10 May Eater LA: The 19 Essential Glendale, California Restaurants
LA’s neighboring city has quite the restaurant scene of its own
By Crystal Coser and Matthew Kang | May 10, 2017
Glendale’s dining scene is still very much in development mode after a few years of real excitement, mostly centered around The Americana at Brand and some smart downtown growth. But the heart and soul of the northern LA county city is its Armenian community, which has helped foster a multitude of restaurants that range Greek and Lebanese to Georgian as a result of diaspora. A few stalwarts like Porto’s, Din Tai Fung, and Max’s of Manila round out the unique international offerings you can find in the Jewel City. Here now, presented in no particular order, the essential restaurants of Glendale, California.
1 Porto’s Bakery & Cafe
Since opening in Glendale back in 1982, Cuban bakery Porto’s has become an essential part of the community. This is where diners are happy to wait for the better part of an hour to get their hands on potato balls and cheese rolls.
315 N Brand Blvd
Glendale, CA
(818) 956-5996
2 Skaf’s Lebanese Cuisine
With locations in both North Hollywood and Glendale, it’s no wonder people flock to this Lebanese eatery known for its garlicky falafel, hummus, and shawarma. The prices are affordable and the service is friendly.
233 1/2 N Brand Blvd
Glendale, CA
3 Raffi’s Place
When you need heaping plates of grilled kebabs and fragrant basmati rice, beloved Persian-Armenian specialist Raffi’s Place is the go-to spot. No one leaves hungry after enjoying a meal in the pleasant indoor-outdoor space. One of the better places to dine with a large party and special occasions.
211 E Broadway
Glendale, CA
(818) 240-7411
4 Adana
This eastern Glendale restaurant has a low-key feel during the day, but the kabobs and other Middle Eastern specialties rival some of the best in town. Named after the Turkish city of Adana, the bill of fare ranges traditional Armenian, Persian, and Turkish dishes at very reasonable prices.
6918 San Fernando Rd
Glendale, CA
(818) 843-6237
5 Max’s of Manila
One of the best traditional Filipino restaurants in the Southland, this place turns into the party most nights, with a vibrant room and heaping plates of homestyle classics. Try the beef caldereta, a tomato-y beef stew, along with some pancit, pork adobo, and lumpia.
313 W Broadway
Glendale, CA
(818) 637-7751
6 Din Tai Fung
Although you’re probably going to be met with a lengthy wait for a table, the hangry soon disappears with the first pop of a soup dumpling. It’s no wonder this xiao long bao specialist is the most popular restaurant in the Americana.
171 Caruso Ave
Glendale, CA
(818) 551-5561
7 Sevan Chicken Rotisserie
A counterpoint to the dominance that is Zankou, Sevan Chicken boasts a cracklin’ skin and super-moist meat, which some contend is better than its rival. Either way, you should taste both Zankou and Sevan and make the decision for yourself. Don’t forget the garlic sauce.
601 W Glenoaks Blvd
Glendale, CA
(818) 244-1424
8 Dinah’s Fried Chicken
This classic fried chicken joint has with a friendly family feel and heaping portions. It’s basically the perfect place for when you’re craving KFC but want something that tastes homemade.
4106 San Fernando Rd
Glendale, CA
(818) 244-4188
9 Mini Kabob
There’s a lot that has gone into the success of literal hole-in-the-wall eatery Mini Kabob. Some of it has to do with its prolific Instagram account, some of it is due to the tasty kabobs that are anything but mini, but most of it is thanks to the hospitality that comes from the kitchen of the husband-wife-son trio.
313 Vine St
Glendale, CA
(818) 244-1343
10 Foxy’s Restaurant
This Glendale mainstay with its iconic A-frame has been serving some of the city’s most beloved breakfast dishes, like its carne asada and eggs, since 1964.
206 W Colorado St
Glendale, CA
(818) 246-0244
11 Shamshiri Restaurant
This casual Persian restaurant seems tucked away in a northern part of Glendale. Like its West LA counterpart, they serve reliably good kebabs and other classics at fair prices, especially at lunch.
122 W Stocker St
Glendale, CA
(818) 246-9541
12 Sushi Sasabune
This high end omakase mini-chain is a secret sushi den for aficionados, with additional locations in West LA and Beverly hills. Just beware the prices because they can creep up quickly, ranging around $100 for a normal dinner.
101 N Brand Blvd
Glendale, CA 91203
13 Bourbon Steak
What is perhaps the premiere steakhouse in the city, Michael Mina’s Bourbon Steak is a lovely place to refuel on carnivorous pleasures after an arduous day shopping at The Americana at Brand.
237 S Brand Blvd
Los Angeles, CA
(818) 839-4130
14 Carousel Restaurant
With a staggering menu of over 60 meaty and vegetarian-friendly meza items and live belly dancing, you’re in for quite the Lebanese feast at longstanding Middle Eastern restaurant Carousel.
304 N Brand Blvd
Glendale, CA
(818) 246-7775
15 Tumanyan Khinkali Factory
It wasn’t too long ago that Jonathan Gold gave the seal of approval for this well regarded purveyor of the lesser-known soup dumplings, Georgian khinkali. Here’s you’re dining on largely Armenian dishes to supplement the juicy beef morsels.
113 N Maryland Ave
Glendale, CA
(818) 649-1015
16 Elena’s Greek Armenian Cuisine
This Glendale institution that leans towards the Armenian half of its moniker is yet another go-to for affordable kebabs and soul-warming lentil soup.
1000 S Glendale Ave
Glendale, CA
(818) 241-5730
17 Zankou Chicken
One of Glendale’s most iconic eateries, this bustling rotisserie chicken specialist serves plump birds with perfectly browned skin. Load up on the sides and have some kebabs too, if you’re in the mood.
1415 E Colorado St
Glendale, CA
(818) 244-1937
18 House Of Joy
This classic Korean-Chinese restaurant does a solid job with things like jiajiangmyun, ramen-like champoong, and sweet and sour pork. Bring a crew because the portions are massive.
818 N Pacific Ave
Glendale, CA
(818) 241-0707
19 La Cabañita
A quintessential combo-plate Mexican restaurant, La Cabañita makes all the classics with proper care. The ambiance is your typical friendly neighborhood spot, with chips & salsa on every table, margaritas, and easy-going prices. What’s not to love?
3447 N Verdugo Rd
Glendale, CA
(818) 957-2711
Source: Eater LA