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Sumac Mediterranean Cuisine
$ · Mediterranean, Middle Eastern

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ZipPicks Awards

Best Middle Eastern in Los Angeles Best Mediterranean in Los Angeles

Vibe Check this spot

Food Quality 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 5
Consistency 5
Cultural Relevance 5

0 / 5 selected

Master Critic Review

Sumac Mediterranean Cuisine 8.0
Hollywood
A Lebanese husband-and-wife operation where the menu draws directly from Bekaa Valley family recipes—chef Eli Berchan trained at César Ritz in Switzerland and cooked at Raffles Dubai before opening in Hollywood during COVID. The shawarma and housemade baklava from a 1967 family recipe anchor a compact, pomegranate-heavy menu of traditional meze and wraps. Expect a casual, home-like setting with well-executed flavors but modestly portioned plates in the $18-22 entree range.
Must-Try Dishes: Hummus, Chicken Shawarma Wrap, Baba Ganoush
Scores:
Value: 7.3 Service: 8 Consistency: 8 Food Quality: 8.5 Atmosphere: 7.5 Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Lebanese husband-and-wife team cooking only the family recipes they grew up eating, including baklava from a 1967 family recipe.
Who should go: Groups and couples seeking authentic Lebanese in Hollywood
When to visit: Weekday lunch for a relaxed, unhurried meal
What to order: Start with hummus and baba ganoush to share, order the chicken shawarma wrap as your main, and finish with the family baklava.
Insider tip: Eli's family owned a pomegranate grove — dishes featuring pomegranate reflect that heritage, so ask what's dressed with it today.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only (metered)—no private lot or valet. Highland Ave meters in Hollywood can be competitive on weekend evenings, so budget extra time or rideshare.
Dress code: Business casual per the restaurant's listing, but the vibe is laid-back casual dining—jeans and a nice top fit right in.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Strong selection—hummus, baba ghanouj, falafel, dolmas, fattoush salad, organic moudardara (lentils & rice), fool (fava beans), cheese and thyme pies, and tabbouleh are all vegetarian.
Vegan options: Multiple naturally vegan options including hummus, baba ghanouj, falafel, dolmas, tabbouleh, and fattoush. Listed as offering vegan options.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, for a relaxed, food-forward date — not a candlelit fine-dining experience. The vibe is cozy and homey with a modern, airy interior. The covered outdoor sidewalk seating with heaters is the more atmospheric option for a date. Noise level and table spacing are not widely documented, so request a quieter spot when you arrive. The standout here is the food — expect Lebanese-Mediterranean dishes that make great conversation starters.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Likely yes on weeknights — this is a casual neighborhood spot, not a scene restaurant. Standard reservations accommodate up to 10 guests. Weekend availability is less certain, so calling ahead at (323) 450-9277 is your safest bet, especially for Friday or Saturday dinner. Sunday is brunch only (10:30 AM–3 PM), which may fill up.
Is it kid-friendly? The casual, homey atmosphere works well for families — it's not a late-night or bar-scene restaurant, closing by 9:30 PM even on weekends. A dedicated kids menu and high chairs are not confirmed online — call ahead if you need either. The shareable Mediterranean plates (hummus, kebabs, flatbreads) are naturally kid-approachable. Best before the dinner rush.
Is it good for groups? Yes — standard reservations handle up to 10 guests. For larger groups, they offer full or partial venue buyouts: the outdoor area seats up to 20, and a full buyout accommodates up to 100 seated. Private event pricing starts at $35/person on weekdays and $45/person on weekends. They regularly host birthdays, celebrations, and corporate events for groups up to 750 via catering. Contact them directly to arrange anything over 10.
Is there outdoor seating? Yes — a covered sidewalk dining area on Highland Ave that seats roughly 20. It's roofed and equipped with garden heaters for cooler evenings. The outdoor space is also dog-friendly. For events, the outdoor area can hold up to 70 standing.
Best For
Better for: Group and family dining—the shareable Mediterranean spread format means a table of 6 can sample broadly. Also a unique concept-store-meets-restaurant space with a marketplace component. Owners are known for personally greeting guests. Outdoor sidewalk seating available and dog-friendly.

Hours

Monday10:30am - 1am
Tuesday10:30am - 1am
Wednesday10:30am - 1am
Thursday10:30am - 1am
Friday10:30am - 2:30am
Saturday9:30am - 2:30am
Sunday9:30am - 1am