(New) Tel Aviv Grill
We finally got a chance to try the new location of Tel Aviv Grill, after it moved slightly closer to the Westside (in the former location of Itzik Hagadol). Walking in, the new Tel Aviv is massive compared to its original location, easily 300% - 400% of the size of the old location. 
You still walk up and order at a counter, and then walk over to choose what Israeli Salads you’d like to accompany your order:
Chicken Shawarma + Lamb Shawarma Plate:
The Chicken Shawarma is as moist and tender as the old location, nicely seasoned and zestier than Ta-Eem Grill’s version. Tasty! 
The Lamb Shawarma was something we never had at the old location. It’s a bit on the saltier side, and not as interesting as their Chicken (and we love Lamb normally).
Israeli Salads:
As before, Tel Aviv Grill’s weakness is their selection and seasoning of their Israeli Salads that accompany each dish. They are fine, but they’re all pretty straightforward in taste. Ta-Eem’s Israeli Salads are more flavorful, distinct and standout.
The Hummus was a bit liquidy, but still a great match with the Chicken Shawarma.
The other weak point is that Tel Aviv Grill only gives you 1 Pita per Plate order (whereas Ta-Eem gives you 2 - 4 pieces and you can ask for more for no extra charge). The Pita here is warmed up and decently fluffy, much better than most places “Pita” (Hockey Puck) around L.A.
A huge bonus for Tel Aviv is that they happily serve you a free side order of Fries and Eggplant to enjoy with each dish you order.
Tel Aviv Glatt Kosher Grill
17201 Ventura Blvd.
Encino, CA 91316
Tel: (818) 774-9400
Mizlala
A big thanks to @supabaker @bruins @hhewitt for the recommendation, since we were in the area, we also checked out Mizlala, a new restaurant that took over the spot where Simon’s Cafe used to be. Walking in, it’s a small, but inviting space.
Complimentary Pickles:
A nice selection of Pickled Vegetables. I particularly liked the use of Purple Cauliflower.
After seeing this at Ta-Eem Grill, it seems like everywhere we’re going that serves Israeli or Israel-adjacent food is serving their version of Zhoug/Skhug and a Red Harissa / Chili Sauce. Mizlala’s is fine, although not as interesting as versions at Ta-Eem Grill or an elevated one at Kismet.
Hummus “Masabacha” (Warm Chickpeas, Tahina, Lemon, Cumin, Cayenne):
Their version of Hummus was delicious! A bit more dressed up than we’re used to, but still quite tasty and a great pairing with their…
Housemade Laffa Bread:
This arrived piping hot(!), and a nice touch that Mizlala would be baking Laffa Bread to order. It was soft, with a nice chew, easy to tear, but also crisped in parts.
Jerusalem Salad (Persian Cucumber, Tomato, Freekeh, Lemon Vinaigrette):
A touch tart, but refreshing.
Moroccan Fried Chicken (Dill Chips, Apricot Mustard, Harissa Aioli, Spiced Duck Fat):
I loved the flavorful marinade of the Chicken and the exterior batter. The pairing of the Moroccan Fried Chicken with both dipping sauces were wonderful, although I probably liked the Harissa Aioli a bit more. If there was one quibble, it was that the Chicken was a bit soft on the exterior, with only a slight crispiness to it.
Spicy Merguez Sausages (Made In-House, Family Recipe):
We were really excited to try a Housemade Merguez Sausage in L.A. These turned out to be a touch too salty and rather mild (in terms of gaminess). 
The Merguez that Chef Zadi makes at Revolutionario were more flavorful (and less salty).
Pargiyot Free-Range Chicken Kebab (Paprika Marinade):
Their Pargiyot Free-Range Chicken Kebab turned out to be quite juicy, with a nice roasted exterior and a good Paprika punch with each bite.
Mizlala feels like a nice neighborhood spot with some hits (and misses) for us, but certainly more hits. We’d be back to try more of their sides with their great Housemade Laffa Bread and their Tagines.
Mizlala
4515 Sepulveda Blvd.
Sherman Oaks, CA 91403
Tel: (818) 783-6698
Tza Bar
Located inside a Super Sal Supermarket, you’ll find a little hole-in-the-wall called Tza Bar, which serves Kosher Israeli Cuisine.
