Shalel

4.7

219 Reviews

$50 and over

Mediterranean

Make a reservation

2 people

Nov 26, 2024

10:30 PM

Booked 16 times today

Charming
Neighborhood gem
Good for special occasions

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 219 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

Manhattan
Mediterranean

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Shalel offers a "romantic, cozy escape" on the Upper West Side with its "incredible atmosphere" and intimate setting. Known for "excellent Middle Eastern cuisine," it's perfect for date nights. The ambiance is "unique and relaxing," transporting diners to another world. Service is often praised as "attentive" and "fantastic."

219 Reviews

T
Thomas
New York City
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
This place is an upper west side gem - ambiance, service and food !!! We make this a staple every time we visit to NYC
Is this helpful?
AS
AndrewS
San Francisco
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on November 17, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Wonderful dinner at Shalel. Delicious, unique food. Delightfully quiet.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
New York City
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on November 16, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Unique delicious and memorable! One of my favorite restaurants in NY. A hidden gem.
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K
Kristin
New York City
27 reviews
vip
3.0
27 reviews
Dined on November 15, 2024
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 4
Mediocre experience- told we had a certain time at table upon arrival the next reservation, which is fine but food was so slow we were rushed at the end and had waited way too long in between tapas. Food was good not that original- won’t return.
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h
heller
New York City
19 reviews
vip
5.0
19 reviews
Dined on November 10, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
The food was delish and love the decor. Service was good. Very good for gluten free as well.
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M
Mary
New York City
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 9, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Fabulous from beginning to end! Cocktails and food were wonderful!
Is this helpful?
C
Charles
New York City
4 reviews
4.0
4 reviews
Dined on November 1, 2024
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 5
Wonderful, interesting decor. Very crowded, over booked for small space. Unsmiling, unwelcoming service. Food was good.
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L
Lawrence
New York City
22 reviews
vip
5.0
22 reviews
Dined on November 1, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Everything was GREAT!! As it always is at Shalel! The food, the see ice, the vibe. We love coming here and are always bring friends to experience this truly unique and excellent restaurant!!
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S
Soheil
San Francisco
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on November 1, 2024
1. Overall 1
2. Food 2
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 3
We had a reservation and arrived like 3 minutes after the reservation time, which falls within their 15 minutes grace period. Once we arrived, the lady at the reception desk left the desk to find a table for another party which had a reservation. It took about 10 minutes for the lady to come back and guide them to the table. Then it was our turn, and we were told no table is available because we were late, and we need to wait for half an hour! I said very calmly that we were not late and we were here since about 10 minutes ago (even though we were still within grace period when we had this talk with the receptionist). The lady said "I don't want to argue. You were late and there no table available now." I was shocked by her attitude, and unwillingness to rectify the situation.... Eventually we waited, talked to another employee in the restaurant, and were seated, but this is a terrible way to treat customers and we were not the only party being mistreated.
Is this helpful?
J
John
Toronto
9 reviews
3.0
9 reviews
Dined on November 1, 2024
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 3
First dish came out with peppers on it even after specifically saying my wife was allergic to peppers. I found it overpriced.
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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 219 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people

Nov 26, 2024

10:30 PM

Booked 16 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