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    Lemon Zest

    4.4 (177 reviews)
    ModerateMediterranean

    About Lemon Zest

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    Order Lemon Zest Takeout or Delivery

    Lemon Zest Photos

    LEMON ZEST ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Trendy
    Quiet
    Happy hour specials

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    Recommended Reviews - Lemon Zest

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    Reviews With Photos

    Terrence T.

    What a great find! My friend and I were in Sherman Oaks and wanted lunch! Strolling around Ventura Boulevard we stopped in front of the Lemon Zest Cafe and were enamored by the menu! Walked in a were welcomed by friendly staff. The menu was Mediterranean cuisine with a splash of California flare. We ordered the Chipotle Cheese Fries and dolmas (stuffed grape leaves). Great portions, fast service and very cheerful/lemony ambiance.

    Interior
    Ray M.

    First time visitor and I was extremely pleased with my entire dining experience at this restaurant. Upon entering, I immediately noticed that this restaurant was very clean, well organized, the music playing was so relaxing. The employees were extremely friendly, polite, welcoming and genuinely and visibly happy that we were dining in their restaurant. Service was EXCELLENT!! We ordered the chicken kabob lunch portion. While we were waiting for our food, the owner brought us a complimentary large, dish of pita and hummus. It was so good! Our entrees finally arrived (15-20 minute) and wow!! Everything looked and smelled delicious! One taste of the rice, chicken and salad and I was floored! There was so much flavor in each bite. Every item was AMAZING, fresh and very tasty. This was definitely a positive dining experience.

    Loaded fries. Yummy.
    Will G.

    This place is located right in the middle between Sepulveda & Van Nuys on Ventura. Parking is tricky. 8pm is the cutoff. There are a few tables outside so I'm guessing it's dog-friendly. The interior is nice. They serve beer and wine. The server was very friendly. I had a Lamb Gyro - which was blandly seasoned. Had hoped for the intense flavors I had had previously - but this chef I a bit safe. It's all good. To each his own. My friend had the Chicken Kabob plate and really enjoyed it. We loved the hummus. The pita breads were surprisingly thin. Tasty. But, thin. All-in-all a pleasant dining experience. I will definitely come back to try a few other dishes. Get your grub on!!

    Combo #1 chicken and lule with half and half sides
    Tatiana M.

    Pit stop on my way to through LA and found this gem I feel so disappointed that I've driven past this place so many times and never stopped by. Now I know better this place is delicious I got a chicken and lule kabob combo plate with a side of baba ghanoush the serving was huge I'm glad I opted for a half rice half salad. The kabobs were so flavorful and tender. I'm making myself hungry as I type this review. The staff were really sweet and my order came out quick. The ambiance inside is quite nice a lot of seating options inside and out.

    Ruchika P.

    If you are looking for fresh fare that won't weigh you down come check out Lemon Zest. The food is moderately priced and delicious. The location has ample parking in a lot behind it and the 1st hour is validated by the restaurant. Side note the baba ganoush was super tasty!!! Also if you like Falafel that is heavier on the garbanzo beans rather than parsley and other herbs then you will enjoy what they have to offer.

    Amy T.

    Completely fell off. I remember going here years back when they had the Glendale location only. It would come with salad rice and more meat! I understand that was years ago. It damn, so sad they get more business and get more popular, restaurants usually get worse. Such a basic meal. So disappointing.

    So good
    Mali S.

    We love this place I will definitely will come back. The service is beautiful also very clean. This is what I really always care very clean and very very polite. Customer service top of the line. Trust me if you tried once you will definitely go back again.

    Yummmmmmm
    gina e.

    Lemon Zest Cafe is a cute spot to catch a delicious, casual Mediterranean lunch. You order at the counter and the food is brought out to your table. I went during lunch time on a week day and there was no wait. The food came out fairly fast. Foodwise.. it was so good! ! I ordered the beef lule kabob plate with Shirazi salad and yogurt with cucumbers and it did not disappoint! The beef lule was flavorful and tender. The dish came with a grilled chili pepper which added a nice spice with every bite. The Shirazi salad was refreshing and the cucumber yogurt was good as a sauce for your protein. Don't forget to sprinkle the sumac on your dish! I would definitely come here again.

    5 piece falafel with hummus to-go
    Yolanda H.

    I went for dinner back to back evenings for the chicken kabob dinner. The chicken was juicy and flavorful. I chose the half rice and half Greeks salad. I ordered the falafels one evening. They're as hard and dry. However the plus was that they came with hummus.

    Menu
    Nihaahs E.