It was nice to see them heating up Pitas in the oven. Sadly they don’t make their own, but reheat pre-packaged ones (but it helps make them more appealing and delicious than just using them straight out of the bag).
Falafel:
Their Falafel are nicely seasoned and have a creamy, vegetal interior. It might be a touch too liquidy in the center, but with a nice crunchy exterior these make for a nice snack if you’re in the area.
Chicken Shawarma Pita:
Their Chicken Shawarma was unfortunately a bit too salty for our tastes. It had a good seasoning, but too much salt. The Israeli Salads were fine, but rather basic in taste. The Pita had a decent warm softness to it (from the heating).
Complimentary Sides:
I also liked the Roasted Eggplant and Spiced Olives that they gave for free with each order.
2nd Visit:
We didn’t even notice the crazy mural facing Tza Bar until this 2nd visit. We must be in the Valley: 
Chicken Shawarma Pita:
We wanted to give them a 2nd chance and see if it was a fluke or not with the salt levels. Unfortunately it was pretty consistent on this 2nd visit: The Chicken Shawarma is just way too salty for our tastes.
Chicken Schnitzel Plate:
The Chicken Schnitzel Plate turned out to be delicious! The Chicken Schnitzel itself was nicely fried, not too oily, and had a decent crispness to it. It was a pounded Chicken Breast, and not too salty either.
It paired pretty well with a small bite of their various Israeli Salads that accompanied this plate:
The Pita was similar to last time: Reheated mainstream version, but with a decent warmth and a little bit of softness.
Tza Bar Kosher Restaurant
(Inside Super Sal’s Supermarket)
17630 Ventura Blvd.
Encino, CA 91316
Tel: (310) 925-2555
Hummus Bar & Grill
We’ve been to Hummus Bar & Grill before (thanks to our old board’s recommendation), but it was years ago, and we didn’t remember anything memorable about it (not bad, not great). But hearing @maccrogenoff recommend it for its namesake (Hummus) which we didn’t get to try and @bulavinaka and a few others talk about it, we decided to stop by again.
Housemade Bread + Pickles:
As we sat down and ordered, their Housemade Bread and Pickles appeared soon after. We liked the soft, slight chew to the Bread.
Hummus “Mesabacha” (Warm Chickpeas, Tahini Sauce, Harissa):
Then their Hummus “Mesabacha” arrived. First, wow! This order was massive! We had wondered why it was $12 for Hummus, but upon seeing it… it was enough to feed 4 - 6 people easily. 
Tearing off a piece of their Housemade Bread and grabbing some of this Hummus…
Creamy, not too thin nor thick. There’s an incredible burst of flavor from the Tahini, Hummus, Whole Chickpeas, Harissa and a good Olive Oil. It is seriously one of the best Hummus we’ve tried in L.A.! 
I can see why @maccrogenoff loves this version. I could see myself ordering this every time we’re in the area, it’s that good! 
Chicken Shawarma:
Hummus Bar & Grill’s Chicken Shawarma has a nice caramelization and crust, some good marinated Chicken with every bite. It’s tasty, but we preferred Ta-Eem’s Chicken Shawarma a bit more, but Hummus Bar & Grill’s version was quite acceptable and something we wouldn’t mind ordering again if we’re in the area.
Their Fries were nice and piping hot. It could’ve been a bit more crispy on the outside, but delicious nonetheless.
Their Red Cabbage Salad was decent, but lacked the depth of incredible layers of flavor that Ta-Eem’s version had.
Their Zhoug/Skhug was a bit too watery and spicy for my taste.
Overall Hummus Bar & Grill turned out to be a pleasant surprise: Our previous visit years ago was for some of their Kebabs, which were OK, but nothing memorable. This time, we tried their namesake - Hummus - which turned out to be a real standout. Hummus Bar & Grill’s Hummus “Mesabacha” was easily one of the best Hummus preparations we’ve had in L.A., ever. We’d be glad to go back just for that.
Hummus Bar & Grill
18743 Ventura Blvd.
Tarzana, CA 91356
Tel: (818) 344-6606