Jannah - San Andreas

Note: Closer to two and a half stars right now, but I’m sure it will earn a full three stars once a few details are addressed. They didn’t serve a couple items that were supposed to come with our dishes e.g., lavash bread and bulgar. Servers needs to be better versed on the menu. I bet things will run more smoothly soon. —————————————————————————— Jannah, a word that means “paradise” in Arabic, also is a new Middle Eastern California eatery on Fulton near Masonic, the latest project from Iraqi born chef/owner Yahya Salih (Yaya Cuisine). My dad and I decided to have lunch there a couple of weeks ago, the day after they opened. The interior is simple, with walls of white clouds against blue sky contrasted against wooden chairs with green seats and matching tables. We ordered a number of dishes to be shared, but chef Salih personally came to our table and explained that we ordered way too much food. So, we cancelled the chicken tikka marinated with thyme, with rice and vermicelli on the side. It’s a good thing we did, as the portions were large, and we barely finished our food. The lunch entrees, affordably priced at $9, consist of a variety of Jannah specialties, phyllo dough dishes and tikka kebabs. Salads and appetizers are $3. There are a couple of $6 pizzas on the menu as well, including Safeehat Falafel with a garbanzo crust, pesto, eggplant, roasted bell pepper, green and red onions, shiitake mushrooms, tomatoes, feta and goat cheese. Dinner prices are a couple dollars higher. Not everything on the menu was available yet, but what we did sample was enjoyable. Service was friendly but had some kinks – nothing that better familiarity with the menu items and ingredients couldn’t fix. Jannah enriches the neighborhood’s dining landscape, and there are multiple reasons why I would return for another meal: Tasty Middle Eastern fare. It’s a cuisine that I don’t frequently prepare at home, so it’s always a welcomed treat. Casual and comfortable setting. The dining room offers ample elbow room between tables, and isn’t overcrowded like so many restaurants are nowadays. It’s a place I would take the kids for a quick, easy meal or for an informal gathering with food shared family style. Affordable. They give you large portions for the price, and lunch is a particularly good deal. Affable owners. Yahya Salih and his wife are a lovely couple, so it will be a pleasure to return and chat with them again.

My all time favorite is the salmon fatosh salad. They have great appetizers from hummus to pizza . The ravioli is a favorite as well. Go!

Great food, ambiance and service. I couldn't have asked for a better food. I loved the food. I have had middle eastern food everywhere locally and globally, this one is among the very best. Highly recommend it. Also, there is a very convenient parking structure for free across the street. Must TRY!!!

I'm sadden to learn that this delicious restaurant will retire next month. I'm glad that I was able to have experienced such a cozy,friendly place.

I am so happy to have found this restaurant.The baba ganoush is the best i have ever had, and I traveled a lot.I ordered the lamb with feta, the meat melts in your mouth and the spices mix is flawless.As a dessert, I wanted the knafeh, unfortunately you have to order it in advance because they want to serve it fresh. Now, I am not surprised they told me that because i got to try their pastries they nicely gave to me. Usually I don’t like those ones because they are too sweet and the dough is rarely good or fresh, but they were delicious and I will definitely order more next time.This is the best restaurant I have had since long time.Can’t wait to go back to try everything !oh also…the people who work there are sooooo sweet. Voilà