AlMaza states on the front of their menu that they serve “fine Mediterranean cuisine,” though that’s a broad brush stroke. Dig a little deeper and it becomes clear that this restaurant and hookah lounge serves Lebanese food. Lebanon, in the Middle East, is on the eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea, and to some it epitomizes that style of food.
“AlMaza Restaurant and Hookah Lounge welcomes you to come and enjoy Mediterranean flavors,” they say on their website. “We have been using fresh ingredients and serving high quality cuisine since 2008. We use only the highest quality meats and all of our vegetables are crisp and fresh. Come for our amazing food but stay for the live music and sporting events. Relax and unwind in our Hookah Lounge.”
Full disclosure – this writer has never tried hookah. Maybe one day, but it’s been a long time since I quit smoking and exotic pipes just aren’t appealing regardless of flavor. But the food is another matter entirely.
Sat right on the border of Culver and L.A., on West Venice Boulevard (next to a Mexican restaurant and a Goodwill store, and across from the Metro station), the restaurant isn’t in the most exotic location but the decor inside and out makes up for it. Hookah pipes and plants decorate the walls, and it all feels very authentic.
We started with a classic appetizer – the Stuffed Grape Leaves. The soft, marinaded leaves are stuffed with rice, parsley, tomato, onion, spices and lemon juice, and they’re served with a side of tzatziki (yogurt and cucumber) sauce.
Each bite of the grape leaves is a treat – the tart lemon balances beautifully with the heavy rice, and the tomato and onion adds much-needed crunch. The spices tie it all together and, when dipped in the sauce, it all explodes in your mouth.
We were feeling like being healthy, so we chose the Chicken Salad for our main course. Chunks of seasoned chicken breast are served with cabbage, corn, lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, onion and dressing.
The salad veg is all fresh and delicious, but obviously the star is the chicken – plump and juicy, and seasoned to perfection. It’s not dried out too much, which can be a common problem when grilling breast.
Meanwhile, the dressing is light and oily, and served to enhance the flavors of the salad rather than overpower them.
All in all, AlMaza has turned their corner located into a little bit of Lebanon.AlMaza is located at 8905 W. Venice Blvd., Ste. 112, Los Angeles 90034. Call 310-280-9006 or visit amlazala.com.
