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Tel Aviv Grill- EncinoBWorth Trying
17201 Ventura Blvd, Encino, CA 91316
· Kosher restaurant, Restaurant
· 4.5/5 Google (1347 reviews)
Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating
Crowd-pleasing Israeli grill with generous portions, fast counter service, and kosher menu; value is solid for plates though service warmth and occasional temperature consistency vary.
Why it gets a B for overall quality
Tel Aviv Grill delivers solid Israeli grill cooking with strong food quality and generous portions at reasonable prices, earning it a loyal following in Encino. However, occasional quality variation—cold food, uneven seasoning— and scattered but serious food safety reports prevent a higher grade. The casual, bustling atmosphere and efficient service make it a reliable neighborhood destination, though not a regional standout.
Restaurant Summary
The room feels warm and bustling, with the sizzle of shawarma and a steady flow at the counter. Portions draw raves, with plates piled high with salatim, fries, and pillowy pita. One diner summed it up: "I felt like I was back in Israel." Service tone ranges from welcoming to brisk, but the overall vibe is casual and lively. Cooking here leans classic Israeli grill: juicy shawarma, schnitzel, kebabs, and falafel, bolstered by smooth hummus and crisp salads rather than showy tricks. It is comforting, produce-forward food designed for mix-and-match plates and generous wraps. Most visits deliver fresh, hearty flavors; occasional critiques cite food temperature or seasoning as uneven on off nights. Families do well: the menu has kid-friendly staples like schnitzel, fries, and pita, plus milder salads. Vegan and vegetarian diners have real choices (falafel and sabich). No kids menu is listed, but portions are shareable; picky eaters can keep it simple with plain chicken and fries.
At a Glance
- Generous portions with abundant salatim and fresh pita
- Solid value for kosher Israeli grill in Encino
- Occasional reports of cold food or bland seasoning
- Counter service interactions can feel curt during rush
- Expect busy peaks; large catering orders may slow service
What Sets It Apart
- Kosher Israeli grill with abundant salatim
- Large portions suited for sharing
- Efficient counter service with dine-in seating
What People Love
- Feeling of eating in Israel with classic flavors
- Leftovers from oversized plates
- Smooth, rich hummus and crisp salads
- Fast service when not behind catering orders
- Reliable shawarma and schnitzel wraps
Points of Concern
- Occasional cold or under-seasoned shawarma reported by a minority of diners
- Service tone varies; a few encounters described as rude at the register
- Busy periods and catering orders can extend wait times
- Isolated complaints about cleanliness and stomach upset; majority do not report issues
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleCounter With Seating
Average Cost$30-42 per person
ReservationsNot required
What to Order
- Choose plates over pitas for best value with salatim included
- Vegetarians: falafel or sabich plates offer satisfying variety
- Kids: schnitzel with fries and plain pita works well
Perfect For
- Casual weeknight dinner with hearty plates
- Quick solo lunch at the counter
- Family meals where sharing works well
- Kosher-friendly dining with vegan options
Location Insights
Area: Busy Ventura Blvd strip with a mix of local shops and restaurants; casual, family and weekday-lunch traffic.
Safety: Generally safe suburban corridor with steady foot and car traffic; standard nighttime lighting.
Nearby: Strip-mall setting with shared rear parking; near other eateries, coffee shops, and services.
EncinoEncino is a well-established, affluent neighborhood with a mix of residential homes and commercial areas. The dining scene includes a variety of kosher and Middle Eastern restaurants catering to the local Jewish population, alongside broader Mediterranean and American cuisine options. The atmosphere is family-friendly and community-oriented with accessible shopping and dining along Ventura Boulevard.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday11:00–21:00
Tuesday11:00–21:00
Wednesday11:00–21:00
Thursday11:00–21:00
Friday11:00–14:00
Saturday
Sunday11:00–21:00
Available: Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating
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