01
Best overall pick
Porto's Bakery & Cafe
Brand Boulevard Corridor • Bustling Cuban Bakery And Café • Essential Glendale Experience
Lines move fast for standout pastries, sandwiches, and coffee at this beloved Glendale landmark.
Porto's feels like the unofficial town square, with locals grabbing potato balls, cheese rolls, and Cubano sandwiches from morning through late afternoon. Despite the crowds, the operation is efficient, prices are friendly, and the pastry case is consistently impressive. It’s the place you send out-of-towners when they ask where to start in Glendale.
02
Best for a splurge
Din Tai Fung
Americana At Brand • Sleek Taiwanese Dumpling House • Special-Occasion Favorite
Known for meticulously folded soup dumplings, Din Tai Fung turns a mall meal into an event.
The Glendale outpost of Din Tai Fung draws steady waits for its xiao long bao, precision service, and polished setting overlooking the Americana. The menu rewards ordering family-style, from wontons in chile oil to garlicky greens and noodles. It’s ideal when you want something buzzy yet organized enough for birthdays, visiting family, or a pre-movie feast.
03
Classic Armenian institution
Raffi's Place
Central Glendale Blocks • Lively Persian-Armenian Restaurant • Best For Big Groups
Huge platters of kabob, rice, and herbs anchor hearty, shareable meals in a bustling courtyard setting.
Raffi's is where Glendale congregates for celebrations, with an expansive patio that fills up on weekends and holidays. The portions are generous, from juicy barg and chicken kabob to mounds of saffron rice and grilled tomatoes. Come hungry, bring a few friends, and expect to leave with leftovers for tomorrow’s lunch.
04
Neighborhood gem
Mini Kabob
South Glendale Side Streets • Tiny Family-Run Kebab Counter • Best For Grilled Meats
This small, no-frills spot turns out remarkably flavorful kebabs and lavash wraps from a compact kitchen.
Mini Kabob is little more than a counter and a few seats, but the warmth of the owners and the quality of the food make it a destination. Skewers come off the grill smoky and well-seasoned, paired with fluffy rice, tangy salads, and house-made sauces. It’s the kind of place where regulars are greeted by name and first-timers quickly become repeat customers.
05
Casual weeknight pick
Adana Restaurant
East Colorado Street Corridor • Relaxed Mediterranean Grill • Laid-Back Local Favorite
A comfortable go-to for kebab plates, mezze, and fresh-baked bread without any fuss.
Adana offers the kind of easy, reliable meal that works just as well for a quick solo dinner as it does for a low-key meet-up with friends. Combo plates make ordering simple, pairing juicy kebabs with rice, grilled vegetables, and soft bread. Service is straightforward and friendly, and you’ll rarely have trouble finding a table on a weeknight.