Visit #1 ·
★★★★★First time at Cafe Du Liban out on Ventura in Tarzana, so I'm withholding any real judgment. That's just how I work.
That said, first impressions aren't nothing. Walked in on a Saturday afternoon, place was maybe half full, which tells you something about the neighborhood rhythm out here versus, say, if this were on Westwood or Fairfax. Ordered a spread — hummus, fattoush, some kind of kafta plate, and I think a side of rice. The hummus was the first thing that landed and it was the right call to pay attention to it. Good texture, clearly not from a tub, had that slightly grainy pull that tells you someone's working with dried chickpeas and not cutting corners. The tahini ratio was dialed in.
Kafta was solid. Grilled with some char on it, not overworked, which matters — overworked kafta gets that dense, rubbery thing happening and kills the whole bite. This didn't do that.
What I noticed: the fattoush bread was on the softer side. Could be timing, could be intentional, but I like a little more crunch holding up against the sumac and lemon. Minor thing. Also the service was friendly but a little scattered — took a minute to get water refilled and the check came before I asked for it, which felt rushed for how busy it wasn't.
Nothing on this visit made me want to forget the place, which is actually a decent bar to clear. The food shows technique. Someone in that kitchen knows what they're doing with the basics, and the basics are where Lebanese food either earns you or loses you fast.
Coming back. Visit two will tell me if that hummus is consistent or if I just caught a good day.