Levant Kitchen

When most US-based Syrian restaurants lean into the copy/paste kabob scene, this gem flips the script and leans into the authentic and heartwarming cuisine that captures the essence of Damascus. The menu is incredibly diverse and the food tasted quintessential Syrian. Everything I tried here was fresh, flavorful, and packed with the love and attention to detail you'd find in Tata's home. I met the owner and the chef and they are an incredible couple who truly pour their heart into the food. Here's what I tried and loved: 1. Kibbeh Labanieh: This is by far my favorite. It's a true standout, known to be one of the most challenging foods to make and Levant nailed it! These billows of perfectly stuffed kibbeh, nestled in a warm and subtly tangy yogurt sauce, melt in your mouth and immediately warm up the soul. If you're looking into venturing into a traditional dish for a cozy night, this is my pick. Don't forget the rice pilaf - it's a perfect pairing. 2. Kousa bi laban: Another traditional favorite, stuffed zucchini simmered in a warm, silky yogurt sauce, must have with the rice pilaf. 3. Shish-barak: This is the Syrian version of dumplings but gently simmered in a warm yogurt sauce. 4. Herra bi Esbao: A vegan lentil dish that is boldly bright and tangy thanks to the pomegranate molasses and lemon. No shortcuts taken here - the dough is made from scratch. Just be warned this is rich in fiber and protein - don't be tempted like me to eat this all in one setting - a little goes a long way. Literally means "burnt fingers" in Arabic since it's irresistible when cooking but usually served cool. Tastes even better the next day. 5. Artichokes: Another quintessential Syrian dish you'd love if and only if you love artichoke. 6. Beef Burak: These are a traditional appetizer that are crunchy and flaky on the outside and stuffed with a ground beef stuffing similar to the kibbeh filling. 7. Fattoush: This is one of the best fattoush you can find on the west coast. Dressed in a sumac and pomegranate dressing, it's flavorful but bright and light and a meal all on its own. If they added some purslane (extremely difficult to find here), it'd be chef's kiss. 8. Musakhan Rolls: These are everything. Sumac-spiced shredded chicken and caramelized onions rolled up into a delicious bite 9. Halwet el jibin: Translates to "sweet cheese," this is a classic dessert originally from Hama. It has a rich creamy ashta center (kind of like mascarpone + ricotta), wrapped in an outer dough made from soft mozzarella and semolina, all drizzled with a simple syrup and orange blossom water. It's indulgent, fragrant, and if you're trying this for the first time, might be a little too savory for dessert and will be surprised there's cheese in it.All in all, I'd come back here again 10/10.

Our friends who we brought said, "If the owners eat like this every day we want to go over to their house every day." Food was fantastic. One of my favorite meals I've ever had in Long Beach. Really quality ingredients and food made with love. You can tell by the way the owners serve with kindness and even go the extra lengths to provide utensils, plates and anything we needed for our meal. The location, Partake, is an area with multiple kitchens serving different types of food. No one else provided any bowls, plates or utensils except for Levant Kitchen. 100% recommend.

This is my first experience trying Syrian home cooking, but it was so worth the drive over to Long Beach. This restaurant is in a ghost kitchen but there is a dining area that has water cups and napkins. I was able to speak to both of the owners and they were super nice and explained all the dishes to us. They explained how this was Syrian home cooking so there are a lot of dishes here you won't find in restaurants that serve this type of cuisine.It was a bit of a wait to get the food, and everything came out at once. But it was totally worth it as it was clear everything was super fresh and high quality. I would recommend giving them a call to order in advance due to how long it takes to make the dishes. The dishes I got: Cheese and Beef buraks for our appetizer, Fatteh Betenjan (stuffed eggplant with yogurt), Kibbeh Labaniyeh (kibbeh cooked in yogurt), and Kousa bi Laban (fried and stuffed squash, I got mine with their red saurce) for our main courses, and baklava for dessert. Everything was really good! The only misstep is that I wasn't told to eat the Fatteh right away, as there were pita chips underneath the eggplant and they quickly became soggy with all the yogurt.I really appreciate that they gave us actual plates and not plastic ones since I was eating at the dining area. That is the biggest downside to ghost kitchens in my opinion, though sadly most of the time that is hard to avoid if there is no seating area. All the entrees I got were under $20 each, but if we had been trying my brother and I could have ate everything we got- I wanted to take some leftovers though!They also did not have all ingredients in stock so they could not make every single item on the menu, but it was explained to me that they source the best ingredients from specific countries so they do run out. I'm definitely going back and am hoping to try the Musakhan Rolls, their regular stuffed eggplant, and the Shish Barak.I will take any opportunity I can try out dishes I have never tried, and this place delivered. It truly excites me that there is a place like this in the area as a lot of these items are dishes that take hours to make and you will not find elsewhere.

Authentic, delicious, and made with love from Damascus!! I recently discovered this family's Syrian food kitchen and I'm hooked! I'm syrian and super picky about syrian food in long beach, but seriously the flavors are incredible, like my mom food, the portions are generous, and the prices are unbeatable.I've tried almost everything and every dish is great. the fattoush is always fresh and tangy. The eggplants dishes are amazing.What sets this family's food apart is the love and care that goes into every dish. You can taste the tradition and history in every bite. This is not just a meal, it's an experience - a journey through the sights, sounds, and flavors of Syria.The family is warm and welcoming, and their passion for sharing their culture through food is evident in every aspect of the meal. If you're in long beach and looking for authentic, delicious, and heartwarming Syrian food, look no further. This family's food is a true gem and a must-try for anyone who loves food, culture, and community.Rating: 5/5 starsPrice: AffordableQuality: ExceptionalService: Warm and welcomingRecommended for: Foodies, culture lovers, and anyone looking for a delicious meal"

Soooooooo good!!! The food is exceptional. Really tasty and very healthy. And the couple that prepares the food are amazing people. So nice!

My family and I enjoyed this food so much we traveled here from Laguna Beach to participate in the Night Market event- and LEVANT KITCHEN was the HIGHLIGHT!!! Amazing, fresh, quality food- perfectly seasoned and everything was absolutely delicious- and on top of that the owners are so gracious and kind. You can tell that this food is authentic!!!! I cannot wait to return to share this with my other friends and am definitely considering them to cater part of my wedding festivities- they are THAT AMAZING!What a gem!!!!!

Amazing and authentic Syrian food. It felt like I was eating my mom's cooking. The menu is so extensive that you will not see more authentic Syrian dishes in one menu at any other restaurant. I had the hara bi osbao (forgot to take a picture because it was so delicious) and the shishbarak (ate a little by the time I remembered to take a picture). Would definitely recommend this place and come back.

Home made and authentic Middle Eastern food and I would have to say the best in all of Long Beach this is a must try. some of the dishes like the eggplant takes a week just to prepare the eggplant with salt brine and olive oil. unlike anything I've ever seen, excellent!

Food was delicious! The owner brought it down and told us some of the details of how the dishes are prepared. Rich flavors and friendly and service!

The dishes are packed with rich, vibrant flavors and a delightful mix of textures, while the service is great too. It's clear that the food is crafted with care and passion, every detail shines through. Highly recommended for anyone craving authentic, flavorful Levantine cuisine!