Barbonzai Lebanese Eatery

Great casual takeout place! You order inside and there are a few tables inside (a family of five sat in the large table) and much more tables outside too.

I went for the box which contained four large falafels, french fries, huge container of humus, huge container of baba ghanoush, tahini, and garlic sauce. I also some chicken as a side. The box was enough to feed four people! The chicken was juicy and tender and flavorful. And the garlic sauce was the best I had!

Barbonzai Lebanese Eatery is a family own business opened since 2016 (7 years) and has two locations (Lake Forest, Costa Mesa). This Costa Mesa location is within The Lab-Anti Mall Plaza (also known as the hipster center with no parking spaces). Barbonzai is near Habana/Bootleggers and this location used to be a poke shop.

There are many similarities with Lebanese food and Mediterranean food so this is great spot if you are trying to eat healthier. I arrived on a Friday evening and there was a couple eating inside.

Ordering Screen: (2.5/5) No one was at the cashier but there was an Ordering Screen. The touch sensitivity was horrible and the stand was wabbly. I was jamming my finger on the screen trying to select food options. I was eventually able to pay with my phone but did not receive any texts. Perhaps I typed in my number incorrectly? One other thing I did see was the $1 soup special addition that I could not add.

Cashier Service: (5/5) The older man was so kind and friendly! He informed me that the baked falafel would take 10 minutes which I said yes to. He was also able to add onto my soup request. It didn't seem like a busy time as he appeared standing and picking up a spray bottle.

Falafel bowl (4/5): Spinach, lettuce, pickles, radish, rice, and falafels. The falafel was tasty and the tahini sauce was great to dip them in. I have to comment that their rice was also very unique. The only thing that I did not like was the recyclable paper bowl which was wet on the bottom and dampening my table. I would order sides of pita next time and would have loved to see if their pita was made from scratch.

Lentil Soup (5/5): Great textures and hearty. I appreciate that it was not salty as well. The bowl also came with crackers which I tossed because the soup didn't need it.

Positive Feedback: I wished that Barbonzai could showcase their food or how they make their items. There are restaurants like Sababa Falafel Shop where they present everything behind a glass and make the food in front of you as you order. It would also be terrific if they had more pickled or fermented items like turnips and onions. Overall, this is one of the only places I would come back to in this plaza.

What a fun surprising find! This place is.. in the Lab-- which means there's traffic in the parking lot, almost on a constant basis. Especially on the weekends; strategize with your tummy and your time. The falafel is so fresh and crispy, crunchy and flavorful. The bowl- which you have three options for lettuce, spinach or rice- I did ALL like the little piggy I long to be.

The fries were not as spiced as one would expect but it was still super yummy and the eggplant hummus is just unstoppable in scooping. It's the perfect amount for such a tasting box and packet of two pita bread sliced. Comes with plenty of sauce and satisfaction to your hunger. No coffee available in this falafel hut though. Plenty around in the Lab.
Great for vegetarians.

Now if only the parking wasn't so intimidating....

I've been on a Mediterranean kick recently and I'm always a "bowl" fan. BL has been on my list for awhile, so I tried it on a rainy day today. I ordered the Bowl - 1/2 Chicken, 1/2 Steak, all three bases - rice, spinach and lettuce. And both garlic and Tahini on the side. It was prepared well, the cashier was very nIce and accommodating and the food was good... but it didn't blow my socks off. I enjoyed it but not sure I'd travel to eat here given other options on the area.

Fast service
Quality food
Reasonable prices

Anytime I see the word "Falafel" I must try! I've had some terrible dry ones and some fresh crunchy ones. This one is top tier for sure!! The pickles and sauce brings this all together. So flavorful!!!

I would skip on the air fry cauliflower as they weren't crunchy at all and a bit to salty, but non the less I would for sure some back and get another pita falafel and their tasty starry sodas!

Side note their spicy tahini and regular hummus are very flavorful and not to be missed out !

Next trip I gotta try their baklava !!!

Delicious heartwarming food! The lentil soup was yummy. The falafel was perfect! Sometimes they're too soft inside but not this one. The tajin sauce was perfect on the falafel and rice and the baba ganoush had the perfect texture. I will definitely come back here again.

Super delicious Lebanese spot! I've tried many Lebanese spots, but this one is such a gem. It is more quick service, than formal sit down, which I loved! The staff was super nice and helpful. And the food was absolutely amazing.

We got the chicken wrap as well as the falafel wrap, potatoes, and the tabbouleh salad. The chicken wrap was perfection! The chicken was so well seasoned, and the garlic sauce balanced the dish so well. The falafel wrap was also great, but the falafel itself needed more flavor. The potatoes were super good, but got soggy since they're in the box (as expected). And the tabbouleh salad added a great fresh component to the meal.

The sauces were good, although the spicy tahini sauce wasn't really spicy for us.

Overall, great energy! We ate at the lab sitting areas, so the environment and weather added to the overall experience.

Barbonzai Lebanese Eatery is a true gem for anyone seeking authentic Lebanese cuisine. Having been here several times, I can confidently say that their food never disappoints.

Their newest addition to the menu, "The Box," is a delightful assortment of Lebanese delights. From the crispy falafel to the creamy hummus and baba ghannouj, and the addictive zaatar fries, it's a culinary journey you won't want to miss. The accompanying garlic and tahini sauces elevate the flavors, and the warm pita bread ties it all together perfectly.

When it comes to their Chicken and Steak platters, they consistently deliver mouthwatering perfection. I personally love pairing them with hummus, salad, and tabbouleh as sides. The meats are always tender and seasoned to perfection, making for a satisfying and flavorful meal.

The ambiance is cozy, the service is friendly, and the food is simply outstanding. Barbonzai Lebanese Eatery is a must-visit for anyone looking to indulge in the best Lebanese cuisine. You won't be disappointed!

I can be quite critical when it comes to Lebanese food because my husband is Lebanese. I have tried so many local restaurants around LA/OC area and this place hits the spot. I love that the family works here and you can often find dad and sons working here. I noticed they hired a few new employees which wasn't the same when a familiar face wasn't there to greet me with their usual smile. The chicken shawarma sandwich is very good here. Love that it is freshly made. I only wish they added fries to the sandwich but you can always order a side and add them yourself. The tabbouleh salad was not as good but again dad wasn't there, usually that lemony, olive oil, salt dressing takes over my taste buds. The hummus and baba ghanoush is delicious, smooth and silky with the simple pita, makes for a perfect side. Whenever I want fast Lebanese food, this is my go-to spot.

The chicken is to die for. I'd recommend that, the babaganoush which is creamy, smoky, with strands of egg plant. The rice was deliciously fluffy and house salad was herbaceous. I'd definitely recommend the garlic sauce, I had to stop myself from buying the large tub!