Baklava

This sweet, messy Middle Eastern pastry is always a treat.

* Panos: Panos Zetlain uses a family recipe to make his buttery, rose-scented baklava. It’s crisper and drier than the typical version. Choose from pistachio, walnut, almond or pine nut versions. (Baklava, $6.50 a pound.) Panos Pastry, 418 S. Central Ave., Glendale, (818) 502-0549, 5150 Hollywood Blvd., Los Feliz, (323) 661-0335.

* Taverna Tony: Chef-owner Tony Koursaris’ recipe includes a thyme honey, a pinch of cinnamon and a mix of almonds, walnuts, pistachios and pecans, along with secret family ingredients.(Baklava, $4.) Taverna Tony, 23410 Civic Center Way, Malibu, (310) 317-9667.

* C&K; Importers/Papa Christos: Flaky and golden, this Greek-style baklava uses loads of honey, walnuts and filo, but surprisingly, no butter. It’s made with butter-flavored canola oil. Another invention is a crispy filo cup filled with dairy-free vanilla custard on a layer of nuts and honey. (Baklava, 95 cents each; box of eight, $6.99; filo cup, $1.) C&K;/Papa Christos, 2771 W. Pico Blvd., (323) 737-2970.

* Sarki’s: Pastries in many sizes and shapes with various fillings include a triangle filled with walnuts, almonds, pistachios or cashews, and a burma , shredded filo dough with pistachios. (Baklava, $6.50 a pound, burma , $7.50 a pound.) Sarki’s, 2424 W. Ball Rd., Anaheim, (714) 995-6663; 1111 Glendale Ave., Glendale, (818) 956-6636.

* Tarzana Armenian Grocery: The diamond-shaped pastry is made with a lemon-infused sugar syrup, pistachios, walnuts and a sprinkle of cinnamon. (Baklava, $1.25; box of six, $7.50). Tarzana Armenian Grocery, 18598 Ventura Blvd., Tarzana, (818) 881-6278.

* Sofi: After a meal, order honey-soaked baklava flavored with clove, cinnamon and walnuts. (Baklava, lunch, $3.95; dinner, $5.) Sofi, 80303/4 W. 3rd St., West Hollywood, (323) 651-0346.