Awards & Recognitions

From national accolades to local acclaim, Ammatolí continues to attract attention for its heartfelt approach to Levantine cooking and its impact on the Long Beach dining community. Led by Chef Dima Habibeh, our restaurant has been honored by the James Beard Foundation and featured in major outlets such as the Los Angeles Times and Eater LA. Discover the awards and press coverage that reflect our passion for exceptional food and warm hospitality.

  • 2024 James Beard Awards Semifinalist
    Best Chef: California — Chef Dima Habibeh

    A prestigious national honor recognizing Chef Dima’s leadership and contribution to California’s culinary landscape — and spotlighting Ammatolí as one of the state’s most compelling dining experiences.

    “Ammatolí stands among California’s most exciting culinary destinations.”

  • LA Times “101 Best Restaurants in Los Angeles” – 4 Consecutive Years

    Ammatolí continues to earn a place on the Los Angeles Times’ definitive list of the city’s top restaurants — celebrated for its expressive, ingredient-driven Eastern Mediterranean cooking.

    “Ammatolí remains one of L.A.’s essential dining experiences.”

    VISIT ARTICLE-2024

    VISIT ARTICLE-2023

    VISIT ARTICLE-2022

    VISIT ARTICLE-2021

  • Featured in Eater LA’s guide to the Best Long Beach Restaurants
    Eater highlights Ammatoli as a must-visit Levantine restaurant, noting the menu spans the Levant region (Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Cyprus, Turkey, Israel, Jordan, Palestine) and calling it “one of the region’s most rightfully celebrated dining rooms.”

    VISIT ARTICLE

  • Eater Los Angeles

    Featured multiple times for its culinary excellence, expansion, and growing reputation.

    • Best Long Beach Restaurants Guide

    • Feature: Ammatolí’s expansion and Chef Dima’s evolving vision


    “A Levantine haven — one of the region’s most rightfully celebrated dining rooms.”

    AAA / Westways Magazine

    A full restaurant spotlight commending Ammatolí’s mezze, roasted meats, traditional dishes, and its welcoming hospitality.

    LongBeachize

    Multiple features celebrating Ammatolí’s brunch, interior design, menu, and cultural impact.

    “One of the best brunch spreads you can get in Long Beach.”

“Bold, expressive, and rooted in tradition — Ammatolí delivers some of Southern California’s most memorable dishes.”

— Regional Dining Review

“Ammatolí proves why it continues to lead Long Beach’s dining renaissance.”

— LongBeachize

“One of the region’s most rightfully celebrated dining rooms.”

— Local Food Press