lucky to have Almaya in this neighborhood. There is not a single bad item on the menu, portions are perfect, the food is incredible and the service is AMAZING. This is our regular go to when we are not feeling like cooking. Our favorites include all of the burritos and the falafel plate. Plenty of options for both vegetarians and carnivores. The blend of Mexican and Mediterranean is unmatched and not to mention the wide variety of free sauces for all the sauce lovers out there!

Food is very tasty and fresh. Portion is generous. Even though they are new in this location, ambience is friendly.they are very professional. Hard-working people.... Give it a try !

Consistently great food and good portions. A good hybrid of Mediterranean and Mexican, yet each hold up to their own culture's highlight!

I just picked up dinner from this place for the first time and it is SO LEGIT. I'm literally writing this as I eat. We got the Carne Asada burrito and Spicy Creamy Chicken plate. Both were DELICIOUS. Meat is excellent quality, everything is flavorful, execution is ON POINT. Ask for salsa and pickles definitely! So glad this place opened, the neighborhood needed this.

Food was amazing! Tortillas from scratch! Chicken so good! Service wonderful! And Baklava out of this world!!!

This restaurant at the Barranca food hall is such a local treasure! Everything on the menu is delicious and the customer service is incredible.