Raffi's Place Restaurant - Glendale - TravBuddy

If you are craving kebabs, then Raffi's Place is your final destination! Raffi's Place is a hidden gem. Overshadowed by the surrounding tall buildings, busy mall, and crowded movie theaters, this place is hard to find. I didn't know this place even existed until a couple of years ago. But once you find it, you are transported to a relaxing oasis with sounds of rushing water from a fountain, chirping birds, and rustling leaves from the trees that bisect the patio.

There are 3 dining areas...a small indoor dining room that is modestly decorated and dampens the noise from the busy street outside, a patio dining area with shade from the trees and umbrellas, and a partially enclosed patio dining area.

Raffi's menu is simple including a small selection of salads and appetizers. But the highlights are the offerings hot off the grill.

Every table service comes with lavash (an Armenian flatbread), sliced onions, whole radishes, fresh herbs, olives, and lots of pats of butter. The lavash is excellent platform for Raffi's hommus or yogurt & moussir (shallots) appetizers but these are more like dips or spreads. Everytime I go to Raffi's, I order the koobideh (luleh kebob)...charbroiled seasoned and skewered ground meat atop a heaping portion of basmati rice with whole grilled tomato and green pepper. You can choose beef, chicken, or 1 kebab of each. My cousin tried the shish kebab (filet mignon, skewered and grilled) and she said it was just OK and she only got 1 kebab. If you want more bang for your buck, order the koobideh. The menu also has lamb and fish if you aren't feeling the beef or chicken.

Service was fast but I've only eaten there at off peak hours. If it is jammed packed, you can get your meal to go...just order from the outside window. Raffi's is kid friendly and can accommodate large parties, as long as you call ahead and make arrangements.

Parking on the street is non-existent...instead, park in the parking structure off of Maryland across from the Mann Exchange 10 movie theater...Raffi's validates parking...I think 2 hours free.

So for kebabs...head to Raffi's Place!

Tracy(TRE69) has been raving about this place. she knows i love middle eastern food. i went there with her parents and my mum on a week day. it was very busy, considering Glendale has a high population of Persians. i was not surprised there was a wait.

i ordered the lamb kabobs. OMG it was very moist, the spices were perfect and huge portions :) i was hungry so i ate the whole thing.

tracy ordered the beef kabobs. she loves it was always :)

this would be a great place to go in the summer, to eat under the open courtyard. you can valet or park in the parking structure but they don't validate.