Best Middle Eastern Restaurants in Upper East Side

15 restaurants available nearby

1. ilili

4.7

Exceptional(7988)

Price: Expensive

• Middle eastern • Gramercy Park

Booked 57 times today

Welcome to ilili, where the heart of Lebanon pulses through the vibrant streets of Gramercy Park, NYC. This beloved establishment celebrates the rich tapestry of Mediterranean cuisine with a menu that honors traditional flavors while embracing contemporary innovation. Guests rave about the freshness and authenticity, noting that ilili offers "the best overall Lebanese food experience I have ever had" and consistently "phenomenal Lebanese food." From the divine mezze selections to the fragrant fresh pita, every dish is a testament to meticulous culinary craftsmanship. Ilili's atmosphere is as inviting as its dishes, making it a must-visit for anyone seeking a genuine taste of the Mediterranean in the heart of New York.

2. Zou Zou's

4.6

Exceptional(1434)

Price: Expensive

• Middle eastern • Hell's Kitchen

Booked 58 times today

Zou Zou’s in Hell's Kitchen stands out as a gem of Mediterranean cuisine, where Chef Juliana Latif brings to life the vibrant flavors of the Eastern Mediterranean. With a culinary heritage touching Lebanon, Israel, Turkey, Egypt, Syria, and Jordan, Zou Zou’s offers a menu that is both authentic and inventive. Diners rave about the experience, with one noting, "The food is some of the best Mediterranean I've had," and another celebrating the "tower of dips" as a must-have. Located in the bustling Manhattan West Plaza, it’s the perfect spot for anyone seeking a lively atmosphere and "flavorful and different" dishes that consistently impress, making every visit memorable. Whether it’s a brunch with endless spritz kits or a dinner with a chef’s tasting menu, Zou Zou’s delivers an exceptional NYC dining experience.

3. Balade

4.7

Exceptional(998)

Price: Moderate

• Middle eastern • East Village

Booked 7 times today

At Balade in the East Village, New York, the essence of Lebanese cuisine is brought to life through a symphony of authentic flavors and a warm, inviting ambiance. Specializing in Lebanese dishes, Balade's reputation is well-established, highlighted by accolades such as “Best Middle Eastern on Zagat 2015-2016” and multiple “Diners Choice Winner” awards from OpenTable. Patrons rave about the quality and authenticity, with reviews praising not just the food but the overall experience - “The food is to die for, fresh authentic and delish!” and “The hummus is better than the one in Lebanon for sure.” Whether it's the perfectly seasoned shish tawook or the warm, freshly baked pita, Balade offers an unforgettable Lebanese dining experience right in the heart of New York.

4. Gazala’s

4.6

Exceptional(392)

Price: Moderate

• Middle eastern • Upper West Side

Booked 6 times today

Gazala’s Restaurant is the creation of Chef/Owner Gazala Halabi, who celebrates her culinary heritage as an Israeli Druze. Hospitality is a Druze hallmark—guests are embraced and welcomed with a flavorful meal. Says Gazala, “I want my restaurant to be a place to eat Druze food, to sample Druze culture and be treated like family. It is a little slice of my village on Amsterdam Avenue."

5. Shalel

4.7

Exceptional(219)

Price: Very Expensive

• Middle eastern • Lincoln Square

Booked 15 times today

At Shalel, located in the heart of Lincoln Square, New York, diners are treated to an enchanting Middle Eastern culinary journey that is both authentic and sublime. Since its inception in 2000, Shalel has captivated guests with its meticulously crafted dishes that echo the rich flavors of the Middle East. The ambiance, described as "a cozy underground Mediterranean gem," enhances the dining experience, making every visit memorable. Guests rave about the "charming spot with authentic, tasty dishes!" and commend the excellent service and atmosphere. Whether it's the broccolini salad, babaganoush, or the lamb kofta tagine, each dish is prepared with fresh ingredients and traditional techniques, ensuring a delightful and genuine taste of Middle Eastern cuisine. Shalel is not just a meal; it's a sensory adventure that's "100% worth the visit."

6. Mesiba

4.7

Exceptional(17)

Price: Expensive

• Middle eastern • Williamsburg

Booked 5 times today

Mesiba features contemporary Levantine cuisine and innovative, vibrant cocktails in an electric and lively design-forward atmosphere to Williamsburg.

