Food was delicious, and serving was generous. Love the eggplant appetizer! My favorite so far! Service was good, attentive and friendly staff. Ambience was chill. Would go back here :) Hopefully next time the buttercake is available. I really wanted to try it. read more

Vala Kitchen - Persian/Iranian Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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Had reservations for Valentine's Day at 6:30 pm. We got to the restaurant about 5 mins early and saw a crowd of people at the entrance. Walked up and noticed what I assume was the manager and the hostess apologizing to people about the wait times. I spoke with another couple waiting in line and asked if they had a reservation and they did...6:30 as well. We had an 8pm show to catch at the Pantages so I didn't wait around in the chaos. From what I read from another Yelper on the same night, it took them 45 mins to be seated. We would have been late to the show if we waited around. On the bright side, we walked a few doors down to a Korean restaurant called Chick and Burger. The ambiance was amazing and the food was delicious! read more

Perfect dinner with friends! We walked in with no reservation and were immediately seated by the host. We all were starving and placed our order right away! Cucumber yogurt Juicy chicken kebob - lived up to its name! It really was juicy Chicken thigh kebob - fav one for me! Chicken was tender and felt so healthy and light. Lamb shank - lamb was cooked to perfection and the curry on the side enhanced the flavor, this one is a must have! Gourmet sabzi stew - Mr ordered it, i did not try but everyone seemed to enjoy this one as well. We ended with chef recommended vanilly pudding! The portion size was quite generous and was truly value for money. Highly recommend this place . We see ourselves going there often in future :) read more

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I've often seen fellow SoCal Yelp friends' posts about mouthwatering Persian cuisine, but living in Honolulu, we have only seen one Persian restaurant/bar open in the past decade. However, since we visit Los Angeles routinely, I've bookmarked many Persian restaurants in the West LA neighborhood and consulted Yelp's Top 10 Best Persian Restaurants List dated November 2025 to try. This time, I convinced my relatives to adopt a healthier Mediterranean diet, since our recent discussions have focused on aging gracefully or managing health conditions. Last night's rainy weather cleared temporarily, so we took the opportunity to drive out to one of our favorite Thai noodle soup restaurants when my Yelp bookmark for Vala Kitchen popped up. I only needed to mention the availability of "lamb shanks and chops" on Vala Kitchen's menu to my brother-in-law when he asked for navigation. All I needed to say was "Gower Gulch," and he immediately said he knew the location. We were about 20 minutes from the restaurant when I managed to book a reservation on the OpenTable dining reservation app. We found a parking stall almost directly in front of Vala Kitchen, even though the parking lot at the Gower Gulch strip mall was quite full. A tall host graciously checked us in, seated us with menus, while another male worker came to take our water service request and beer order. When the server returned, he asked if we had any questions about any of the menu items, but we were hangry and ready to place our orders. FOOD: -Appetizer Feast Platter: We selected this platter because it highlighted Mediterranean and Iranian appetizers. There were four dolmas, three falafels, a small dish of tahini for dipping the falafels, a bowl of hummus, and a bowl of Shirazi salad. I wasn't sure whether my husband or my brother-in-law would like the falafel, since neither had said they had tried it before. My husband surprised me by saying he enjoyed the texture and flavor as he ate two of the three falafel, leaving me with one. My brother-in-law ate most of the dolma, but compared them with the Greek dolmathes we had earlier in the week. We all enjoyed the refreshing, bright, and zesty Shirazi (Persian) salad of chopped cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, and mint, tossed in olive oil and lime juice and seasoned with salt and pepper. $18 -Koobideh 2 Skewers (Beef, Chicken): I described the kabob differences of Koobideh, Soltani, Barg, and Shish to my husband and brother-in-law, from what I remembered from fellow Yelp Friends' reviews. The Koobideh (seasoned ground meat and grilled) appealed to my husband. Between the two kabobs, one chicken and one beef, my husband preferred the lighter chicken as he liked the chicken's flavor, amount of seasoning, and texture. He enjoyed the fluffy basmati rice and ate it all. $23 -Adas Polo Plate (choice of Koobideh): I was attracted to the Adas Polo plate and chose the chicken Koobideh to complement the rice flavorings. Adas Polo (Polow) is a mixture of basmati rice, lentils, raisins, and caramelized onions, with warm spices like cinnamon or saffron, which appeals to my taste for sweet-and-savory flavors. To me, the natural choice of meat to eat with the sweet-savory flavors would be the chicken Koobideh. I think I was right since I tried a piece of the beef Koobideh with the Adas Polo and didn't enjoy it as much as with the chicken Koobideh. $22 -Saffron Ice Cream: We shared the creamy disc of saffron bastani, which tasted citrusy-honeyed-earthy-floral, with a subtle bitterness, and smelled fragrant. Its creaminess was offset by crunchy, nutty pistachio bits and topped with cherry sauce. The ice cream closed out our Middle Eastern meal in luxurious style. $8 We're looking forward to returning to Vala Kitchen on future visits whenever we're in this area of Los Angeles. read more

