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Shalel, New York, NY

Shalel

4.6 (297)
$50 and over
Mediterranean
65 W 70th St, New York, NY 10023

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 13 times today

About this restaurant

  • Charming
  • Neighborhood gem
  • Romantic
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.

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Price
    $50 and over
  • Cuisines
    Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, Cocktail Bar
  • Hours of operation
    Bar Mon–Wed, Sun 4:30 pm–11:00 pm Thu–Sat 4:30 pm–12:00 am Dinner Mon–Wed, Sun 4:30 pm–9:45 pm Thu–Sat 4:30 pm–10:45 pm
  • Phone number
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • 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.
  • Delivery & takeout
  • 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, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Vegan, Wine

What 297 people are saying

Shalel reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.6
4.6 based on recent ratings
  • 4.6Food
  • 4.6Service
  • 4.7Ambience
  • 4.3Value

NoiseModerate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Shalel offers a "unique underground dining experience" with Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine. Guests rave about its "romantic, cozy ambiance" and "excellent service." Standout dishes include the "Chicken Basteeya" and "lamb cigars." Visitors appreciate the "creative cocktails" and intimate setting, making it a "perfect spot for special occasions."
297 Reviews
  1. zeeiv

    New York City18 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    prompt, courteous and efficient service. delicious food

    Is this helpful?

  2. Julia

    New York City1 review

    5.0

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The ambiance in this hidden gem is spectacular. Very cozy and romantic. Great food, drinks and service.

    Is this helpful?

  3. Tracey

    New York City7 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Always came here for the decor and ambiance, but this time the food was next level. Service is friendly and we had a lovely time.

    Is this helpful?

  4. Rebecca

    New York City3 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on June 7, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Service was great and the food was very very good. Easy to miss the entrance but definitely worth a repeat visit!

    Is this helpful?

  5. Daniel VIP

    Cleveland / Akron / Canton21 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on May 31, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Delicious chicken dishes. Excellent service. Really fun ambience.

    Is this helpful?

  6. Daniel

    Miami - Dade30 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on May 23, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Hard to find, but a gem, small cave-like atmosphere great food

    Is this helpful?

  7. eva

    New York City3 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on May 18, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The food was delicious. Some of it very unique. Plentiful. Good wine at a reasonable price. the ambience is warm and brings you into a different world. One feels far from NY. the desert was out of this world. It is an experience both in terms of ambiance and culinary.

    Is this helpful?

  8. Ariane

    Mississippi3 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on May 18, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Always love going to Shalel. Great food and wine options, service is always good, and the vibes/ambiance are super special. Good place to take people from out of town for a unique dinner.

    Is this helpful?

  9. Hans

    New York City3 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on May 10, 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    The subterranean adventure of Shalel was perhaps an odd choice for the end of a beautiful sunny afternoon but it did not disappoint. We had the lamb on the bone tagine and chicken a la fez tagine entrees which were both good but the standouts were the jamon serrano croquetas and the gambas al ajillo. There also has to be a special mention of the Lan Crianza, Tempranillo 2020. I have just ordered a couple bottles to enjoy at home. Ambiance was perfect. A not loud and very private table for two, a rarity in New York City.

    Is this helpful?

  10. Riley

    New York City3 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on May 10, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Wonderful ambiance, wonderful service, food, and drinks. Had the frozen banana cocktail-so summery! The starters were fantastic-dips, cauliflower, and beet salad. Our main dishes were excellent!

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

Shalel offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (212) 873-2300.

Shalel is rated 4.6 stars by 297 OpenTable diners.

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

  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. New York City
  4. Manhattan
  5. Lincoln Square

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 13 times today
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–Wed, Sun 4:30 pm–11:00 pm Thu–Sat 4:30 pm–12:00 am Dinner Mon–Wed, Sun 4:30 pm–9:45 pm Thu–Sat 4:30 pm–10:45 pm
  • Price
    $50 and over
  • Cuisines
    Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, Cocktail Bar
  • 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
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Delivery, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Vegan, Wine
  • Delivery & takeout
  • Phone number
  • 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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