Whether it’s for student clubs, parent meetings, prospective student visits or just a regular lunchtime delivery, the halls of Shalhevet High School are always filled with the smells of delicious kosher food from neighborhood restaurants. But which foods are the student and faculty favorites?  

A small sample of Shalhevet student and faculty responses indicate that “favorites” depend on the situation — students who are grabbing something quick, like late-night food with friends might make one choice, while faculty getting take out or going out to eat might choose somewhere more upscale.

Across both faculty and student lines, a few restaurants rise to the top, with enthusiastic votes, praise and popularity from faculty and students alike. Several other local restaurants were named as favorites despite receiving fewer votes, with respondents sharing their “must-order” recommendations.

Shali Favorites

Corridor 18 (8532 West Pico Boulevard)

• Smash Burger (General Studies Principal Daniel Weslow)
• Corridor Burger and Chicken Tenders (Judaic Studies Principal Malka Popper)
• Fried chicken sandwich (Director of Chesed Tovah Goldman)

Lenny’s Casita (8823 West Pico Boulevard )

• Enchiladas (Receptionist Sarah Cardenas)
• Churro waffles (General Studies Principal Daniel Weslow)
• Lenny’s Burger (Judaic Studies Principal Malka Popper)

Next Door (7475 Beverly Boulevard)

• Steak and spicy tuna crispy rice (Director of Student Activities Mika Shalom)
• Steak (Judaic Studies Principal Malka Popper)

Kolah Farangi (9180 West Pico Boulevard)

• Tahdig (traditional Persian crispy rice) and Chinese food (Dean of Student Life Jonny Ravanshenas and Mashgiach Ruchani Rabbi Yagil Tsaidi)

Beverly Hills Thai (9036 Burton Way)

• Pad Thai, Pad See Ew (“hands-down” – Head of School Rabbi David Block)

Holy Grill (8975 West Pico Boulevard)

• Shawarma plate (Director of School Engagement Tushar Dwivedi)

Dr. Sandwich (7475 Beverly Boulevard; 9113 West Pico Boulevard)

• Falafel pita (Physics teacher Taek Chang)

Shanghai Diamond Garden (9401 West Pico Boulevard)

• Kung Pao Chicken (Physics teacher Taek Chang)

Superlatives and Testimonials

Nicer sit-down dinners: La Gondola (9025 Wilshire Boulevard)

• “Not only does La Gondola provide great quality food, but they also have a wide variety of options.”  – Jojo Eisen, 12th grade

Israeli food: Tel Aviv Grill (1721 Ventura Boulevard in Encino, other locations in Valley Village and Woodland Hills) 

• “That first bite instantly takes me back to being in the Shuk haCarmel [Carmel Market] in Tel Aviv while I was on Sulam [an Israel program].” Gabe Mittman, 12th grade

Favorite American/Casual: Corridor 18

• “I especially like the Corridor Burger. It’s very juicy and tender. They put an aioli sauce on the burger that is just the cherry on top.” – Gavin Deutsch, 11th grade
• “I love the whole menu. The entire menu is fire.” – Mr. Daniel Weslow, General Studies Principal
• “Corridor is gas with boys at 12 a.m.” – Gabe Mittman, 12th grade

Best Fries: PSY Burger (Sherman Oaks)

• “I sometimes drive all the way to the Valley just to get those beautiful steak fries.” – Gabe Mittman, 12th grade 

Best Kosher Dairy Restaurant: Lamalo Cafe (8837 West Pico Boulevard)

• “I’ve had a lot of Caprese sandwiches in my life and this is one of the best. They use really fresh tomatoes and great mozzarella cheese.” – Noa Delson, 10th grade 

Personal Favorites/Best Overall:  Nagila (9411 West Pico Boulevard) and Melrose Burgers ‘N Fries Glatt Kosher Grill (7751 1/2 Melrose Avenue)

• “My favorite restaurant overall is Nagila because it’s been the spot that I’ve been going to since I was five. The taste of Nagila reheated after Shabbos is amazing.” Gavin Deutsch, 11th grade 
• “Melrose Burgers is my favorite because it’s a restaurant that isn’t very big and isn’t in a very central area but it still thrives and still continues to please its customers with great food and service.” – Shachar Peterseil, 9th grade