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  5. Lincoln Square
Shalel, New York, NY

Shalel

4.7
4.7
78 Reviews
$50 and over
Mediterranean
Shalel has served New Yorkers since 2000 and is dedicated to the variety and excellency of Mediterranean cooking. Shalel draws its inspiration from dishes and design of the coastal Mediterranean: Morocco, Palestine, Israel, Turkey, Greece, Italy, the Côte d’Azur, and Spain. Shalel's unique underground space is a relaxed, candlelit setting where highlights include Shalel’s namesake waterfall, indoor plants, fresh cut flowers, and an “alimentari” market of various Mediterranean products. Walk down the rose petal covered stairs to this underground restaurant.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 22 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Cuisines
    Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, Moroccan
  • Hours of operation
    Bar Mon–Sat 4:30 pm–11:00 pm Dinner Mon–Sat 4:30 pm–9:45 pm
  • Phone number
    (212) 873-2300
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Owned/operated by
    Latinx or Hispanic, LGBTQ+, Middle Eastern, Women
  • Catering
    We offer a weekly Shabbat menu and are open to catering inquiries.
  • Private party facilities
    We have several private rooms appropriate for special events - please inquire by phone at 212-873-2300.
  • Neighborhood
    Lincoln Square
  • Cross street
    Just east of the corner of Columbus Ave & W. 70th Street.
  • Parking details
    Street Parking
  • Public transit
    Bus Station Columbus Ave & W 69th (M11 - M7) and Central Pk West & W 70th (M10 - M72) Subway Central Pk West & 72 St. (A/C/E), Subway 72 St. and Broadway (1/2/3)
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Delivery, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Vegan, Wine

What 78 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.7
4.7 based on recent ratings
  • 4.7Food
  • 4.6Service
  • 4.8Ambience
  • 4.4Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Manhattan

    Mediterranean

78 Reviews
  1. Aaaaasa

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 1 day ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Incredible. A unique place that is difficult to describe!

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  2. ElizabethW

    Washington DC

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Fantastic atmosphere, anywhere you sit in here is a great spot. The food is great and would love to try more options as well as cocktails

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  3. DavidS

    San Francisco

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Lovely setting, delicious food, friendly staff and a quick walk to Lincoln Center for a show. Will go again.

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  4. LarryB

    New York Area

    15 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    15 reviews

    Dined on September 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We brought more friends over for dinner at Shalel. As always, everything was great: the food, service, ambience!

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  5. Durhamnewbie

    Raleigh

    16 reviews

    5.0

    16 reviews

    Dined on September 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our second time at Shalel and we brought an out of town guest. We all loved the quirky atmosphere and unique vibe. Gigi was our server and she made a lovely dinner even better. We followed her advice on our selections and were grateful. We will definitely be back.

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  6. CarolinaB

    New York Area

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on September 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Shalel is one of, if not our favorite place in the whole town. The ambience is unique, the food authentic and delicious. I feel like I am traveling around the Mediterranean around all the most beautiful cities by the sea. It is cozy and fun. The service is impeccable; the waitresses are kind, nice and very attentive, in the right way. It is an experience, more than a restaurant. You can't find another place like Shalel. We always go for special occasions and every single time Magic happens. Thank you Shalel people! :)

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  7. karen895

    London

    12 reviews

    2.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on September 19, 2023

    overall2food2service2ambience4
    One of the vegetarian entrees brought to our table of 3 was a beef dish. By the time we got the server's attention, she checked with the kitchen and returned to tell us there was no more eggplant timbal (at 7:30pm!), the other 2 diners at our table had finished their meals. Inattentive service....careless. Too bad. Love the menu and the ambience.

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  8. MelissaR

    New York Area

    6 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on September 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing gem of a neighborhood restaurant - very romantic setting - candlelit along stone walls and semi-private tables. Everything we’ve ordered has been fantastic - highlights tonight were the butternut squash bruschetta with ricotta, the bacon wrapped dates and the filet mignon shish kebab.

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  9. jasonb

    Chicago

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Excellent food in an intimate setting. The prices are reasonable.

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  10. Benjamin

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great restaurant, hidden gem. Definitely will go again!

