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.
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.
Kulushkät is some of the best advice we've ever gotten. It literally means 'shut up and eat,' but that's just Grandma's way of saying 'food first.'
Israeli Breakfast or Shakshuka? No need to decide! Come try both! We are OPEN for Brunch at our Prospect Lefferts location @ 11am today! 1137 Washington Ave.
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!
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
Sababa Grill: The Flavor of Israel
Sababa Grill, located in the heart of Teaneck, NJ, has been serving quality Israeli cuisine since2005. Under strict RCBC supervision, all food is made fresh to order.
Come experience the authentic flavor of Israeli food! With dishes ranging from schwarma and schnitzel to delectable homemade salads, Sababa Grill provides mouthwatering choices you will crave to eat again. Stop by Sababa Grill today to enjoy friendly service and a tasty Middle Eastern meal in our newly-renovated dining room.
Stop by every friday and bring home delicacies from our shabbat menu to enjoy with family and friends.
We also provide catering for kiddushim, Luncheons, Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, Pidyoney HaBen, Yhartzeits and more…
Come experience the authentic flavor of Israeli and Middle Eastern cuisine! With dishes ranging from schwarma and schnitzel to delectable homemade salads, Sababa Grill provides mouthwatering choices you will crave to eat again. Stop by Sababa Grill today to enjoy friendly service and a tasty Middle Eastern meal in our newly-renovated dining room.
שעות פתיחה:
Sunday 11:30am – 9:00pm
Monday 11:30am – 9:00pm
Tuesday 11:30am – 9:00pm
Wednesday 11:30am – 9:00pm
Thursday 11:30am – 9:00pm
Friday 8:00am – 3:00pm
Saturday Closed
Olympic Pita offers a variety of authentic, delicious traditional Middle Eastern Dishes, such as Falafel, Shawarma, Kebabs, dips and fresh salads. Our menu also includes specialty platters such as morrocan cous cous, spicy morrocan fish and many more, using fresh, high quality ingredients . The beer and wine lists include a selection of Middle Eastern imports. Be sure to try one of the desserts for the perfect finish to your meal.
A Critic's Pick in the New York Magazine Restaurant Guide
In fact, New York Magazine rated us as one of the seven best falafel sources in New York. A quick search on google will show nothing but positive reviews of our restaurant.
f you know the original location on Brooklyn's Coney Island Avenue of this Israeli restaurant, you'll be amazed at the sumptuous decor of its garment center outpost, and that improvement extends to the food as well. Centerpiece of any meal is the outsized sesame-dotted pita that flies from the tandoor, deposited hot at your table and replenished whenever you finish the last one. The kebabs are splendid (pick baby chicken or Iraqi lamb instead of the unexciting schwarma). You are well advised to substitute unlimited visits to the salad bar for the choice of two sides on the menu. Open till midnight.
Hours:Sun-Thu 11am-11pm
Best shawarma in town. The meat is always tender, they don't put any fat in the mix unless u ask for it. The spices are just right.
If you don't Luke shawarma you can get other things as well so they offer a variety.
But aside from the shawarma that brings me back all the time is the salad bar where you can get to taste so many different Israeli goodness.
Always fresh, clean and consistantly tasety
I work around the corner so I'm here about once a week. I always get a shawarma in a laffa because it is really good.
Outstanding shawarma. I didn't give it 5 stars because there were a few menu items that weren't available. My son wanted the soup or a hot dog but neither were apparently available. Other than that, it was excellent. Lafas were soft, the shawarma had a nice spice, and the people who worked there were very nice.
You want Israel? Here, you got Israel. Try the chetz-chetzi (half-half) shawarama and schnitzel in a laffa. you got the fresh salads and sit down and eat a-la-kefak in this nice look fast-food joint.
They're great! Simple, good, and good service. And they don't skimp on the goods. My only complaint is that the fried eggplant gets eaten up so quick they need to be more on top of replacing it. Also, a few more salad choices would really set me above any other schawarma joint.
