GRILLIANT
MEDITERRANEAN FAVORITE OPENS IN CULVER CITY

Every meal can’t be a fine dining experience. Our wallets wouldn’t be able to afford it. But there’s no excuse to compromise on quality. Good eating is good eating, no matter if you’re a self-proclaimed foodie celebrating a milestone event; on the go; or just looking for a bite to keep you going; eat right and you’ll be a lot happier. Described as casual dining, Grilliant serves quality Mediterranean fare that sustains and satisfies in Burbank and now in Culver City.

Grilliant aims to produce the finest fresh ingredients to create a California Mediterranean experience that is both health conscience and flavorful where all items are made from scratch and in-house daily. 

During our recent visit to the Culver City location, we started with an order of the Spicy Hummus, which was extremely flavorful. This is a winning appetizer, although it could have come with more pita but ask for more and you shall be rewarded.

If you’re looking for healthy eats, the Grilliant salads are a great way to go. These are a “big salad” what would make any Seinfeld fan proud. And at just $9 they’re a great deal. The Mediterranean Salad with Romaine lettuce topped with feta cheese, Kalamata olives, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onions and red wine vinaigrette dressing is delicious. And you can add additional topping, such as salmon or beef filet kabobs for $4.50; chicken or turkey kabobs for $3.25; organic hard boiled egg for $2; or avocado for $1.50.

The Organic Quinoa Salad, and the Organic Kale Salad are both very popular and they can be combed into a 50/50 salad that is good for you and great to taste. The quinoa salad comes with organic quinoa, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, garbanzo beans, corn, cilantro, scallions, olives and house vinaigrette dressing, while the kale salad features organic kale, Brussel sprouts, parmesan cheese, toasted almonds with house vinaigrette dressing.

If you’re in the mood of heartier dishes, the kabob plates will hit the spot. The kabobs are open fire grilled and have a flavor that combines smokiness with excellent seasoning that leaves the meat juicy and tender. The kabob plates are served with Grilliant’s signature yogurt and Mediterranean salsa and include a side item of your choice—choose from hummus; eggplant mirza; rice and dill; seasoned fries; small spring mix salad; vegetable skewer.

We shared the fire-grilled beef filet kabob, and the highly popular salmon kabob. I don’t think you can beat the flavor of the beef filet, although the salmon is a wonderful choice for non meat eaters or just anyone looking to keep things light.

While keeping things light is good, if you’re in the mood for dessert, the macaroons and the chocolate strawberry are fantastic options. Fresh and tasty, there aren’t the most decadent desserts but they are satisfying.

Beverage-wise, there is tea and coffee along with a slew of smoothies, fresh iced tea and lemonade, as well as a full line of draught and craft beer and Mediterranean wine. Happy Hour runs from 4-8pm. At least in Culver City, you will be hard pressed to find a better place for happy hour if you’re looking for both good eats and a nice glass of beer or wine. I can’t imagine not being happy at Grilliant.

Grillant is located at 3850 Main Street in Culver City and 4007 W. Riverside Drive in Burbank.

Story by Jose Martinez

Photography Cortesy of: Grillant