Araz

02/19/09

Excellent food and service

by CSMobileUser at Citysearch

The food is great. The owner goes out of his way to ensure that you are satisfied & pleased with your dining experience. No complaints.

02/15/09

Amazing food at good prices

by fenris2000 at Citysearch

I went to Araz with my wife because we live around the area. You would not expect much from the restaurant as it looks rather small and is located in a rather unassuming strip mall. It looks a bit weird when you enter the establishment, as the tables and chairs are way too classy for the place (looked like for a wedding). But then again, there is a big flat screen TV on one of the walls which throws off the first impression. The service is prompt and friendly. But the best part is the food! The beef Strogonov was among the best I have tasted ever. Overall a great value for the price. I am just puzzled why the restaurant was so empty.

• Pros: Great food, good value
• Cons: Weird ambiente

12/01/07

Hidden Gem

by uclaztec2 at Citysearch

My wife and I took the advice of other recommendations from this site and they were all correct. This place is a hidden gem. The restaurant is tucked away in a small strip mall and for some reason there was nobody dining in it. We decided to try it anyways and boy were we glad we did. The food is fantastic, the portions were large, and the price was very reasonable. We tried the Zukini Dollmas and the Chicken kabob and both were very flavorful. This is a place we will definitely go back to.

• Pros: Reasonable price and good food
• Cons: Large TV in dining room

07/18/07

Amazing (When they are open)

by njrfilms at Citysearch

Of the three times trying to go to Araz they have not been open (Despite what their posted hours claim). The one time they were open it was WELL worth the previous frustration. Boy is this good middle eastern food. You will get enough for a huge meal for two and left overs for days for under $30. To make things even better - free corkage. You can not beat that.

The setup of the place is strange, especially with the big screen TV in the back which is simply awkward. But who cares, the food is great. They really should keep better hours - the one time we got in, we were the only ones there! Check it out , give them buisness and hopefully that will keep them open all day.

• Pros: The best for a great price
• Cons: Not always open despite what their posted hours say, strange setup.

05/16/07

Consistently Awesome Food!

by strand49 at Citysearch

I have eaten this type of food in many places around the world and this is among the best I've had. I have tried a few places around Studio City and have been very dissappointed until I found this restaurant.

I have never dined in and frankly the interior ambience needs some work (move the big screen TV and office desk out of the dining room!) but the food is excellent. Highly recommend the Chicken Kabobs, they are always cooked perfectly.

• Pros: Food
• Cons: Ambience

01/05/07

Mini Strip Mall Surprise

by actmass at Citysearch

We stumbled upon Araz on Citysearch while looking for a BYOB establishment, and the result was excellent. Our primetime Friday night visit did not need a reservation. In fact, when our party of 4 arrived, we were the only patrons. Do NOT let this dissuade you! The restaurant is quaint, but comfortably appointed. Our server was very attentive, conversational, answered our questions about the cuisine, and gladly opened our wine for us (no corkage fee). We ordered the Foul Mamoudos (?) as an appetizer. It's something like a vegetarian chick pea chili and it was superb. For the main course, we can highly recommend the beef stroganoff, shish kebob and pork kebob. Everything was tasty and served in hearty portions. The stroganoff was creamy and subtle served steaming hot with a savory side salad, rice and silky smooth hummus. The shish kebob was melt-in-your-mouth tender filet mignon also served with salad, rice and hummus. The pork kebob was well seasoned and grilled. We enjoyed the service, the people (the owner apologized for not having the baklava tonight), the food, the reasonable pricing --- the whole package. Give Araz a try!

05/18/06

Excellent Food!

by rockchicke at Citysearch

The food was fabulous, the service was great, I would recommend this place to anyone. The vegetarian list isn't long but man the falafal is worth it, it's awesome!

Chef-owner's pride and talent transforms ho-hum mini mall space into a lively Middle Eastern cafe.

by Contributor at Citysearch

In Short
Inviting tables and warm, subdued lighting helps diners relax while fixated on a spiffy flat screen tuned to sports. The menu boasts authentic family recipes, including hummus and muhammara, an appetizer blending red peppers, tomato paste, pomegranate syrup and walnuts. Entrees distinguish themselves with blend of herbs and spices; cuts of meat include chicken breast kebab and filet mignon. A hearty falafel plate and S.M.O.P. (sauteed mushrooms, onion and potatoes) ensures vegetarians won't be stuck with minimal offerings.