Although its name sounds more like a hotel room number than a restaurant serving some of the best Lebanese delicacies this side of Beirut, 10e is the upscale Lebanese-Armenian eatery that LA has been waiting for. It’s surprisingly not located in either of the Armenian meccas of Glendale or East Hollywood, but rather in the heart of Downtown LA in a space that feels like a Middle Eastern palace with ornate vaulted ceilings. The lighting is dim and there is live music every night; perfect for a romantic dinner with your sweetheart or a clandestine assignation with a mysterious stranger — take your pick.
The food is impressive. The puffy and hot-out-of-the-oven Lebanese bread is mouth-wateringly excellent, especially when paired with the Hummus or Labne Yogurt Dip. I recommend starting your meal with some Mante (Armenian Beef Dumplings with Garlic Yogurt Sauce and Sumac), San Bousek (deep fried Puff Pastries stuffed with Ground Beef and Pine Nuts; pictured above) or Beef Fried Kibbeh (made with Bulgar and Onions).
You’ll probably want some veggies after all of that fried goodness, so I would order a Fattoush Salad with Purslane, Romaine, Cucumber, Tomato, Radish, Mint, Pita Chips, Sumac, Lemon and Olive Oil. From there, I suggest getting an order of the perfectly seasoned and grilled Lamb Chops with Za’atar, Roasted Pepper Sauce and Parsley Sauce. Dessert of course is Baklava covered in sweet syrup; the perfect ending to your Middle Eastern feast.
10e is located at 811 W 7th Street in Downtown Los Angeles.
Yogurt Dip
Puffy Lebanese Bread
Kibbeh Nayyeh (Steak Tartar with Bulgur, Onion Parsley and Extra Virgin Olive Oil)
Beef Fried Kibbeh with Ground Beef, Bulgur, Onion, Pine Nuts and Greek Yogurt
Vegetarian Flatbread with Eggplant, Basi, Cherry Tomato, Roasted Pepper, Kalamata Olives, Kashkaval Cheese, Mushroom and Avocado
Fattoush Salad
Chicken Lule Kebab with Grilled Pita, Red Onion, Parsley and Sumac Garlic Toum; served with Salad and Rice
Lamb Chops with Za’atar, Roasted Pepper Sauce and Parsley Sauce
Feels like a Middle Eastern palace with ornate vaulted ceilings
In the heart of Downtown
