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Interior - Bavel, Los Angeles, CA
Award-winning

Bavel

4.8
4.8
4238 Reviews
$31 to $50
Middle Eastern
Top Tags:
A Middle Eastern restaurant in the Arts District of downtown Los Angeles.

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 102 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Cuisines
    Middle Eastern
  • Hours of operation
    Daily 5:00 pm–11:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (213) 232-4966
  • Website
    http://baveldtla.com/
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Executive chef
    Ori Menashe and Genevieve Gergis
  • Catering
    Please email events@baveldtla.com for more information.
  • Private party facilities
    Please email events@baveldtla.com for more information.
  • Location
    500 Mateo St, Los Angeles, CA 90013-2222
  • Award-winning
    1. MICHELIN Plate 2022
  • Neighborhood
    Downtown
  • Cross street
    Santa Fe
  • Parking details
    Street parking also available
  • Additional
    Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Featured in

What 4,238 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.8
4.8 based on recent ratings
  • 4.8Food
  • 4.7Service
  • 4.7Ambience
  • 4.3Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

  • Downtown / South and East LA

    Best Overall

  • Downtown / South and East LA

    Best Food

  • Downtown / South and East LA

    Hot spot

  • Downtown / South and East LA

    Most Booked

4,238 Reviews

  1. OpenTable Diner

    Los Angeles

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined today

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had a great time at Bavel! Celebrated my husbands birthday with a party of 6, the ambience was amazing and patio seating was so nice! Food was great!

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  2. JasminN

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined 1 day ago

    overall3food4service1ambience1
    They sat us at a bar. I wish there weee preferences we can choose from because I did not want to sit at a bar

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  3. OpenTable Diner

    Baja California

    14 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    14 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Seated at our reservation time. We ordered the duck hummus, baba ganoush, butter lettuces, cauliflower, lamb neck and beef cheeks. All excellent with the exception of the cauliflower which was good but not as stellar as the other dishes. Of course the star of the show here is the pita, of which we had to order a second helping of. Would like to return for dessert which we didn’t order this time. Service was pretty good and the cocktail / wine program was also on point.

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  4. Bernieb1

    Los Angeles

    43 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    43 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    overall4food5service4ambience4
    An excellent restaurant, with exciting food and an energetic ambience. Mushrooms, tomato salad, and strawberry/sumac desert were all outstanding. Other small plates we enjoyed were the baba ghanoush, buttermilk salad, and trout shislik. Excellent cappuccino was well. Very good wine selection. Reservations required as the restaurant continues to be very popular.

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  5. AliA

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall3food4service3ambience4
    We got there to try two of their entree. Both were sold out around 9 pm Friday. The place was packed and service is getting slobby! We had to ask multiple times to close the window and roof because it was cold. All tables around us were complaining about it. Took them a bit to respond. You can tell when a place is getting busy with people that they won’t care much to address customers. The place is pricy but food is good. Unfortunately we didn’t get to try the dishes we wanted. The waiter was one of the servers cuz waiters are too busy. I might come back not sure.

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  6. MichaelS

    Los Angeles

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    The food was amazing! We loved every single dish, and the portions were great for our group of 4.

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  7. OpenTable Diner

    Los Angeles

    1 review

    vip
    4.0

    1 review

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Too loud even on the patio hard to hear ppl at own table and my voice was hoarse after just an hour of dining

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  8. RobertJ

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall4food5service4ambience4
    Aesthetically, Bavel is really well laid out and it’s a good vibe. Food is fantastic! Our group had 4 appetizers and 3 mains, and everything was thoughtfully presented and prepared. Flavors are great with really unique combinations of textures and garnishes.

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  9. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wonderful evening- great service-delicious food and ambiance! Come back anytime!

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  10. Jojo

    Mexico City

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always a delicious meal with impeccable service. The grilled Dorade was probably the standout last night, but chicken liver pate and duck hummus were a close second.

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  11. FraT

    Montreal

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food5service4ambience3
    The food was remarkably outstanding, especially the trout credo! A must try if you love fish.

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  12. JeremyB

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Exceptional food and service. The server had sommelier bring over a selection of wines to taste to pair with meal and each was excellent. Very fast between dishes without feeling rushed. Everything tasted amazing.

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  13. KitC

    Los Angeles

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    The service was excellent. Great food. Every dish was beyond expectations. Favorite was the shrimp and lamb . Apple crumble was delicious. Noise level is high but was worth it

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  14. Anna

    Washington DC

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall4food5service4ambience5
    Best pita and hummus I think I’ve ever had! We also loved the prawns and the oyster mushrooms.

