In February of 2004, partners Danny and Ayala Hodak and Gadi and Sheila Ruham open the doors of Taboon Restaurant on a quiet corner in Hell's Kitchen where the star of the show is the blazing white domed oven that has been serving up its original wood fired "Middleterranean" cuisine ever since.
Inspired by the vibrant spices and flavors of the Middleast and the Mediterranean, with fresh hand made food from an ancient oven, bold and articulated flavors, and a driving passion for food and love for hospitality, Taboon quickly earned a loyal following and a well respected place in New York's culinary landscape.
בקורת:
Yes, the bread is delicious! The dips were fine. We went for brunch. We tried 3 different kinds of shakshuka. They were good, but not amazing. I actually liked the khassa salad best. It had pickled radishes, beets, feta, pomegranate seeds, greens and more.
Food is terrific. Service, by nice people, was very slow. I had read the reviews before going the first time (tonight) and the only knock on the restaurant was that on a cold night it would be best not to sit in the front room. That's where our reserved table was and when I protested got a real "attitude" from the large lady at the "front desk". I did an imitation of Donald Trump and we were very quickly showed to another table. She commented that I was being "feisty". Now why on earth was that necessary?
About TOP KOSHER GRILL NYC
Searching for great food at a reasonable price is a challenge even in a city as big as New York City.  Come visit a truly special place with tastes that will transport you to far off exotic lands. Everything is made fresh to order.  The environment is simple, but the traditional music, smells and words will provide you with a great experience. Whether you are looking for a Bureka, Gyro, Ghourmeh Sabsi,  KEBAB & GRILL
 & you will be surprised to find money still in your pocket.  TOP KOSHER GRILL NYC is family-owned and operated right here in Great Neck, NY. Since our company opened its doors in 2006, we’ve treated every customer like they were a part of our family. Other companies may offer similar services, but our services are the best, and come with a personal touch. TOP GRILL Best glatt Kosher GRILL SHAWARMA STEAK BBQ KEBAB BURGER STEAK CATERERS RESTAURANT > NYC GREAT NECK ny
We wanted to let you know that we offer the best services in Great Neck – you get special one-on-one attention. We have a lot of fun here, which means our employees are
happy. And we cost less than the other guys. Our customers are really important to us, and our friendly staff makes certain you are 100% satisfied. ur services and products include: (Hosting a party? Town Deli & Catering can cater in your home or hall – everything from a buffet to a full grill – we will even bring the waiters and full service! Let us make your event hassle free from beginning to the end – all you have to do is eat, enjoy and collect the compliments!
Town Deli and Catering is under strict supervision of the “Vaad Harabonim of Queens� with a steady Mashgiach from opening to close.
).Searching for great food at a reasonable price is a challenge even in a city as big as New York City.  Come visit a truly special place with tastes that will transport you to far off exotic lands. Everything is made fresh to order.  The environment is simple, but the traditional music, smells and words will provide you with a great experience. Whether you are looking for a Bureka, Gyro, Ghourmeh Sabsi,  KEBAB & you will be surprised to find money still in your pocket.  TOP GRILL Best glatt Kosher GRILL SHAWARMA STEAK BBQ KEBAB BURGER STEAK CATERERS RESTAURANT > NYC
ABOUT US
NISH NUSH (Hebrew for snack) offers the opportunity to custom-blend your hummus with a variety of options.
Our hummus & Falafel are made FRESH daily with the best-quality ingredients. Our Falafel is GLUTEN FREE and made-to-order for the best flavor and freshness.
The chickpeas and tahini we use are top of the line and a good source of vegetarian protein and calcium.
על המסעדה:
This is a quick, yummy place to stop and grab a bite while shopping and/or working in the area.
I had the "Red Hot Chili" (whole wheat pita with falafel, spicy hummus, Israeli salad and pickles). It was DELISH!! Everything was served perfectly – not too sloppy or stuffed in or pieces falling out as you bite into it.
I also sampled the Cajun fries – now, as a person who LOVES spicy food, this was cute. If a dish doesn't have scotch bonnet peppers infused then it isn't hot at all in my opinion but for those of you who rarely eat spicy food, this maybe spark the palette a bit.
