Best Middle Eastern Restaurants in Upper East Side

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Regions

BergenBrooklynManhattanQueens

Neighborhoods

AstoriaCliffside ParkEast VillageEdgewaterFinancial DistrictGramercy Park

Top Rated

CharmingFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasionsGreat for brunch

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Award-winning

MICHELIN

Accessibility

Gender-neutral restroomWheelchair access

16 restaurants available nearby

1. Cafe Zaffri

4.4

Awesome(38)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Middle eastern • Union Square

Booked 64 times today

Cafe Zaffri, lovingly known as “Zaf’s”, is the third dining concept from the acclaimed team behind New York City mainstays Raf’s and The Musket Room. Located inside The Twenty Two New York, a hotel and private members club located in Union Square. The sprawling restaurant will be open to the public and serve modern interpretations on Levantine cuisine and its diaspora.

2. ilili

4.7

Exceptional(8080)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Middle eastern • Gramercy Park

Booked 71 times today

Ilili is a jewel in the heart of NYC's Flatiron District, offering a tantalizing journey through authentic Mediterranean cuisine with a Lebanese twist. Celebrated for its "delicious branzino" and "outstanding Brussels sprouts," ilili showcases the rich flavors and vibrant traditions of Lebanon. Guests rave about the "impeccable taste, creativity, and presentation," making each dining experience truly unforgettable. The extensive mezze selection, perfect for sharing, invites diners to explore innovative yet traditional dishes. With a warm, welcoming atmosphere and "top-notch service," ilili stands out as a must-visit destination for anyone seeking to savor the true essence of Mediterranean cuisine.

3. Zou Zou's

4.7

Exceptional(1561)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Middle eastern • Hell's Kitchen

Booked 137 times today

Zou Zou's in Hell's Kitchen, New York, offers a vibrant dive into authentic American cuisine with a delightful twist. Known for its creative menu, diners rave about the "amazing fried chicken" and the "scrumptious grape leaf wrapped blackened bass." The restaurant's lively atmosphere and attentive service make it a memorable dining destination. Patrons are consistently impressed with the "generous portions" and the "fantastically flavorful and unique dishes," ensuring a satisfying experience in every visit. Zou Zou's stands out not only for its enticing flavors but also for its warm, welcoming vibe, making it a must-visit for American cuisine enthusiasts.

4. Balade

4.7

Exceptional(1008)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Middle eastern • East Village

Booked 19 times today

Balade, nestled in the heart of East Village, New York, offers a "truly authentic Lebanese experience" that has captured the hearts of locals and visitors alike. Praised as one of the best Middle Eastern restaurants, Balade's cuisine "is to die for," featuring fresh, authentic, and delicious dishes that transport diners to the vibrant streets of Lebanon. With a warm and hospitable setting, the restaurant is a testament to owner Roland Semaan's Lebanese heritage and hospitality expertise. Balade has been recognized as the Best Middle Eastern by Zagat and has been a Dinner’s Choice Winner on OpenTable. "Highly recommend" this gem for a memorable dining experience!

5. Gazala’s

4.6

Exceptional(403)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Middle eastern • Upper West Side

Booked 11 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."

6. Shalel

4.6

Exceptional(262)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Middle eastern • Lincoln Square

Booked 15 times today

Shalel in Lincoln Square, New York, is a "charming hidden gem" renowned for its exceptional Middle Eastern cuisine. Dine in a unique, candlelit underground setting that transports you to a Mediterranean haven. The authentic dishes, inspired by flavors from across the Middle East, consistently receive rave reviews for being "delicious and full of flavor." The ambiance, complete with an indoor waterfall, adds a romantic touch, perfect for intimate gatherings. Patrons frequently praise the attentive service and generous portion sizes, making every visit memorable. Shalel is "definitely a place to return to," offering an unforgettable culinary experience that captivates all senses.

7. Local 92 - Soho

4.4

Awesome(230)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Middle eastern • NoLita

Booked 4 times today

Local 92 - Soho in NoLita, New York, offers a remarkable Middle Eastern dining experience that stands out for its authentic flavors and innovative fusion with Italian cuisine. Diners rave about the "Israeli platter," which is praised as "absolutely amazing" and a must-try. The vibrant atmosphere is complemented by the restaurant's stunning copper bar and unique art, creating a setting that's both cozy and chic. Guests consistently highlight the "stellar service" and the expertly crafted cocktails, making every visit memorable. Local 92 is a culinary gem where Middle Eastern tradition meets modern flair, promising an unforgettable dining adventure.

8. Mesiba

4.5

Awesome(34)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Middle eastern • Williamsburg

Booked 13 times today

Mesiba in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, is a culinary gem offering authentic Middle Eastern cuisine with a contemporary Levantine twist. Diners rave about the "amazing food" and "exceptional service," making it a must-visit destination for those seeking a vibrant dining experience. The menu features standout dishes like the "cheese-stuffed kreplach" and "warm hummus cart," which are crafted with impeccable quality and flavor. The atmosphere is described as "electric and lively," with a design-forward aesthetic that enhances the overall dining experience. Whether celebrating a special occasion or simply enjoying a night out, Mesiba promises "fantastic" flavors and "absolutely delicious cocktails."

A photo of Sahara's Turkish Cuisine restaurant

9. Sahara's Turkish Cuisine

4.2

Awesome(99)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Middle eastern • Kips Bay

Booked 2 times today

Sahara's Turkish Cuisine in Kips Bay, New York, is a delightful oasis for those craving authentic Mediterranean flavors. Known for its traditional Turkish dishes infused with Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flair, the restaurant prides itself on using ethnic ingredients to create everything from scratch. Guests rave about the “mouth-wateringly tasty” dishes, with favorites like the lamb shank and mezze platter earning high praise. The ambiance, described as a cozy artsy home, pairs beautifully with the delicious food, making it a standout spot for a memorable dining experience. With attentive service and a warm welcome, Sahara's is a true gem for Mediterranean cuisine enthusiasts.

A photo of Tosun Mediterranean Cuisine restaurant

10. Tosun Mediterranean Cuisine

4.4

Awesome(5)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Middle eastern • Edgewater

Booked 1 time today

Tosun operates with the mission of presenting the finest examples of Mediterranean and Turkish cuisine, backed by years of experience and expertise. Our deep-rooted passion for gastronomy is combined with modern cooking techniques to offer our guests a unique dining experience. With high-quality ingredients and meticulously prepared recipes, we ensure that every dish reflects both taste and elegance. At Tosun, we aim to create unforgettable moments for our guests by blending our rich heritage with contemporary innovations.

‘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

M
michael
New York City •5 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
I’ve been there many many times always a wonderful experience. The food and the drink is excellent as well as the service and the ambience. Very highly recommended.
More info
ShalelPrice: Very Expensive• Mediterranean• Lincoln Square
•
4.6
KS
KrisS
California Central Coast •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
The food is outstanding, the hummus and tabbouleh is the best we’ve ever eaten, we went there two nights running.
More info
Gazala’sPrice: Moderate• Middle Eastern• Upper West Side
•
4.6
OT
OpenTable DinerVIP
Columbus •2 reviews
5.0
Dined on Mar 1, 2025
Awesome food. Service a little slow, but they were busy. Not a biggie.
More info
Turkish CuisinePrice: Expensive• Turkish• Hell's Kitchen
•
4.7
C
carolVIP
New York City •165 reviews
4.0
Dined on Feb 6, 2025
very good food, interesting menu, good place to dine with a friend
More info
ABA Turkish RestaurantPrice: Moderate• Turkish• Midtown West
•
4.6

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