Dinner at Saffy’s in East Hollywood Means Roasted Carrots, Hummus Ful, and Cherry Limeade with Tequila
In 2022 Saffy’s became one of the hottest restaurants in Los Angeles. According to my latest Open Table search, reservations are still in high demand for the stylish restaurant with most slots booked out a month in advance. Owned and operated by chef Ori Menashe and pastry chef Genevieve Gergis, the husband and wife duo behind Arts District culinary sweethearts Bestia and Bavel, Saffy’s, as they have lovingly refer to it, is their “least serious restaurant.” By no means does that diminish what’s happening in the kitchen located on this chaotic corner of Fountain Ave in East Hollywood.
Named after the owner’s daughter, Saffron, the restaurant has a playful approach with an emphasis on a communal feel. The goal here is family and to be a place where folks are comfortable eating with their hands. Not too serious.
My husband and I popped in one brisk and beautiful evening for dinner, eager to experience Saffy’s, and its menu of Middle Eastern dishes meet California ingredients. Since marrying an Arab/Amazigh man from Tunisia, my culinary knowledge of North African and Middle Eastern cuisine has exponentially expanded over the past two years, drastically altering my dining experiences at restaurants that reimagine unique dishes from the Maghreb and Levant. I am very mindful of food origins, and traditions, and encourage all diners to seek out the histories of the cuisines they’re eating.
Food & Drinks at Saffy’s
Although Saffy’s skewers and shawarma received a lot of the initial press, it was the abundant list of compelling cross-cultural appetizers I was most enthused to try. We ordered Marinated Castelvetranos, Hummus Ful, Tomatoes with Smoked Eggplant Pureé, Roasted Carrots with Labne, and Yellowfin Crudo with Smoked Trout Roe. I would order each of these dishes again with the yellowfin and ful being the standouts. It is imperative to emphasize that the challah which accompanies the ful and soft egg is a fluffy pillow from heaven. Not the typical pairing but absolutely astonishing! Menashe is a master of bread and if you’ve tried the tabouna-like pita at Bavel, you already know that.
For our main, we split 2 skewers for $38, with Chicken Shishlik and Beef Shishlik as our selects. They were good enough but not a dish I can enthusiastically recommend. Being from Los Angeles, I have indulged in many kabobs across Glendale, Pasadena, and Little Arabia in Anaheim, making me well-versed in the art of skewered meat. My husband was stunned and playfully appalled that the server explained to us how to eat the kabobs but it gave me a good laugh!
Lastly, Genevieve Gergis’ take on the Big Stick in a dessert glass, a soft-serve swirl of sweet cherry and pineapple. I liked it but didn’t love it, although I’m curious enough to try again. In full transparency, my first job was at 21 Choices Frozen Yogurt in Old Town Pasadena and we made a Big Stick froyo that was unmatched. If you want a frozen treat, I adored the Cherry Limeade house cocktail made with tequila and lime sherbet. What a teenage dream!
The Scene
Saffy’s moved into the former Five Leaves location, which was already gorgeous and abundant in natural light. The art deco accents place you inside a jewel box of a restaurant, with gorgeous freckled marble and bronze light fixtures installed at the hands of interior designer Nicky Kaplan. Au courant muted pinks, tall ceilings, and tiles draw from 1970s Morocco. It’s really loud inside so the patio will be perfect for warm summer nights with friends and wine. The crowd consists of the culinary cognoscenti and creatives with money to burn on $18 vegetables.
Price
Appetizers: $9 - $36, most $18
Mains: $26 - $65
Cocktails: $15 - $18
All Other Drinks: $4 - $16
Service
Excellent service all around. The hostesses were warm and welcoming. The servers were attentive and knowledgeable. The staff is quick to get your drink order if they see you need replenishment.
Location
Saffy’s
4845 Fountain Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90029
+1 424-699-4845
