Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. New York City

Best Middle Eastern Restaurants in Lower East Side

Price
Regions
Neighborhoods
Top Rated
Dining Options
Seating Options
Award-winning
Accessibility

14 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

A photo of ilili restaurant
1. ilili
4.7
Exceptional(8110)
Price: Expensive
• Middle eastern • Gramercy Park
Booked 78 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.
A photo of Balade restaurant
2. Balade
4.6
Exceptional(1016)
Price: Moderate
• Middle eastern • East Village
Booked 14 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!
A photo of Zou Zou's restaurant
3. Zou Zou's
4.7
Exceptional(1609)
Price: Expensive
• Middle eastern • Hell's Kitchen
Booked 176 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.
A photo of Mesiba restaurant
4. Mesiba
4.3
Awesome(38)
Price: Expensive
• Middle eastern • Williamsburg
Booked 7 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."
A photo of Skinos restaurant
5. Skinos
4.5
Awesome(259)
Price: Moderate
• Middle eastern • Financial District
Booked 60 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.
A photo of Shalel restaurant
6. Shalel
4.6
Exceptional(282)
Price: Very Expensive
• Middle eastern • Lincoln Square
Booked 15 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
7. Sahara's Turkish Cuisine
4.5
Awesome(101)
Price: Moderate
• Middle eastern • Kips Bay
Booked 4 times today
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
8. NAR Modern Turkish Cuisine
4.6
Exceptional(26)
Price: Very Expensive
• Middle eastern • NoMad
Booked 4 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.
A photo of Turkish Cuisine restaurant
9. Turkish Cuisine
4.7
Exceptional(429)
Price: Expensive
• Middle eastern • Hell's Kitchen
Booked 4 times today
Turkish Cuisine in Hell's Kitchen, New York, offers an authentic Mediterranean dining experience that transports diners straight to the heart of Turkey. Renowned for its "outstanding" dishes such as the highly sought-after doner kebabs and Turkish coffee, this cozy gem has been delighting patrons since 1995 with its consistent and flavorful offerings. Guests rave about the "delicious and fresh" meals, from the spicy lamb dishes to the comforting lentil soup, emphasizing the restaurant's "authentic Turkish cuisine." With its charming outdoor garden and attentive service that makes you feel like family, Turkish Cuisine is a must-visit for anyone seeking genuine Mediterranean flavors.
A photo of ABA Turkish Restaurant restaurant
10. ABA Turkish Restaurant
4.5
Awesome(741)
Price: Moderate
• Middle eastern • Midtown West
Booked 5 times today
ABA Turkish Restaurant in Midtown West, New York, offers an authentic Mediterranean dining experience that transports you straight to the vibrant streets of Istanbul. Known for its "delicious and perfectly prepared" meals, ABA stands out with its "fresh, perfectly seasoned" dishes that offer something for everyone. Diners consistently praise the authenticity of the Turkish cuisine, with one reviewer exclaiming, "This is the real deal!" The restaurant's generous portions and reasonable prices make it a great value in Manhattan. ABA's warm, welcoming atmosphere, complemented by "exceptional attentive service," ensures a memorable culinary journey through the Mediterranean.
‘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
From verified diners like you

Explore OpenTable

Discover
OpenTable
  • About Us
  • Blog
  • Careers
  • Press
More
Our sites
Businesses
  • Restaurant reservation software
  • Industry insights
  • Hospitality resources
  • Marketing resources
  • Operation resources
  • How to open a restaurant
  • For restaurants
  • For restaurant groups
Join us on
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2025 OpenTable, Inc. 1 Montgomery St Ste 500, San Francisco CA 94104 - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking Logo
Priceline Logo
KAYAK Logo
Agoda Logo
OpenTable Logo