Shalel

Review summary

1. N

   Nicholas

   New York City

   2 reviews

   5.0

   2 reviews

   Dined 2 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   The extensive menu was full of delicious choices. Our favorites were the artichoke fritters, butternut squash bruschetta, and chicken Batseeya. The staff, especially our waitress (M?), had wonderful recommendations and was friendly and attentive. The intimate ambience, semi-private dining areas, and candlelit tables were especially inviting. I would recommend for a date night or catching up with a good friend.
   

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2. V

   Vivian

   Unspecified

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined 2 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 4
   3. Service 4
   4. Ambience 5

   The decoration is really nice but the food is mid. The service was nice
   

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3. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   New York City

   1 review

   1.0

   1 review

   Dined 2 days ago

   1. Overall 1
   2. Food 1
   3. Service 1
   4. Ambience 2

   I had an incredibly disappointing experience. I made reservations for Valentine’s Day a month in advance to have dinner at Shalel. Once we arrived and settled in, we noticed that they didn’t have their regular menu and only when prompted did they let us know it was only a $95 per person limited pre-fix menu that had literally none of their regular menu selection. To put it simply, the food was bad. The pre-fixe had none of the dishes that are on their regular menu. Except for a few cold mezze that were a full-price additional cost and a very small portion. The first dish put down was a large amount of dip and less than half of a piece of sliced pita for all of it. For our mains, the fish had a smell distinctly of a previously frozen fillet. When it was time for dessert, my boyfriend asked for the waiter’s recommendation and he upsold us on the strawberry shortcake that had an additional cost. When it arrived, it was made out shortbread that was almost definitely from Girl Scout shortbread cookies. Part way through the dinner, we overheard the table next to us saying to each other, “this is disappointing.” We very obviously did not eat most of our meal and other than the cursory “everything good here?” and a terse “yes,” the staff made no effort to find out if there was something wrong, which there clearly was. This was not acceptable service for a meal that ultimately cost us over $300. Everything came out quickly except for when we put the card down on the check. It took over 15 minutes for someone to come back to us. As soon as we paid, I went to the bathroom and while I was gone, the waiter came up to my boyfriend and told him that they needed to clear the table because people were waiting. The food and the service were absolutely not worth the high cost of our meal. I will not be returning and do not recommend the restaurant.
   

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4. R

   Ruth

   New York City

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined 3 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Our Valentines Day dinner at Shalel surpassed our expectations. The food was delicious, the staff was very gracious and accommodating. We’re planning to go back with our whole family
   

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5. J

   Jack

   New York City

   1 review

   1.0

   1 review

   Dined 3 days ago

   1. Overall 1
   2. Food 3
   3. Service 3
   4. Ambience 4

   Was super excited for valentine’s day since the vibe was intimate and nice, but it wasn’t disclosed when we booked that the menu was pre fixed. Ended up being 95 dollar per person, and we couldn’t leave due to the 50 dollar holding fee. Felt like a scam. Also service was rushing us in and out, had to slow down food to take more time. Also, the pre fix menu was not amazing.
   

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6. W

   WILLIAM

   New York City

   2 reviews

   2.0

   2 reviews

   Dined on 1 February 2025

   1. Overall 2
   2. Food 2
   3. Service 2
   4. Ambience 2

   We will not be back. Importantly, I have serious concerns about fire safety at this subterranean restaurant. There are open-flame candles everywhere and the only exit I saw were the stairs that go right past the kitchen, often a source of fires. The food was very average, the layout and table locations not conducive to table conversation, and the service just above average. Hopefully, management will see this review and if possible take action. A partial quick fix would be to substitute artificial battery-powered candles and ask the NYC Fire Department to conduct a self-imposed fire inspection to remediate emergency exit plans.
   

   ShalelResponded on 4 February 2025

   William, your assessment is misinformed and malicious. We are in compliance with all NYC fire codes, receive regular inspections and certification of compliance from the Fire Department, maintain fireproof treated curtains/pillowcases/etc., and work very closely with our (very small) staff to always be careful with our candles. We have not had an incident in 24 years of being open, and we hope to maintain the special candlelit ambience that makes our space special. Additionally, there are two specific emergency exits -- in your amateur assessment you neglected to locate the other, which is clearly indicated by an exit sign. I am sorry to hear that you find our food and service average. Fortunately there are many other options in the area for you to try.
   

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7. t

   tara

   New York City

   2 reviews

   5.0

   2 reviews

   Dined on 26 January 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Everything was delicious including the desserts. Will be back
   

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8. J

   Jennine

   New York City

   5 reviews

   5.0

   5 reviews

   Dined on 25 January 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   A lovely experience that truly transports you to another place. The food was excellent and the service was impeccable
   

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9. c

   claudia

   London

   6 reviews

   3.0

   6 reviews

   Dined on 21 January 2025

   1. Overall 3
   2. Food 3
   3. Service 3
   4. Ambience 2

   Food: marginal. Ambience: a dark maze of narrow spaces in a basement. I found it dingy and I'm sure if they turned the lights up, I would have been horrified.
   

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10. M

    Matthew

    New York City

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 18 January 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5

    Incredible and unique atmosphere was outmatched only by the quality of the meal. Everything from cocktails to dessert was great. The margarita was one of the best I’ve ever had. Will definitely be coming back!
    

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