Beer always goes great but I also had the homemade mint iced tea – very refreshing. Everything came up to $23 (spicy pita, Cajun fries, blue moon beer and iced tea). That's a bit pricy but I guess that's the going rate for the area.
Rami & Mirav Cohen Owners
Rami and Mirav Cohen moved to Boston from Jerusalem to start a new life. Soon after arriving, they missed the taste of home as there was no authentic falafel available in the Boston area. Rami, being a third generation “Falafel-teer” realized that if he wanted a real Falafel he would have to make it himself, so he opened Rami’s in May of 1991 with his wife, Mirav. Being old-fashioned and traditional, Rami has kept his restaurant consistently producing the freshest food around, as everything is home-made on a daily basis.
Haim Cohen Manager
The son of Rami and Mirav, Haim is a fourth generation “Falafel-teer.” Haim has been managing Rami’s since 2004. He enjoys keeping consistent with the old school traditions that have made the establishment famous for over twenty years. Keeping up with the current demands of consumers, Haim has added corporate catering, online ordering, (links?) and new menu items. Haim speaks Hebrew & English.
Outside of the massive population centers which can support a wealth of highly-targeted ethnic eateries, the best kosher restaurants are the ones which transcend or outright obscure their religious peculiarities and sell themselves to the general public simply as quality eateries.
Tiny Rami's has mastered this dance and stood the test of time, seeing neighboring kosher eateries come and go, and surviving despite constant threat from nearby non-kosher shawarma "kings" and other, lesser vassals of falafeldom.
During a busy lunch hour, they run the cramped shop with exacting precision. ("We're here to work; we're not here to play!" I once overheard being said to a dawdling customer, to my impatient delight.) At calmer moments, they're happy to offer tastes and shoot the breeze.
Their shawarma is expertly cooked so the meat chunks remain juicy but slightly crisp at the edges, stuffed into the softest pita this side of Jerusalem, covered with freshly chopped veggies, and slathered with sauces — ranging from hot, green s'chug, to smooth, garlicky hummus, to sesame-laden techina, to the mysteriously spicy orange amba.
Kosher or not, you'll find that the thrill of delicious shawarma grease dripping down your arm as you try to tame your burgeoning sandwich is a spiritual experience.
All in the crunch of the falafel, creamy and incomparable hummus, and pillowy pita bread. Coolidge Corner's Rami's serves just this including other Middle Eastern staples like baba ghanoush (eggplant spread), kabob, and shawarma.
Falafel is smaller than some and usually made to order. Warm and fresh. The hummus and baba ghanoush, with a light pour of olive oil, are the perfect compliments to these hearty and crisp delights. Get a little hot sauce to dollop and mix.
על המקום:
This place is fantastic. The best food and the best value for money in Greenpoint. The shwarmas were extraordinarily delicious. The food is great quality and the deserts are amazing. Best rice pudding that tastes of pistachio and rosewater. Best baklava ever. And the food comes fast. Also, I was in the restaurant one day too, and the staff were very warm and friendly. Eat in or take out – you won't be sorry.
Really good! And pretty fast. Everything was very tasty and fresh, and the portion sizes were huge: we ordered a mixed vegetarian starter platter (which also comes with falafel as a surprise!), a falafel plate, and a chicken shawarma plate, and there was enough food for 4 meals. And we're BIG eaters. Everything came with loads of fresh pickles, salads, and side additions, and they sent PLENTY of sauces: Very happy, will definitely order from here again.
זמני פתיחה:
Delivery Hours
Mon
6:45PM – 4:30AM
Tue
6:45PM – 4:30AM
Wed
6:45PM – 4:30AM
Thu
6:45PM – 4:30AM
Fri
6:45PM – 4:30AM
Sat
6:45PM – 4:30AM
Sun
6:45PM – 4:30AM
Pickup Hours
Mon
6:45PM – 4:30AM
Tue
6:45PM – 4:30AM
Wed
6:45PM – 4:30AM
Thu
6:45PM – 4:30AM
Fri
6:45PM – 4:30AM
Sat
6:45PM – 4:30AM
Sun
6:45PM – 4:30AM
After a long day in which I worked through lunch, I stopped for a 9 pm dinner at the bar feeling worn out. I was greeted while walking in by a friendly hostess and immediately served by the bartender. They have added a TV to the bar area for watching sporting events like the World Series.
