A Surprise New Israeli Restaurant Hides Away in Lincoln Heights

Well here’s something you don’t see every day: A brand new Israeli restaurant has quietly opened at the fringes of Downtown in Lincoln Heights. The newcomer, called Mazal, opens formally on Thursday with a menu that weaves from Moroccan-style carrots and hummus to start and on to bourekas, flatbreads, and couscous — plus lots of wine.

Mazal is the work of owner Tal Zaiet, though in truth it reads as much more of a family affair. Zaiet tells Eater that he and his father worked together to build out the small restaurant space, from the long bar with gold accents to the shaded patio with distanced tables.

Meanwhile, Zaiet and his mother shared inspirations for the homey menu, which is entirely vegetarian. In addition to the items listed above, diners can find a rotating collection of seasonal dishes that pull from the family’s Agua Dulce property, including pomegranates, pears, and various herbs; Tal’s mother even bakes the desserts herself. The opening menu is below.

As for the space at 110 N. San Fernando Road, the small restaurant sits a block from the iconic 24-hour Carnitas Michoacan at the edge of Lincoln Heights and far Chinatown, and is almost equally close to the LA State Historic Park and Dodger Stadium. To start, Zaiet says that Mazal’s hours will be 4:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday, and 2:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Sunday.

Shelby Moore

Though the openings have slowed of late, Mazal does add its name to the city’s already prodigious Israeli food scene, which touches restaurants from Bavel and Mizlala to the underground meat master Avi Cue up in Sherman Oaks. Mazal is ready for service this weekend.

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