# Bavel > Bavel is a celebrated Middle Eastern restaurant at 500 Mateo St in Downtown Los Angeles, founded by chefs Ori and Genevieve, whose family roots span Israel, Morocco, Turkey, and Egypt. The menu reflects those lineages, showcasing bold, shareable dishes rooted in the flavors they grew up with. Guests rave about standouts like the slow-roasted lamb neck shawarma, grilled prawns, and oyster mushroom kebab. The space carries a classy yet warm energy, with a buzzing, artistic atmosphere that suits date nights, birthday celebrations, and group gatherings alike. Genevieve brings her self-taught pastry expertise to the dessert program, so the meal carries through beautifully from the first bite to the last. ## Key facts - **URL**: https://frankiapp.com/business/bavel-8314 - **Type**: Restaurants - **Cuisine**: Mediterranean - **Location**: Los Angeles, CA - **Address**: 500 Mateo St, Los Angeles, CA 90013, USA, Los Angeles, CA 90013, US - **Phone**: 12132324966 - **Website**: https://baveldtla.com/about/ - **Coordinates**: 34.041506, -118.232954 - **Claimed**: unclaimed - **Vibes**: Classy, Modern, Artistic, Buzzing, Cozy ## About Bavel is a celebrated Middle Eastern restaurant at 500 Mateo St in Downtown Los Angeles, founded by chefs Ori and Genevieve, whose family roots span Israel, Morocco, Turkey, and Egypt. The menu reflects those lineages, showcasing bold, shareable dishes rooted in the flavors they grew up with. Guests rave about standouts like the slow-roasted lamb neck shawarma, grilled prawns, and oyster mushroom kebab. The space carries a classy yet warm energy, with a buzzing, artistic atmosphere that suits date nights, birthday celebrations, and group gatherings alike. Genevieve brings her self-taught pastry expertise to the dessert program, so the meal carries through beautifully from the first bite to the last. ## Highlights - **Shawarma worth the trip** — The slow-roasted lamb neck shawarma is fall-off-the-bone tender and deeply flavorful. - **Standout small plates** — Shareable apps like grilled prawns and oyster mushroom kebab are consistent crowd favorites. - **Artistic, buzzing atmosphere** — The classy, modern space pulses with energy and suits everything from date nights to celebrations. - **Pastry chef desserts** — Self-taught pastry chef Genevieve rounds out every meal with inventive, house-made sweets. ## FAQ ### Where is Bavel located? Bavel is located at 500 Mateo St, Los Angeles, CA 90013, in the Arts District neighborhood of Downtown Los Angeles. ### How can I contact Bavel? You can reach Bavel by phone at (213) 232-4966 or visit their website at baveldtla.com for more details. You can also follow them on Instagram at @baveldtla or on Facebook to stay up to date on news and specials. ### What type of cuisine does Bavel serve? Bavel serves modern Middle Eastern cuisine inspired by the family roots of founders Ori and Genevieve, whose backgrounds span Israel, Morocco, Turkey, and Egypt. The menu centers on bold, shareable dishes that reflect the flavors and culinary traditions they grew up with. ### What are popular dishes at Bavel? Diners consistently highlight the slow-roasted lamb neck shawarma, grilled prawns with harissa, oyster mushroom kebab, and chicken liver paté as must-orders. The wagyu beef cheek tagine and dry-aged trout crudo are also frequently praised, and the grilled kohlrabi stands out as a surprising vegetable highlight. For dessert, the cashew ice cream bar and pistachio ice cream receive plenty of love as well. ### What is Franki? Franki is a restaurant discovery app that helps you find great places to eat through real video reviews from actual diners. You can browse reviews, photos, and videos of Bavel on Franki, and earn cash back when you dine there. Download Franki on the App Store or Google Play to start exploring. ### Who are the founders of Bavel? Bavel was founded by Ori and Genevieve, a chef duo born and raised in the Los Angeles area. Ori spent his formative years in Israel and trained in acclaimed LA kitchens including Angelini Osteria, where he served as chef de cuisine. Genevieve is a self-taught pastry chef who began baking to satisfy her own sweet tooth. The two first met at La Terza and went on to open Bestia