I got the duck spring rolls and rib eye. Both were cooked extremely well and served with sauces of choice. Everyone at the bar was friendly. Good times.
This place was great! The menu has something for everyone, and while modern, it retains classic flavors and dishes.
We enjoyed the restaurant's full bar, and we loved the steaks. The food is well-prepared and delicious. The starters were probably the best part of our meal, which, by no means minimizes the quality of the mains.
If you are not from the Philadelphia area, unless you head to the restaurant during rush hour, it is a quick 10 to 15 minutes from Center City, and even less from the University City area of West Philadelphia.
Though a bit pricey, it is worth it for a special treat! It would be nice, however, if the restaurant had more expanded hours.
Mon Closed
Tue Closed
Wed 5:30 pm – 10:00 pm
Thu 5:30 pm – 10:00 pm Closed now
Fri Closed
Sat Closed
Sun 5:30 pm – 10:00 pm
בקורת:
I have been to several restaurants that serves hummus and this is by far my favorite place in town for it.
Hommus: chick pea puree, tahini, lemon, olive oil. I believe their hommus is made to order, because it's served at room temperature. It's just more pleasant to eat than cold ones. It's also drenched in good olive oil.
Warm Eggplant: tomato, scallions, tamarind molasses. It's more interesting than the baba ghannouj because the eggplants are warm and the molasses makes it a sweet dish.
Phoenician Fries: sumac, parsley, garlic whip. I really like these fries with the aioli! They came out piping hot.
Whenever I want some fresh made hommus, I like to come to this place. I don't need the bread, I simply like to order 3 plates of mezza and eat them by the spoon.
Definitely coming back here for brunch! I trekked through the winter storm Jonas to eat with a friend who was visiting– despite the horrible weather conditions, the waitstaff were incredibly polite and courteous.
The brunch prix fixe menu lets you have two drinks, a main dish, and a side. For $28 in NYC, I think this has one of the better brunch values. The lamb burger is definitely amazing- the melted feta and pickles take the cake.
I'm a huge fan of the roasted beet side dish- the Aleppo honey butter just made it perfect. The sausages were a tad too salty, but they give you a basket of pita, so you can dip it in the grease and use it to balance the saltiness of the meats.
My first restaurant week menu coming into the new year. Picked Ilili because I do not have to worry about eating unhealthily even if I go wild during the night (cannot go too wild anyway given the limited amount of RW course set up).
At Ilili, you first choose from two appetizers (as opposed to one), followed by a main dish, and eventually the dessert. My friend and I were basically sharing everything – hummus, garlic eggplant, falafel and the marinated chicken liver. Like the eggplant the most as it was refreshing; chicken liver was a bit disappointing…Both the chicken and lamb chop were fantastic, juicy! I opted for the vanilla panna cotta for dessert. Thanks to the sour raspberry on top, it was not too sweet.
Service was for sure a minus point here – cannot blame them as we all sort of understand how RW could mess up the whole thing. My suggestion would be to visit Ilili during a normal hour and see how well it goes. Took away one star here and look forward to adding it back.
Situated in the heart of Greenwich Village in New York City, Mamoun’s Falafel has been serving high quality Middle Eastern Food since it first opened its doors to the public in 1971. It is the oldest falafel restaurant in New York and one of the first Middle Eastern establishments in the United States.
Family owned and operated since the beginning, the restaurant is now part of the history and culture of the Village. Its tradition extends to serving the likes of many famous musicians, actors, and other celebrities. There is an energy and flare to the place that cannot be captured in words. Whether it’s the tiny “hole in the wall” charm, the high paced/ high volume energy, or the dynamic clientele, going to Mamoun’s for a falafel can transform a meal into a unique dining experience. Through the years, we’ve been featured on the food network, travel guide channel, and many newspapers, magazines and books.