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  15. OpenTable Diner

    Los Angeles

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We ordered family style and everything was delicious. For a family of 7 we spent around $550 and left pleasantly satisfied but not overstuffed. I recommend goi g to their sister restaurant Saffy’s if you want more bang for your buck for a similar taste.

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  16. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had such a great time! The food was exceptional and came to the table very fast. Our server was friendly and gave a very helpful rundown of the menu which definitely assisted our ordering. Drinks were very nicely done and inventive. Don’t skip dessert!

    Is this helpful?

  17. OpenTable Diner

    Los Angeles

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on September 17, 2023

    overall5food5service3ambience4
    Amazing food as always. Consistent quality. Right temperature. The only thing is the staff can be a bit more attentive. Our server was busy and hard to get a hold of when we need things.

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  18. OpenTable Diner

    Los Angeles

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on September 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We love Bavel. Always great food and a great experience!

    Is this helpful?

  19. NoelleB

    Orange County

    14 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on September 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    We had the best evening at Bavel. We ordered the farm cheese that was so creamy on the freshest and slightly charred bread. The quail had the best blend of spices and fried to perfection. The crudo was fantastic. The mushroom kebob is a must. The flavor combo was so good. The final course we got the lamb beck shawarma. The lamb was cooked to perfection and it was so rich in flavor. We were so happy with our decisions and would definitely return!

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  20. AmyL

    Los Angeles

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 17, 2023

    overall4food5service3ambience4
    Food was fantastic. They forgot to bring two of our appetizers. The manager gave us a free dessert as compensation.

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  21. Christina

    New York Area

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 17, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience4
    The only recommendation we would make to Bavel Restaurant is to create an atmosphere, through decoration or background music, that evokes the Mediterranean and Middle Eastern region, since the flavors of the food, without a doubt, transported us to these places. It is a menu designed to recreate the cultural fusion of that region of the world. From the cocktails, to the appetizers, to the main courses and desserts, they are based on the spices, condiments and raw materials that are native to these beautiful places. All the dishes we chose were very good. But if we must highlight those that won the crown, in the appetizers category it was the Fried Quail that was exquisite; Among the entrees was the Braised Wagyu Beef Cheek Tagine, served on a beautiful Moroccan plate; and finally, among the desserts, the strawberry sumac & sweet cheese pastry, which we found highly creative using sumac in desserts, and taking advantage of the balance it gives to the dessert. It is also worth noting that the kitchen is opened and it is a tremendous experience to see the well-organized human chain that works in the kitchen preparing each dish with extreme care. We felt cared for at all times because there was enough staff, which is appreciated in these times. It ended up being more than a place to go to dinner, an unforgettable experience for us. Congratulations!

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  22. MelvinStyles

    Los Angeles

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Bavel is always a fabulous time. I feel welcomed from the door and the food is always flavorful and plentiful and you guys have a great wine selection. Of course I’ll be back. It’s giving , Regular Spot Vibes!!

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  23. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Everything was amazing. It was just a little hard to hear each other because sound reverberates off the walls easily. 

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  24. DeChazier

    Milwaukee

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    From start to finish every dish that we ordered family style was prepared with attention to detail, made by someone who loves what they do, and exploding with enormous flavors. Definitely an experience everyone should indulge in. My only regret is being too full to try their peach cobbler. But I’ll be back.

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  25. MarcS

    Yosemite

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 13, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    Overall a great experience. A loud experience and wouldn’t recommend sitting at the counter unless you really want to be kitchen side to watch the chefs. It gets very busy and hard to have a convo. Overall great food and decent price for a higher end Downtown LA restaurant.

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  26. jhall

    Los Angeles

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on September 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Every plate we ordered was delicious - nuanced flavors, not overly complicated, and fresh. Our waitress was delightful! She was helpful and charming and had the right balance of checking in while letting us enjoy the meal. Bussers refreshed napkins and cutlery, and we were given steamed napkins to clean up after the finger-licking good prawns. The desserts were amazing as well. Highly recommend the pavlova and the ice cream in the peach cobbler is some of the best homemade ice cream I've ever had. We also really enjoyed the decaf cap's we had with dessert, the Verve espresso was top-notch.

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  27. KateHudivian

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    One of my favorite in DTLA. Casual yet classy atmosphere, and the home style but sophisticated food are so wonderful.

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  28. mkholladay

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    everything on the menu is a major hit. plates are small, so order more than less!

