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Hummus Bar & GrillB+Worth Trying

Name: Hummus Bar & Grill
Address: 18743 Ventura Blvd, Tarzana, CA 91356, Tarzana, United States
Rating: 4.4

18743 Ventura Blvd, Tarzana, CA 91356 · Mediterranean restaurant, Israeli restaurant, Meat dish restaurant · 4.4/5 Google (1137 reviews)

Reservations · Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating

Vibrant Israeli-Mediterranean spot with standout hummus, fresh pita, and plentiful salads; service and consistency can wobble, but order smart and you will eat very well.

Why it gets a B+ for overall quality

Hummus Bar & Grill delivers exceptional hummus and fresh pita with generous portions that justify its loyal following, but inconsistent execution across visits and variable service quality during peak times prevent a higher grade. The casual Israeli-Mediterranean concept executes its core strengths well—order the signature hummus and vegetable plates—though occasional food safety reports and cramped strip-mall setting limit broader appeal.

Restaurant Summary

The room feels warm and bustling when it fills, with servers weaving around baskets of pillowy pita and colorful little salads. One diner summed it up: "That first dip of silky hummus with hot bread was pure comfort." Expect a casual, neighborhood vibe on Ventura, though some note tight table spacing and a cramped lot. Cooking here leans elevated traditional Israeli: creamy tahini-forward hummus, mushroom variations, vibrant salads, and grill plates like Jerusalem Mix and skewers. Order smart and you will eat very well—mushroom hummus, Baladi eggplant, shakshuka, and simple skewers shine—while chicken shawarma draws mixed reviews. Portions are generous, prices mid-to-high for a casual setting, but many feel the value lands once that hot bread hits the table. For families, this is an easy win. Kids gravitate to warm pita and fries, mellow hummus, simple rice, and mild chicken or beef skewers. There is no listed kids menu on the current menu, but the lineup includes plenty of plain, familiar options; just know that adventurous veg plates and spicier condiments may suit grownups more.

At a Glance

Best-in-class hummus and fresh-baked pita with generous portions
Wide vegan and vegetarian selection beyond salads
Service can be slow or inconsistent during peak times
Parking is tight; tables feel close in parts of the room
Chicken shawarma quality varies; order other signatures if unsure

What Sets It Apart

house-baked pita and hummus
large array of Israeli salads
broad vegan and vegetarian mains

What People Love

That first warm pita and silky hummus moment
Colorful array of Israeli salads
Hearty grill plates that satisfy
Veg-forward options that feel substantial
Leftovers from generous portions

Points of Concern

Service inconsistency: slow drink refills and delayed attention at busy times
Parking frustrations: small, narrow lot; some rely on underground parking
Quality variability: several reports call chicken shawarma bland or dry
Pricing feels high to some for a casual setting; salads and plates add up

Service & Dining Experience

Service StyleTable Service Average Cost$44-$62 per person ReservationsRecommended

What to Order

Build a table of hummus ($18-$19), one specialty plate ($22-$28), and a salad ($14-$21) to share; add a simple skewer if you want more protein.

Perfect For

A hummus-and-pita craving with friends
Casual family dinner with varied diets
Solo bite at the bar before the rush
Sharing salads and grilled plates

Location Insights

Area: Suburban San Fernando Valley corridor with casual shopping and neighborhood dining along Ventura Blvd.

Safety: Generally safe, busy arterial; some reviews note cramped small lot and underground parking reliance.

Nearby: Strip-mall setting near other Mediterranean spots, cafes, and services; popular for casual dinners and takeout.

TarzanaTarzana is a primarily residential neighborhood with a suburban feel, featuring a mix of single-family homes and local businesses. The dining scene is casual and family-friendly, with a variety of ethnic cuisines and neighborhood eateries catering to local residents.

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Monday09:00–23:00 Tuesday09:00–23:00 Wednesday09:00–23:00 Thursday09:00–23:00 Friday09:00–23:00 Saturday09:00–23:00 Sunday09:00–22:00

Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating

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