Upon entering Bavel for the first time, it immediately became clear that this is a restaurant that challenges the traditional notion of what a high-end Middle Eastern restaurant could be. Despite it being a Sunday night, the restaurant was still packed and presented a lively and sophisticated atmosphere given both its patrons and interior design.
Located in Downtown Los Angeles in the Arts District neighborhood, Bavel is one of the few modern, sleek, and stylish restaurants in the city that takes on a more sophisticated and elevated approach toward Middle Eastern cuisine. Given its popularity, it is recommended to book a reservation in advance through OpenTable, which is how I was able to secure a reservation.
Founded by chefs Ori Menashe and Genevieve Gergis in 2018, Bavel was their second restaurant opening after Bestia and before their third, Saffy’s. Their family roots come from several different Middle Eastern regions, which inspire both the culinary and visual profile of Bavel. However, Menashe and Gergis wanted Bavel to challenge the conventions and typical aesthetics found in Middle Eastern restaurants.
The space of the restaurant itself was open and inviting. Located in a transformed and well-lit warehouse, Bavel has high ceilings with elaborate hanging plants, plenty of natural light, and a bright color scheme. This untraditional and lighter approach to the immediate design of the restaurant certainly extended to the food as well. The menu features several different appetizers and plates, and it is encouraged to eat family style. I tried the Baba Ganoush appetizer and Oyster Mushroom Kebab plate. The dish used traditional Middle Eastern flavors as a foundation for something a little more experimental and innovative. The oyster mushroom dish in particular had a strong smoky, char flavor and even though it was a plant-based dish, it still retained a similar taste profile to a traditional kebab plate.
It is also worth mentioning that the food and drinks here tend to be on the pricier side, with spreads and appetizers ranging from around $15-25 dollars while the majority of the entrees are priced around $50 and above. Given its location in the Arts District area, parking may be challenging and valet is also offered for guests.
For those who are willing to be open minded and interested in trying an elevated version and new twist of traditional Middle Eastern dishes, Bavel is worth a trip, especially in a city like Los Angeles where this type of restaurant isn’t as common of a find. I would visit Bavel again for a special occasion but would try other dishes on the menu, as the combination of different flavors and ingredients makes the culinary experience at Bavel a special one.