What sets us apart from other Falafel restaurants is our rich tradition and history as well as our commitment to excellence. Our philosophy is simple: authentic Middle Eastern Cuisine served in a traditional environment. Everything we serve is made from scratch using only the freshest natural ingredients, the finest imported spices, and our signature recipes.
So come down and visit one of our locations. Whether it’s our flagship restaurant in Greenwich Village, our East Village location, our New Haven “sit-down” restaurant, or our newest spots in Hoboken, New Jersey, and New Brunswick, New Jersey, you are sure to get the same high quality food, fast service and budget prices.
And remember, accept no substitutes. Although many have tried to imitate us, there is only one Mamoun’s Falafel.
If it doesn't say Mamoun's, then it's not Mamoun's!
Falafel sandwich with hummus. It's worth the extra dollar, even though you might be thinking "Why would I load up on more chickpeas?" You can tell they don't skimp on the tahini, and it has the perfect level of saltiness. Their hot sauce also makes a great gift for those loved one who really love their eggs spicy. We're talking lip-chapping, tear-inducing levels of harissa. It's heavenly.
Nestled among the faux bistros and precious bars of Nolita, Hoomoos Asli is a welcome, no-fuss spot offering quick and cheap Israeli cuisine. Ceiling fans whirl above small wooden tables and cheesy '90s trance music plays over the speakers. Lunch draws a large international crowd of 20-somethings and NYU students, who come to feast on falafel, which arrive tucked in homemade, ridiculously fluffy pitas overflowing with chopped tomatoes and cucumbers. Dinner boasts an equally laid-back scene as couples enjoy entrees like schnitzel, pan-fried chicken covered in breadcrumbs and spices, and the Jerusalem mixed grill, a succulent combination of lamb, chicken and beef served with caramelized onions over rice. Lingering over cups of Turkish coffee and talking politics is encouraged. And although Hoomoos Asli doesn't serve liquor, the bring-your-own-wine-and-beer policy adds to this hole-in-the-wall's casual charm. — Dakota Smith
Recommended Dishes
Babaganoush, $5.17; Jerusalem mix grill sandwich, $11.16
From authentic falafel to juicy, flavor-infused meats, we've perfected our cooking process to offer the best tasting, healthiest quick dining experience option out there. All of our dishes are made in-house using the highest-quality raw ingredients, Mediterranean spices, and classic cooking techniques. The experience truly begins at our salad bar crafted with fresh vegetables, because we know an apple a day is not enough to keep the doctor away. When you're craving a cold drink, our freshly pressed juices will quench your thirst with greens, fruits, or a combination of both.
More of the great taste, less of the guilt.
Join us in our restaurant where nutritious meets delicious.
בקורת:
In my time on this earth, I have done many things. Great things; painful things; things I have learned from. And in everything I have done, I have always looked for the positive outlook. The up-side. When I entered this eatery, I found myself reading a book by it's cover. The small space and confined environment led me to believe a heinous falsity. But when I purchased my falafel, and I took my first bite, my world changed. I felt the smooth hummus, perfectly complimented by the slight spice of the falafel run through my mouth like a child's toy train set when it perfectly fits on the tracks. I swallowed my first bite and I looked up to the man who served me, I mouthed the words to him, 'thank you'. He responded, 'That'll be $4.95." A small price to pay, for the most immaculate and delectable treat that has ever graced God's good earth. I exited the now ever growing plateau of amazement, and walked up the street, consuming my sandwich more and more with each step. I hadn't traveled but two blocks until I looked down and saw; my food had become exhausted. I felt a tear travel down my cheek. Not of depression. Not of loss. But of enlightenment. Thank you, Maoz Vegetarian, for showing me what good food really is.
Simple hole in the wall shop for a quick bite along the 7 train. I got a falafel sandwich which ended up being about $6. Unheard of for a meal in Manhattan that gets you stuffed… as long as you stuff your sandwich to brim. Love the unlimited side dish option. The side dishes are all healthy cold options. Onion + tomato, tabbouleh, chickpea salad, coleslaw, etc.
Granted this location doesn't have places to sit- only a small 2 person standing counter facing the street. But when you want a cheap, quick, healthy bite because you don't want to cook, Maoz is a great option.
