Mizlala Delivers Solid Israeli Cuisine in West Adams

Simon’s Café was a longtime popular Moroccan mainstay in Sherman Oaks.  In 2016, the owner’s son, chef Daniel Elmaleh and his wife Justine took over and renamed the restaurant Mizlala. It quickly became popular and they leveraged this opportunity to open another restaurant named Mizlala in LA’s West Adams area. I recently visited them with a friend of mine. 

If you decide to visit Mizlala’s West Adams location, you should know that they lack visible signage. They are located at the corner of West Adams and S. Burnside Ave behind a green painted fence. We found street parking to be challenging and parked a couple of blocks away on Hauser. 

Their outdoor patio is beautifully decorated with plants and shrubs. The patio serves as an oasis to shield diners from traffic on Adams Blvd. The restaurant is set up as a fast-casual with orders taken inside the building and seating on the patio. 

Like many restaurants of this type, the menu is printed on the wall and customers place their order at the counter. Mains such as falafel, shawarma, and kefta (meat patty) are available as a pita, salad or as a plate. Sides include broccolini, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, and oyster mushrooms. Popular tahina shakes are available. Adult beverages include wine, prosecco, draft, and bottled beer. 

After you place your order, you make your way to the complimentary pickle bar. This is a Middle Eastern equivalent to a condiment bar filled with pickles, peppers, carrots, and turnips. The bar also includes sauces such as tahina and a garlic sauce. 

The pita sandwiches are simply a wonderful eating experience. The pita is warm, thick and fluffy. The falafel is crisp and tasty, but what I enjoyed the most was the intense combination of flavors: fresh dill, pickled turnips, and fresh herbs. The chicken is grilled perfectly retaining its juicy nature. These entrées are also available as salads or as plate meals. 

Mizlala is an ideal venue for vegetarians as they really know how to prepare vegetables in an innovative and flavorful way. The broccoli had a light breading on it and it was extremely crispy. Labneh sauce underneath nicely complimented the broccoli. The cauliflower was grilled over coal and had a pleasant smoked flavor. 

If your New Year’s resolution is to eat a healthier diet, consider trying Mizlala. Not only is their food healthy, but they manage to prepare food that is both appealing to the eye and to the taste buds. Just be mindful that parking may be a challenge. 

Mizlala, 5400 W Adams Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90016; 323.433.7137