I recently swung by Kismet (definitely not my first or last visit) and ordered the Half Chicken Plate for two--hummus, wedge salad, pickles, two pitas, chili oil, and garlic sauce. It's the perfect shareable meal and worth every single penny. It's been a minute since I wrote a review, but these guys deserve the love. The photos I snapped don't do the chicken, salad, or any of the fixings justice, but trust me: if you're hunting for some of the best herb-roasted chicken in town, Kismet is a must-try. The name fits the vibe perfectly--meant to be. I'm picky about rotisserie/herb-roasted chicken and always benchmark against heavy hitters: Mi Piace's Prezzemolo (still my all-time favorite), the long-gone Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken from Cheesecake Factory's heyday, and more recently, Verde in Costa Mesa's killer Lemon & Sumac half chicken (easily top 3). Kismet's half chicken holds its own in that elite group. It's juicy, tender, and packed with bright Mediterranean flavor--a healthier, more refined take on the classic Zankou Chicken style I've loved forever. What pushes it over the edge for me is the quality: free-range, non-GMO, antibiotic-free, air-chilled, and raised right here in California. Bottom line: Kismet belongs on any serious "greatest herb-roasted chicken" list (at least mine). If you haven't tried it yet, go fix that. Highly recommend. read more

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I didn't want to write this review. I used to love Kismet. I tend to go on Thursday early afternoons. I had 2 other experiences prior to this where the chicken seemed off but I kept trusting it would be as good as it when I first had Kismet when it first opened back in March 2025. On May 7th, 2026 at 3:30 PM I ordered for pickup my usual meat and potatoes plate. Weirdly, the order was ready for pickup in a couple of minutes when usually it would be ready in 10 minutes which would have been less sketchy. I should have trusted my instincts. I walked in to pick up my order and there were zero customers around, usually there are a few customers eating at the tables. Sign that the quality has dwindled and the regulars aren't retuning. I get back home to treat myself (I spent $28 for the meal plus a drink.) Much to my dismay I opened the plate and was so disappointed. It was half of what normally comes in the box but the potatoes were stacked high and of course extremely oily. I was like ok let's just eat this because I don't have more time to find another place to get food plus I've already splurged. The chicken was undercooked and rubbery and came with no chicken breast like it normally does just some boney legs. Since I was so hungry and paid the extra money for "light" chicken I still ate it. I'm sick now, the night of May 8th I'm still on the toilet. Save your money and go to Zankou if you want good rotisserie chicken they've been doing it right in LA since the 80s. Or Costco; 5$ chicken unless you want a $32 dollar chicken here to make you and your family sick and poor. read more

A really lovely return visit to Kismet with my mom. We were in the mood for something comforting, nourishing, and thoughtfully prepared, and it was exactly what the day called for. I ordered the meats and potatoes plate with white meat, served with hummus, their beautifully seasoned potatoes, warm pita, and all the sauces. The hot chili oil and whipped garlic were especially good. It was the kind of meal that feels cozy and grounding, like food as care, while still feeling light and wholesome. My mom had the spicy chicken bowl, which she really enjoyed. Everything tasted intentional and well balanced. We paired our meal with the carrot ginger lemonade, and you could truly taste each ingredient, fresh and vibrant. It's a more casual, counter style experience, but the service was genuinely kind. The same person took our order and brought our food, and their warmth made the experience feel easy and welcoming. It felt good to return after so long, and it reminded me why this place is so special. Looking forward to coming back again soon. read more

The chicken and schmaltzy potatoes at Kismet are must orders. They serve an excellent rotisserie chicken and, as is natural, the potatoes are excellent as well - flavorful and crisp with roughed up edges. They come with hummus and a very tart, bright salad. The pita is excellent fresh but is a bit tough as it ages. I'm still figuring out what the best things to order here because their sauces and seasoning can be a bit much. I didn't like the flavors of the gingery onions in their California Pita sandwich which comes with chicken, gingery turmeric roasted onions, cucumbers, yogurt sauce, arugula. read more

