Plant based mezze and bowls at Babaghanoush

Group texts between Prishtinali circles went out in haste once word of Babaghanoush’s new lunch hours got out.

This favorite spot for Mediterranean and Middle Eastern inspired mezze and falafel is one of the only vegetarian restaurants in town. The unmarked restaurant tucked back from the street used to open only after 5:00 pm. Countless summer nights have been spent on the patio, enjoying Macedonian wine and mezze platters for two, maybe six. Plenty of winter dinners have taken place in the intimate, cramped, and charming dining space. It’s the first place on my mind for a casual dinner date or somewhere to take guests.

Now that Babaghanoush is open daily for lunch starting at 11:00, it’s also a great option for nine-to-fivers catching their breaks. Better yet, the new hours come with a new, expanded lunch-specific menu heavy on dishes akin to the grain bowls taking over food blogs and hot LA lunch spots.

Some old favorites are on the lunch menu: a falafel wrap or a bowl of red lentil soup is always a good choice. The soup is spicy and filling, and such a comfort alongside fresh bread basted in salt and herbs.

My new favorite is the falafel bowl, a large plate that could be split between two. It’s heavy on the vegetables, and the tanginess of marinated red peppers and garlic yogurt is so satisfying. The bowl of goodness is a nice choice for its lentil and bulgur salad component, though I prefer this warm bowl without the fresh cucumber. The brand new Buddha bowl and Buddha burger shows that Babaghanoush has really perfected their vegetarian lentil patty.