Shalel

4.7

234 Reviews

$50 and over

Mediterranean

Make a reservation

2 people

Dec 24, 2024

7:00 PM

Booked 9 times today

Neighborhood gem
Romantic
Charming

Shalel has served New Yorkers since 2000 and is dedicated to the variety and excellency of Mediterranean cooking. Shalel draws its inspiration from dishes and design of the coastal Mediterranean: Morocco, Palestine, Israel, Turkey, Greece, Italy, the Côte d’Azur, and Spain. Shalel's unique underground space is a relaxed, candlelit setting where highlights include Shalel’s namesake waterfall, indoor plants, fresh cut flowers, and an “alimentari” market of various Mediterranean products. Walk down the rose petal covered stairs to this underground restaurant.

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Price
$50 and over
Cuisines
Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, Cocktail Bar
Hours of operation
Bar Mon–Wed, Sun 4:30 pm–11:00 pm Thu–Sat 4:30 pm–12:00 am Dinner Mon–Wed, Sun 4:30 pm–9:45 pm Thu–Sat 4:30 pm–10:45 pm
Phone number
(212) 873-2300
Website
https://shalel.kitchen/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Catering
We offer a weekly Shabbat menu and are open to catering inquiries.
Private party facilities
We have several private rooms appropriate for special events - please inquire by phone at 212-873-2300.

Location
65 W 70th St, New York, NY 10023
Neighborhood
Lincoln Square
Cross street
Just east of the corner of Columbus Ave & W. 70th Street.
Parking details
Street Parking
Public transit
Bus Station Columbus Ave & W 69th (M11 - M7) and Central Pk West & W 70th (M10 - M72) Subway Central Pk West & 72 St. (A/C/E), Subway 72 St. and Broadway (1/2/3)
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Delivery, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Vegan, Wine

Mediterranean Olives$10.00
marinated with fennel, coriander, orange peel, stirato baguette
Hummus Bi Tahina$15.00
with grilled pita
Baba Ghanoush$15.00
smoked eggplant caviar, tahini, toasted sesame seeds, grilled pita
Mediterranean Mezze$20.00
hummus, tzatziki, baba ghanoush, tirokafteri (spicy feta dip), harissa, with oven-grilled pita
Kampachi Crudo$21.00
thinly sliced yellowtail. lemon-caper dressing, microgreens, pickled turnips, with toasted stirato baguette

Hot Mezze

Housemade Flatbread$11.00
your choice of Jordanian za'atar or dried oregano, olive oil. Add whipped ricotta with lemon for $4
Moroccan Lamb Cigars (2)$18.00
diced lamb, onions, garlic, fresh mint, feuille de brick, harissa
Butternut Squash Bruschetta$15.00
mint, onion confit, Italian ricotta
Baked Dates$16.00
stuffed with almonds and wrapped in bacon
Sicilian Cauliflower and Halloumi Cheese$18.00
labneh, preserved lemon-tahina spread, anchovy-citrus vinaigrette
Jamon Serrano Croquetas$15.00
manchego, harissa mayonnaise
Vegetarian Lebanese Kibbeh$15.00
yellow split peas, chickpeas, bulgur, tahini sauce
Spanakopites$16.00
blended cheeses, spinach, onions, wrapped in phyllo dough
Gambas al Ajillo* (4)$24.00
Patagonian red shrimp, Calabrian chile, blistered cherry tomatoes, sautéed with garlic, olive oil, parsley
Braised Spanish Octopus*$27.00
olive oil, aged balsamic, rosemary, patatas bravas, pickled turnips, radishes
Jerusalem Artichoke Fritters$15.00
with Kozani saffron aioli
Cheese Bourekas$16.00
organic feta and ricotta cheese, wrapped in crispy phyllo dough
Bacalhau Croquetas$15.00
salted cod, with housemade harissa mayonnaise
Lamb & Beef Meatballs$19.00
"Izmir style" with cinnamon and cumin

Roman Flatbreads

Margherita Burrata$20.00
mozzarella, pomodoro, basil
Angelo's Pizza Bianca$20.00
truffle pecorino, truffle oil, fresh mozzarella, chopped pistachios
Frutti di Mare Pizza*$25.00
octopus, clams, shrimp, tomato, Calabrian chili, basil

Salads

Ten-Ingredient Roman Salads$12.00
seasonal mixed herbs, endive, radicchio, champagne vinaigrette
Broccolini Salad$19.00
tomatoes, red onions, Palestinian maftoul
Rainbow Roasted Beet$19.00
crumbled goat cheese, mixed greens
Chopped Israeli$19.00
barrel-aged feta, olives, cucumbers, red onions, sumac, Aleppo pepper, lemon vinaigrette
Lebanese Fattoush$19.00
crust breads, tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, red onions, sumac, Aleppo pepper, lemon vinaigrette