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i went 3 times in a week and each time was a 10/10 experience! no wait each time, and the food came out fast. highly recommend the chicken plate which includes all the sides. the lettuce wedge with miso poppy dressing is such a hidden gem -- how do they make something so basic so scrumptious that i keep coming back for it?! the yellow pickled cabbage also paired soo well with the chicken. the perfect bite is having a little of everything, including the the garlic sauce. the interior is clean and modern with lots of natural light shining in, which makes the small space feel pretty spacious. read more

Kismet Rotisserie - Salad Near Me - Pasadena, California

When the menu is nice and simple you know the food is good. The chicken is perfectly cooked and delicious and juicy. Super healthy that does not sacrifice on flavor. The interior is very clean and nice, and the staff are super friendly and helpful. read more

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This is such a cute spot for delicious Mediterranean food! Upon entering on a weekday early evening, my friend and I were loving how simple yet sleek the interior was. The employees were happy to take our order and answer any questions we had, as it was our first time there. My friend and I shared schmaltzy potatoes and a half chicken plate, which comes with hummus, wedge salad, pickles, 2 pitas, chili oil, and garlic sauce. It was plenty of food for 2 people! We especially loved the chili oil and garlic sauce - we have never heard of chili oil served with rotisserie chicken and pita bread and we are so happy we tried the combo because it was DELICIOUS! Excellent chicken and hummus as well. We definitely want to try this place again and try more of their options! read more

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Just the cutest little restaurant that has fresh & delicious Mediterranean food! I split the chicken plate for 2 with a side of schmaltzy potatoes. More than enough food! Came with chicken, salad, hummus, pita, pickled veggies, etc. Reminds me of everything I would get from zankou but with a fancy & fresh flare. Service was friendly and prompt. The interior makes you so happy! Definitely recommend read more

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I came here to meet a friend for lunch who had tried this place during covid. She mentioned the potatoes were crispy and well seasoned. It was quiet when we got there and I ended up ordering the salad with grilled chicken. It was perfect and not spicy depsite having Fresno chilies. The potatoes according to my friend were not as good as she remembered but I enjoyed them and thought they were delicious. If they sat there a while, then they got greasy but my friend said they were not like that the last time. The service was awesome as they were patient with me as I made my selection. They brought out the food once it was ready and the place is simply decorated and clean. read more

A certain app that starts with "I" (not the 'gram), known for delivering groceries, has been branching out into restaurant delivery and enticed me to order from Kismet Rotisserie with a special offer. I'd been a fan of the East Hollywood restaurant for years and didn't need much convincing. On a cold, drizzly day, I decided to order a whole chicken and a carrot ginger drink for lunch. (When you work from home, you need to treat yourself now and then.) Service was extremely prompt, and the chicken was piping hot. This was definitely a great rotisserie chicken, crisp skin with plump, juicy meat. The chili oil and garlic sauce, very generous portions, were the perfect accompaniments. And the carrot ginger drink was the perfect pairing. I'm so glad that Kismet has maintained their excellent standards and that I don't have to go out to have their great food. Five stars all the way. read more

Kismet Rotisserie - Whole chicken...divine! - Salad Near Me - Pasadena, California

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These crispy potatoes! They stole the show. The chicken breast was a little bit on the dry side, sadly, but I would definitely try their chicken again, perhaps opting for a sandwich instead of the half bird. The pita and hummus were divine. I honestly think it's the best I've had in a really long time. Everything was so flavorful and garlicky and fragrant, this place was a hit! The service could be friendlier but maybe they were having a rough day? Parking was a bit of a pain but there is a side lot if you are willing to wait during the busy lunch hour! All in all a solid 4/5. read more