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We walked in without a reservation as a group of four on a Saturday evening around 8:30, we were warmly greeted and sat immediately. The Persian eggplant was creamy and flavorful. A great small bite to start off the meal, I would gladly order this again. The family platter was larger than expected! Generous portions of steak, chicken, beef koobideh, and chicken koobideh served along side with plenty of charred tomatoes, onions, bell pepper, and peppers. The meats were juicy and incredibly savory, the best Persian food I have ever tried. Basmati rice was light and fluffy. The side of hummus we ordered was delicious as well, I wish there was more of it though. We finished the meal with ice cream, I have never tried saffron ice cream before and was pleasantly surprised. It had a mild sweetness with a floral taste. Vala Kitchen is serving up quality Persian food at a reasonable price. I would definitely recommend stopping and trying out their platters. read more

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This place is awesome. I tried their Vala Chicken & Chicken Koobideh. It was more than good. Highly Recommended read more

Vala Kitchen - Vala Chicken & Chicken Koobideh - Persian/Iranian Near Me - Los Angeles, California

The service here was amazing. The staff were very friendly and the food came out super fast - was ideal bc we were starving after our flight but wanted something fresh. The eggplant is like nothing we've tried before. It was a 100/10. Everything was delicious but the eggplant and kabob were our favorites. Definitely give it a try. read more

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Very kind staff from the moment my boyfriend and I walked in. Sam the owner, and his wife were both present. My Tahdig dish and the eggplant was delectable. I had a yellow rice I've never had before, with green beans and caramelized onions, very flavorful and hit my palate perfectly. My favorite dish was the fried potato samosas. Boyfriend had beef and chicken kabob and we ate so much but still got to walk out with leftovers which I enjoy. Perfect restaurant for a date, beautiful clean atmosphere. read more

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Been here a month or so ago and had to return with my wife. We started with the Dolmas (grape leaves). They were excellent. Next came the Fried Potato pastry wrap. It too was very good. Our main dishes came out. I had the Barg and Beef Koobedeh. My wife had the dark meat Chicken Kabob and the Chicken Koobedeh. The meats were flavorful and moist. We had enough for a take home meal. We also got the barberry rice. This is a must have. The restaurant hosts were very nice and checked in with us a number of times. All in all this is a great Persian restaurant. read more

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This was my second time at Vala Kitchen. The first time I was here with my family we order a family platter meal for 9 people. It was so much food we still took some home. This time I ordered an individual entree. The food was delicious again! This time I had the Chicken Soltani plate. Both types of chicken were incredibly juicy and flavorful. Soo good although I miss the family meal because got it try 4 types of meats. The restaurant is on a little strip mall but the interior is beautiful. It's got dim lighting and beautiful chairs. A great place for a date. I definitely will return in the future. read more

First time here for lunch. A very pleasant dining room with comfortable fabric upholstered chairs. Their menu offers the greatest hits from the Mediterranean and features Persian Kabobs. I got the Chicken Koobideh Kebob Sandwich and it was delicious. The bread had a little crunch in the crust and the ground chicken was tender and juicy. The special sauce came on the side and featured a nice kick of creamy garlic. Service was attentive and earnest. Loved that their check system allows for online payment and splitting of the bill among members of your party. read more

Vala Kitchen - Beef Koobideh Sandwich with side of fries. - Persian/Iranian Near Me - Los Angeles, California

THE BEST!!!!!! We have tried Persian food everywhere, literally all over and this place is hands down the best we have ever had! The chicken thigh melts in your mouth! Yes that's how soft it is! The koobideh?? Delicious!! I can't believe we didn't come here soon because this is what kabobs are made of! Run today! We can't wait to return back!!! read more