Brunch All Day

Moroccan Shakshuka$19.00
baked tomatoes, onions, peppers, two farm-fresh eggs cauliflower, zucchini, carrots
Egyptian Koshari$20.00
beluga lentils, chickpeas, caramelized yams, toasted rice, vermicelli, tomato-vinegar sauce, topped with crispy leeks, pickled vegetables

Les Grands Plats and Casseroles

Vegetarian Moussaka$26.00
layered eggplant, zucchini, Yukon Gold potatoes, red and green bell peppers, béchamel
Chicken Basteeya$31.00
saffron, ginger and cinnamon braised chicken, toasted almonds perfumed with orange blossom water, eggs, flaky pastry, topped with cinnamon sugar
Yogurt Marinated Chicken Kebab$29.00
roasted vegetables, basmati pilaf, tzatziki, warm pita
Filet Mignon Kebab$35.00
roasted vegetables, Persian basmati pilaf, tzatziki, oven-grilled pita
Mixed Grill$40.00
beef kebab, chicken kebab, lamb merguez, basmati pilaf, warm pita
Chicken Tagine a la Fez$28.00
organic chicken, tomatoes, ras-el-hanout, cous-cous
Lamb Kofta Tagine$30.00
minced lamb, steamed cous-cous, chickpeas, roasted vegetables
Lamb-On-The-Bone Tagine$37.00
cous-cous, zucchini, carrots, Palestinian maftoul, berbere and kashmiri broth
Whole Branzino*$37.00
butterflied Greek striped bass, spinach, basmati pilaf
North Atlantic Bacalhau*$32.00
Portuguese salted cod stew with tomato, onion, red pepper, Yukon Gold potatoes
Venetian Sardines*$22.00
house-preserved butterflied Portuguese sardines al saor, market salad, rustic bread

Pasta & Risotto

Mezzaluna Ravioli$28.00
stuffed with porcini-ricotta crema, blistered cherry tomatoes, swiss chard, touch of butter and cream, fresh parmesan
Strozzapreti Pomodoro$20.00
fresh tomatoes, basil, Calabrian chili, fresh parmigiano
Risotto Porcini$27.00
hen-of-the-woods and porcini mushrooms, fresh parmagiano
Risotto with Patagonian Shrimp*$28.00
leeks, fava beans, touch of butter

What 234 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.7

4.7 based on recent ratings

4.7Food
4.6Service
4.8Ambience
4.5Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

New York City
Mediterranean
Manhattan
Mediterranean

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Shalel is a "hidden gem" on the Upper West Side, offering a romantic, underground atmosphere reminiscent of a Moroccan retreat. Guests rave about the "amazing food" and "unique decor," with standout dishes like the margarita flatbread and grilled octopus. Service is consistently "top notch," ensuring a memorable dining experience.

234 Reviews

C
Christopher
VIP
Los Angeles
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Consistently satisfying dining experience. Kind and accommodating staff. Beautiful ambiance.
Is this helpful?
H
Herbert
New York City
17 reviews
2.0
17 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 2
2. Food 1
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
The ambiance was unique, the service very attentive and good, but the food was under-seasoned and underwhelming.
Is this helpful?
J
John
New York City
329 reviews
4.0
329 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
A charming underground hideaway near Lincoln Center serving excellent Mediterranean/middle Eastern food and a nice variety of wines and beers. The service is laid back and friendly.
Is this helpful?
L
Larry
New York City
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 16, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
My wife brought me here for my birthday. It was the best birthday experience I’ve had in a long time. This is now my favorite restaurant.
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m
michael
VIP
New York City
4 reviews
4.0
4 reviews
Dined on December 14, 2024
1. Overall 4
2. Food 3
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Having been here a few times I can now say that your experience is HIGHLY dependent on your table location. Some are fantastic and even magical, others like the two-top situated in a dank basement closet-like space are depressing and completely cut off from the restaurant. Still a big fan, just avoid this table if you can IMHO.
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w
william
VIP
New York City
168 reviews
3.0
168 reviews
Dined on December 13, 2024
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 5
Dining at Shalel is like being transported to Morocco. The quirky cave like rooms in this basement outpost create a totally unique ambience. The Mediterranean fare is diverse with many Veg options. The Tagines, Mousssaka, and Sardines tonight were all authentic in flavor and presentation. And the Pasteis da Nata must have been instantly beamed from Belem! Shalel is where I take my out of area friends to surprise and sate them!
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A
Ariel
Atlanta Metro
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on December 9, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Shalel was the perfect place to bring my in-laws for a great night out! Loved the ambiance, dedicated service and excellent food.
Is this helpful?
M
Marshall
VIP
Philadelphia
31 reviews
4.0
31 reviews
Dined on December 7, 2024
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 5
Great ambiance at this restaurant. The food is very good. Like most Manhattan restaurants on a Saturday night it will be a fast meal but that is typical.
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H
Harshada
New York City
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 7, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Definitely coming back! Loved the ambience - we got perfect corner for our date night. The place has so much character and quirks. We want to come back with a larger group just to try to their different “rooms”. Super impressed by creativity genius who designed this place. Very New York!!! Food was excellent for us pescatarians. Service excellent as well.
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L
Lawrence
VIP
New York City
23 reviews
5.0
23 reviews
Dined on December 6, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
This past visit to Shalel was great. As was every other time we dined at this wonderful, atmospheric restaurant! The food, the service, the ambience -- everything was wonderful!
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FAQs

