Shefa Melrose

I’m REALLY CLUELESS as to why this place has FIVE STARS because fiancé and I were NOT fans! Ugh.
I had high hopes, THANKS TO ALL THE REVIEWS… But was insanely disappointed and left with an extremely full stomach.
Since coming back from Scotland (and eating the most amazing Middle Eastern bread EVER), my fiancé has been on the hunt to find said bread again. One of the reviews on Unilocal proclaimed that the bread here was OUT OF THIS WORLD… But my fiancé begs to differ. Sure, he’s picky, but I can attest that the bread didn’t seem all that great, minus it being nice and warm, and doughy.
I’m thrilled my fiancé is on the hunt for this bread though because I’m OBSESSED with chicken shawarma, and while I’ve found some tasty places here in LA… I’m still on the HUNT for THE BSST in ALL OF LOS ANGELES. Well, I can cross this place off the list of places in the running because it was no good.
I got the chicken shawarma… And after I ordered it and it was plated and served to me, I was informed it was mixed with lamb. While I do eat red meat, I don’t typically eat it at restaurants (I’m insanely picky) and I am really not a lamb fan so I was really turned off. That being said, I dug in because I was so hungry I could have eaten 3 whole lamb right then and there. The shawarma was fatty and oily, and I knew it was going to linger in my stomach ALL DAY LONG and even maybe cause me to take a nap later, alas, I continued to eat. Some people have no will power when it comes to sweets, for me… It’s meat and fish! Ha! The only thing I «liked» about this shawarma was the hunt of cinnamon I tasted post swallowing.
The cucumber salad that came along side was good, but I mean, it was cucumbers and tomatoes, can’t really give this place credit for that. That being said the hummus was tasty!
My fiancé I KNEW didn’t really like it, but he’s a trooper and was hungry as well, so gobbled most of it up. He proceeded to ask for a to-​go box (cause he’s a puss and can’t finish his plate, lol, or maybe he’s smart?) and packed the rest of his meal up to go. I mean, that could be a good sign but let’s see how long it stays in the fridge UNTOUCHED… Ha Ha Ha!
I’m disappointed that this place wasn’t good in my opinion, maybe their salmon is better? Well, that will be an unsolved quandary because I never plan on going back here again.

I got the chicken kabob and the meat was so tender. The rice tasted homemade and the cucumber salad was so fresh. First time in and I’ll be back!

Everything we tried was delicious. The hummus was heavenly, the salad medley amazing, and the mint lemonade to die for. I’d go back any day, and so much better than the other options in the neighborhood!

I live here so over six years and I couldn’t find a really good Israeli shawarma, honestly after checking this place I’m done looking around !!
From now on every time I get to visit LA area I’ll visit here.
Best Israeli restaurant around !!;)

Note: not open Friday night and Saturday.
This is the best falafel I’ve found in the area. If you’ve had good Middle Eastern food in New York (or in the Middle East) you’ll appreciate it, as well as their hummus, tahini, chick pea and Israeli salads. All are consistently fresh and well-​made.
In my view, service would benefit from a little more attention to detail. The entire staff is very nice, but every time I go there they seem to forget something basic (fork without a knife, water, sides) no matter how explicitly I order.
The ambience is also a bit odd. In late 2015 the restaurant expanded, which I truly hope works out for them. Their larger dining room is spacious and a fair amount has been spent on new décor … but the napkins are still self-​serve, while the utensils aren’t.
I think they’re just working it out, as newer restaurants must. And of course I really don’t care about stuff like getting my own napkin. And neither should you, because they always make it right … and the falafel is that good.

The food is good, very good. It was my first time ordering from here and I am hooked. The pita bread is to die for. Ive eaten a lot of pita bread from different restaurants and this is by far the best pita bread. The meat is seasoned just right and the portions are big. I shared a plate and I was full on the half I ate. The staff was somewhat friendly. I will be back, specifically for the bread!!!

This place is so delicious. So happy we walked by and decided to go. Everything we ate was perfect and the portions are very generous. We will definitely be back.

The prices are fair and represent the quality of the ingredients. Everything was fresh, flavorful, and simply delicious. As a New Yorker who is used to halal food, this Israeli spot is certainly a gem! For those who think the restaurant looks small, there is an entire dining room on the other side. The storefront is very clean, the décor is nice, and the line where the food is prepared is immaculate. Keep up the good work!!!

Adorable new spot on Melrose with great ambiance for relaxed indoor seating with lots of natural lighting.
The most delicious Laffa bread that is hot and fresh and airy.
Great array of salads that come with plate.

Been here once and i like this place. Tried to go again but it was closed. I had a schwarma pita to go. Super fresh food… no unexpected spices like you will find at some places. The help was exceedingly friendly. I have tried another place in the area that is very busy and has good food, but this was preferable. I look forward to returning soon and trying more of their offerings.