Kismet Rotisserie - Salad Near Me - Pasadena, California

Randomly noticed this place on the way to the gym and decided to look it up on yelp as I'd seen the name somewhere before. I saw from one of the reviews that this location opened a few weeks ago and figured I'd give it a try. I'm glad I did! There were a decent amount of people in the restaurant eating, as well as some grabbing to go orders which was a good sign. I also enjoyed the window into the kitchen, watching as they prepared orders and the rotisserie chickens. I ordered the chicken caesar pita and a side of the schmaltzy potatoes and a hibiscus cooler. Everything was good and very fresh. Also love the little pocket of dill I hit in the pita sandwich. read more

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So yeah, I've found one of the best potato dishes around these parts. A co-worker recommended this spot, calling Kismet's schmaltzy potatoes to unalive for. Based on that testimony alone, I had to try these bad boys. It was a little out of the way for me on this hot, low-energy day, so I called in for delivery. Ordered the following: - Schmaltzy Potatoes - 8.7/10: Wow, man, so good. I'm pretty sure they're fried, or they could be baked, but what makes them so good is how crispy they are on the outside and super fluffy on the inside. They're seasoned nicely as well and they give you a generous amount for a more than fair price. Addictive for sure. Came with this garlic dipping sauce that just was a perfect complement for this dish. - Chicken Pita - 7.5/10: Solid dish with heaping amounts of shredded rotisserie chicken. All this stuffed in a large pita pocket. My only complaint about this dish is that I wished they had cut the onions a little thinner. They're too big. Otherwise, solid sandwich. I'll definitely come back for the rotisserie chicken. read more

Kismet Rotisserie - Chicken pita sandwich - Salad Near Me - Pasadena, California

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We all got the chicken plate (2 breasts and a dark meat) and were impressed with the sides, but not the chicken (over cooked and dry). My wife loved the smooth and creamy hummus, but I thought it was a bit bland. We all loved the wedge, pickled cabbage and other veg, but beware of the little pepper because it will light your mouth on fire if you take more than a nibble. With better chicken, it would have easily earned that fifth star. (And as a side note, they have a pretty tasty chocolate chip/tahini cookie.) read more

Kismet Rotisserie - Space is bright and cheery, with enough seating to make a Sunday lunch fun and festive. - Salad Near Me - Pasadena, California

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A cute space, and good food. It stays quite busy, and the inside space is very small, so it feels crowded really easily. My friend and I ate outside for this reason. I had a kids plate and it was great! (Chicken, veggies, pita, and hummus). My friend got a pita... The special of the month, and she enjoyed it, but found that it did not have very much chicken in it. read more

Kismet Rotisserie - Salad Near Me - Pasadena, California

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I am unsure why it took me so long to try this place but it was BEYOND solid! We got the chicken plate so it was such a great and complete meal! The chicken was so juicy and flavorful! We of course could not NOT get the schmaltzy potatoes! That was heavenly! I loved it so much and have been telling friends left and right about this place! So good! Hope they expand more east! read more

Kismet Rotisserie - Schmaltzy Potatoes and extra side of chicken - Salad Near Me - Pasadena, California

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Food was fresh fresh fresh, delicious, was made in a timely manor, and did I mention delicious!!!? The staff was so kind and pleasant, they spoke to you like human beings and not an automated "hi how can i help you, stare into blank space when you speak to them" kind of interaction! The vibe of the restaurant is not only absolutely adorable and retro feeling but clean and welcoming! Great first experience, we will be back without a doubt! read more

Kismet Rotisserie - Greek salad - Salad Near Me - Pasadena, California

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Got the party pack for 4 to take to Hollywood Bowl. Everyone enjoyed it. I recommend. I just wish they offered tabouli read more

Wow what an incredible gem of a place! We weren't planning on eating here but the beautiful design and menu caught our eye, so we went! And thank You Jesus because the meal summed up in one word was: WOW. The pita bread was so delicious and thick and chewy. The garlic sauce and chili oil were the perfect accompaniment to the rotisserie chicken. The potatoes were so crispy and fluffy (you MUST get it, I'm serious!) and the wedge salad was so refreshing and light. This was an overall 5-Star experience, and if you're in the area you would absolutely be remiss to not stop by. Wonderful customer service from Aaron, thank you Aaron! read more