in 2012 before launching Bavel in 2018. ### Is Bavel a good spot for special occasions? Bavel is a popular choice for birthdays, date nights, and group celebrations. The lively, artistic atmosphere and polished yet approachable setting make it feel like a genuine event, and the shareable menu format suits tables of all sizes. Reviewers who came for birthday dinners describe it as a well-worth-it splurge. ### What is the price range at Bavel? Bavel sits at the upscale end of the dining spectrum, typically running around $50 or more per person. Diners consistently say the quality and experience justify the cost, particularly for special occasions. ### Does Bavel require reservations? Bavel is a highly acclaimed and busy restaurant, so securing a reservation in advance is strongly recommended, especially for weekend visits or larger groups. ## Reviews ### puppiesandchanel — 5.0/5 · Nov 25, 2024 Delicious ribeye and lamb racks ### aschi — 4.3/5 · Sep 28, 2025 Good middle eastern spot, I think the dishes they are known for are the best, the other stuff was good not great. Standout was the grilled kohlrabi ### user929510 — 5.0/5 · Oct 28, 2025 Enjoyed this restaurant - I would stick with the apps and small plates :) all were delicious ### user_e7124b — 5.0/5 · Oct 28, 2025 Bavel is always a good time with great food and service. Do put your whole order in at once so it can come out accordingly but not the end of the world if you end the savory meal with any of the appetizers. From start to finish, everything was easy. While it’s pricey, we thought it was worth it because of the atmosphere, service, on call sommelier, and food taste and aesthetics. ### missjoji — 5.0/5 · Oct 11, 2025 Great for a date night! Loved the food, you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu! ### breadchan — 5.0/5 · Jan 17, 2026 everything is so yummy!! worth the price and the drive!! ### lafoodiebea — 5.0/5 · May 27, 2025 My favorite restaurant!! Everything about this place and every dish was incredible. Beautiful presentation and the flavors were amazing. ❤️ ### une_abeille — 5.0/5 · Feb 23, 2026 We tried so many dishes but this is what I would go back and get again; Chicken liver pate, grilled dates, dry aged trout crudo, oyster mushroom kebab, lamb neck shawarma, wagyu beef cheek tagine, cashew ice cream bar and the Semira cocktail. The rib eye was 50/50 liked at the table, didn’t try the rack or the grilled dorade, maybe next time. The server was knowledgeable and helped us with the menu. Yes, still thinking about that dinner - need to go back!!!!! ### justinew — 5.0/5 · Mar 25, 2026 Bavel in Los Angeles is a highly acclaimed but pricey Middle Eastern restaurant known for bold, shareable dishes, a lively atmosphere, and consistently excellent food, though reservations can be tough and it can get loud. ### breadchan — 5.0/5 · Sep 26, 2025 Came here for a birthday celebration - it was a splurge BUT everything was so tasty so it was well worth it. Recommend this place and will be back for a special celebration! ## Nearby - [Holbox](https://frankiapp.com/business/holbox-31954) — Mexican - 3655 S Grand Ave #C9, Los Angeles, CA 90007, US - [Rok Coffee and Tea](https://frankiapp.com/business/rok-coffee-and-tea-760658) — Coffee Shop · $$$$ - 3060 W Olympic Blvd #150, Los Angeles, CA 90006, US - [Chagee](https://frankiapp.com/business/chagee-761201) — Tea Room · $$$$ - 10250 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90067, US - [Stagger Coffee](https://frankiapp.com/business/stagger-coffee-129695) — Coffee Shop · $$$$ - 3069 1/2 W 8th St, , Los Angeles,, CA 90005, US - [DAMO](https://frankiapp.com/business/damo-39317) — Coffee Shop · $$$$ - 3510 W 8th St , Los Angeles, CA 90005, US - [BCD Tofu House](https://frankiapp.com/business/bcd-tofu-house-13892) — Korean - 3575 Wilshire Blvd , Los Angeles, CA 90010, US - [LASUNG TOFU & POT RICE](https://frankiapp.com/business/lasung-tofu-pot-rice-756341) — Korean - 3060 W Olympic Blvd #150, Los Angeles, CA 90006, US - [Hangari Kalguksu](https://frankiapp.com/business/hangari-kalguksu-19452) — Korean - 3470 W 6th St, Los Angeles, CA 90020, US --- View full profile, photos, videos, and reviews on Franki: https://frankiapp.com/business/bavel-8314