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  11. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 9, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    We really loved our experience at Shalel! The ambiance was extremely charming (dark, cozy romantic). Our server was excellent and the food was great (little pricey but still delicious). Biggest issue was our drinks! They tasted kind of watered down, it was strange. For a $17 cocktail, I was not impressed. But overall great dining experience, I’d go back!

    ShalelResponded on September 15, 2023

    Thank you for your review and we appreciate your feedback. Hope you can join us for dinner again soon!

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  12. MayaC

    New York Area

    12 reviews

    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on September 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    A group of friends and I came for my birthday dinner. Everything we ordered was delicious. Andrew took excellent care of us. We’re already planning our next visit!

    ShalelResponded on September 15, 2023

    Thank you Maya for your lovely review. We look forward to seeing you next time!

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  13. AnnaMariaM

    Milwaukee

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on September 7, 2023

    overall5food3service5ambience5
    Fabulous experiential restaurant - wish I knew about it for previous first dates (long, one time ago). The service is 10 star, all super knowledgeable about both food and wind menus. Also terrific about predicting what might be needed; mor H20, more pita bread, no dessert. It was a Birthday celebration that my hosts felt completely satisfied to indulge me and my husband.

    ShalelResponded on September 15, 2023

    Anna, thank you for joining us for your birthday celebration. We are so happy to hear you had a great experience and look forward to seeing you next time!

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  14. LarryB

    New York Area

    15 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    15 reviews

    Dined on August 26, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Just a wonderful, wonderful restaurant! One of our very favorites! The atmosphere is so cool and exotic, the food is delicious, and what makes the place so extra special is that the staff, especially Zoe, are just so extraordinarily pleasant and helpful!!

    ShalelResponded on September 15, 2023

    Thank you Larry for your lovely review and for continuing to join us for dinner here at Shalel!

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  15. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    A stunning coincidental find last night. A journey to another continent for a few hours. Incredibly good food, stunningly charming, confident and competent service, and the ambiance was otherworldly. An incredible overall experience.

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  16. julie

    Austin

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This place was amazing! The staff answered all of our questions about the dishes, the food was amazing!

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  17. DeeBee

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 18, 2023

    overall4food5service2ambience5
    Ambience is cozy and comfy. Food was excellent. Friendly staff, although not attentive enough.

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  18. JoanL

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    My favorite place! I bring friends and family. They love it.

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  19. NicoleG

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 15, 2023

    overall5food3service5ambience5
    We have been coming here for years. Amazing space for a date and good food.

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  20. HarrisH

    New York Area

    23 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    23 reviews

    Dined on August 14, 2023

    overall4food5service2ambience5
    Excellent, well-prepared good. Unusual and varied menu. Terrific ambience, particularly romantic. However, maitre de struggled w seating us in accord w our request, despite having made reservation w requisite details.

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  21. Advisor

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 12, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience3
    Just one suggestion--use a dehumidifier in the dinning area. It was a little damp and musty smelling. Otherwise, tasty and unique food and a fun experience.

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  22. Dinnerfor9

    New York Area

    46 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    46 reviews

    Dined on August 2, 2023

    overall3food2service3ambience4
    Unusual space. Warm and cave-like. Welcoming service. Great drinks. Food, not so good. Bland, sloppy presentation. Did not taste fresh at all. I'd go back for the bar, but not the food.

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  23. ChristinaP

    New York Area

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on July 29, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I will definitely be going back! Everything was a 10/10!

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  24. ArleneH

    Philadelphia

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on July 29, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Shalel was so GOOD!! The space transports you and makes you feel like you aren’t in NYC!

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  25. Thalia

    Raleigh

    11 reviews

    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on July 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wonderful! A true underground gem with delicious food, fantastic ambiance and attentive service. Lamb Cigars are a favorite.

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  26. BBHappy

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    It was a perfect romantic evening, made even better by the accomodating nature of our fantastic server and the good humor of our bartender. I had not been there in over a decade, and it was just as wonderful as I remember it.

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  27. BobbyHill

    Dallas

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 7, 2023

    overall2food3service2ambience4
    This place is not at all worth it unless you’re only getting drinks/appetizers. The servers were nice but inattentive, the entrees were poorly presented, over priced, and offered only simple flavors. The “mixed grill” entree was hilariously overhyped and under-portioned, especially as the most expensive entree on the menu. You would find more flavorful lamb/rice at the halal cart up the street. The sardine appetizer was very good, but for such a popular spot I was expecting much more developed flavors, better presentation, and a waitstaff who cared.