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For something being such a simple concept, Kismet is sooo good. Everything was seasoned and cooked so well. The restaurant itself is really clean, but it's pretty small inside and there's also no public restroom from what I saw. The parking lot is also tiny, but there's street parking all around. First off their hummus was a 10/10 flavor and texture wise. I really enjoyed the dressing for the salad also. I liked that the chicken plate came with pickled veggies too - which I also really enjoyed! I got the potatoes too as a side and they were so crispy and I liked the garlic sauce with it. For my drink I got their carrot ginger juice that tasted really fresh and I enjoyed it. All in all I can say I had a 10/10 first experience at Kismet! read more

Looking to support local businesses and went to Kismet in Altadena for the first time for lunch. My friend and I ordered Chicken Pita and Big Green Salad to share. Ingredients were very fresh, and seasoned well . We needed to request additional dressing for salad. Once we added more dressing it made good salad even better. Chicken in Pita was juicy and would recommend. Started to eat inside then chose to move outside (even with it being pretty warm) Inside the music was too loud to hold conversation. Nice find and plan to return and support Altadena businesses recover from disastrous fires that hit in January. Check out Kismet Rotisserie read more

Do yourself a favor and go get the quarter chicken plate and schmaltzy potatoes NOW!!! Truly a perfect meal. Sure, you might find better rotisserie chicken elsewhere but the way it's served with a fresh warm pita, the only valid wedge salad I've ever tried, drenched in a nice bright dressing contrasting the rest of the plate, pickled veggies, toum AND chili crisp??? makes me and my tummy so so happy. read more

Kismet Rotisserie - Quarter chicken plate - Salad Near Me - Pasadena, California

I was so happy to see this new restaurant pop up in my neighborhood. I do love chicken!! I finally made my way to the restaurant, and ordered a Kismet salad, with chicken: to-go. I got home, watched my movie and ate my salad which was pretty good. But afterwards, I was thinking, wait... wasn't there chicken in there? I didn't remember tasting chicken, but I knew I'd seen chicken when I first opened the container. Did I just spend $26 on a salad, from a counter-service restaurant that is named after chicken... and I don't even remember eating chicken?! Maybe I'll go back and give them another try, but I'm probably more likely to go to Costco and get an entire roast chicken for $5. read more

I have to preface this by saying I'm not the biggest fan of rotisserie or roast chicken but I do love them when they blow me away like the roast chicken at Zuni Cafe in SF. I hardly ever order it but once in a while it just hits me and I have a craving. So one sunny weekend day I found myself in front of Kismet with said craving and an appetite for destruction. The place was very minimalistic and modern but eerily devoid of people. I placed my order and in all the time I waited, no one else entered the store. So I took my food to go since I didn't want to hear myself chewing. I'm not sure if it was the short drive home or not but the chicken was sadly quite dry and lacked any zip. The additional sauces were not shining through and the textures were really nothing to write home about. Call it Kismet but the lack of people on the day I went should have told me the chicken was destined to disappoint. But again, maybe it overcooked on the way home so I will give them another chance in the future when perhaps I see people there! read more

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A very welcome addition to the Pasadena/Altadena food scene! I'm not typically a rotisserie chicken gal but Kismet changed the game for me. This super cute spot is nestled close by Home State and shares a parking lot with them. Chicken Caesar wrap (April 2025 exclusive but will hopefully be a menu regular) 10/10 - honestly my new favorite wrap in LA, refreshing and wrapped in the most pillowy pita bread. Dill was a little much but that's just a me problem Quarter Chicken Plate 9/10 - delicious don't get me wrong, we got the dark meat plate and it came with a leg and thigh both were on the smaller side - just a heads up. However all of the accoutrements really made the meal filling. Also NEED to shout out the garlic sauce - absolutely divine and in my opinion better than Zankou's legendary garlic toum, never thought I'd say that! Will be back soon and will need to order a whole chicken! read more

