Yalla Greek Restaurant recently opened in downtown Culver City- January 2016

Located in the heart of Culver City’s trendy “strip” is a fun, new restaurant called “Yalla” (meaning “let’s get going”). It is where the old Daphne’s Greek restaurant was located right near the Movie Theater and Culver Hotel.

Here, customers are always assured of fresh, healthy meals, with a mediterranean flair. And, with daily delivery of fresh produce, the side dish choices change regularly.

Ordering is simple and fast, with your choice of wrap, salad or plate. Each includes up to 3 sides and pita.  Main choices are: Falafel, Skewers (Chicken Breast, Steak, Salmon or Kefta), Chicken Shawarma or Shalafel (a chicken Shawarma, Falafel combo.).  Sides include tasty selections such as Greek Potato Salad, Turkish Slaw, Moroccan Carrot Salad, Beet Salad and Couscous to name quite a few of them. There is no shortage of toppings, spreads and sauces.  My favorite was baba ganoush, an eggplant based spread that seems to go with everything.  Of course you’ll find hummus, fire feta, tahini, tzatziki, chermoula, harissa.

On our recent visit, we tried the chicken skewer and the shalafel (combo). We found the skewer to be ultra tender and spiced perfectly.  The Shwarma, was truly outstanding in flavor and presentation.  Again, tender meat and Lebanese spices make this a house favorite. We also tried the salmon and beef. All came out great. 

The staff is very fast, friendly, and efficient.  You can eat in, take out, or order on line for fast pick up.  What’s more, there is separate preparation area specifically for catering service.  In addition to the wide selections, they also offer baklava and greek frozen yogurt deserts, plus beer and wine.

There is indoor and outdoor seating.  You’ll notice a wall-mounted herb garden and a lemon tree inside.

For additional YALLA locations, hours, and on line menus, visit: yallamedi.com.