Los Angeles : Marouch Lebanese Restaurant [Pics]

With a combined Arab/Middle Eastern population which is estimated at well over 600,000, it is little wonder that there are a number of top-rate Arab and Middle Eastern-style restaurants in the Los Angeles area. Perhaps, most notably, are those of the Persian, Armenian, and Lebanese varieties, and whenever I visit Los Angeles it is absolutely essential that I try a number of new places and old favourites alike. For, having lived and traveled at length in the Gulf region, I consider these foods to be “comfort foods,” and it grows increasingly difficult to properly satisfy my cravings for these sorts of things here in Chicago. Fortunately, my L.A.-dwelling brother is similarly afflicted, so I knew that I’d have no trouble lining up an eager dining companion at one of my old favourites, the Hollywood Lebanese stalwart, Marouch, on Santa Monica Blvd near Vermont…


just your average run-of-the-mill l.a. strip mall...


inside, and a world away...


relish plate


mouhamara, a walnut/red pepper spread


vegetarian combo, incl. hommos, baba ghanouge, tabbouleh, falafel, and grape leaves


ferry, or grilled quail with rice, potatoes, and garlic spread

Unfortunately, though, my poor brother was feeling a bit under the weather this particular evening, so we were only able to order a few things. In any event, it was a great meal. Is it the best Lebanese restaurant in Los Angeles? Well, no, it's not likely, but I find it to be far more enjoyable than its counterparts (if they can be called that) in Chicago, and this night's meal put me well on the way toward refueling my Middle Eastern food “tank,” as it were.

Not shown, but enjoyed on previous visits:

Fool Mudammas
Kebbeh Nayeh
Halloum
Lahm Mishwi
Lentil Soup

Jonathan Gold’s 99 Essential L.A. Restaurants [LAWeekly]

“Perfect dinner for 2 at Marouch?” [Chowhound]

Marouch [Official Site]
4905 Santa Monica Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90029
323.662.9325

E.M.