Marouch is my ideal LA restaurant. Family run, neighborhood mainstay, modest but warm atmosphere, in a random strip mall with a 7-Eleven and laundromat, and endless delicious homey food that draws from the memory and heritage of a faraway home. Opened in 1982, the establishment was first catapulted to LA food community fame in the 90s by the late Jonathan Gold who wrote a beautiful tribute to the immigrant family cooking that makes even first time diners feel right at home.

Marouch serves Lebanese and Armenian food, with all the classics from kafta to mantee, but where they shine is in the meze. Creamy hummus, rich and tart labneh, fresh tabbouleh, sweet sugok, perfectly fried kibbeh and cheese filled fatayer. The easy way is to just go with the meze for two, four or six and let Marouch take you on an adventure. You probably won’t even get to the mains, but definitely save room for dessert. Best to come with a big group so you can graze on a little bit of everything with endless flatbread and Lebanese wine.