Los Angeles

Los Angeles has some of the deepest shawarma roots in the US, thanks to large Armenian, Lebanese, Syrian, Jordanian, Iranian and Israeli communities. The result is a city where you can drive twenty minutes and find a completely different take on the same spit.

The local style

Armenian-Lebanese spots, especially around Glendale and Hollywood, are famous for chicken shawarma with a punchy whipped garlic sauce and plates loaded with hummus, rice and pickled turnips. Newer shops lean regional: Syrian shawarma rolled tight and toasted, Jordanian shawarma with imported bread and spices, and Israeli-style pita in the San Fernando Valley.

Where to look

• Glendale: the densest cluster of Armenian and Lebanese shawarma counters in the region.
• Hollywood and East Hollywood: late-night wraps and long-running family restaurants along Hollywood Boulevard and Santa Monica Boulevard.
• San Fernando Valley (Encino, Van Nuys, North Hollywood): Israeli and Lebanese spots, many of which sell out by mid-afternoon.
• Westside: a handful of destination shops worth the line.

What to order

Start with a chicken shawarma wrap and extra garlic sauce, then try a mixed beef-and-lamb plate. In Glendale, a shawarma plate with fries tucked into the pita is a local favorite.

On our list

We're starting with Jordanian-style Miya Miya and late-night Sincerely Syria, with Glendale favorites coming next. Browse them in the restaurant finder or suggest a spot.