Bavel · Restaurant · Los Angeles
Middle Eastern cooking from Ori Menashe and Genevieve Gergis in an Arts District brick warehouse.
Bavel occupies a worn brick warehouse on Mateo Street in the Arts District, the second restaurant from chefs Ori Menashe and Genevieve Gergis, who opened it in 2018, six years after Bestia. The cooking draws on their family roots in Israel, Morocco, Turkey and Egypt.
The design, by Studio Unltd, set out to avoid the dark, heavily patterned look often expected of Middle Eastern restaurants. Sawtooth skylights and clerestory windows fill the room with soft northern light, and a long raceway of planters hangs below the skylights so greenery spills into the high ceiling. After dark the lit plants throw shadows on the whitewashed brick that recall Moroccan latticework.
The menu is meant to be shared by the whole table: flatbreads and spreads, cured Middle Eastern meats, small plates built around vegetables, then large-format meat and fish. Start with the hummus masabacha or the hummus with duck 'nduja, then the malawach, a crispy layered bread with grated tomato, dill creme fraiche, a soft egg and strawberry zhoug. The slow-roasted lamb neck shawarma with tahini and laffa anchors the table, and Gergis closes with desserts like chocolate lavender donuts.
Cocktails run from a mezcal spicy margarita to a lamb fat bourbon old fashioned, and the wine list changes daily, focused on Mediterranean producers and kindred California bottles. Dinner runs nightly from 5 to 11pm.
Address: 500 Mateo St #102, Los Angeles, CA 90013, Los Angeles
Bavel takes reservations through OpenTable. This MyRSVP guide covers the room, what it is known for and when to go in Los Angeles; use the booking link on this page to reserve direct.
Hours of operation
- Monday: 17:00 - 23:00
- Tuesday: 17:00 - 23:00
- Wednesday: 17:00 - 23:00
- Thursday: 17:00 - 23:00
- Friday: 17:00 - 23:00
- Saturday: 17:00 - 23:00
- Sunday: 17:00 - 23:00
Frequently asked about Bavel
How do I get a reservation at Bavel in Los Angeles?
Tables at Bavel are booked directly with the restaurant. If it is part of a bigger Los Angeles plan, our Los Angeles partner handles the nightlife around your dinner and can point you to the venue's own reservations channel.
What should I order at Bavel?
Bavel is best known for its signature dishes and shareable plates. Tell MyRSVP your party size and any dietary needs and we note them with your request.
What is the dress code at Bavel?
Bavel keeps an upscale dining dress code: smart, dressed-up attire, no athletic wear or beachwear. MyRSVP confirms any current door specifics with your booking.
Where is Bavel located?
Bavel is in Los Angeles, at 500 Mateo St #102, Los Angeles, CA 90013. MyRSVP can build it into a full Los Angeles itinerary alongside the surrounding nightlife.
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