Great service, Good people, Really good food and Friendly Owner and Wait Staff.
Beef Kebab, Chicken Shwarma and Falafel highly recommended. Malabi was alright. Eaten better ones but overall food and quantity was awesome. Definitely sharing friendly. Would definitely come back when in LA.

Our first time over here I came with my family and the service is amazing the place is very big and the food is very good and not expensive at all for a kosher food and everything here is very very clean and well organized.
And I will definitely be back here.

Fuckin delicious! Great middle eastern food-​juicy and flavorful. I was in Israel over the summer and this is just as good if not better than the food I had there.

First time at this restaurant last night. The hubby had a delicious white bean soup, gentle hint of garlic, carrots and parsley — perfect. He ordered a burger with fries — fresh potatoes — amazing! And the salad accompaniment plate had an array of Mediterranean combos — shredded carrots, chick peas, beets, tabouli and more. Each one had its distinct flavor — none were overbearing nor oily.
I order kufte kabob (ground beef delicately spiced and grilled) served over a bed of aromatic rice with a side of Israeli chopped salad (tomatoes, cukes). The service was quick, the tables were clean, the price was fair and no repercussions, LOL! Oftentimes, after a Mediterranean dinner, it’s tough to sleep — with excessive spices coming up… ya, know… but this did not occur after a hearty meal at Shefa.
Also, met some wonderful neighborhood people — so the schmoozing was fun too! For sure we’ll go back to Shefa — the Hebrew word for ABUNDANCE…

I love this place! The Falafel is so good. They have a spicy sauce that makes the whole thing work. Besides that, the people who work there are really friendly and will do anything to accommodate you.

Wow Shefa is AMAZING! The Kefta Pita is one for the books, best flavor all around! I come from a Lebanese Family and I am very picky on my middle eastern food, this place is absolutely wonderful!!! The best toppings go into the pita it is full of flavor! Portion Sizes are huge! I definitely recommend Shefa it is absolutely delicious and will blow your mind on how delicious the cuisine is! Come try for yourself!

The food was great, portions generous, and the staff was friendly. I will definitely come back.

So excited to find a good Glatt Kosher (Kehilla) Persian restaurant on Melrose! The food was excellent and so was the service (rare for many kosher establishments)! I highly recommend the homemade halvah for dessert. Will definitely come back and recommend. The location looks small from the outside but their dining room is actually large once you enter.

Really delicious and authentic Mediterranean food! Yummy hummus and chicken. So many extras for no additional cost, great value! Will be coming back.

This falafel is hands down the best in Southern California. I had the falafel laffa sandwich. I highly recommend it. It melts in your mouth and bursts with flavor. Also the lemonade is to perfection, ask for a lot of ice. This place is new so it’s still a hidden gem.

Great restaurant, large portions, great food and excellent service
You will see my family at least twice a week
Love this place

AMAZING food for a good price, with great service! Very classy and nice for a dinner date or a family dinner.

This is a great restaurant, quality food, lots of variety, and big portions! Very friendly staff, when you order a plate, you will get complementary salads. The Pita bread is delicious! They also have homemade lemonades that are just refreshing!
I recommend If you are looking for a friendly atmosphere, and quality Mediterranean food. Also Make sure to check out the dining room. It is very spacious, classy and perfect for parties, and families.

Went here for takeout with the boyfriend, and we both felt that the food was fair. I had the chicken kabob (white meat), and he had the spiced ground chicken skewer. The food was fine, but we felt it was pretty overpriced *for what it is* (each of our meals cost around $ 18). Frankly, there are other less expensive places to get Mediterranean food that tastes just as good, if not better.
The portions were generous, however, and came with 4 small side salad-​type things (some sort of chickpea salad, something with beets, a shredded carrot salad thing, and a corn salad thing). We didn’t get the typical Mediterranean accoutrements of hummus and/​or garlic sauce, which was a bit of a surprise/​disappointment. They do have hummus on the menu, but evidently, it does not come with their entrees.
The choices of sides for their entrees is also strangely limited, and not terribly appealing. For example, you can’t get a basic green salad as an entrée side (even though, again, there is one elsewhere on the menu). The sides choices were fries, green beans, rice or grilled onions/​tomatoes/​peppers. I opted for the green beans, which sort of tasted like they were from a can, and the grilled onions etc., which were decent.
This place just opened, so they also seem to be sorting out their systems, and it was a bit of a wait before we were able to put in our orders. Not a big deal, since we were in no rush, and the staff was very nice; but, I’d definitely recommend calling ahead for takeout orders.
It’s a shame that this place simply doesn’t live up to their prices, or else we would be back. We live just a few blocks away, and love Mediterranean food. Sadly, it just isn’t worth it.

Pleasantly impressed! We ordered the rib-​eye and hamburger on Alyssa’s suggestion. Both were terrific. Food had authentic and fresh taste and portions were huge. Suggest ordering an entrée as the side salads accompanying it are a meal on their own…
Ambiance was pleasant and service was great… will definitely be back!