    An Unforgettable Culinary Experience at Lemon Zest Kebab and Shawarma! If you're looking for a dining experience that tantalizes your taste buds and warms your heart, Lemon Zest Kebab and Shawarma is the place to go! From the moment you step inside, you're greeted with a welcoming smile and the tantalizing aroma of freshly grilled kebabs. This isn't just a restaurant--it's a journey into the heart of flavor and hospitality! The Food: The menu is a feast for the senses! I started with their signature kebabs, which were perfectly charred on the outside and juicy on the inside. The lemon zest seasoning added a burst of citrusy freshness that elevated every bite. Their shawarma is nothing short of spectacular--each wrap is generously stuffed with tender, marinated meat and fresh veggies, all wrapped in pillowy-soft pita. The sauces? Oh, the sauces! The garlic sauce is creamy and rich, while the tahini has just the right nutty balance. Don't even get me started on the sides! The hummus is silky smooth, the tabbouleh is vibrant and zesty, and the fries are crispy perfection. For dessert, the baklava was the perfect ending--sweet, flaky, and drizzled with just the right amount of honey. The Atmosphere: The ambiance is cozy yet modern, with warm lighting and tasteful decor that reflects the vibrant Middle Eastern culture. Whether you're dining with family, on a date, or grabbing a quick bite solo, the space feels inviting and comfortable. The Owner: What truly sets Lemon Zest apart is the owner. They radiate genuine warmth and hospitality, going above and beyond to ensure every guest feels like family. Their passion for food and community shines through in every detail, from the carefully curated menu to the personal touches that make the dining experience so special. Why You Should Visit: Delicious, fresh, and flavorful food Excellent customer service that makes you feel at home A cozy atmosphere that's perfect for any occasion Lemon Zest Kebab and Shawarma is a hidden gem that deserves all the recognition it can get. If you haven't been, you're seriously missing out on a slice of culinary heaven. I'll definitely be back (probably sooner than I should)! Bravo to the team for creating such an exceptional dining experience!

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    Page 1 of 5

    Ask the Community - Lemon Zest

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    The restaurant offers takeout only but you can get delivery through third party apps like door dash

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    Bacari Sherman Oaks

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    Absolutely a fan of my local Bacari…read more This super cool and inviting eatery is located on Ventura Blvd and Hazeltine across from Ralph's and a beat away from the central Whole Foods in Sherman Oaks. Extensive menu with so much variety including lots of delicious finds for all. Team green falafel all the way!! Their vegan pizza pie with caramelized onion, mixed green, roasted garlic and so many yummy flavors is a win as well! The tofu scramble and salatim make brunch the best. And let's not forget about that vegan double chocolate cake :) Enjoy the full dine in experience as well as delivery or pickup - Bacari does it all yall. Incredible cocktails as well as mocktails, inclusive wine, beer and non-alcohol beverages which include classic like juice, cold brew, other coffee like favs and teas. Super gluten free friendly, vegetarian friendly and vegan friendly across the board. Indoor cozy seating as well as intimate stylish patio seating that's beyond dreamy when the weather is nice. It's casual, trendy, and enchanting all at once. Service is typically pretty great. ADA entrance, restrooms and paths. Parking is valet or local street and lot, typically meter or flat rate. During the week they're only open for dinner at 4:30PM until 10:30 PM which makes a weekday lunch craving unfortunate. Friday through Sunday is a different story as the AM to PM is abundant, with a small gap between 230PM til 4PM where they close on Saturday and Sunday only for the change over. Large parties should absolutely make reservation in advanced as this is a very popular and frequently busy location. Bottomless mimosas are available (for a 90 minute time window during you meal)!!

    We had such a wonderful experience here! The food was delicious, and everything we ordered was…read morereally well prepared and flavorful. The coffee was also excellent and definitely worth mentioning. The atmosphere was beautiful, cozy, and welcoming, and the servers were absolutely wonderful--friendly, attentive, and very professional. We really enjoyed the overall experience. We sat outside, and the only small downside was that it was a little warm, but that's obviously not really the restaurant's fault. Other than that, everything was great! Overall, a lovely place with delicious food, great coffee, a beautiful atmosphere, and excellent service. We really enjoyed our time here and would happily come back again!

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    Carnival Restaurant - Chicken Kebab Ala Carte

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    We had Carnival cater a dinner for the first time. DELICIOUS!!! Our guests raved over the food…read more The variety was spectacular. The food was hot when it was delivered so I was immediately able to put it on the table when our guests arrived. Everyone from the individual who took the order to the delivery driver were very polite and professional. I would not hesitate to have them cater another dinner. I regret not taking pics to post.

