Considering it’s cursed location as the neighbor to the obtrusive Scientology building on a usually drive-through strip of Fountain, Saffy’s has been thriving since day one. The sunny Middle Eastern restaurant took over a pretty space that had been abandoned for a while, after some short-lived openings, the latest venture from the beloved team behind Bestia and Bavel. An instant star, Saffy’s lives up to the reputation that precedes it, in style and substance, it’s no wonder it’s become an easy favorite, getting Angelenos to happily flock to this strange block of East Hollywood every day. A destination in itself.

The menu is filled with hits and seasonal specials that will have you planning your next visit while you’re mid course. Tahini hummus is topped with a soft egg and served with perfectly toasted seed crusted challah. Roasted carrots are given a spice-forward treatment over labneh while summer tomatoes glisten like gems atop pureed smoked eggplant. And main courses are served with drama, the popular larger skewers paired with sauces and laffa. It’s also not a place to skimp on drinks or dessert, with Middle Eastern flavors starring in both. The soft warm tones throughout the space offer a decidedly millennial ambience (you can’t tell me this isn’t a millennial pink fever dream), and the corner restaurant doesn’t shy away from drawing attention even in the shadow of its looming neighbor. As a bonus, they operate a daytime cafe, a wonderful two in one affair whether you’re looking for tea and snacks in the afternoon or a decadent dinner.