On a busy stretch of 3rd Street in downtown Long Beach, a small restaurant tells a big story about family, memory, and the flavors of home that have shaped a chef’s life.
Ammatoli is the passion project of Chef Dima Habibeh, who grew up in Amman, Jordan, in a household where food was love made tangible and every meal carried the weight of tradition.
The name itself honors her roots—“Amma” for Amman, and “toli” from the Latin word for hills, a nod to the seven hills on which the city was built and the landscape she carries in her heart.
What began as a longing for the tastes of her childhood has become a gathering place where locals come not just to eat, but to feel the warmth of Levantine hospitality and connect with a story that feels deeply personal.
How Ammatoli Won Local Hearts
Chef Dima’s story starts in a kitchen filled with the scent of spices and the sound of family laughter in Amman, where meals were never just about food but about connection and heritage.
Her father is from Jerusalem and her mother from Damascus, so the table at home was always a map of the Levant, blending flavors and traditions from across the region into every dish.
When she moved to California, she missed those flavors so much that she decided to recreate them herself, turning her longing into a mission to share the tastes of her upbringing with a new community.
Ammatoli was born from that longing, a way to bring the comfort of her childhood into a new community and offer a space where people could experience the Levant through food made with care and intention.
The restaurant opened in August 2018 at The Streets, a lively downtown block that was just finding its identity and becoming a destination for locals seeking authentic dining experiences.
Sam Habibeh, her husband and business partner, shared her vision of a place where fresh, healthful Mediterranean food could become part of daily life in Long Beach and bring people together around the table.
They wanted more than a restaurant—they wanted a gathering space where people from all backgrounds could share a meal and learn about Levantine culture through the lens of a family that lives its traditions.
Locals responded quickly, drawn by the authenticity of the food and the sincerity of the story behind it, which made every visit feel like stepping into someone’s home rather than a commercial establishment.
The menu reflects Chef Dima’s belief that people can taste love in a dish, so everything is made from scratch with care, from the dough for the pita to the spices that season the meats.
Fresh pita and manaeesh are baked daily, and produce arrives every morning to keep flavors bright and ensure that every plate served carries the freshness that defines Levantine cooking.
The restaurant also uses all-natural halal meats, honoring both tradition and quality while making sure that every guest can enjoy the food with confidence and comfort.
Regulars say the experience feels like stepping into someone’s home, not just a commercial space, because the care put into every detail makes the restaurant feel like an extension of Chef Dima’s own kitchen.
Food Highlights
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Spicy Hummus: Creamy chickpea dip with a kick of heat and garlic, served with fresh-baked pita that soaks up every bite of the rich, velvety spread. 🍽️
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Spicy Garlic Lemon Chicken: Tender chicken marinated in bold citrus and spice, a consistent crowd favorite that balances brightness with depth in every bite. 🍗
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Mixed Mashawi: A platter of grilled chicken, kafta, steak, and lamb kebabs that showcases the best of Levantine barbecue with smoky, savory flavors that linger on the palate. 🍢
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Beef Shawarma Plate: Slow-roasted spiced beef with rice, salad, and house sauces for a complete meal that captures the essence of street food elevated for the table. 🥙
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Batata Harra: Crispy potatoes tossed with chili, garlic, and herbs—simple but deeply flavorful, offering a satisfying side that complements any main dish. 🥔
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Osmalieh: A sweet cheese pastry soaked in syrup, offering a rich and comforting finish to any meal with its delicate texture and indulgent sweetness. 🍯
Atmosphere
The dining room feels intimate and personal, filled with heirloom Syrian furniture and antiques collected across the Middle East that give the space a sense of history and warmth.
Every detail, from carved niches to travel photographs, is chosen to make guests feel like they’ve stepped into Chef Dima’s home and memories, creating an environment that feels both inviting and meaningful.
Bottom Line
Ammatoli brings the heart of the Levant to Long Beach through honest food and a family story worth knowing, offering a dining experience that feels both authentic and deeply personal.
It’s a place where locals gather to celebrate, connect, and taste the flavors of Chef Dima’s upbringing, making every visit feel like a homecoming.
Address: 285 E 3rd St Long Beach, CA 90802
📞 (562) 435-0808
🕔 Open Mon–Tue, 11 AM–7 PM | Wed–Sun, 11 AM–9 PM