Patch Picks: Ethnic Eats

1. serves Mediterranean cuisine, known for being good for both taste buds and your heart health. Owner Shakeh Kodaverdian offers a diverse menu based in the flavors of the area, including house-made hummus and kabob dish beef souvalaki. Open Sunday to Thursday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. with 10 p.m. closing time on Friday and Saturday. 2235 Honolulu Ave. 818-957-7524.

2. Family-owned  serves a traditional Persian meal in an elegant dining room with gracious service. Fesenjoon, a hearty chicken stew with pomegranates and walnuts served with saffron basmati rice, is perfect for lunch or dinner, especially when followed by a slice of house-made baklava. Open daily 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. 2309 Foothill Blvd. 818-542-4100.

3. If you crave Chinese food, especially for lunch when a long list of specials won’t bust your budget, try . Meals are cooked to order and include favorites beef and broccoli, moo-go-gai-pan, chow mein and even dim sum offerings. Wacky Wok also delivers. Menu and hours are available online. 2263 Honolulu Ave. 818-249-9889.

4. Authentic Mexican food can be a culinary treat even to Southern Californians accustomed to cuisine from south of the border. ’s menu includes posole, cactus salad, and flautas, as well as familiar friends like tostadas and chilaquiles. The sangria is a must try. La Cabanita has been serving Montrose for almost 30 years. Open 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, and until 11 p.m. weekends. 3445 N Verdugo Road. 818-957-2711.

5. When you think Japanese food, you probably think of sushi. Head to where more than 60 sushi choices are waiting for you. A menu of teriyakis and tempuras for less enthusiastic fish eaters is also available, as well as a sakes. Open daily 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., and until 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. 2261 Honolulu Ave. 818-248-9700.