"Simple & filling
Israeli eats…like excellent
falafel…and even
better hummus"
Zagat, 2013/14
Westchester Magazine
Readers’ Pick, June 2012:
Middle Eastern
Restaurant
Westchester Magazine
“$20 and Under” selection
Oct, 2011
“Taiim Falafel Shack
Serves Up Middle Eastern
Comfort Food”
Rivertowns Patch
Oct, 2011
“Falafel Sells Out in Nyack”
Nyack-Piermont Patch
Sept, 2011
Westchester Magazine
“50 Best Dishes”
July 2011
Best of Westchester
Food & Drink
Westchester Magazine
June, 2011
One of the “19 Hottest
New Restaurants…”
Westchester Magazine
June, 2011
“Israeli Soul Food” —The New York Times • Oct, 2010
Westchester Magazine
“Taiim Falafel Shack Hits Hastings… and the Best Thing That Ever Happened to
a Chickpea”
Westchester Magazine
Oct, 2010
Mile End is a Jewish delicatessen in New York City committed to breathing new life into old-world traditions. With locations in Boerum Hill Brooklyn, and NoHo Manhattan, Mile End redefines delicatessen classics by fusing the spirit and craftsmanship of the past with a thoroughly modern sensibility and aesthetic.
What began as rooftop experiments, Mile End was conceived throughout the summer of 2009 by Noah Bernamoff, his wife, Rae, and close friend, Max Levine. Mile End Delicatessen opened January 2010, in a tiny converted garage in Brooklyn with the simple mission of producing and serving the Jewish comfort foods of Noah’s Montreal youth. Word of Mile End Delicatessen’s opening spread quickly and before long, hungry New Yorkers lined snowy Hoyt Street in search of hand-sliced smoked meat, steaming bowls of Nana’s chicken soup and warm, neighborhood service.
Since those early days, Mile End Delicatessen has grown from a quirky startup into a real family business. With a team of over 60 talented men and women, Mile End creates and produces a wide variety of cured and smoked meats and fish, pickled goods, and freshly baked bagels, breads, rolls, and pastries along the historic Red Hook waterfront. From James Beard House dinners to Chinese food on Christmas, Mile End is proud to participate in New York City’s finest food festivals and markets and to actively contribute to esteemed organizations within our community.
Mile End Sandwich opened May 2012, in a former hardware store on gritty Bond Street serving the heart of the delicatessen playbook, replete with a newfound enthusiasm for the sandwiches of yore. Released in September 2012 by Clarkson Potter, The Mile End Cookbook looks back at the past three years of working and cooking and a lifetime of dreaming to spread the philosophy of good, homemade Jewish food. And finally, a home online, mileenddeli.com, brings up-to-date musings, techniques and hand-crafted products from our kitchen straight to yours.
– See more at: http://mileenddeli.com/about/our-story/#sthash.1SJCvJ2C.dpuf
על המקום:
So I'm touring the LES with my wife and friends when someone says, "Let's get some waters so we don't die today." We look across the street, and as if out a vision, the Holyland Market appears. Fortune had smiled upon us, as only on my birthday would I enter my first Jewish bodega.
As luck would have it, the entire bodega was out of water! But never fear, as they had something even better. Giant challahs.
I'm used to secret bodega gems like Zaragoza, where you can unexpectedly find tacos. Never in my wildest dreams did I expect a bodega of my people.
As we walked around the LES sharing bread, dipped in the bowl of chocolate that my sister-in-law randomly had, I felt like a big birthday mensch.
Standouts include the hummus (best and creamiest on earth), the borekas (homemade flakiness), the babka (chocolate or cinnamon, both dense circles of breakfast joy), the packaged snacks (junk food, but unique junk food), the candy near the register, and that Nutella-esque chocolate spread. They also carry pita from Pita Express, which is a beautiful, beautiful thing.
Also, Hebrew-language women's magazines, which will explain how to lose all the weight you've gained by shopping here.
Best. Pita. Ever. The super fluffy thick kind. And all the Elite chocolate you could possibly want! I ended up getting chocolates, zaatar, pita and other things that I have to request from my parents when they go to Israel. Now I can just hop on the F, go to St. Marks Place and by all that stuff that I crave. Will definitely make the trek back!
