A new culinary destination has emerged in downtown Los Angeles, offering a taste of authentic Lebanese cuisine. Tabl M, located at the base of the escalator in “The Bloc,” opened its doors in July 2023. The restaurant serves a variety of dishes, including vibrant flatbreads and flavorful Lebanese specialties.
Co-owner and chef Muna Fargo brings her passion for healthy cooking to the table. Encouraged by her husband, Joe Abboud, she attended culinary school at the prestigious Le Cordon Bleu. “It was one of the best things I ever did,” Fargo shared. “I always had it in my heart to open a restaurant, not just because I like to cook, but because it’s a joy to see people eating and dancing.”
The couple, who fled Lebanon in 2022, is eager to share their culinary heritage with the local community. “The community here is very vibrant and diverse, and we like the city life,” Abboud noted.
Delicious Offerings and Unique Atmosphere
Tabl M features a menu rich with Lebanese flavors. Diners can enjoy dishes such as beef shawarma plates, complemented by an array of toppings and freshly baked flatbreads from the restaurant’s wood-fired oven. Popular items also include hummus, roasted red pepper dips, and fresh falafels served with tahini. For dessert, Fargo’s midnight chocolate cake is a must-try.
Aboud expressed the joy of seeing guests savoring their meals. “Everyone wants to sit on Muna’s table,” he remarked. Dishes that have become well-loved at family gatherings are now available for the wider public. Fargo added, “They eat it, and then they start licking the sauce and look around like, ‘Oh my goodness, do I have anyone watching me?'” She finds such moments heartwarming, stating, “I’ll always be watching, always be smiling when I see this.”
Community Engagement and Gratitude Wall
Tabl M encourages patrons to engage with the restaurant in a unique way. Guests are invited to leave notes on a gratitude wall, expressing their appreciation for the food and experience. “We’re very blessed and happy to be here, downtown L.A. at The Bloc, at Tabl M that we built from our heart,” Fargo said.
The restaurant operates from Tuesday to Sunday and remains closed on Mondays. Tabl M is located at 700 W 7th St., Ste G140, Los Angeles. This new establishment not only adds to the diverse dining landscape of downtown Los Angeles but also serves as a testament to the resilience and creativity of its owners.
