Soulmate is scene-y Spanish restaurant in West Hollywood with good tapas and an even better patio.

Saso is a Spanish restaurant in Pasadena with a beautiful courtyard and decent food.

Falafel Chee is a tiny Iraqi-style falafel stand that operates out of West LA International Market in Culver City.

A mostly Italian spot in the West Hollywood-iest part of West Hollywood, Olivetta serves enough good pastas that you’ll be happy about your meal here.

Sahara Falafel in Anaheim serves excellent on-the-go shawarma and falafel wraps.

Bar Avalon is an all-day wine bar/restaurant in Echo Park that’s one of the best-kept secrets in town.

Kismet Rotisserie is a new chicken-forward joint in Los Feliz from the people behind Kismet.

Furn Saj Bakery is a Lebanese bakery in Granada Hills with some of the best shawarma you’ll find anywhere in Los Angeles.

Bianca Bakery is an upscale addition to the Platform in Culver City that serves pastries, pastas, and more.

Mizlala West Adams is a more casual, order-at-the-counter version of the Sherman Oaks location, but with the same excellent Israeli food.

Margot is a rooftop Mediterranean restaurant in Culver City with beautiful views, great cocktails, and OK food.

Bella Pita is the perfect Mediterranean place in Westwood for a late-night bite that’s not fast food.

Villa Blanca is the original Lisa Vanderpump restaurant, and that’s about the only interesting thing about it.

Elf Cafe is a good place for a vegetarian Mediterranean dinner in Echo Park - as long as you order the right things.

Mizlala is a casual Mediterranean spot in Sherman Oaks that works for just about any occasion.

Carnival is a solid Lebanese restaurant in Sherman Oaks where the people-watching is the main event.