Few restaurants in Los Angeles feel as alive in 2025 as Mini Kabob.
A major food story from this year was the Cesar wrap with falafel croutons fried in tallow and a creamy spicy garlic paste called Toum Aleppo. The sauce was inspired by the salsa found on Chef Wes Avila's famous sweet potato taco. The crispy edges and fluffy center of the croutons set this wrap apart. I added avocado for an extra kick of fat and it ended up being a great midweek pick me up. Order ahead since it's takeout only. Join the email list. They do a good job reminding you when the wraps are up for preorder. You can't just walk up and grab one.
This is a family affair. On the day I visited, Chef Armen had his cousin on tortillas, and you could smell the aroma of freshly toasted black pepper coming from inside the small shop. If you want something more classic, order a Combo Plate. It comes with chicken lule kabob, pork tenderloin kabob, and chicken thigh kabob, all cooked over an open fire and served with a fire roasted jalapeno and tomato. Make sure you get a side of garlic sauce. It's one of the best ways to spend a Sunday at home after picking it up or enjoy dining in at one of the few tables on a nice weekday for lunch.
The family's tight knit warmth and hospitality is what makes me feel relaxed every time I stop by. Glendale has a great one to be thankful for. Not enough Armenian, Persian, and Middle Eastern kabob shops are mentioned in food lists and it's important to keep celebrating this concept.