7. Local 92 - Soho

3.7

Very Good(213)

Price: Moderate

• Middle eastern • NoLita

Booked 2 times today

Local 92 in Soho is a celebrated gem for Mediterranean cuisine, particularly noted for its Italian-Israeli offerings. Situated in the vibrant NoLita neighborhood, this mixology bar and restaurant delivers an authentic Mediterranean experience with dishes like the highly praised shashuka and Israeli platter. Patrons rave about the quality and flavor, describing it as “absolutely amazing” and the place where you can “celebrate a lot of family events.” The ambiance, combined with expertly crafted cocktails and attentive service, makes Local 92 a standout. As one reviewer puts it, the place has a “dynamite ambiance,” and the tapas are “to die for,” making it a must-visit for anyone craving genuine Mediterranean fare in the heart of New York.

A photo of ABA Turkish Restaurant restaurant

8. ABA Turkish Restaurant

4.2

Awesome(729)

Price: Moderate

• Middle eastern • Midtown West

Booked 6 times today

Dive into the heart of Istanbul without leaving New York at ABA Turkish Restaurant, located in the vibrant Midtown West. Known for its authentic Turkish cuisine, ABA offers an unforgettable dining experience that transports you straight to Turkey with every bite. Guests rave about the "real Turkish food from real Turkish people," highlighting favorites like the Iskender kebap and Adana kebap, praised for their authenticity and generous portions. The atmosphere, described as "comfortable and warm," is just as inviting, making ABA a must-visit for both locals and tourists. According to a delighted diner, "The food was amazing! I was born and raised in Turkey so I know how the real deal tastes and this is the real deal." Whether you're craving a robust Eggplant Salad or a delicate Spinach Borek, ABA promises a taste of Turkey that's both genuine and delicious.

A photo of Sahara's Turkish Cuisine restaurant

9. Sahara's Turkish Cuisine

4.3

Awesome(94)

Price: Expensive

• Middle eastern • Kips Bay

Sahara's Turkish Cuisine in Kips Bay, New York, is a culinary gem that brings the essence of Mediterranean flavors to life with a distinctly Turkish twist. Celebrated for its authentic dishes, Sahara's offers a cozy ambiance that echoes the vibrant spirit of Turkey, enhanced by multi-ethnic decor that transports diners straight to the Mediterranean coast. Guests rave about the "seriously delicious" food and "incredible service," highlighting specialties like the lamb shank and hunkar begendi. A favorite among locals and visitors alike, Sahara's is lauded for its "amazing Turkish food" and generous portions that ensure a satisfying dining experience. The homemade bread and Aegean olives are just the beginning of what promises to be a delightful culinary journey.

A photo of Zikrayat Restaurant & Lounge restaurant

10. Zikrayat Restaurant & Lounge

new

(0)

Price: Expensive

• Middle eastern • Astoria

Welcome to Zikrayat Restaurant. Astoria, Queens. Authentic Middle Eastern cuisine and Live entertainment. We look forward to seeing you!

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

T
Thomas
New York City •9 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
This place is an upper west side gem - ambiance, service and food !!! We make this a staple every time we visit to NYC
More info
ShalelPrice: Very Expensive• Mediterranean• Lincoln Square
•
4.7
L
Lisavip
New York City •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
Everything we ordered was very flavorful. The shawarma hummus was amazing. The chicken was extremely moist. Portion sizes were very generous, so share an entree or be prepared to have extra to take home.
More info
Gazala’sPrice: Moderate• Middle Eastern• Upper West Side
•
4.6
J
Jeffreyvip
New York City •85 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
A very enjoyable experience at ABA Turkish. A wide selection of appetizers and main dishes made it a bit difficult to choose but everything we ordered was fresh and hot. We tried both the pistachio and walnut baklavas for dessert and favored the sweeter pistachio. The wine list is limited, but the fact that you can bring your own bottle - without corkage - solved that issue nicely. Definitely a restaurant that we will keep on our radar, even with the somewhat noisy atmosphere (even at the early 5:30 hour - on a Saturday - that we arrived).
More info
ABA Turkish RestaurantPrice: Moderate• Turkish• Midtown West
•
4.2
L
Louisvip
New York City •90 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
We went for a pre-theater dinner. Everyone was so friendly and treated us so well. The food was amazingly outstanding.
More info
Turkish CuisinePrice: Expensive• Turkish• Hell's Kitchen
•
4.6

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Upper East Side

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Best Middle Eastern Restaurants in Upper East Side

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15 restaurants available nearby

1. ilili

2. Zou Zou's

3. Balade

4. Gazala’s

5. Shalel

6. Mesiba

7. Local 92 - Soho

8. ABA Turkish Restaurant

9. Sahara's Turkish Cuisine

10. Zikrayat Restaurant & Lounge

See what locals rave about

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