Vala Kitchen - Persian/Iranian Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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Is this even chicken??? We ordered the juicy rolled chicken kebab, and I honestly couldn't believe it was chicken. If I'm being real, this is the best chicken I've had in my entire life. It was so juicy, savory, and delicious--you can't even put it into words. You just have to try it for yourself. It melted in my mouth, and the moment I took a bite, I got hit with such an amazing flavor that I couldn't help but smile. The tea was also lovely, served in beautiful cups. The server was super welcoming and friendly, and the place had a really cozy vibe A true gem that deserves Michelin! read more

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First time at this restaurant 10/10 from the food to the service! Everyone is so welcoming the food is amazing! Very clean and neat. Fast service from the beginning to the end. We'll definitely be coming again!! read more

Vala Kitchen - Persian/Iranian Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Friendly costumer service and delicious food. I would recommend chicken kabob since it was juicy. read more

Vala Kitchen - Persian/Iranian Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Upon arrival we were greeted as friends and shown our way to a private table where we felt treated as the most important guests. The ambiance was romantic, yet welcoming, a refreshing atmosphere for wonderful dining for a date, friends, or a whole family. We started with drinks of fresh mint leaf infused tea and fresh squeezed lemonade and both beverages sated our thirst while whetting our appetites. Our host was kind, not condescending and answered our questions about menu items helping us decide which way our evening meal would take us. We started with the appetizer platter which had the best hummus and stuffed grape leaves we've ever tasted. Fresh vegetables abound with delicious sauces beyond proper description but quite exquisite to say the least. Following appetizers we had a salad that was big enough for 3 or more people to share with the most delicate dressing. After that we tasted the crispy rice with multiple toppings. You could never hope to make such delicious food at home. For our entree we ordered the dinner platter of chicken koobideh, beef koobideh, and chicken kebab. This could've been called an extra value menu as it was enough food for 5-8 people to share. The kebab was the best we've ever tried and the koobideh brought our mouths to countries we could only hope to visit. After dinner, we pondered leaving but saw the desserts and had to have the faloodeh which was unlike anything you've ever tasted, like ice cream met it's gentler, more delicious cousin. We also ordered the pistachio saffron ice cream, I would like to use words to describe it, but I cannot, all I will say is the unique perfection of flavors brought tears to my fiancé's eyes. A perfect experience, perfect meal, and we left with more friends than when we walked in. read more

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5/5! The food, service, cleanliness, menu options, everything! The Ghorme Sabzee here is hands down one of the best I've had, and I have it A LOT (other places). I am pretty sure there is no other staff as friendly as they are here. SO welcoming and kind. We also tried a combo koobideh plate with chicken, beef, and a side of salad. YUM. I loved the chicken. Tasty & juicy with a little bit of a kick. The beef was not as juicy, but the flavor was good. The portions are not very big, but still okay to share if you're getting a few things. Vala is a MUST try if you're in the area. They're located in a small shopping center with a parking lot available - huge plus for this area. read more

Vala Kitchen - Persian/Iranian Near Me - Los Angeles, California

I had never tried Persian food before so I was very excited to come here! Parking was a little tough for us since we came during peak dinner hours, but there's a big shared parking lot outside. Once we stepped in, we were welcomed by the owner, who was the friendliest man ever! I've literally never felt more welcome in my life. I asked for a drink menu, and they'll have it soon! They have some wine and beers you can ask for, but an official drink menu is in the works as they've recently acquired their liquor license. Woohoo! We got the combo koobideh and the filet mignon shish kabob. Both were so good and flavorful! Even the rice tasted like it was flavored with something, and it was so delicious. The atmosphere inside was quite dimly lit and romantic. Beautiful space and decorations as well. We'd love to come back another day! read more

Vala Kitchen - Koobideh Combination - Persian/Iranian Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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Absolutely incredible experience at Vala Kitchen. The chicken skewer was perfectly cooked--tender, juicy, and packed with flavor in every bite. Their cherry rice was honestly one of the best rice dishes I've had; unique, flavorful, and the perfect complement to the meal. Beyond the food, the hospitality here was top tier--everyone on staff was warm, attentive, and made us feel genuinely welcomed. You can tell they care deeply about both the quality of their food and the customer experience. Easily one of the best dining experiences I've had in Hollywood. Highly recommend if you're looking for authentic, high-quality Persian/Mediterranean food. read more

