Middle Eastern

Chouchou

Moroccan restaurants in NYC tend to fall into two categories: casual and hookah bar. Nothing wrong with that. But likely not your first choice for date night. Chouchou seeks to change that. When you enter the vaulted ceiling and stone walls give the impression you’ve slipped into a secret luxury […]

Cafe Istanbul

Hearing that another Middle Eastern spot has opened on Steinway Street offering hookahs and belly dancing may not get you jumping the N train to Astoria. But unlike many of it’s neighbors, Cafe Istanbul is a legitimate restaurant. It is run by 20 year restaurant vet Sonny Saikh along with […]

Byblos

Note: I was invited as a guest of the establishment and received a complimentary meal. This was not in exchange for a positive review and opinions expressed are my own. In New York, Middle Eastern food is generally associated with street meat carts and casual falafel & kebab joints. While I […]

Bar Bolonat

Inside Bar Bolonat (courtesy Yelp!) Why Come Here? Unique Israeli inspired small plates, date night Right Amount for 2? 1 Large plate, 3-5 smaller plates Bar Bolonat comes from the team behind Four-Star Falafel maker Taim and Dishelin Guide go-to spot Balaboosta. So you can imagine I’ve been angling to […]

Cafe Mogador

Back & Garden of Williamsburg Location (courtesy Cafe Mogador) Why Come Here? Great Moroccan cuisine in a cozy atmosphere Right Amount for 2? Mixed platter, 1-2 apps, 1 entree When a place has been open for over thirty years and still packs the house every night, you know it’s something […]