Eater: Global Pita Sandwich Chain Miznon Opens Inside LA’s Grand Central Market

Heading straight into Grand Central Market on May 10, 2025, is the first West Coast location for Miznon, an international Middle Eastern street food chain founded by chef Eyal Shani. It’ll debut in the former Sari Sari Store, where diners can sit around the counter and try some of Shani’s notable pita sandwiches in Downtown’s 108-year-old bazaar. Miznon translates to “canteen” or “cafeteria” in Hebrew. “Pita is the most genius food in the world,” says Shani. “It’s like a womb, taking the food inside, and can make so many things.”

The Tel Aviv-based restaurant made its U.S. debut in New York’s Chelsea Market in 2018 and has since expanded to Singapore, London, Paris, and Las Vegas. The Los Angeles opening will mark the chain’s 26th location.

Those who previously dined at Miznon will see popular menu items like the folded cheeseburger a la smash burger pita that’s filled with dill pickles and a savory sauce. The menu also features pita packed with roasted cauliflower and tahini and the steak and egg with sour cream, tomato, Lebanese cucumber, salsa, and green onions. As with Miznon’s other locations, Shani will create a signature pita that reflects regional flavors after he visits Los Angeles later this year. Mizon Grand Central Market will serve non-pita plates like a fattoush-inspired salad, lamb kebab platter, and brisket marinated overnight then seared on a hot grill with aioli. The counter spot plans to offer wine and Goldstar beer.

The space has a fresh look by Turjeman Yaakov. Shani has decades of fine dining experience under his belt and is an influential presence in Israel. Miznon LA is a partnership with Pagani Projects founder Giancarlo Pagani, who is also a managing partner at Mother Wolf Group.

Southern California is home to diasporic communities from Iran, Armenia, Israel, Palestine, Syria, Lebanon, and more, and numerous restaurants reflect their cuisines. Charbel Hayek debuted his Lebanese-influenced fine dining with Laya and Ladyhawk to local acclaim. Los Angeles’s casual spots (especially shawarma) have a more extensive network with Eagle Rock’s A La Beirut, plus local chains Kebab Shop and Dune. This isn’t Grand Central Market’s first dive into Middle Eastern food, with former stand Madcapra and Kismet Falafelthat operated from 2015 to 2020. But Shani sees space for Miznon in Los Angeles.

“It’s not my job to compete,” says Shani. “I didn’t invent the pita. But I know the roots, ideas, and essence of Israeli food. My job is to invent and find new things.”

Beginning May 10, Miznon will be open daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. in Grand Central Market at 317 Broadway, Los Angeles, CA, 90013.

View the full article in Eater.