To own and run a successful restaurant, attention to detail is key, and this spot excels in every way. The manager, Sam, greeted me warmly and seated me promptly, setting the tone for a delightful experience. The menu is elegant and simple, proving that sometimes the simplest things are the best. I ordered the homemade hummus, a vibrant green salad, and the Chicken Koobideh Kabob. The kabob, served with rice and perfectly grilled tomatoes, was tender, flavorful, and cooked to perfection. The restaurant is spotless, even the bathrooms, which were immaculate and tastefully designed. The staff's friendliness and genuine smiles added to the welcoming atmosphere. This is a fantastic place for lunch or dinner, whether you're dining solo or bringing the whole family. A smile costs nothing, and here, it's a part of the experience. Thanks for reading read more

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Wow! What an amazing find! I was looking for a healthy spot nearby that delivers and glad with what I found! My boyfriend and I (both Persian) ordered from Vala kitchen and it was mouthwatering. We got the koobedieh and chicken kabob lunch special with salads. The salad is generously sized and it comes with the most tasty lemony vinaigrette. The chicken was juicy and cooked to perfection. While the koobedieh was extremely tasty and huge! On top of the amazing food, the delivery driver was so nice and happy to deliver our food. Hopefully can try this place in person one day! 10/10 recommend. read more

Vala Kitchen - Persian/Iranian Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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Food was fabulous, my husband had a falafel sandwich and I had a chicken kabob Plate. Everything was flavorful and on point. The staff were very friendly and helpful. I'm gonna put it on my rotation. Check it out!! read more

Vala Kitchen - Chicken Koobideh - Persian/Iranian Near Me - Los Angeles, California

The food here was fantastic. We went for lunch for my friend's birthday. Got a little bit of everything. The appetizers were great. The eggplant appetizer was fantastic. We got the kebabs and everything that went with them. We also had the baklava and the rose dessert which was very interesting and I was happy that I tried something new. We will definitely be back and I recommend this restaurant if you have a taste for Persian and want really good quality food. read more

Vala Kitchen - Persian/Iranian Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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i really appreciate that they have vegan ghormeh sabzi and tahdig, so i don't have to go to westwood for it. it's so flavorful. the dolma was really good too. service was welcoming and friendly. the space is humble but clean. i never thought a persian place would be at gower gulch, but this is what i love about la. i'll be back for the ghormeh sabzi! read more

Vala Kitchen - loved the vegan ghormeh sabzi stew on tahdig (crispy rice) - Persian/Iranian Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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Vala Kitchen in Hollywood truly blew me away! The standout for me was the Kabob Torsh (sour filet kabob)--perfectly tender, beautifully marinated, and packed with that rich, tangy flavor that's so hard to find done right. Every bite was memorable. And the homemade doogh? Absolutely amazing. Refreshing, perfectly balanced, and the ideal pairing for the meal. You can taste the care that goes into making it. Between the incredible food, the warm atmosphere, and the genuinely friendly staff, Vala Kitchen has quickly become one of my favorite spots in Hollywood. Highly recommended! read more

Great food, amazing friendly staff & pet friendly outdoor patio !! Will def revisit and recommend :) read more

Vala Kitchen - Koobideh Combination Kebabs Filet Shish Kebab (Filet Mignon) - Persian/Iranian Near Me - Los Angeles, California

I've had Vala saved for awhile and finally placed an order for pickup yesterday. When I walked in the aroma reminded me of my grandmother's cooking, in that moment I knew the food would taste like home. Great portions! It was so delicious, my favorite was the gheymeh and tahdig, so crispy! Merci, Vala Kitchen, can't wait for my next takeout order. read more

Vala Kitchen - Koobideh Combination GHEYMEH STEW - Persian/Iranian Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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Wow wow wow Want to take about family vibe style Iranian restaurant where food is made out of love and magic? Babaaaa this is the spot! Classy cosy little spot in Hollywood that brings in the vibe and energy before you even order! Sam , Moe and the girls really make you feel special and part of the family I was embarrassed too because I was licking my plate when I was done and a couple sitting next to me stared me down hahhaha but worth it!!!!! read more

