Best Middle Eastern Restaurants in Little Italy

16 restaurants available nearby

1. ilili

4.7

Exceptional(8030)

Price: Expensive

• Middle eastern • Gramercy Park

Booked 106 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.

2. Balade

4.7

Exceptional(1005)

Price: Moderate

• Middle eastern • East Village

Booked 18 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!

3. Zou Zou's

4.6

Exceptional(1478)

Price: Expensive

• Middle eastern • Hell's Kitchen

Booked 138 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. Local 92 - Soho

4.4

Awesome(224)

Price: Moderate

• Middle eastern • NoLita

Booked 5 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.

5. Mesiba

4.7

Exceptional(24)

Price: Expensive

• Middle eastern • Williamsburg

Booked 9 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."

6. Skinos

4.6

Exceptional(197)

Price: Moderate

• Middle eastern • Financial District

Booked 52 times today

Skinos, located in the heart of New York’s Financial District, offers a captivating Mediterranean dining experience that is both authentic and unforgettable. Celebrated for its "exquisite ambiance" and "delicious food," this restaurant consistently dazzles with its vibrant Mediterranean flavors. Diners rave about the "amazing seafood squid ink linguini" and "incredible lamb chops," highlighting the culinary expertise that defines Skinos's offerings. Each dish is a testament to the rich Mediterranean heritage, crafted with care and authenticity. The attentive staff and beautiful setting further enhance the dining experience, making Skinos a "hidden gem" for those craving genuine Mediterranean cuisine.

7. Gazala’s

4.5

Awesome(395)

Price: Moderate

• Middle eastern • Upper West Side

Booked 9 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."

8. Shalel

4.7

Exceptional(235)

Price: Very Expensive

• Middle eastern • Lincoln Square

Booked 17 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.

A photo of Sahara's Turkish Cuisine restaurant

9. Sahara's Turkish Cuisine

4.3

Awesome(97)

Price: Moderate

• Middle eastern • Kips Bay

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 NAR Modern Turkish Cuisine restaurant

10. NAR Modern Turkish Cuisine

4.7

Exceptional(20)

Price: Very Expensive

• Middle eastern • NoMad

Booked 5 times today

NAR Modern Turkish Cuisine, nestled in the heart of NoMad, New York, offers an authentic Mediterranean experience that has delighted diners with its vibrant and modern twist on Turkish classics. The menu, described as "absolutely delicious" and "a real find," showcases a wide variety of dishes that celebrate the rich flavors of the Mediterranean. Guests rave about the lamb dumplings, killer kebabs, and melt-in-your-mouth lamb chops, making each visit a culinary journey. The restaurant's elegant yet casual ambiance, combined with exceptional service and creative drinks, creates a memorable dining experience. NAR is truly a "neighborhood gem" that stands out in the Gramercy dining scene.

‘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

A
Alaijah
New York City •1 review
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
I went for my birthday and despite being under staffed I watched the manager be so incredible while balancing so much at once. I definitely recommend and will come again.
More info
SkinosPrice: Moderate• Greek• Financial District
•
4.6
A
Amber
New York City •9 reviews
5.0
Dined on 26 Dec 2024
Sherif was really great and the staff who seemed to work with him were caring, attentive and great at their jobs. Balade really went far to make people feel happy at Christmas. The only challenge (often in small restaurants on holidays) is the outrageous number of undisciplined kids, out way too late, and dogs now. It's too much and next time I won't go there on a holiday. If I have a dog sitting next to me, I'll graciously ask for a check after the first drink and go. I love dogs, but they do not belong in restaurants unless it is outdoor seating and people put restaurants on the spot with this act of absolute self-involved entitlement. This is the rude world we live in now however. My only concern and it didn't ruin our meal only because the staff was so completely great and I was distracted with the wonderful vibe.
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BaladePrice: Moderate• Mediterranean• East Village
•
4.7
J
JenniferVIP
Denver / Colorado •26 reviews
5.0
Dined on 23 Dec 2024
A wonderful find in SoHo. We ordered the falafel platter and hummus to start which was so good. It was a perfect amount for four of us. The lamb was perfectly cooked and the ravioli was super yummy. Kate was our server and bartender and she was great! Very attentive and made a mean espresso martini ❤️
More info
Local 92 - SohoPrice: Moderate• Mediterranean• NoLita
•
4.4
OT
OpenTable Diner
Los Angeles •2 reviews
4.0
Dined on 29 Nov 2024
Great overall experience!! Good food, better staff.
More info
NAR Modern Turkish CuisinePrice: Very Expensive• Turkish• NoMad
•
4.7

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Best Middle Eastern Restaurants in Little Italy

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16 restaurants available nearby

1. ilili

2. Balade

3. Zou Zou's

4. Local 92 - Soho

5. Mesiba

6. Skinos

7. Gazala’s

8. Shalel

9. Sahara's Turkish Cuisine

10. NAR Modern Turkish Cuisine

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