Welcome to Grill Point NY – A Glatt Kosher Grill restaurant, where the heavenly taste of Mediterranean food and the Israeli touch are combine to a mouth watering experience.
Grill Point NY is an establishment since 2003. It is well known for the one of a kind taste of Lamb & Turkey shuwarma, Baby chicken shuwarma shish kebobs, Kofta kebobs and so much more. All our product are 100% certified by Vadd Harabamim of Queens. We use the best quality of meats and vegetables, daily fresh cooked! We offer variety of salads and may kinds of dishes. Our grill cooking is made in an Israel style and taste like no other grill in NY.
Grill Point also offer catering services for all occasions and events such as Holidays, private parties, Shabbes Dinner, etc.
Check our catering menu and place our order now.
Contact us and let us know about the next event you are planning. we promise you a success and a food to rave about among your family and friends.
Click here to read review which our customers posted.
We take pride in our great food and our great service.
גלאט כשר בית יוסף בישול ישראל.
Came back to Grill Point after a year with an unstoppable craving for shawarma. I forgot what was better by this point, the baby chicken or lamb. Lamb. I copped out on a chicken shawarmizzle and my girlfriend got a lamb. After chowing down our food and trying each others, I came to the conclusion that the lamb is the way to go. The fries and salad on the side are great add ones, although I didn't have room to finish everything. The portions are just right, although, I wish I could just by a shawarma minus the fries :/ Anywho, I'll deff be back. This is my go-to shawarma spot for life!
"I was living here for eighteen years, waiting for someone to open a place like this," says Moshe Harizy, a fifth-generation Yemenite Israeli and Upper West Sider. Evidently sick of waiting, he converted his stationery store into Alibaba, a eight-seat glatt kosher restaurant and takeout shop specializing in Yemenite-Israeli cuisine—with a macrobiotic twist. "Six years ago, my father was ill," says Harizy, who helped conquer his dad's heart problem by amending his diet and along the way changed his own. That accounts for the presence of brown rice and black beans on Alibaba's menu, a compendium of Middle Eastern fare like koufta kebabs, baba ghanoush, bourekas, and melawah (lightly fried dough with crushed tomatoes and a hard-boiled egg). He imports spices, fava beans, and fruit nectars from Israel and bakes his own lafah. — Rob Patronite and Robin Raisfeld
Hummus is one of the few foods that leaves you feeling satiated without spiking your blood glucose levels. It's tasty and nutritious, but also low in calories. Hummus is vegetarian dish, actually it's also vegan. Basically made up of 60 – 70% water, chick peas, Tahini (from sesame seeds) olive oil and lemon, it's considered a grain / legume, but if you eat it with bread it's actually a complete protein. A great source of dietary fiber, Hummus also packs the good monounsaturated fats like Omega 3 and is rich in vitamins C, E, K, and B6 to name a few, but it doesn't stop there. Minerals like Maganese, Copper and Sodium are accompanied by Iron, Folate, Thiamin, Calcium, Magnesium and Zinc.
Gazala's Story: 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 Columbus Avenue."
I used to eat in this area more. Unfortunately, a number of places have closed down. I loved Diamond Dairy, which made wonderful latkes and pierogies, and I really miss it. A few years back, a friend of mine introduced me to a Kosher Uzbek restaurant, which has also closed down. Last week, I had lunch with a friend who keeps Kosher. On a lark, I did a Yelp search for Kosher Uzbek, and I found this place. I'm glad I did.
We started out with samsas, which are pastries filled with meat and onions. The meat inside was juicy and tasted wonderful. My friend and I then shared an Uzbek rice pilaf, with beef and veggies. The dish was large and easily shared by two people, and very filling. We also ordered a side of bread, which was freshly baked and wonderful.
The only bad thing I can say is that we really loaded up on the carbs. I was so full that I skipped dinner, which isn't a complaint.
We finished off with a Turkish coffee and a pareve (no dairy) cake. I'm used to Turkish coffee being more "muddy," but this was pretty good. The cake was nice as well.
I saw lagman, an Uzbek meat soup, on the menu. I've had this soup before at the previous restaurant, and it is wonderful. One day I have to try the lagman at this place.