Vala Kitchen - Beef Koobideh - Persian/Iranian Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Beautiful restaurant with unforgettable Persian-family secret's recipes. Master meat preparation and spices. Calm relaxing music and give you the feeling if exploring powerful ancient Persia. Michelin star experience for reasonable price . Absolutely Must Go !! N&K read more

Vala Kitchen - Lamb shank / red wine - Persian/Iranian Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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Wow! This place is great. I had the vala chicken kebab and it was out of this world, delicious! The people that work there are very nice and the ambiance inside is welcoming. I highly recommend eating here. read more

One if the most incredible experiences ive had in a Persian restaurant. The owners were very friendly and kind. They took their time to go over the specials on the menu which was great. Both my cousin and I were thrilled that we have found this new Mediterranean place! Everything was very delicious and couldn't ask for a better service. Do i recommend this place? Absolutely!! If you ever get to visit this place dont forget to try their home made Tiramisu. It is out of this world! read more

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I really adore this place! The owners are incredibly warm and lovely individuals. The atmosphere gives off the feeling of being welcomed into a dear friend's home, and the food is absolutely fantastic. I've visited twice already and I can't wait to return the next time I'm in LA. Sincerely Imani read more

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Great service, great food, great location (finding free parking in Hollywood can be challenging)! A very cute little restaurant in a strip mall but honestly - worth it. read more

Had reservations here last night on valentines at 7pm. Got there and it was chaos, people over flowing and bunch of people in the lot. There was a protest today so that's why a bunch of people were there. While I understand it was overwhelming they did not seem to care about the reservations and were disorganized. I waited 45 minutes to see everyone else get seated before me. Ended up never getting seated. What a terrible way to end valentines. Everyone was so overwhelmed they were being snappy. Maybe next time don't seat all your reservations. Won't be coming back to try it. read more

We came here because the reviews were so strong, so we were genuinely excited to try it. Unfortunately, we left very confused by all the high ratings. The meal got off to a rough start with four tiny pieces of cold, bland pita served with butter. It just felt underwhelming right away. The falafel was okay flavor wise, but it was overcooked and gritty the kind that scratches the roof of your mouth. The chicken had good flavor and was probably the best part of the meal, but the plate felt incomplete. It was just chicken and rice, no hummus, no extra pita nothing to really round it out. The filet mignon kabob was the biggest letdown. Like other reviews mentioned, it was oddly wet, barely seasoned, and didn't have that grilled, slightly charred quality you'd expect. Service was also inconsistent. We were greeted by an overly friendly gentleman at first but after that it felt like we were forgotten. We weren't really checked on, and it took a long time to get our check. We've seen other reviews mention favoritism toward certain tables, and we definitely felt that during our visit. Overall, we just don't understand the hype. For the price and the ratings, we expected way better. I've honestly had better, more consistent meals at Panini Kabob Grill, which says a lot considering that's a chain. We really wanted to love this place, but we wouldn't return or recommend it. read more

Excellent food. Very courteous and friendly service. Cute little bistro restaurant. Highly recommend it. read more

This is a great place to satisfy our Craving for Persian food! The food was very enjoyable. Had the best Persian desert. The service was awesome! Our server, Luis tried so hard to make sure we are happy with everything. We can't wait to return and try everything on the menu. read more

Every bite of chicken was juicy even the last!! I got the marinated chicken thigh lunch. It came with rice or salad. I opted for the Greek Salad. ($20) Complimentary pita and butter served at the table. Extremely nice people who do the service. Plenty of parking and seating at 11:30 am on a Wednesday. Pretty new establishment quaint, clean and bright. I was considering CAVA but happy to check this spot out. It is pricer though. read more

Warm and hospitable service, and possibly the most unbelievably juicy and flavorful chicken thigh kebab in LA.

I've had a lot of Persian food, homemade and at restaurant's and this place is the best of both worlds! The meat was so tender and juicy which is rare for restaurants because they are cooking large volumes and at fast rate. The service was exceptional, owners were friendly and constantly checking on guest and watching them greet the regulars was lovely to witness. The space is not huge but super clean and sleek, tone down Mediterranean vibes. I'll definitely be back! read more

Vala Kitchen - Family style: soltani and chicken - Persian/Iranian Near Me - Los Angeles, California