Shalel offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (212) 873-2300.

Shalel is rated 4.7 stars by 234 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

Dec 24, 2024

7:00 PM

Booked 9 times today

Order delivery or takeout

65 W 70th St, New York, NY 10023

Dining areas

Additional information

Cross street
Just east of the corner of Columbus Ave & W. 70th Street.
Neighborhood
Lincoln Square
Hours of operation
Bar Mon–Wed, Sun 4:30 pm–11:00 pm Thu–Sat 4:30 pm–12:00 am Dinner Mon–Wed, Sun 4:30 pm–9:45 pm Thu–Sat 4:30 pm–10:45 pm
Price
$50 and over
Cuisines
Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, Cocktail Bar
Dining style
Casual Elegant
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
Street Parking
Public transit
Bus Station Columbus Ave & W 69th (M11 - M7) and Central Pk West & W 70th (M10 - M72) Subway Central Pk West & 72 St. (A/C/E), Subway 72 St. and Broadway (1/2/3)
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Delivery, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Vegan, Wine

Website
https://shalel.kitchen/
Phone number
(212) 873-2300
Catering
We offer a weekly Shabbat menu and are open to catering inquiries.
Private party facilities
We have several private rooms appropriate for special events - please inquire by phone at 212-873-2300.

Shalel

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

Cold Mezze

Mediterranean Olives$10.00

Hummus Bi Tahina$15.00

Baba Ghanoush$15.00

Mediterranean Mezze$20.00

Kampachi Crudo$21.00

Hot Mezze

Housemade Flatbread$11.00

Moroccan Lamb Cigars (2)$18.00

Butternut Squash Bruschetta$15.00

Baked Dates$16.00

Sicilian Cauliflower and Halloumi Cheese$18.00

Jamon Serrano Croquetas$15.00

Vegetarian Lebanese Kibbeh$15.00

Spanakopites$16.00

Gambas al Ajillo* (4)$24.00

Braised Spanish Octopus*$27.00

Jerusalem Artichoke Fritters$15.00

Cheese Bourekas$16.00

Bacalhau Croquetas$15.00

Lamb & Beef Meatballs$19.00

Roman Flatbreads

Margherita Burrata$20.00

Angelo's Pizza Bianca$20.00

Frutti di Mare Pizza*$25.00

Salads

Ten-Ingredient Roman Salads$12.00

Broccolini Salad$19.00

Rainbow Roasted Beet$19.00

Chopped Israeli$19.00

Lebanese Fattoush$19.00

Brunch All Day

Moroccan Shakshuka$19.00

Egyptian Koshari$20.00

Les Grands Plats and Casseroles

Vegetarian Moussaka$26.00

Chicken Basteeya$31.00

Yogurt Marinated Chicken Kebab$29.00

Filet Mignon Kebab$35.00

Mixed Grill$40.00

Chicken Tagine a la Fez$28.00

Lamb Kofta Tagine$30.00

Lamb-On-The-Bone Tagine$37.00

Whole Branzino*$37.00

North Atlantic Bacalhau*$32.00

Venetian Sardines*$22.00

Pasta & Risotto

Mezzaluna Ravioli$28.00

Strozzapreti Pomodoro$20.00

Risotto Porcini$27.00

Risotto with Patagonian Shrimp*$28.00

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Review summary

FAQs

Does Shalel offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Shalel restaurant rated?

Is Shalel currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information