One note: since this place is Kosher and serves meat, there is no dairy here.
I noticed that they also served Chinese food here. I didn't try it, so I don't know if it is good or bad.
All-in-all, my friend and I had a great experience here. If you are curious about what Uzbek cuisine is like, and you don't want to go out to Queens (I have read that there are some great Kosher Uzbek restaurants in Queens), this is a great place to visit.
זמני פתיחה:
Hours
Mon 11:00 am – 9:00 pm
Tue 11:00 am – 9:00 pm
Wed 11:00 am – 9:00 pm
Thu 11:00 am – 9:00 pm
Fri 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
Sat Closed
Sun Closed
Maoz Vegetarian is a fast service restaurant serving authentic falafel and freshly made vegetarian food.
When it comes to falafel, we are world experts. For over 20 years, we have been continuously working on perfecting our product to offer the best tasting nutritious meals to our customers worldwide. And we keep on getting better. With more than 15 signature salads and sauces made with the finest ingredients from local farmers and purveyors, we are always on the lookout for the best quality ingredients available.
Why do we call it a vegolution? Well, we're the perfect combination of nutritious and delicious. But don’t take our word for it. Once you’ve tasted our food, you’ll get it. And you’re always welcome to come back for more…
Maoz Vegetarian is a fast service restaurant serving authentic falafel and freshly made vegetarian food.
When it comes to falafel, we are world experts. For over 20 years, we have been continuously working on perfecting our product to offer the best tasting nutritious meals to our customers worldwide. And we keep on getting better. With more than 15 signature salads and sauces made with the finest ingredients from local farmers and purveyors, we are always on the lookout for the best quality ingredients available.
Why do we call it a vegolution? Well, we're the perfect combination of nutritious and delicious. But don’t take our word for it. Once you’ve tasted our food, you’ll get it. And you’re always welcome to come back for more…
טעם מהשטח: The falafel are very fresh and the salads are very good.
Every dish on Nargila Grill's Mediterranean-influenced menu is kosher, whether it’s a rack of short ribs, a grilled salmon steak, or a lamb kebab. But that’s not the only way to feed a family: a Shabbat to Go menu lends dinner hosts a hand on Friday nights with meals that take all the performance pressure off the stove. Inside Nargila’s dining room, guests may look up to find lacy glass sconces illuminating the varying brick and coral walls that add the feel of home. Woven rugs, hookahs, and mosaic tiles fill out the decor and provide a warm touch inspired by the East. Some guests even bring along a treasure of their own—a chuppah—if they're getting married at the restaurant.
From authentic falafel to juicy, flavor-infused meats, we've perfected our cooking process to offer the best tasting, healthiest quick dining experience option out there. All of our dishes are made in-house using the highest-quality raw ingredients, Mediterranean spices, and classic cooking techniques. The experience truly begins at our salad bar crafted with fresh vegetables, because we know an apple a day is not enough to keep the doctor away. When you're craving a cold drink, our freshly pressed juices will quench your thirst with greens, fruits, or a combination of both.
More of the great taste, less of the guilt.
Join us in our restaurant where nutritious meets delicious.
בקורת:
Ate here on the suggestions of other Yelp reviewers. Was not disappointed.
Had a whole wheat pita with chicken schwarma and hummus. Filled it with amazing fresh ingredients and got a side of sweet potato fries. Everything was excellent.
In fact, it was so good I went back the next day for lunch and tried the beef schwarma. Also excellent.
Can't beat it for the price.
This place was great as far as food goes. It tasted very good and it was reasonably priced. The location was convenient too! So I really liked that.
What was actually pretty cool was the wide variety of free toping you can add to your food. It makes for a different meal every time.
Another thing I really liked was the look and feel of the place. It had nice décor and it felt very unique and homey. The only complain I have about this place was the staff. They weren't very friendly and they were talking with each other the entire time. So that's the only downfall, in my opinion.
