Seemor
Desert RoseB+Worth Trying
1700 Hillhurst Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027
· Mediterranean restaurant, Hookah bar, Restaurant
· 4.4/5 Google (517 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating
Lively Los Feliz patio for Mediterranean plates, pizza, and hookah with standout service and ambiance, solid food, moderate prices, but occasional slow pacing and policy quirks; outdoor vibe is the draw.
Why it gets a B+ for overall quality
Desert Rose delivers solid neighborhood dining anchored by exceptional patio ambiance with signature stained-glass rose and fire pits and warm, attentive service that guests praise by name. However, inconsistent food execution and slow kitchen pacing on busy nights prevent a higher grade, making this a reliable choice for leisurely evenings rather than a destination for culinary excellence.
Restaurant Summary
The patio steals the show: fire pits, red umbrellas, and a glowing stained-glass rose set a warm and bustling tone for hookah and leisurely meals. Guests praise personable servers by name, with lines like, "They made us feel like locals," while noting the spacious outdoor seating built for date nights and groups. Expect a relaxed pace; a few diners mention slow turns and the occasional policy surprise at checkout. The cooking leans elevated traditional Mediterranean with Italian accents rather than theatrics—think shawarma, lamb kebabs, hummus, branzino, and short rib pappardelle. Many dishes are bright and satisfying, though a handful of reports cite dry kebabs or small shrimp counts. If your ideal evening is savoring mezze on a glowing patio with a shisha, this is the right vibe. Families can do well here: pizzas, pasta, fries, and brunch pancakes give kids familiar choices, and the open-air setting helps. There is no explicit kids menu noted, but Margherita pizza, penne marinara, and buttermilk-style pancakes should land comfortably for younger palates.
At a Glance
- Destination patio with stained-glass rose and fire pits
- Friendly, attentive servers frequently praised by name
- Broad menu with vegetarian and seafood options
- Slow kitchen pacing on busy nights
- Reports of credit card surcharge and auto-suggested tip line
What Sets It Apart
- signature_stained_glass_rose
- hookah_with_large_patio
- fire_pit_tables
What People Love
- Romantic, glowing courtyard ambiance
- Warm, personable service that remembers guests
- Comforting shawarma, lamb, and branzino
- Hookah as a leisurely add-on
- Reliable vegetarian choices like hummus and salads
Points of Concern
- Kitchen and service pacing can be slow during peak times; plan for a leisurely meal
- Fee surprises reported by guests (card surcharge, pre-selected tip) so review the bill carefully
- Inconsistent execution on a few items (occasional dry kebabs, small shrimp counts)
- Isolated reports of an unattended dog near patio; management awareness not consistently clear
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$45-$65 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Vegetarians have ample options: hummus, tabbouleh, quinoa salad, mushroom pizza
- For pescatarians, branzino and seafood linguini offer variety
- Families: order Margherita pizza, penne marinara, and share fries or salad
Perfect For
- A relaxed outdoor date night with hookah
- Group birthdays or celebrations on a roomy patio
- Casual neighborhood dinners with mezze and wine
- Brunch on a sunny weekend
Location Insights
Area: Leafy, walkable Los Feliz strip popular for casual date nights, brunch, and evening patio hangs.
Safety: Generally safe, busy pedestrian area with nightlife; some reports of nuisance issues typical of urban corridors.
Nearby: Near boutique shops, cafes, bars, and the Vista Theatre; residential streets nearby for spillover parking.
Los FelizLos Feliz is a lively and eclectic neighborhood with a mix of historic homes, trendy shops, and a strong dining scene featuring casual eateries and upscale restaurants. The area attracts a hip crowd looking for a blend of urban convenience and a community feel, with many venues offering outdoor seating and a relaxed atmosphere.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday15:30–23:00
Tuesday15:30–23:00
Wednesday15:30–23:00
Thursday15:30–23:00
Friday11:30–00:00
Saturday11:00–00:00
Sunday11:00–23:00
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating
View full analysis on Seemor →