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  28. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on June 29, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wonderful dinner experience at Shalel!! The ambience was so nice as you felt tucked away in an underground speakeasy!! Beautiful decor, friendly and attentive service and the food was delicious! We got the mezze appetizer platter, chopped Israeli salad, mixed grill entree and chicken basteeya…everything was delicious! The grill meats were very well seasoned and tender. The chicken basteeya as also full of flavor and had a nice flaky phyllo crust. The drinks were also on point, I highly recommend the lychee martini!!!! It was a little pricey but I thought it was still a great value considering the quality of the food, service and ambiance! Will definitely e back again next time I am in that area!!

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  29. John

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 24, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food, intimate atmosphere, would definitely recommend

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  30. Durhamnewbie

    Raleigh

    16 reviews

    4.0

    16 reviews

    Dined on June 20, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience4
    Outstanding food and service. The setting is a little unusual, but we will definitely be back.

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  31. JoanL

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on June 3, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    Crowded time but food is excellent and service was as efficient as possible. Dessert fantastic!

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  32. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    4 reviews

    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on June 2, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Food was extremely well delivered, very flavorful and a great selection of menu options. Ambience is very unique. Feels like you’re in a cellar. Service was also great. Very welcoming staff.

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  33. IrynaS

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 26, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing place. Very cool design. Service was excellent and food was very flavorful and prepared perfectly.

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  34. MercyL

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    the waitress was great, may me feel comfortable and like I'm home, all her suggestions for food and wine were perfect

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  35. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 15, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    Awesome vibe very unique ambience, food was fantastic, will be back

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  36. Klig

    New York Area

    12 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on May 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Most romantic restaurant in the city! The bacon wrapped date appetizer is an absolute must!

    1 person found this helpful

  37. James

    Washington DC

    4 reviews

    2.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on May 12, 2023

    overall2food3service3ambience2
    This restaurant is located in the basement of a West Side brownstone. It has all of the features of a New York City basement, including the bugs!!! Had the venue been a moderately priced restaurant, then you overlook certain things. But at $30+ entrees and $18 glasses of wine, I would expect a much higher level of service, cleanliness, and cuisine.

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  38. Attony

    New York Area

    28 reviews

    5.0

    28 reviews

    Dined on May 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Unique setting, excellent service and very good food. Great place near Lincoln Center; we will return.

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  39. OpenTable Diner

    Orlando

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Everything about this restaurant is special. The service was outstanding, the food was delicious and the atmosphere was lovely, Great find!

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  40. RobertM

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 6, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I've been going to Shalel occasionally for several years, as the ambience is unmatched and the food was always pretty good. I don't know if they have a new chef or what, but the food on this last visit was outstanding, definitely improved over last year and the ambience remains unequaled. I will be eating here more frequently than before

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FAQs

You can order delivery directly from Shalel using the Order Online button. Shalel also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (212) 873-2300.

Shalel is rated 4.7 stars by 78 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 22 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for Shalel

65 W 70th St, New York, NY 10023

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Cross street
    Just east of the corner of Columbus Ave & W. 70th Street.
  • Neighborhood
    Lincoln Square
  • Hours of operation
    Bar Mon–Sat 4:30 pm–11:00 pm Dinner Mon–Sat 4:30 pm–9:45 pm
  • Cuisines
    Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, Moroccan
  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    Street Parking
  • Public transit
    Bus Station Columbus Ave & W 69th (M11 - M7) and Central Pk West & W 70th (M10 - M72) Subway Central Pk West & 72 St. (A/C/E), Subway 72 St. and Broadway (1/2/3)
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Owned/operated by
    Latinx or Hispanic, LGBTQ+, Middle Eastern, Women
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Delivery, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Vegan, Wine
  • Phone number
    (212) 873-2300
  • Catering
    We offer a weekly Shabbat menu and are open to catering inquiries.
  • Private party facilities
    We have several private rooms appropriate for special events - please inquire by phone at 212-873-2300.
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