My journey with Momed began back in 2010 when their first location opened in Beverly Hills. The concept was innovative--a harmonious blend of deli, restaurant, and espresso bar--offering a refined take on Mediterranean classics like lamb burgers and tajines. It quickly became a favorite spot where I often enjoyed their shakshuka, a delightful dish of poached eggs nestled in a spicy tomato and pepper sauce, served with crusty bread.
In 2014, Momed elevated its vision by opening a larger, more sophisticated restaurant in Atwater Village. Though it retained the same name, this new location introduced an elegant ambiance and an expansive menu. Over the years, I've dined here about once a year, usually for brunch, where I always returned to my beloved shakshuka. The Atwater Village setting has an industrial charm, with trains passing by every few minutes. Rather than detracting, this adds to the restaurant's character. The ambiance is enchanting, especially at night on their outdoor patio adorned with vibrant roses, lush greenery, and twinkling string lights. The modest yet stunning bar enhances the atmosphere, making it a perfect spot for romantic dates or special celebrations. The service has always been exceptional, elevating every visit.
Tonight, I had the pleasure of celebrating my bestie's birthday at Momed. The ambiance remained as divine as ever, with the patio's soft lights and serene setting creating a magical backdrop for our evening. Our server, Rebecca, was warm, attentive, and ensured everything went smoothly, exemplifying the kind of service that keeps me coming back.
For dinner, we ventured into the dinner menu, trying five shareable small plates, one entrée, and sparkling water. While the ambiance and service were outstanding, the food left us underwhelmed in some areas:
Muhammara: The portion was the size of a quarter-pounder burger patty, and the texture was unexpectedly chunky, lacking the signature creaminess I had anticipated. The accompanying warm, whole-wheat pita was a delightful touch, though.
Broccolini: A generous portion but overly charred and undercooked, resulting in a chewy texture.
English Peas: Seasoned well on the pod, but the actual peas amounted to just a shot glass worth once shelled.
Wild Mushroom Manti: Was tasty, but at $38, the portion was disappointingly small--just 3 inches in diameter.
Momo Chips: Thick slices of fried potatoes that lacked crispness or thyme flavor.
Squash Blossoms: Flavorful and well-portioned, the standout dish of the meal.
The portion sizes throughout the meal were reminiscent of a boutique French restaurant, where delicate presentations often come at the expense of satisfying portions. At $167 for this meatless, alcohol-free dinner, the pricing felt steep. While the dishes showed promise, the execution didn't fully meet expectations. However, the captivating ambiance and Rebecca's impeccable service made the evening special.
Ratings:
Area: C
Ambiance/Decor: A
Unique Dishes: A-
Variety: B
Service: A
Food Flavor: C+
Food Served at Correct Temperatures: A
Portion Size: D
Value: D
Despite these disappointments, Momed's divine ambiance and impeccable service made tonight's celebration memorable. Those qualities alone earn them an extra star in my book. My final verdict: 4 stars. read more