Carnival Restaurant in Sherman Oaks Welcomes You for Lebanese Food
In writing this review I struggled with figuring out what exactly I should say.
There was a bit of back and forth in trying to figure out how I could best convey the lovely dinner I had which prolonged this post. Prolonged for so long that I realized I had started a new job, went to another country, came home, and still hadn’t said anything at all. It’s funny how time does that—that so much of it can pass and so little gets done. Thankfully as the days changed the words came to mind and the post began to write itself. Unlike many reviews that describe the dishes in detail, this one affectionately describes the restaurant and its staff. Even though the food was great, the people within the space was truly the best part.
I discovered Carnival Restaurant in Sherman Oaks thanks to a friend. Arielle of Rels Reviews extended an invitation with such glowing excitement that I couldn’t say no. A drive through the canyons on an evening after work and soon enough I was sitting in a booth within the restaurant. The interior had a bit of an older and dated feel to it. Although it’s not the fancy design seen in other places, it’s quaint and warm. It feels relaxing and if you’re in good company, you may forget how long you stay. That ended up happening with us and I was ok with that.
In the time we were in the restaurant, Arielle introduced me to the owner. He was charming and inviting and made me feel as if I was part of the family. A close cousin or a childhood friend was the way he treated me and other guests within the restaurant he considers home. In the times I got to speak with him I noticed moments of his sarcastic humor, his gentle kindness, and the happiness he had in getting people to try his food. In preparation to do so, I asked Arielle to order for the both of us.
Running through the menu, pointing at a few items, and smiling with the waiter Arielle made the executive decision on what we should eat. Moments later what she thought was best arrived to the table and it didn’t take long for me to validate her choices, “This is so good!” I couldn’t stop myself. I grabbed my fork and dove it into each plate and bowl before me. I danced between hummus and babaganoush, fattoush salad, kabobs of the most delicious meat, and falafel until I couldn’t dance any longer. Each dish captivated my tastebuds and was more than I could have asked to have experienced. How Arielle knew what to order was something I may not figure out, but how the restaurant made it taste so perfect was a question I quit trying to answer. It was just right and I couldn’t have left any happier, to-go bags and all.
As I end this review I can’t stop but thinking about how great of a dinner I had and how lucky I am to have met such a nice restaurant owner. Arielle introducing me to Carnival Restaurant has led me to discover a new place to find delicious Lebanese food. So good, that the leftovers remained just as mouthwatering as the day when I first tried them. I’m appreciative of restaurants like Carnival in Sherman Oaks, because it’s a family run business that does a great job at making you feel like you’re one of their own. Although I’m not, in the time I was there they could have fooled me and that would have been just fine.
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Address: 4356 Woodman Ave, Sherman Oaks, CA 91423
Phone: (818) 784-3469
Hours: Daily – 11:00am to 10:00pm
Social: Website and Instagram.
