So you're hungry — and you're ready for some Middle Eastern cuisine. Good news: We've found the freshest spots to satisfy your appetite. Here are the newest places to check out the next time you're in the mood for Middle Eastern food.
Zizi
182 Eighth Ave., Chelsea
Relocating from Williamsburg is Mediterranean and Middle Eastern restaurant Zizi, specializing in dishes made from seasonal and organic ingredients.
Formerly known as Zizi Limona, the restaurant was in business for seven years on Havemeyer Street, serving a menu inspired by the traditional cuisines of Israel, Greece, Tunisia and other Mediterranean countries. Stop in to the new Chelsea location for small plates of falafel, burrata and fattoush salad, or for large plates of shawarma, lamb, grilled salmon and more. Zizi also serves brunch and lunch menus featuring salads, sandwiches and sweet breakfast fare.
Zizi currently holds five stars out of 10 reviews on Yelp, indicating good reviews.
Yelper Amanda D., who reviewed Zizi on Nov. 23, wrote, "I'm so glad I found this place! We were looking for a good lunch spot in the neighborhood and were not disappointed. The service was great, and the food was even better."
Zizi is open from 11 a.m.–11 p.m. on Tuesday-Friday and 10 a.m.–11 p.m. on weekends. (It's closed on Monday.)
Sultan's Dine
110-23 Jamaica Ave., Richmond Hill
Sultan's Dine is a halal spot serving authentic Bangladeshi dishes. This restaurant specializes in food popular in Bangladesh's capital city, Dhaka, which "incorporates a large number of cosmopolitan influences, a legacy of the region's historic trade links with the Arab world, Persia, Portugal, the United Kingdom and Burma," according to the business's website.
On the menu at this counter-service spot, guests will find appetizers like samosas and pakora; a wide selection of kebabs made from beef, lamb and chicken; curries and rice dishes; vegetarian specialties; and seafood dishes like shrimp curry and salmon tikka masala.
Sultan's Dine currently holds four stars out of 14 reviews on Yelp, indicating good reviews.
Yelper Jennifer F., who was one of the first users to visit Sultan's Dine on Nov. 3, wrote, "Had dinner with a group of friends. Everyone was happy with the food. Even the kids (usually hard to please) loved the food."
Sultan's Dine is open from 10 a.m.–11 p.m. on Monday-Saturday and noon–11 p.m. on Sunday.
Balade Your Way
8 E. 41st St., Midtown
Balade Your Way has opened the second location of its fast-casual Lebanese concept in the area of Bryant Park.
The eatery, which launched its flagship location on 37th Street in 2016, offers build-your-own wraps, rice bowls and salads. Choose your base, top it with proteins like lamb kebab, chicken shawarma, falafal or sujuk (Middle Eastern sausage) and complete your meal with a selection of veggies, pickles and sauces. Other menu items include apps, sides and fresh-baked manoushe (Lebanese flatbread).
Yelp users are excited about Balade Your Way, which currently holds 4.5 stars out of 28 reviews on the site.
Yelper Rom B., who reviewed Balade Your Way on Oct. 22, wrote, "Every other bite was absolutely tasty. So happy I found that place."
Balade Your Way is open from 11 a.m.–10 p.m. on weekdays. (It's closed on weekends.)
Lamalo
11 E. 31st St., Midtown
Lamalo is an Israeli restaurant located in the Arlo NoMad hotel, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week.
Opened by restaurateur Gadi Peleg, who also owns Middle Eastern restaurant Nur and the local Breads Bakery chain of babka bakeries, Lamalo specializes in laffa, an Israeli flatbread served family style with a rotating assortment of spreads, salads, dips and veggies. Daily mezze spreads are available for $25 per person. Other options include large plates featuring grilled whole fish, grilled octopus and slow-roasted short rib and the drink list includes beer, wine and signature cocktails.
With a four-star rating out of 52 reviews on Yelp, Lamalo has been getting positive attention.
Yelper April G., who reviewed Lamalo on Nov. 7, wrote, "Definitely coming back here when I'm back in town!"
Wenye X. noted, "I would recommend this place to anyone who likes Mediterranean food."
Lamalo is open for breakfast from 7–10:30 a.m. on weekdays and 7–11 a.m. on weekends; for lunch from noon–2 p.m. on weekdays; and for dinner from 5:30–10 p.m. on Sunday-Wednesday and 5:30–10:15 p.m. on Thursday-Saturday.
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