Not your average post-last call strip mall "kabobery," Glendale's Carousel has quite the flair for theatrics. Fountains, Persian frescoes and swords (for decoration, not for slicing up your shawarma) adorn the dramatic orange and gold interior, and weekends bring a feast for all senses with live music and belly dancing. If all the ambiance overwhelms you, dine on the quaint patio out back, or try the original, smaller scale location in Hollywood, which locals insist is all about the food. Begin with frog legs Provençale or fatteh oberjhin (toasted pita with fried eggplant, yogurt sauce and pine nuts). Entrées include a variety of kabobs – lamb, veal liver, beef filet and a yogurt kabob, for example – as well as myriad seafood and vegetarian options such as Lebanese whole pan-fried snapper, moussaka, and Alaskan halibut in a lemon, garlic and wine sauce. Weekends at Glendale feature multiple-course family-style dining, and the "upscale, classy" dress code is enforced. Live entertainment Fri–Sat nights. Full bar at Glendale location. Serving lunch and dinner Tue–Sun. Late-night Fri–Sat. Closed Mon. Hours may vary by location.
Where the Locals Eat rating
Best Lebanese
Top 100 Restaurant, Los Angeles
"In a city filled with Middle Eastern restaurants, this is arguably Glendale's best and certainly the most flamboyant."
—Los Angeles Times
"The Glendale branch may well be the best, most interesting Lebanese-Armenian restaurant in Los Angeles. The food sparkles with freshness – and lemon."
—Los Angeles Weekly
"Conjure a big fat Mediterranean luau set in an exquisite Persian dining room and you've got the idea."
—Los Angeles magazine
How others rate Carousel
Zagat 2008
24 Food Rating (Very Good to Excellent)