Favorite Armenian bakeries/restaurants

[LatinGuy]

I have an Armenian buddy coming in from the East Coast. Would love to take him to an Armenian restaurant or bakery (there isn't exactly a wealth of options in Pittsburgh suburbia). Any suggestions? Embarrassingly, I've only been to Paradise Pastry, which is fantastic, but I'd love more ideas.

[LatinGuy]

Considering I had absolutely no idea where to go prior to this post, this is treasure box of options. Marouch is actually close to where I live; I had no idea it even existed. Thanks for all, and please continue throwing suggestions out!

[Joe]

Bakeries: Hands down, Sassoun Bakery on Santa Monica Blvd. (just west of Normandie). Lahmajun (Armernian pizza) is the best in town. Also try their spicy cheese breads. They're very good, albeit spicy and greasy. Glendale location seems to be of same quality and freshness.
If you meant bakeries, as in pastries and sweet stuff. In Pasadena, on Allen. Vrej Pastry. Much better then other bakeries.

Restaurants: Marouch Restaurant on Santa Monica (corner of Edgemont). Personally, my favorite middle eastern eatery in Southern California. A close 2nd is Carousel in Glendale and a 3rd is Carnival in Sherman Oaks.

The above is guaranteed to satisfy all his cravings.

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Carousel Restaurant
304 N Brand Blvd, Glendale, CA 91203

Carnival Restaurant
4356 Woodman Ave, Sherman Oaks, CA 91423

Vrej Pastry
1074 N Allen Ave, Pasadena, CA

Marouch Armenian & Middle Eastern Cuisine
4905 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90029

[missy85]

I second the rec for Marouch! Actually, just came back from a late lunch there. Consistently great food.

[Burger Boy]

Joe, Try Partamian"s for Lahmajoon, they been doing it for the first wave of Armenian immigrants (30's & 40"s) to Los Angeles since the 50's

[Das Ubergeek]

Just a note that Carnival and Carousel are kind of "all middle Eastern" with a heavy emphasis on Lebanese. Not that Armenian food is that different, but my choices for Armenian food are Cafe Bravo on Glenoaks in Glendale and Golden Fork (two branches, one in Little Armenia somewhere in Hollywood, and the other on Vanowen and Fulton in Van Nuys).

[Joe]

I love Cafe Bravo. Up until 4 years ago, I worked a block from there and have eaten there a few dozen times. Sadly, the old man who opened the joint died 2 years ago of a massive heart attack and although their food is still good, it's not as good as it was. Also, their menu is a bit more on the Armenian-Russian side. Consider the fact the he migrated from Armenia to Iran and eventually to here, it's clear why that is. They make a tasty chicken Kebob and delicious Ikra (eggplant dip). One of the best I've had.

[Chowpatty]

I love Sasoun Bakery, which also has a branch in Glendale. The cheese borek and the one with the sumac on top are fantastic. They also have tahini bread.

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Sasoun Bakery
5114 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, CA

[Hailyn]

Sarki's Bakery on Washington Blvd. in Pasadena has a huge assortment of Armenian pastries; there's also a branch in Glendale. And I second the recommendation for Partamians -- wonderful lahmajoun.

[Joe]

I know both well and IMO, Vrej Pastry on Allen is by far better. Sarkis Bakery just has the name and the curb appeal but no where near as good as Vrej's.

[Hailyn]

Thanks for the tip. I'll have to give Vrej a try. What do you like there?

[Joe]

Well, pretty much everything there is good. It all depends on what you like. If you go on a weekend and towards the earlier part of the day, they serve-up a killer kaniafa (sp?), which is usually eaten as a breakfast sweet. They have AWESOME cakes as whole or as individuals servings. Delicious cookies and if your friend likes Baklava, theirs is one of the best around.
While there, go next door to Garo's Basturma and let him score some tasty basturma. If he's middle easter, he'll love it.

[ebethsdad]

Not sure where you are located but if you are near the Valley take him to the Olive Garden market on Oxnard just west of Whitsett. They have an instore bakery and a good selection of both Armenian and middle-eastern delicacies. He can stock up.

[Das Ubergeek]

I believe it's just called the Olive Market, but yes -- they have a fantastic bakery. And if you're looking for the breads, go to Black Jack Market on the NE corner of Sherman Way and Bellaire -- I still have found noplace in Little Gaza that has such good lavash and chorniy xleb as Black Jack.

[Burger Boy]

Partamians for Lahmajoon!

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Partamian Bakery
5410 W Adams Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90016