Best Middle Eastern Restaurants in Forest Hills

16 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Zikrayat Restaurant & Lounge restaurant

1. Zikrayat Restaurant & Lounge

Price: Expensive

• Middle eastern • Astoria

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

2. ilili

4.7

Exceptional(7987)

Price: Expensive

• Middle eastern • Gramercy Park

Booked 106 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.

3. Zou Zou's

4.6

Exceptional(1433)

Price: Expensive

• Middle eastern • Hell's Kitchen

Booked 151 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.

4. Balade

4.7

Exceptional(998)

Price: Moderate

• Middle eastern • East Village

Booked 8 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.

5. Mesiba

4.8

Exceptional(16)

Price: Expensive

• Middle eastern • Williamsburg

Booked 3 times today

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

6. Gazala’s

4.6

Exceptional(392)

Price: Moderate

• Middle eastern • Upper West Side

Booked 4 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."

7. Shalel

4.7

Exceptional(219)

Price: Very Expensive

• Middle eastern • Lincoln Square

Booked 17 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."

8. Local 92 - Soho

3.7

Very Good(213)

Price: Moderate

• Middle eastern • NoLita

Booked 8 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.

9. Skinos

4.6

Exceptional(179)

Price: Moderate

• Middle eastern • Financial District

Booked 25 times today

Experience the essence of Mediterranean cuisine at Skinos in New York's Financial District, where the rich flavors and creative takes on traditional dishes have diners raving. Celebrating a decade of culinary excellence, Skinos offers a menu that includes "delicious" Mediterranean staples such as the praised crazy feta and exquisite seafood like the "bomb" sea bass. Patrons are consistently impressed, describing the food as "exquisitely beautiful" with "outstanding" presentations. The vibrant ambiance, coupled with attentive service, makes Skinos a top choice for both locals and visitors. One diner summed it up perfectly: "Amazing food and service. Beautiful spot to take pictures." Skinos is the go-to destination for an authentic Mediterranean dining experience.

10. Lola - Great Neck

4.7

Exceptional(1585)

Price: Expensive

• Middle eastern • Great Neck

Booked 3 times today

Lola in Great Neck is a culinary gem that flawlessly showcases the authenticity and quality of Israeli cuisine. Chefs Lenny Messina and the late Michael Ginor have curated a menu that blends Mediterranean influences with innovative twists, resulting in dishes like the "stellar" hummus and the "amazing" Fatoush salad. The restaurant’s ambiance complements the dining experience with its elegant and modern touch, making it feel like a slice of New York City on the Island. Glowing reviews consistently praise the well-prepared meals and the "outstanding" service, with patrons frequently noting dishes such as the tender grilled octopus and the creamy Halva parfait. Whether you're a first-timer or a regular, Lola offers a memorable dining experience that makes every visit special.

‘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

A
Aaron
Los Angeles •17 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Incredibly special anniversary dinner. Have been wanting to come since it opened. Very great hospitality and ambiance to celebrate. Food was pricey yet outstanding in terms of quality and flavor. Highly recommend the hummus and lamb neck
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MesibaPrice: Expensive• Mediterranean• Williamsburg
•
4.8
F
foodievip
New York City •6 reviews
5.0
Dined on Nov 12, 2024
The food was amazing as well as the service. Will dine here again.
More info
BaladePrice: Moderate• Mediterranean• East Village
•
4.7
B
Brian
New York City •4 reviews
5.0
Dined on Nov 9, 2024
My experience at this restaurant was awesome. We receded under a minute. The dinner came out about maybe 20 minutes later with the appetizers after ordering, but it was well worth it. We got the Mezze platter. It had all eight apps in a small portion, so A scoop of every appetizer best way to sample the whole menu for the apps. Shaven Lamb with the sauce was great a entre.
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Sahara's Turkish CuisinePrice: Expensive• Turkish• Kips Bay
•
4.3

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Forest Hills

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Best Middle Eastern Restaurants in Forest Hills

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16 restaurants available nearby

1. Zikrayat Restaurant & Lounge

2. ilili

3. Zou Zou's

4. Balade

5. Mesiba

6. Gazala’s

7. Shalel

8. Local 92 - Soho

9. Skinos

10. Lola - Great Neck

See what locals rave about

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