“Kafta (ground beef) with potatoes, and our daily specials, molokhia, shawarma, stuffed chicken, lamb shanks, shish kebab (beef, lamb and/or chicken), branzino (the Italian name for the European sea bass, a mild, white-fleshed fish popular in Mediterranean cuisine. It is prized for its delicate flavor, firm texture, and flaky flesh), and skewered lamb cubes grilled with onions and tomatoes are just a few of the delicious dishes that are worth mentioning. And our fresh, thick-cut French fries are an all-time favorite with our customers…”
Wahid Al-Hakim, Carnival co-owner and renowned chef
From start to finish, Carnival centers on family. Between describing the activities of his five sons and grandchildren, Halaby articulates the mission of the restaurant. “This restaurant is a family thing, and we want to keep it that way. We can’t have it losing its form, going into dysfunction or chaos…once you have a family, you always have a family. These values are evident when one examines our menu of mouthwatering appetizers, entrees, salads, and desserts, that also boasts Mama’s Traditional Ashtalia Pudding (a family recipe made with milk, sugar, and orange blossom water and topped with pistachios), and Mama’s Homemade Baklava (a syrup-doused pastry made up of countless layers of filo and filled with finely chopped nuts) among it temptations.”
“On Mondays, customers hurry in to order our homemade molokhia special, it’s one of a kind. Molokhia is a leafy green known as Jute Mallow or Egyptian Spinach, used in a popular savory soup or stew, especially in the Middle East and North Africa. It is characterized by its thick texture and is seasoned with garlic and coriander before being served with rice pilaf or bread. High in vitamins and minerals like iron, calcium, and potassium, molokhia is a nutritious part of various regional cuisines,” says Halaby.
Sunday is a big day at Carnival, Halaby adds, thanks to the restaurant’s loyal church-going crowd and many dedicated followers. All told, it’s a day of family, feast, and enjoyment for young and old, Lebanese and American and all in between.
One review on Trip Advisor says, “Delicious food made with the best fresh ingredients. It made us feel as if we were in Lebanon. We ordered appetizers (hummus, balila, Fattoush salad), kebabs and salmon. Everything was great and exceeded our expectations.” Another review says, “Have been going to Carnival for over thirty years. The best middle eastern food around. The menu is fantastic, the prices are reasonable and the customer service is superb. Their baba ghanoush, tabbouleh and hummus are all delicious, all of their meats are cooked fresh. Their specials are so good. The Friday Special is a chicken with rice. It tastes just like my grandma’s cooking once did. If you like home cooking, then this is the place.”
In 2023 at the Infaturation.com website, Brant Cox wrote, “Carnival is a Sherman Oaks staple where the people-watching is even more important than the solid Lebanese food you’ll eat. Sure, you’ll fill up on well-cooked chicken shawarma and consider ordering seconds of their fantastic lentil soup, but that’s not really why you’re at this dimly-lit strip mall spot. You’re here because it’s nice to know places where couples read newspapers in booths together and little old ladies scream ‘More baklava, Jeanine!’ at their waitresses like it’s a family potluck that still exists.”
Dishes at Carnival Restaurant
“Our desserts and sweets especially the baklava, knafeh, namoura, and Mama’s Traditional Ashtalia Pudding are served with a good strong cup of Arabic coffee. The end results of these dishes and flavors take on a meaning of great pride in a rich heritage and an artful cooking skill that customarily every family must master only at home. You can be assured that Carnival’s respected chefs and servers will continue this tradition of cooking and dining excellence to delight your appetite and make you feel at home with every visit,” adds Halaby.
Carnival Restaurant
4356 Woodman Ave.
Sherman Oaks, CA 91423
Phone: (818) 784-3469
https://www.carnivaldine.com/menus
https://www.carnivaldine.com/catering
https://www.instagram.com/carnival_restaurant/?hl=en
https://www.facebook.com/carnivalrest1/mentions/?_rdr/
https://carnival-restaurant.eggscellent.site/
Open: 7 Days a Week | 11:00am – 8:30pm
Order at: info@carnivaldine.com
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten-free options
Open for lunch and dinner
Table service and takeout
Carnival offers flexible catering options tailored to your special event:
Pick-up Orders – Great for family meals or small gatherings
Full-Service Catering – Includes delivery, on-site chef, and servers for an added fee
Custom Menus – We’ll help you build the perfect menu based on your guest count and preferences
Also:
Sweets at Carnival Restaurant
See: https://www.latimes.com/brandpublishing/entertainmentplus/la-ss-readers-choice-2012-food-restaurants-20120807-story.html
See: Anthony Rahayel, “Back to Carnival Restaurant: The Lebanese Food They Serve is Amazing. Traditional Recipes Preserved,” at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8U9H_jhXDVY
See: Anthony Rahayel, “Carnival Restaurant LA: One of the Best Lebanese Restaurants Outside Lebanon. Stories of Success,” at: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/rahayel_carnival-restaurant-la-one-of-the-best-lebanese-activity-7186018854047780864-9Sjj
Some photos courtesy: https://www.followmygut.com/carnival-restaurant-in-sherman-oaks/
For reviews and more information:
Dishes at Carnival Restaurant
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g32655-d379116-Reviews-Carnival_Restaurant-Los_Angeles_California.html
It’s a celebration of Lebanese food at Carnival in Sherman Oaks
https://www.yelp.com/biz/carnival-restaurant-sherman-oaks?start=460&ylist=the-valley-sfv-north-hollywood-3
https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/carnival-restaurant-sherman-oaks?select=4idsO2ifU8XQVhxPfqUP7A
https://www.theinfatuation.com/los-angeles/reviews/carnival
https://jewishjournal.com/san_fernando_valley/4993/
https://www.latimes.com/recipe/jute-mallow-soup
Carnival Restaurant in Sherman Oaks Welcomes You for Lebanese Food with a Family Feel
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Dining and Cooking