I first tried khachapuri years ago right after moving to LA, at a now-closed little…read morehole-in-the-wall in Sherman Oaks. It was listed on the menu as Ajarski, and I had absolutely no idea what it was... I just called it a pizza boat. It was SO insanely good, and I'd been chasing that same comfort-food high ever since... until I found Tony Khachapuri. Get. The. Original. It is to die for. The dough is incredible, the flavor is unreal, and it's basically perfect comfort food. If I'm ever depressed, this is what I'm ordering, and I just know everything will be okay. Lol. Haven't been in person yet, but I recently moved closer to the neighborhood and will definitely stop by soon!

I'd only had Khachapuri once before and it blew me away. I bookmarked Tony Khachapuri that same day…read moreand finally made it in. I am glad I did. I scored street parking right away -- total luck -- because that area can be a pain. The space itself is modern, clean, with a few tables inside and a couple out front. The server was friendly and easygoing. I joked about the baklava and fresh pastries sitting right by the register -- dangerous placement. I held strong. My partner could not resist the baklava. We ordered Khachapuri with bacon and chives. It came out molten lava hot -- we had to let it cool before diving in. Honestly, if we'd taken it to go, it probably still would've been too hot to eat when we got home. It was delicious. One was plenty for the two of us, but I couldn't help noticing the wraps, sandwiches, and fries coming out for other tables. They looked really good as well. That said - as much as I tell myself I'll try something different next time, I already know I'm ordering the Khachapuri again.

I've never had Georgian food, so it was very intriguing when our friend introduced us to one in…read moreGlendale. The restaurant is situated in a small strip mall with some parking spaces. When we first walked into the restaurant we thought we were the only patrons, then we found out the host just likes to seat people in the private booths which are separated from the main dining room by straw dividers. I read on the other reviews that they thought the server was not very nice, however my experience was the opposite - she provided helpful input when we asked for advices on the cuisine, and even recommended us to try the khinkali with sour cream which she provided and didn't have to. On to the food - we ordered the eggplant appetizer, it's similar to baba ghanouj but this one is a bit spicier and so yummy with the bread that came with it. We also ordered khinkali which is Georgian's version dumplings (we ordered the boiled version but there's also fried ones available). The skin is on the thicker side and was very chewy, the filling was well spiced with herbs, when you cut into it the juices come flowing out, yum! Our fav dish was the chimeruli which is baked hen drenched in a garlicky cream sauce that was more of a soup to me and i could not stop drinking it down! The hen was roasted so nicely with crispy skin, and along with the sauce just made the whole dish so hearty. Things are on the pricier side but I would still definitely recommend this restaurant to anyone who's adventurous in trying different cuisines. It was interesting to note that they had two menus, one for Georgian foods, and the other for Armenian foods. Btw the restaurant charges a "non cash fee" for all non cash payments.

The Khinkali was pretty good and the bread was fantastic. I did not enjoy the Sacivi as much to be…read morehonest, but I think it might be just due to regional differences, we prepare it slightly different which I prefer. Service is quick and attentive as well.