Price is extremely reasonable and food is fresh! I received my chicken schwarma on a pita with hummus piping hot, and was left to add whatever accompaniments and sauces I wanted from the salad bar. This included broccoli and cauliflower, tomatoes and red onion, tabbouleh, olives, chickpea salad, beet salad, and other Mediterranean sides. I was giddy with excitement at the prospect of not being limited to only a few toppings. After a long stretch of walking in the city, Maoz Falafel definitely hit the spot and satisfied my need for food in my belly
Some buds may have heard of Aroma before because it is one of the biggest and most successful espresso bars in Israel. They opened up in 1994 and have about 25 locations in Israel and have recently opened up a couple of locations in NYC and in Florida. They pride themselves on their coffee and they have their arabic beans imported from Africa. They are currently expanding to more international cities and I foresee a lot more success in their future. The menu is influenced by Israeli culture as well as various Mediterranean and Middle Easter flavors.
Aroma sits in the upper west side on 72nd between Amsterdam and Columbus, but they also have additional locations in the lower east side and in Soho. The decor is modern with lots of red and blacks, comfy chairs and long tables for communal dining. The location in the UWS has both downstairs and upstairs seating and with wall length windows, the espresso bar has tons of natural light coming in. The upper level actually has an outdoor deck so they get major bonus points for that feature.
The cafe is definitely busy but despite the continual bustling crowd, the noise level never gets unbearable. Because of the various communal dining tables throughout, it definitely has the feel of a place that if you came every day for a few months, you would be easily able to make friends with someone else who came everyday for a few months. It has a good mix of both locals and tourists which sometimes is difficult to find. The major drawback of Aroma is their lack of free WIFI. The city that never sleeps has also become the city that is always connected; therefore, it only makes logical sense that any establishment that markets themselves as a “espresso bar” which in layman’s terms is just a coffee house, there should be free internet. I understand that this is to limit the individuals who will come and sit for the entire day, order one coffee and get refills, but if that is the case, they just need to password protect and it and put a time limit on it. However, not having free WIFI just makes people angry and not want to visit your establishment regardless of how good the food is and how awesome your upstairs outdoor deck is.
Onto the food. Aroma serves up both breakfast and lunch with various hot options for both. For breakfast, they have the standard egg sandwiches, omelettes and also french toast (which looked delicious), and they serve breakfast all day. They also have your typical collection of pastries but those give a sort of starbucks pre-made feel (though they are baked fresh daily) and judging from other reviews that I have read, there is nothing spectacular about them. For lunch, they offer numerous types of sandwiches and salads ranging from an avocado sandwich with avocado spread, red onions, parsley, jalapeños, lettuce, tomatoes to a vegan portabello with grilled mushrooms,pesto, tomatoes, arugula, red onions to a steak sandwich with steak, mayo, jalapeño, sauteed onions & red peppers, and swiss cheese. They really cover their bases by having a little bit of everything for everyone because they also have a grilled chicken sandwich, a turkey sandwich and a salmon sandwich, so essentially no dietary constrictions are not considered. They also have numerous different and fun salads which I was extremely happy to see because my biggest pet peeve is when places have a caesar salad, a house salad and some salad with some pre-frozen grilled chicken strips thrown on top. Really? Come on. For example, Aroma has a quinoa salad with organic quinoa, tomatoes, cucumbers, green beans, mint leaves, and red onions (I know, right!), a mozzarella beet salad with mozzarella cheese, beets, tomatoes, red onions, homemade garlic croutons and arugula, and a warm garbanzo bean salad with garbanzo beans, hard-boiled eggs, tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, homemade garlic croutons, and a tahini sauce. You must be wondering how I made my choice. Let me tell you, it was extremely difficult and I had to let a couple people go ahead of me before I finally came to my conclusion
I ended up opting for a salad because I knew that I would be having authentic Italian that evening, so I had the Sweet Potato lentil salad which had arugula, red onions, lentils, sweet potatoes, granola, goat cheese, olive oil and a lemon dressing. Yes, it was delicious. Everything was fresh, yummy and came together extremely well. Although I know that they were trying to keep the dressing simple, I did feel that the dressing could of at least used a little bit of seasoning because it really added nothing to the salad. However, the ingredients of the salad itself featured a little bit of sweet, a little bit of pungency, a little bit of sharpness and a whole lot of flavor.