Kismet Rotisserie is really a local gem. The interior is very warm and nicely decorated. There are only 4 tables inside, but there were lots of togo orders placed. Definitely go for the chicken pita sandwich if you want something light yet filling. The pita was densely packed and filled with chicken, greens, and onions. However, if eating with your hands and getting messy isn't your thing, the chicken plates are also delicious. We ordered the quarter chicken (dark) and it came with hummus, pita, pickles, and wedge salad. The dark meat on the chicken was extremely juicy, tender, and flavorful. The wedge salad was covered in a tangy yet light dressing. The pickles are not the generic cucumber pickles but the cabbage pickles and helps cuts the strong flavors. The one MUST HAVE are the potatoes! They were the perfect balance of crispy and buttery. The potatoes come with a garlic sauce and it really completes the bite. The parking situation there is street parking, but I believe the parking lot a few stores north of Kismet is shared amongst the couple restaurants on that block. We will definitely come back and try more of the menu, especially their cookies! read more

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I ordered delivery from Kismet while I was recovering from surgery. It was exactly everything I wanted, the Caesar chicken wrap is loaded with fresh and bright ingredients like dill and watermelon radish. The pita was fresh, soft, delicious and it didn't fall apart like some other pitas will. The schmaltzy potatoes are cooked and seasoned to perfection. Absolutely delicious meal! read more

Kismet Rotisserie - Quick Take-Out through PostMates - Salad Near Me - Pasadena, California

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The place appeared in the L.A. Times piece on veggie sandwiches. The person taking the order is very polite and attentive and the atmosphere is pleasant. I ordered the Big Green Pita. The menu says it has market greens, cucumbers, radishes, sprouts, chickpeas and broccoli plus the dressing. It is a good size, but mostly lettuce. There's a fair amount of chickpeas and a little bit of chopped cucumber. I would need a magnifying glass to find the broccoli and found one miniscule piece when I dumped the salad out of the pita to search for the veggies. I don't remember any sprouts and a very small amount of radishes. When I asked where the broccoli is I was told it's chopped very small....yeah, like invisible to the human eye. I take veggie food very seriously and this sandwich missed the mark. If I go back I'll try the Kids Veggie Pita for $6. read more

Their place in Pasadena is super cute with some seating. The chicken is juicy and flavorful, my favorite dip is the tzatziki so fresh and light. Their potatoes are so perfect soft inside with just the right amount of crisp outside. It's counter service, nothing stood out. read more

Summer 2025 About 10+ visits Glad to see KR in Lincoln Village. Small, bright dine-in area, with a few chairs/tables on the sidewalk. I've always done take-out - quick, easy, sit inside and wait. The food is good, fresh, and hot. One time the chicken was only warm: since then, I've asked for "hot chicken." I've ordered dark chicken, schmaltzy potatoes, and the dinner plate - chicken with pita/hummus, pickles. I like their food, but the price point is a little high to justify being a regular (1 person, $30). Plus, I can approximate the meal at Vons with a hot rotisserie chicken, fresh bread, and hummus - I just add KR's irreplaceable potatoes! Staff is friendly (wish KR didn't have the ubiquitous tip screen - there is no extra service to be given). Also, once I received a 10% locals' discount (one time discount only?). I do hope, as I hope with all newcomers to Lincoln Village, that KR supports the local community - through hiring, support of John Muir, etc. Welcome KR and enjoy their chicken! read more

Overall, the food seems delicious and clean. This isn't your fast food type of chicken. The chicken noodle soup didn't taste like it was too salty or pump full of MSG. Just clean chicken noodle soup. The quarter chicken meal for two was a good amount of food with a pita and hummus. read more