Menus are subject to change. (V) Vegan | (GF) Gluten Free | * Can be V and/or GF
SMALL ZI’S
*Aunt Trippo’s Falafel 8
pickled cabbage, curry yogurt, charred onion, tomato salsa (GF)
Grilled Beets 7
feta, date honey, scallions (GF)
Black Cumin Cauliflower 8
cauliflower on tahini topped with tomato salsa and black cumin seeds (V/GF)
Grilled Veggies 7
grilled seasonal veggies, sumac, smoked paprika aioli (GF)
Crazy Baba 7
charred eggplant, feta and basil with grilled pita bread
Shishito Peppers 8
Spanish-style black eyed beans salad, smoked paprika aioli (GF)
Hummus 6
Any 3 Small Zi’s 20
Soup of the Day 7
SALATIM
Charred Beet & Lentil 13
finely chopped root veggies, raw tahini, date honey (GF/V)
*Fattoush 14
fresh and roasted veggies, feta, za’atar, pita croutons
*Grilled Artichoke & Cauliflower 12
cherry tomato, garlic confit, Greek yogurt or tahini (GF)
Labane Za’atar 13
labane cheese za’atar and fresh summer veggies (GF)
Mediterranean Ceviche 16
CLASSIC ZI’S
Zizi Hummus 15
grilled seasonal veggies, chickpeas
Hummus Masabacha 13
warm ground chickpeas, grilled tomato, tahini, preserved lemon, harissa (GF/V)
Shakshuka 14
two poached eggs, ‘matbucha’ sauce , chickpeas, harissa (GF)
Cowshuka 22
grilled skirt steak, poached eggs, ‘matbucha’ sauce , sautéed spinach, chickpeas, harissa (GF)
Shawarma 16
chicken, bits of lamb, charred onion and chickpeas served on hummus (GF)
BIG ZI’S
Lamb Kebab 17
black babaganoush, grilled onion, tomato salsa, served in a pita
The Fish 24
beets purée, Greek yogurt, grilled veggies salad
Chicken Tagine 19
bone-in, couscous, butternut squash, chestnut, apricot, ras el hanut, cranberries, and black garlic spread
Ribs de Berber 23
5 hours braised short ribs, risotto-style freekeh, assorted wild mushrooms
Grilled Wild Salmon 22
chickpea stew, grilled artichokes, kalamata, spinach, tomato salsa, yogurt (GF)
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?
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
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.
Absolutely blown away by this place. Came here on a Sunday afternoon the place was empty. Very simple sleek black and white decor. I had no idea what to order, Gila was there, she helped us…
I feel compelled to write this review after eating what may possibly be the best falafel I've ever had. Freshly prepared, lightly fried, topped with cucumbers, tomatoes, hummus and a spicy sauce that…
My sister, friend and I stopped by Gila's for a quick lunch on our first day in the city. The food was awesome but the service alone made it worth the trip. Gila's warm, welcoming and quirky personality …
Chefs and owners Aaron Israel and Sawako Okochi share their unique culinary perspectives at Shalom Japan, a restaurant collaboration that highlights their individual cultures, diverse cooking backgrounds, and passions for food.
The menu is a playful and seasonal approach to New American cuisine, highlighting the chefs’ connections to their respective Jewish and Japanese roots, and taking advantage of the great resources New York City has to offer, such as the wonderful produce at its greenmarkets and the wide range of specialty products available from the city’s diverse population. Plates and meals are designed to be shared among diners in a casual and refined atmosphere, complemented by a beverage program designed by general manager Thierry Morpurgo that includes beer, wine, cocktails, and nonalcoholic drinks.
The restaurant is conveniently located just three blocks off the Williamsburg Bridge, a short walk from the J, M, Z, G, and L lines, and across from the Rodney Park Playground in the eclectically vibrant neighborhood of South Williamsburg. Come join us and let us take care of you.
Taïm is the love child of husband and wife team, Chef Einat Admony and Stefan Nafziger. In 2005, homesick for the favorite street food of Tel Aviv, they heard of a tiny store front available on quiet Waverly place and decided to open their own falafel shop. Relying on her years of international cooking experience as well as her roots, Einat created a menu centered around street food with a gourmet twist. The freshness and quality of the ingredients coupled with Taïm’s spin on traditional falafel flavors give new meaning to the concept of fast food.
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.
"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
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.