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    Very good portions and the taste is very good as well. Love…read morethis restaurant.. Very fresh and delicious. Don't sleep on their pasta dishes. They're great too. I got the salmon with rice and it was excellent! Valerie was fantastic with an amazing customer service.

    I'd like to share my experience at Panini Kabob Grill in Sherman Oaks…read more First, cleanliness definitely needs more attention. The dining area and tables did not feel as clean or well-maintained as they should. I understand this is a casual restaurant, not fine dining, but basic cleanliness should always be a priority. The biggest issue, however, is staffing and organization during busy hours. The servers are polite, friendly, and clearly trying their best, so I don't believe the employees themselves are the problem. The restaurant simply does not seem adequately staffed for the number of customers it can accommodate. Today, the restaurant wasn't even completely full, yet I waited about 10 minutes after being seated without anyone taking my order. Once you order, food can also take 30-40 minutes to arrive, even for something as simple as a sandwich. This is especially inconvenient for families with children or people working in the mall who may only have a limited lunch break. For a casual Mediterranean restaurant, many customers naturally expect a relatively quick meal, but during busy hours that is simply not the case here. Again, the staff is friendly and seems to be doing their best. The main problem appears to be insufficient staffing and organization, especially on weekends. With better staffing and more attention to cleanliness, the overall experience could be significantly improved.

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    I've been coming here since the early 2000s, and it's still hands down one of my all-time favorite…read morespots on Ventura Blvd. Some places come and go but Pita Kitchen has stayed consistent, and that says everything. I've brought plenty of friends over the years, and every single one of them has said the same thing after their first visit: this place is legit. Anytime I try Mediterranean food in a similar price range, I find myself comparing it back to Pita Kitchen and honestly, it's hard to beat. My go to is the steak plate with Greek salad perfectly grilled, flavorful, and always fresh. You can really taste the quality in every bite. Pro tip: eat it there, right when it comes out. That's when it truly hits different. In a time where a lot of restaurants lose their edge or disappear altogether, I'm genuinely glad Pita Kitchen is still here and still delivering. A true staple. - Ian Lantz

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    Olive & Grill - Enjoy the atmosphere

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    what an amazing Mediterranean restaurant that is located in studio city! i did not know about this…read moreplace until my friend mentioned about it. what won me over about this place is the fattoush salad. it is a salad inside a pita and you break the pita from the top. booking reservations for 2 was really easy. my friend booked our reservation online and was able to pick the time we wanted to come. Upon arrival, they do have valet & parking structure that is for the general public. the valet guy was nice but we ended up parking at the general parking. i love hearing the music play when walking in the restaurant. check in process was really easy & we were sat at our table immediately. the table set up was really nice. i really like that they give you a fan as a free gift. it does get hot in there. the gentleman standing at the podium was very nice and welcoming. i LOVE live dancers / performers. once we were seated, the beautiful belly dance walked over to us and she was so amazing!!! also want to give a shoutout to the gentleman playing the guitar. really lovely music he was playing. our waiter, his name is ruben and he was absolutely amazing. such nice & lovely gentleman. for our first time he really made our time memorable. he was very attentive & reassured us to make sure we were enjoying everything. we first ordered our drinks. i got the yerevan, which was really smooth. my friend got the tequila summer, it was good & refreshing. as appetizers, we got the Soujoukh with Hummus with pita breads on the side. the soujoukh was absolutely delicious and you can't really go wrong with hummus. then we got the popular fattoush salad. my goodness, that salad left us speechless..in a good way. it was refreshingly delicious. i love when a salad has bell peppers, it's soo good! the pita itself with the olive oil drizzled on top was amazing. it had this yummy crunch which i looved. then for entree, i got the chicken combo plate and my friend got the shrimp plate. both plates were 10/10. the rice was so good, loved the seasoning on top. the Lula chicken and the 5 piece chicken on the skewers were soo good! i love how the lula chicken just slides off the skewers!! it was so yum!! i most definitely recommend! my friend enjoyed his plate as well, especially the shrimp. said, shrimp was cooked perfectly. the food was absolutely amazingly delicious that we were too full to get dessert. most definitely will try their dessert next time. i hope the next time we come ruben is our waiter again!

    First visit and I'm annoyed it took me this long. The outdoor space is beautiful, service was…read moreexcellent top to bottom, and the manager checked in without hovering. Fattoush was crisp and properly dressed. Chicken breast kebob cooked perfectly, which is not a given with breast meat. Portions were bigger than expected and the value is real. The Napoleon deserves its own paragraph. I had low expectations for a dessert pastry here and it was award-winning good. Get it. Hidden gem. We'll be back.

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    Olive & Grill - Welcome!

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    Lemon Zest - mediterranean - Updated October 2026

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