My friend took me here to try this and i was pretty disappointed. We got a salad, the potatoes and the chicken for 2 meal (for me) I was gonna just get the chicken meal for one but my friend who's been before told me it wouldn't be enough food for me and ordered the meal for 2 for me....which was $37. She was paying so I didn't argue, but was taken back by the price. If you're gonna charge $37 for a half a chicken and a salad, it better be the one of the best chickens I've ever had and ugh...it was far from it. I mean it was fine, I just can't say it was really any better than grocery store rotisserie chicken. I also wasn't into the salad. It was a big chunk of iceberg lettuce, with a bland poppyseed dressing and pickled vegetables that overpowered everything senses The hummas and garlic sauce were good though. The ambiance is nice, but it takes way too long to get your food, when we ordered my friend said now it's gonna take them like 20 mins and it didn't take that long, but an unusual amount of time considering what they're serving isn't any different than Zan Kou and that comes out in seconds. I don't really want to hate on this place cause I want to promote local businesses and all but it's just absurd to charge that amount for chicken. The potatoes were really good though. Might come back just for those. read more

Wanted a healthier lunch option and Kismet is close to my job. Service is always good, with a friendly staff. Place is clean with lots of bright light from the windows. I like sitting by the windows facing the street and people watch during lunch. The schmaltzy potatoes and wedge salad are SO good. I also occasionally get this carrot gingerade drink thats really fresh and delicious. I keep going back just for those. The chicken is good but sometimes when I go, it's a bit dry. Also flavor wise, I don't think it's anything special. Hummus is okay. I've had better but still solid. Definitely will keep returning for lunch. read more

Kismet Rotisserie - Wedge salad. - Salad Near Me - Pasadena, California

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We love the meat and potatoes plate. I dump chili oil all over everything and in all the other sauces. Then dip the schmaltsy potatoes in chili oil, garlic sauce, and hummus and eat them until we can't sit up straight. read more

Such a great addition to the neighborhood. I got the chicken pita and it was perfect. Big. Juicy. Flavorful. I was especially impressed by how well the ingredients were distributed through the whole pita. Most times, when you order a pita, the ingredients are just toppings and once you get through the first few bites, the dish becomes bland. Not here, the delicious recipe is layered throughout the pita making the last bite just as (if not, more) amazing as the first. And the aesthetic of the place is so beautifully designed. Very friendly and attentive service as well. This feels like a place that can become a part of my frequent repertoire. read more

Nice new Gem in Altadena. Came in last Friday and there was three people in line ahead of me and the staff was very helpful in answering their questions. I knew what I wanted and the food didn't disappoint. The chicken rice bowl was really flavor full. The chicken pita sandwich is one of the few sandwiches I have come across where they stuff the sandwich. I would just recommend purchasing some garlic sauce to go with it as it was bland to me. The schmaltzy potatoes are the real deal! The garlic sauce is gold and I dipped the potatoes in it...flavor heaven! The half chicken was good and had nice flavor even without the chili oil and garlic sauce but those two definitely add to the flavor. Overall good place for lunch if you are in the area. read more

Bomb quality chicken and sided. Portions are too small for the price. Will still come back

Came here on opening day. I love how that interior is nice and bright. We ordered the rotisserie chicken with the hummus and salad as sides. The chicken is perfectly cooked and everything was savory and flavorful. The garlic sauce is a must order along with the meal. It is so good! Yummm read more

Kismet Rotisserie - Rotisserie chicken. Garlic sauce. Hummus. Salad. - Salad Near Me - Pasadena, California

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When I first ordered from here I thought the one pita per person in the four person meal seemed like it wouldn't be enough. 'Do I order more?' I thought to myself. I opted not to add any on. This was lucky as the pita they give you is nice and thick. Nothing like the skinny pita I was expecting. It's really good quality pita too. The schmaltz potatoes were also a hit with the entire family. The garlic dip is a nice addition. The chicken was also juicy which is nice because you can dry out chicken easily. Absolutely a hit with the family, and we will be ordering again. read more

We've only eaten here once and it was a take out for family of 3. So in the beginning we thought "Oh, kind of like Zankou" but as we kept eating "It's better than Zankou". By the time we finished "Ok we've got to go back" Everything's better, Chicken's more tender, pita is soooo soft and thick, sauces are more delicious, wedge salad is so simple and good. Potatoes are yummy, yeah we're going back! read more