Where to Find the Best Middle Eastern Restaurants in the City
Craving some Middle Eastern food? Who wouldn’t. With ingredients like olives, chickpeas, pita, mint, and parsley, who could possibly resist? It is one of the cleanest cuisines for healthy eating and avoiding food allergens. Get a dish with meat, veggies, or any kind of spice you can think of – there is something for everyone in Middle Eastern cuisine. So prepare your stomach, because these are the best Middle Eastern Restaurant in New York City (all of which come with HungerPass discounts).
Hummus Kitchen
768 9th Ave, New York, NY 10019 & 1613 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10028
Photo: Courtesy of Hummus Kitchen
This Middle Eastern and Mediterranean restaurant focuses on two things; simplicity and hummus. Their hummus is prepared fresh every morning, filled with key nutrients like vitamin c and potassium, and served with delicious, hot pita. Their menu is simple, but draws from traditional Mediterranean dishes and made with all natural ingredients like a variety of vegetables, whole grains, and beans. And with locations in the Upper East Side, Hell’s Kitchen, and Murray Hill, Hummus Kitchen is situated conveniently all around New York, perfect for anyone craving some hummus.
Gyro 96
141 E 96th St, New York, NY 10128
Photo: Courtesy of Gyro 96
Located on Carnegie Hill, Gyro 96 is a Middle Eastern restaurant serving up the best of falafel, halal and sandwiches. Not only can you grab one of their amazing wraps at their location on the Upper East side, but they are also on Seamless, Eat24, and UberEats! Though the menu is filled to the brim with incredible eats, the favorites here are the rocket wrap, chicken kabobs, and spicy rice. Gyro 96 also specializes in a drink called Karkadé. This hibiscus iced tea was thought to be the drink of ancient Egyptian pharaohs and used at wedding celebrations. Be sure to check it out!
Manousheh
193 Bleecker St, New York, NY 10012
Photo: Courtesy of Manousheh
Manousheh is a Lebanese bakery in the West Village that specializes in the street foods of the capital of Lebanon, Beirut. Their goal is to create an atmosphere via décor and food that represents Lebanon as a whole – bringing a truly authentic experience to those who have never been to Lebanon. Manousheh bakes every kind of Lebanese flatbread you can think of – savory and sweet. The breads to get here are the Zaatar with thyme and the Labneh. They also serve traditional drinks such as Arabic coffee and Ayran – a savory, yogurt based drink.
Pierre Loti
300 E 52nd St, New York, NY 10022
Photo: Courtesy of Pierre Loti
This Turkish wine bar not only has some of the best wine selections from countries like Germany, France, Turkey, and Italy, but also serves amazing platters and appetizers. The top picks for appetizers are definitely the Phyllo cheese rolls, Risotto balls, and the Turkish Beef Dumplings, tiny dumplings served in a mild yogurt sauce. Pierre Loti also partners with Jacques Torres to bring you specialty chocolates to pair with your choice of wine. It is the perfect cozy spot for date night or a night to yourself – bring a book and sit back and relax.
Da Falafel Guys
127 Rivington St, New York, NY 10002
Photo: Courtesy of Da Falafel Guys
If you are on the lookout for some amazing falafel, Da Falafel Guys should be on the top of your list. With sandwich, plate, salad, and gluten-free options, this is the place for Middle Eastern food. It is a guaranteed crowd pleaser with food options for everyone, not to mention the fact that they have a full functioning juice bar as well. Be sure to try the ABC juice (made from freshly squeezed apples, beets, and carrots) and the Shawarma sandwich (purple cabbage, cucumber, and marinated roasted chicken) with Yuka fries.
Written by: Gabrielle Christensen
