Luna Grill Brings More Fast-Casual Mediterranean Food to Sherman Oaks

If you love Mediterranean but are in the mood for something that is less dive-y and more inviting—i.e., a spot where you’d actually like to sit down and eat—consider Luna Grill. This restaurant provides tasty, fast-casual Mediterranean fare in the old Solley’s spot next to Wild & Free chicken and Burger Lounge.

The chain eatery touts sustainable, non-GMO ingredients that factor into plates, salads and wraps. The vegetarian sampler platter is good introduction to their flavors, combining herb-flecked falafel, stuffed grape leaves, vegetable-studded couscous, hummus (or spicy hummus with cilantro and Serrano) and soft pita bread triangles.

Signature plates showcase char-grilled, marinated meats. The selection is large, but we’d suggest skewers of Persian-style ground sirloin (koobideh), bone-in Cornish game hen and grass-fed lamb tenderloin cubes. Each order comes with a mixed green salad, fluffy saffron-stained basmati rice, tangy cucumber-yogurt dip, a choice of carrots or grilled tomato, and pita bread.

We also recommend the “Better Beet” bowl with cubed beet, roasted yellow tomato, basil, feta, almonds and organic greens.

Sean and Maria Pourteymour founded Luna Grill in 2004, and their San Diego-based company now has more than 30 locations. The look of their Sherman Oaks store stands out thanks to the combination of white brick walls, wood trim and tables, striped banquettes and booths, and cutlery chandeliers. Order at the counter from an LED menu.

For dessert, Luna Grill sells baklava, cookie sandwiches and cupcakes, though it would be hard to resist Afters ice cream-filled donuts next door.

4550 Van Nuys Blvd., Sherman Oaks, 747-208-5862