Oddly enough, despite my being in an espresso bar I did not opt for any coffee on that day (really, this is a major shocker), however, as previously discussed they really pride themselves on their coffee and judging by the many people who just came in for a quick cup to go, I am certain that it is good. The prices are not cheap but wont break the bank (around $10.00 for a full meal with drink), so it is definitely comparable to other similar style restaurants and cafes.
All in all, I did enjoy my lunch and I would be inclined to make a weekly stop in. I think they should definitely reconsider their stance on WIFI and continue to expand to other cities because their inventive sandwiches and salads are definitely a huge draw.
They have a large menu with many quality options and they stay open until as late as 3:00 which is obviously a huge plus in regards to convenience. The only minor issue with the restaurant is that it can get a little crowded during their peak hours of the day.
תגובות מהמקום:
Best pizza and falafel!!!! Whenever I'm around I take a trip to naomis. I've tried almost everything they serve and I have a few favorites.
The pizza is absolutely fantastic. They also make a really good cheese borekas. The falafel is like no other. Crispy, flavorful and absolutely satisfying. My mouth waters just thinking about it.
The atmosphere makes it feel like a family gathering and there is a regular following that I see when I'm in there.
This place knows how to do it right!
Highly recommended!
I have been coming here for years. I LOVE falafel. For me, it is the ultimate comfort food. Great falafel, great tahina sauce… I want one now.At times,the lettuce seems a bit wilted. Yet, I will return and return and return. Friendly service too. My only other criticism is that the place could use a sprucing up. However, it's all about the falafel.
This well-beloved eatery had been sitting quietly in my bookmarks for a few months since the moment I discovered it sits scant minutes from my house. I finally decided to pay them a visit today, figuring I'd drop in, grab a few falafels to go, and be on my merry way. To assume I'd be in and out within a few minutes was, I later realized, a gross underestimation of this restaurant's popularity. I was both amused and slightly dismayed to see that this small pizza and falafel joint was solely responsible for a gaggle of double-parked cars and a line that practically stretched out the door. Lines like these always pique my interest because if you find New Yorkers on a queue, you're sure as hell going to find something worth waiting for at the front of it. Sighing resignedly, I got on the back of the line and proceeded to watch the tightly controlled chaos behind the counter – servers took orders and ran expertly around each other to fulfill each one. All the while, one guy stayed planted at the fryer. It would seem that his sole role was to shape, fry, and prep fresh falafel balls. Just watching him made my mouth water with anticipation, so that fifteen minutes later, when it was finally my turn, I ended up ordering WAY more than I originally intended: six falafel balls, a half falafel (meaning three falafel balls with veggies and a smattering of tahini sauce), and – on a truly gluttonous whim – an order of french fries.
It was hugely gratifying to watch everything come fresh out of the fryer, which was why I was slightly confused that my first bite of Naomi's falafel should be curiously soft and even dense, not crunchy. Slightly oversalted and surprisingly white in color (both inside and outside), these were far from the best falafels I've ever had because I personally prefer mine verdant, hinting at the use of greens and herbs in the mix. However, these were also light years away from the dark-chocolate hues of overfried falafels you find at the random halal carts – these are clearly fresh and extremely tasty. The fries were just as one might expect – scaldingly hot, crispy, and totally unsalted, which I appreciated after several saline bites of the falafels. Unlike the vast majority of yelpers before me, I found the 'half falafel' to be just all right, for the taste, proportions, and general fussiness of eating. The falafels were buried deep into the pita pocket, with the salad and tahini thrown on top, so that the top bites were all salad while the bottom bites were naked falafels. Everything became disassembled as I ate, leaving me with a bit of a mess on my lap and my face by the end of it all. Still, I'm no dainty eater and I was generally happy with my meal, as must have been nearly half of Queens (or so it seemed) as they crowded the narrow restaurant with their appetites.
If you decide to make a visit, give yourself ample time to wait on line and for heaven's sake, don't make the line worse by not ignoring the clear and ample "CASH ONLY" signs like one woman did today by insisting "But you took my card just last week!" On behalf of everyone else waiting behind you, I beg of you – Don't be that idiot. Go to the bank first.