Best Middle Eastern Restaurants in Union Square

Price

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Regions

BergenBrooklynManhattanQueens

Neighborhoods

AstoriaBay RidgeCliffside ParkEast VillageFinancial DistrictGramercy Park

Top Rated

CharmingGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasionsGreat for brunchGreat for fine wines

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Accessibility

Wheelchair access

18 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

1. Cafe Zaffri

4.4

Awesome(85)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Middle eastern • Union Square

Booked 38 times today

Cafe Zaffri, lovingly known as “Zaf’s”, is the third dining concept from the acclaimed team behind New York City mainstays Raf’s and The Musket Room. Located inside The Twenty Two New York, a hotel and private members club located in Union Square. The sprawling restaurant will be open to the public and serve modern interpretations on Levantine cuisine and its diaspora.

2. ilili

4.7

Exceptional(8115)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Middle eastern • Gramercy Park

Booked 72 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.

3. Balade

4.6

Exceptional(1017)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Middle eastern • East Village

Booked 7 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!

4. Zou Zou's

4.7

Exceptional(1635)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Middle eastern • Hell's Kitchen

Booked 131 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.

5. Local 92 - Soho

4.2

Awesome(239)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Middle eastern • NoLita

Booked 3 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.

6. Mesiba

4.3

Awesome(39)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Middle eastern • Williamsburg

Booked 6 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."

7. Skinos

4.5

Awesome(271)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Middle eastern • Financial District

Booked 42 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.

8. Shalel

4.5

Awesome(290)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Middle eastern • Lincoln Square

Booked 9 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.

9. Gazala’s

4.4

Awesome(408)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Middle eastern • Upper West Side

Booked 5 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."

A photo of Sahara's Turkish Cuisine restaurant

10. Sahara's Turkish Cuisine

4.6

Exceptional(102)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Middle eastern • Kips Bay

Booked 5 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.

‘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

L
LISA
New York City •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Every time at Cafe Zaffri is special.. the food is phenomenal and the service is impeccable.... and Sophia is PURE MAGIC .. she makes my Sunday every Sunday!
More info
Cafe ZaffriPrice: Expensive• Middle Eastern• Union Square
•
4.4
D
DavidVIP
New York City •32 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Always delivers - food, service, ambiance. Another great dining experience.
More info
ililiPrice: Expensive• Lebanese• Gramercy Park
•
4.7
S
Shani
New York City •76 reviews
4.0
Dined 7 days ago
My friends and I went for dinner. I'd never been. There were a number of diners outside but we were the only ones eating inside by the open windows. There were a lot of bugs flying around so seating people there wasn't ideal. The food was really good. My friend enjoyed his pizza and my other friend liked the chicken and rice. I had the seared tuna in a pita, which was excellent. The sort of crepes with Nutella were also a big hit. The service inside was pretty slow, which was okay for us as we weren't in a rush.
More info
BaladePrice: Moderate• Mediterranean• East Village
•
4.6
S
ShannelVIP
Alabama •51 reviews
5.0
Dined on May 11, 2025
This is great spot for lunch or an early dinner. The service is great!
More info
Local 92 - SohoPrice: Moderate• Mediterranean• NoLita
•
4.2
N
NormanVIP
New York City •28 reviews
5.0
Dined on Apr 6, 2025
Creative Turkish cuisine in a lovely setting with perfect service.
More info
NAR Modern Turkish CuisinePrice: Very Expensive• Turkish• NoMad
•
4.6

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