My first visit to Gaby’s was over 10 years ago. At the time, the Venice/Motor location was the only location. I was there on an online date. He ordered the meal. Fresh hummus, fresh baba ghannouj, beef kafta, chicken kabob and the garlic sauce….the holy grail of condiments…the garlic sauce. I had never enjoyed many of these flavors before, it was new and delicious and my taste buds danced for days afterwards. He and I only dated for a couple months, but I am grateful to him, still today, for introducing me to Gaby’s.
Fast forward 10 years, blissfully married. The husband and I and friends frequent Gaby’s often. There are 5 locations to choose from, but we enjoy the original.
With hundreds of FANTASTIC restaurants in LA, we don't stray too far from Gaby's. We celebrate many of our birthdays there (one this upcoming Saturday), wedding rehearsal dinners, bring out of town guests here and it’s not uncommon to get/make the call/text/email any day of the week…What’s for dinner? Gaby’s? I have yet to receive/give any other reply than ‘yes’.
The garlic sauce is reason enough to visit, but the chicken, the beef, the lamb, the veggie dishes, the incredibly fresh ingredients and vibrant flavors have kept us coming back.
My favorite is bringing my family from Utah to Gaby’s when they visit, since many of them have never had Mediterranean food. I’m delighted as they ooohh and ahhh and WOW through their meal, just as I did my time. For an extra layer of fun, we’ll order the hookah at the end of the meal. When they get home and recall their visit to LA, they ALWAYS refer to Gaby’s and when they come back, it’s one of the first places they want to go.
Among our friends, we have our favorites, and we often stick to them (which is sad, because everything on the menu is good!). Mine is the Leon’s Chicken Salad, which often times I will add a beef kabob and share with a friend. My husband’s favorite is the Venetian Lamb Salad or when he is hungry, the Kabob combo (he has a HUGE appetite). Dinner entrees avg about $11 and they are plentiful. If there are four of us, we start with hummus and/or mujadara (lentils with fried onions on top…tastes like an in&out burger). We bring our own wine and whether we have 2-8 people, the bill with tax and tip avgs $20pp. What other civilized restaurant can you go to, be guaranteed a fantastic meal and drink your wine for this price?
About once a month we call ahead for take-out, but be fare warned your car will smell of Gaby’s goodness for a couple days afterwards.
We do not see the owner, Gaby as often as we used to (he now spreads his time between the 5 locations), but when we do, we are greeted with the warmest smile and genuine hospitality.
I am picky, frugal and demanding and I’ve been coming to Gaby’s consistently for 10 years, pleased with each experience. Gaby’s continues to be my #1 restaurant.
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