AMMATOLI

Imtiaz Hasan 2 months ago

Absolutely unforgettable birthday dinner at Ammatoli in Downtown Long Beach. I was treated by my brother-in-law and his wife, and from the first bite to the last, everything delivered. We went all in on the six-way mezza - a beautifully curated assortment of cold dishes served with freshly baked, fluffy and steaming pita that was impossible to stop eating. The foul mudammas and muhammara stood out in particular—rich, flavorful, and perfectly balanced. The ambiance alone sets the tone—warm, inviting, and full of classic Middle Eastern charm. The decor feels timeless and thoughtfully curated, making it perfect for a special night out. For the main course, I ordered the beef shawarma, which was outstanding—tender, well-seasoned, and generously portioned with excellent presentation. I also managed to grab a bite of the Msakhan chicken roll from a friend, and it was pure melt-in-your-mouth perfection. Worth ordering every time. Another huge plus: all meat options are 100% zabiha halal, including chicken and gyros, which makes this spot even more of a gem. And the sleeper hit? The Date Cake. Simple in concept but absolutely magical in execution. Moist, subtly sweet, and the perfect

Richard Park 2 months ago

Excellent Levantine cuisine with standout flavors and quality execution. The 3-way mezza was a great way to sample a range of dishes, paired perfectly with warm, homemade pita that was soft, fresh, and ideal for sharing. The spicy lemon chicken was well-balanced—bright, tangy, and flavorful without overpowering heat. The beef and lamb skewers were cooked to perfection: tender, juicy, and well-seasoned, with a nice char that enhanced the flavor without drying the meat. The dessert was the highlight of the night. The pistachio baklawa and Osmalieh ice cream were unforgettable. Overall, everything felt thoughtfully prepared and authentic. Service and pacing complemented the meal well, making for a satisfying dining experience. Highly recommended for anyone looking for high-quality Levantine food in Long Beach.

KATIE EATS 3 months ago

A modern Mediterranean restaurant with delicious food and a lovely atmosphere filled with natural sunlight. It was not crowded during a Wednesday lunch. Our server was attentive and knowledgeable about the menu items. Our order: • Three Way Mezza w/ Roasted Beets Hummus, Mutabbal, Falafel, & Housemade Pita: This was my favorite dish of the meal. The housemade pita was fresh, warm, and fluffy. I enjoyed being able to try a variety of sides with the Three Way Mezza. • Grilled Kebab Plate (steak replacement) w/ Vermicelli Rice, Hummus, & Garden Salad: The steak was cooked perfectly, and the sides were just as delicious. • Spicy Garlic Lemon Chicken Plate w/ French Fries & Tabbouleh: The chicken was juicy and flavorful. They also provide an extra side of the spicy garlic sauce, which was a nice touch. The dip portion sizes were generous, and we had plenty left after we finished eating. The bathrooms were clean and aesthetically decorated. Paid street parking is available nearby.

Green Sea Shells 3 months ago

Had dinner at Ammatoli in Downtown Long Beach tonight. The restaurant was recently named a 2026 James Beard semifinalist for Outstanding Hospitality, and the service was excellent from start to finish. We ordered the 7-item vegetarian platter with two types of hummus, muhammara, grape leaves, a fava bean dip, cucumber yogurt, and falafel, along with a fattoush salad and warm pita bread. We also tried a Lebanese wine that was fruit-forward with a dry, slightly powdery finish. What makes Ammatoli interesting is that the menu pulls from across the Levant region — Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, and Palestine — so the meal feels broader than a standard Mediterranean restaurant menu. You see it in the mezze selection, the spice profiles, the use of grains and legumes, and the balance between fresh herbs, acidity, and richer dips. For vegetarians, the platter is probably the easiest way to eat here. It comfortably fed 3–4 people and felt substantial enough that we didn’t need entrées afterward. At around $80 just for the platter, it’s more of a planned dinner spot than a casual weeknight takeout stop, but the portions, service, and overall experience make sense for the price point. Parking ne

Olivia M 4 months ago

This place had a beautiful beginning and middle… just wait for the end. A friend and I walked here during a lunch break at our conference and were seated quickly at the bar, which was perfect. I ordered the lunch special with kefta, hummus with beef shawarma, cauliflower, and a salad, and my friend got the chicken kebab. My friend said it was the best chicken she’s ever had, which is really saying something. My entire plate was so good I was genuinely annoyed we had to rush through it to get back to work. The pita was incredibly fresh with the best texture, and we could actually see them making it from the bar. We definitely overordered and ended up taking leftovers for the plane the next day, which we were excited about. We also grabbed baklava and a sesame cookie to go. Service was great and everything came out quickly. Now fast forward to the flight. I take a bite of the baklava and find a pistachio shell inside my mouth. I literally could have broken a tooth. That alone took the experience down a star for me. There needs to be more care with the desserts, because otherwise Ammatoli would have been close to perfect.