The OG Soup Dumpling: Why Khinkali House is Glendale's Best Kept Secret…read more Let's get one thing straight: if you think the "soup dumpling" started with a two-hour wait outside a Din Tai Fung, you're about 600 years late to the party. While the culinary world is currently obsessed with the delicate, bite-sized Xiao Long Bao--which didn't even show up until the 1870s in Shanghai--the Georgians have been perfecting this craft since the 13th-century Mongol invasions. Khinkali is the OG. It's the rugged, fist-sized ancestor that doesn't need a bamboo steamer basket or a delicate, nervous touch. It's a meal that requires soul, a bit of primitive technique, and a complete disregard for your clean shirt. Tucked away on Artsakh Avenue, Khinkali House is where you go to pay your respects to this ancient culinary titan. Atmosphere and the Art of the Rainy Day I happened to drop in on a rare, miserable rainy day in Glendale, and let me tell you, sitting out in their roomy, covered patio area while the water drummed against the roof was pure atmospheric gold. It's the kind of setting that demands heavy, unapologetic comfort food. The service here is sharp, warm, and attentive--the kind of old-school hospitality that makes you feel like a regular before you've even opened the menu. The Opening Act: Borscht with Soul You don't just jump into a pile of massive dumplings. You have to prepare the palate. I started with a bowl of their Borscht, and it was exquisite. It arrived as a deep, vibrant crimson pool of beet-infused soul, swimming with tender beef, cabbage, carrots, and potatoes. It was earthy, slightly sweet, and served at a temperature that could ward off any chill in your bones. It's the kind of bowl that tells you immediately that this kitchen isn't just following a recipe; they're honoring a bloodline. The Main Event: The Four Pillars of Khinkali Then came the heavy hitters. Unlike the thin-skinned, elegant Xiao Long Bao, Khinkali is built for battle. It's a massive, boiled parcel with a thick, satisfyingly chewy dough gathered at the top into a sturdy little knot or "handle" (the kudi). You don't eat the handle--you use it to hoist the beast, bite a small hole in the side, aggressively slurp out the liquid gold trapped inside, and then devour the rest. I worked my way through all four flavors, and each was a masterclass in balance: Ground Beef & Pork: The classic heavyweight. The moment you pierce the dough, a rich, heavily spiced, aggressively savory broth floods your spoon. The meat is fatty in all the right ways, laced with herbs that cut through the richness. It is purely addictive. Lamb: A masterclass in bold, unapologetic flavor. The lamb adds a deeply gamey, sophisticated depth that grounds the entire dish. As it boils, the rendered fat mixes with the internal cooking liquids inside that thick doughy cavern to create a broth that is darker, earthier, and aggressively flavorful. It's a heavy, soulful revelation that hits you right in the chest. Mushroom: Often treated as a vegetarian afterthought in other places, here it's a star. It hits you with a massive wave of umami. The mushrooms are tender and earthy, producing a fragrant, woodsy liqueur inside the dumpling that makes you realize you don't need meat to create a complex masterpiece. Georgian Cheese (The Undisputed Champion): I'm just going to say it--this was my absolute favorite. It is an exercise in pure, primal decadence. Instead of a meat broth, biting into this unleashes a molten, gooey river of tangy, salty Georgian cheese. It pulls, it stretches, and the sharp, slightly funky bite of the cheese against the warm, thick dough is a spiritual experience. I could eat ten of these and die happy. The Return Trip The tragedy of Khinkali House is that the dumplings are so filling, you have to leave the rest of the menu unexplored. But I am already plotting my return. Next time, I'm coming back for the Adjarskiy Khachapuri--that famous Georgian boat-shaped bread loaded with melted cheese and crowned with a fresh egg yolk and a pat of butter. I also have my eye on the Zhengyalov Hatz (a traditional Armenian herb-filled flatbread), and the wildly intriguing Osetrina (Sturgeon) Skewer, which you just don't see every day. The Verdict: Respect the Elders Let's cut the noise. Xiao Long Bao is great for a polite, light lunch, but Khinkali is for when you want to feel something real. Khinkali House has managed to bring a 13th-century mountain staple to a Glendale patio and make it feel like the most relevant thing on the street. It's bold, it's historical, and it's flat-out delicious. If you want to experience the true evolution of the dumpling, get yourself to Khinkali House. Grab a handle, watch the rain, and eat like a Georgian highlander. You can thank me later.

Food was good and our server was nice, but I was honestly confused and disappointed with the way…read moregratuity/tips were handled. We were 4 adults and 1 child, and an automatic 18% gratuity was already included in the bill. However, on the receipt the section saying "tips not included" was circled, which made it seem like gratuity had NOT been added yet. Because of that confusion, I ended up leaving an additional cash tip. I understand restaurants may add gratuity automatically for larger groups, but if gratuity is already included, the receipt and staff should make that clear instead of circling "tips not included." It creates unnecessary confusion for customers. Also, automatically adding gratuity regardless of service feels questionable. Thankfully our server was kind, but if service had been poor, customers should still feel they have a choice regarding tipping.

Just a really fantastic breakfast experience. It's a local favorite and parking is legitimately…read morechallenging at times (uhhhhh, I can usually get street parking), but there's a reason I stop by this place so many mornings on my way out of Los Angeles. You order at the counter. I usually end up getting one of the breakfast meals - and all of them have managed to be both flavorful and fresh - in many ways the opposite of the typical American breakfast. The "bowl of foul", which apparently rhymes if you pronounce foul the Armenian way, is something they advertise a lot on their menu - and for good reason. It's actually one of the least foul breakfasts I've ever had in my life. It's a delicious flavorful bean dip with generous breads on the side to eat with it - as well as a platter of fresh vegetables. Still my favorite food to get here. Also decent was their fatteh, which is cream, yogurt, chickpeas, and a lot of assorted nuts, all dolloped over fried pita bread. Also very good, but I'm just honestly not a huge fan of nuts. It also comes with the vegetable platter which is the perfect combo with the creamy chickpea thing. The food usually takes 10-15 minutes to come out, but that's because they're clearly preparing everything fresh in the back (you can kind of see them do this.) They also have a fountain machine, which is a huge plus to ice addicts like me. Everything is casual, but also very clean and neat. Honestly, it's also a very nice cafe to relax in, do work, talk with friends, etc. etc. This is very much close to the "optimal" place to me when it comes to taking friends out somewhere to reconnect. Anyways, this place is highly recommended for both a wonderful dine-in and dine-out experience. I try to stop by it as often as possible for their breakfast to the point where I can count on my fingers the amount of times I've had breakfast at a place that WASN'T the Old Sassoon Bakery. Honestly, this place stands as a towering achievement of mastering everything that "new hip trendy" food often isn't. It's super affordable, generous portions, super clean, fast service (but you can stay around as long as you want), and the main draw is just the delicious, flavorful, authentic food that very much lives up to all of the hype and more.

Delicious flatbreads and ful. We ordered the food to go but then as we were putting the food in…read morethe car it just all smelled so good we had to take a bite. Good thing I don't live near this bakery or else I'll be in trouble. The proprietor is also just delightful.