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  29. LFern

    Orange County

    2 reviews

    2.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 11, 2023

    overall2food1service2ambience2
    I told them beforehand celebrating a birthday and did nothing for the occasion. Also, the food was hit or miss.

    Is this helpful?

  30. DanaL

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Every dish was fantastic! One of the bartenders spent a great deal of time enthusiastically going over the menu with me and helped me pick all of my dishes. This is one of the best meals i've had in years

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  31. ZahiA

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 8, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience3
    It was good but not lived up to the hype that it has been getting and I wasn’t happy for the 4% staff health to be added to the bill although it was discretionary but can’t ask for it to be removed, the owners should cope it in the shin and absorb it as part of their expenses

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  32. Charmer

    Los Angeles

    62 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    62 reviews

    Dined on September 6, 2023

    overall3food3service4ambience3
    Bavel has lost its Wow factor. Last night, Sept 2023, I brought a friend for her first time and was crestfallen. I loved it from the beginning and their curb side pick up got me through covid! But last night the brightness had disappeared from the dishes, especially the dips. There was nothing special about them anymore. The flavors were muddy. The lamb’s neck was extra fatty and was left to take home. The prawns were still very good and the mushrooms were the best. The drinking tequilas begin at $22 and went up to $40 and the list is very small. I found that to be odd. The noise level has gotten out of control at Bavel and Saffy’s, turning dining into a fight to talk to your friends! They tack on an 8% health charge, fyi.

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  33. RameshG

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 6, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    As always food, service & ambiance 100%. To gain a full experience, my recommendation is to go with a group of 6 people minimum so you can try all their dishes.

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  34. OpenTable Diner

    Seattle

    2 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 4, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The best middle eastern meal I’ve ever had! The chicken liver pate and the white negroni were the highlight.

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  35. OpenTable Diner

    Los Angeles

    2 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 4, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    Worth to give a try. Great service and nice environment. Order the mushroom, pawns and beefs.

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  36. OpenTable Diner

    Los Angeles

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 3, 2023

    overall3food3service3ambience5
    Ambiance is great. Waiter seemed depressed. Flavors were excellent. Execution could have been better. Dessert was pathetic.

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  37. OpenTable Diner

    Los Angeles

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 2, 2023

    overall4food4service2ambience4
    The Service was not good …………………….,,….,,,,,,,,,,,,

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  38. KarenK

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 2, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Bavel is a culinary gem that excels in every aspect of the dining experience. Its atmosphere is nothing short of amazing, with a captivating blend of classical charm and contemporary elegance that sets the stage for an unforgettable evening. But it's not just about the aesthetics; Bavel's food is truly exceptional, with a menu that boasts a delightful fusion of flavors and ingredients that will tantalize your taste buds. What truly sets this restaurant apart, however, is its second-to-none service, and if you're fortunate enough to be welcomed by the gracious front of house, Mia, consider yourself incredibly lucky. Her warm and attentive demeanor elevates the entire dining experience to an even higher level of excellence. Bavel is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking an extraordinary dining adventure.

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  39. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    12 reviews

    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on September 2, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience3
    My go to in LA. Unfortunately the fire grill wasn’t working this last time I went. Nonetheless, food was out of this world.

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  40. Michael

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 2, 2023

    overall2food2service3ambience1
    Not very happy about my experience. After planning my visit for weeks, the wood fire grill malfunctioned at 7pm. No wood grilled items were available all evening. I've read other reviews (from months ago) that said a similar thing happened. I figured it was a once-off problem. Apparently not. How can they not have this figured out. Management handled it very poorly. Zero comp or anything to make up for an experience that took away half the menu. If you're a destination restaurant you can't do that and not try and rectify the sub-par experience for your diners. Too bad because the food we tasted was good, but limited.

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Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Surfaces sanitized between seatings
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily
    • Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers

  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

Bavel offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (213) 232-4966.

Bavel is rated 4.8 stars by 4238 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 102 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for Bavel

500 Mateo St, Los Angeles, CA 90013-2222

Additional information

  • Award-winning
    1. MICHELIN Plate 2022
  • Cross street
    Santa Fe
  • Neighborhood
    Downtown
  • Hours of operation
    Daily 5:00 pm–11:00 pm
  • Cuisines
    Middle Eastern
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    Street parking also available
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive chef
    Ori Menashe and Genevieve Gergis
  • Additional
    Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Website
    http://baveldtla.com/
  • Phone number
    (213) 232-4966
  • Catering
    Please email events@baveldtla.com for more information.
  • Private party facilities
    Please email events@baveldtla.com for more information.

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