Sunnin Lebanese Cafe
Mediterranean restaurant · Westwood ·
Traditional Lebanese fare: kebabs, hummus, falafel, shawarma
Traditional Lebanese fare: kebabs, hummus, falafel, shawarma
"Similar to that earthquake emergency kit that you should’ve prepared by now, you should always keep Sunnin Lebanese Kitchen in your back pocket for any unexpected circumstances. The answer to an indecisive appetite should always be deliciously varied mezze, and this Westwood restaurant prepares some of the best in town. We love the creamy kibbeh nayeh, tangy labneh drizzled with olive oil, and, of course, the very good falafel. Interestingly, Sunnin’s recipe calls for fava beans instead of chickpeas, which gives the falafel an especially earthy flavor and smooth texture when you bite into it. You can also taste other components like the minced onion and garlic in the rich mix, which pop even more when you pair the falafel with the smokiness of babaganoush or any of the other savory dips on their menu." - sylvio martins
"The Sunnin in Santa Monica looks like yet another build-your-own-something fast casual spot. Sure, it’s a mini-chain (there are two other locations in Westwood), but the food here is fantastic and still tastes like an actual human cooked it. You could order anything on the menu and be happy, but we like the chicken shawarma plus a side of the incredible fried cauliflower." - jess basser sanders
"With locations in both Westwood and downtown Santa Monica, Sunnin is an LA institution and easily our favorite option for shawarma on the Westside. Both the chicken and beef are equally delicious, so try both and then fight with your friends over which is better. If you’re really hungry, definitely go with the plate (it comes with hummus, salad, rice, baba ghanouj, labneh, and soup), otherwise, the wrap is ideal for a quick meal on your lunch hour." - brant cox, nikko duren, sylvio martins
"When we started going there when we first moved to LA, it was a tiny little spot on Westwood Boulevard. Like, the mom was there every day cooking. They've now moved to a larger location across the street. We love Middle Eastern food. We love Lebanese food and in LA, this is one of the best. It's almost like a comforting home meal. It's chicken, rice, kebbeh, grape leaves—stuff that we grew up eating in Colombia, strangely enough, because we have a very large Middle Eastern population. And it's great for delivery. It's like, zero fancy, but it's delicious."—MV" - brennan carley
"You’ll find the best shawarma in Westwood at this classic Lebanese spot. The order-at-the-counter cafe has quick service if you’re coming in on your lunch hour, and a fairly large interior if the rest of your team wants to join as well. Though you can’t beat the shawarma, we never leave without an extra order of fried cauliflower and a side of falafel." - nikko duren, brant cox