Located in the same plaza where they shot Superbad!…read more The restaurant is small but very wonderful. It was not busy when we went so we got our food pretty quickly. I ordered the borscht and potato pirogi - both were great! The herring salad was great and the bread was even great! We ordered vodka shots - pickle, mixed berry and lemon. They were all really good! Even the kompot was good. I think my experience at Kalinka was so good I recommend going. I'll definitely be back whenever I'm in town.

A cute Russian restaurant hidden in Glendale/Burbank. I have been wanting to go as they are across…read morethe street from Mambos. The pigmeni was good, but more on the room temperature side. I felt that the Beef Stroganoff was quite small for an entree and the price. The chicken dish did take a really long time to come out - we had to eat the beef stroganoff and pigmeni as they were getting cold. Was a bit awkward and I wish the staff paced the food out so that we all ate together.

Ate Armenian food for the 1st time. Got the Oxtail Khashlava, Eggplant dip, and Ground beef kebab…read more(my finger covered up the picture). I'm no Armenian food expert, but I felt All three were delicious and well seasoned. Reminds me of Persian food & some Mediterranean food, but even better ! Service was great. Louisa was very attentive and helpful for answering our questions. Ambiance: This place is definitely geared towards hardcore old world immigrants. Decor is super extra. Folks drive black Mercedes. They started doing live music at one point, and I felt like we were in another country. I love it.

The manager here is the one who makes this restaurant better and different than the other…read morerestaurants. Thank you Armine for amazing hospitality and delicious food. We will definitely be back again.

Really nice spot! The place is clean and well-maintained, which made for a comfortable experience…read more For food, we started with the Chicken Tabaka. It's a pretty basic comfort food dish, but it's a solid choice if you're trying this place out for the first time. We also ordered the Grilled French Cut Pork Chop, and it was surprisingly moist, the potatoes and mushrooms on the side tasted great too. My only minor complaint is that there were a bit too many caramelized onions for my taste. The staff was friendly throughout the meal. We'll definitely be back to try the lamb chops, which the lady working there recommended to us.

If you love Russian food, this is the place for you. They have traditional Russian food and other…read moreeastern European dishes. It can get crowded so make a reservation. Parking is easy, the have metered parking right in front. The place is just beautiful and calm. It is quiet and romantic, or you can bring your kids. There are white table clothes on all tables and this place is super clean. There is room between the tables so you don't hear the people next to you. The service is perfect, they are all very kind and will check on you and help you with the menu. They are just super nice. The prices are fair for what I consider a fine dinning eatery. Al of their food is great and you get a good portion. We love their salads, try the Kubnsky salad or the Darnitsky sky salad, they are so fresh and packed with flavor. Their Traktir cutlet is so great. They have wonderful sides, their starter caviar is great. Their desserts are the best so save room and have a wonderful night.

Carousel is hands down the best Mediterranean spot. I've been coming here for years and it never…read moredisappoints. Their arayes are a must -- it's basically like a lahmajun with two pieces pressed together, and it's insanely good. I usually go all in and order the tabbouleh, babaganoush, a pound of lula kebab, and shish kebab. Honestly, if you're with 2+ people (or even just really hungry), ordering by the pound with sides is way better value than getting individual plates. You get more variety and it just feels like the right way to eat here. Every now and then I'll switch it up and get the liver plate -- it comes with tons of greens and onions, and when you wrap everything in their fresh pita, it's incredible. Not an everyday order, but when you're in the mood for it, it hits. If you dine in, the indoor decor is super nice and really gives that authentic Mediterranean vibe. They also play a lot of 90s music, which somehow fits perfectly and adds to the whole experience. I've dined in plenty of times and the service is always solid -- staff is friendly and attentive. Just a heads up, food can take a little longer sometimes, but that's because they're always busy and everything is made fresh, so it's worth the wait. I've also done takeout here more times than I can count -- probably over 100 orders at this point -- which says everything. This is easily one of my go-to spots and I keep coming back for a reason.

The food was okay, nothing extraordinary, but decent. Unfortunately, the service was, without…read moreexaggeration, one of the worst I've ever experienced in my life. From the moment we arrived, the vibe felt off. The host who seated us (who later turned out to also be a server) left us at the table, and no one approached us for about 10 minutes. When a server finally came over, the first thing she said was "Ready? Ready?", no greeting, no welcome, nothing. We were never brought water. I had to ask a busser for it because the server walked past our table multiple times, clearly saw us, and chose to ignore us. The food runner was also rude, he dropped the plates on the table without saying a single word. Throughout the entire meal, no one checked on us. No "How is everything?" No "Do you need anything?" Nothing at all. Meanwhile, we noticed that nearby tables were being greeted, checked on, and treated kindly. When we asked for the check, the server literally threw it on the table without saying a word. The experience was so bad that we decided not to leave a tip; Something we never do, especially since we truly value good service and I personally work in the restaurant industry. I don't know if the treatment had anything to do with how we looked or how we were dressed, but I've never felt so ignored and uncomfortable in a restaurant before. The food may be fine, but the service completely ruins the experience. I would not return or recommend this place.