Al Bustan

Name: Al Bustan
Address: 319 East 53rd Street, New York, NY, United States, 10022
Telephone: (212) 759-5933
Price range: $31 to $50
Rating: 4

4.0

349 Reviews

$31 to $50

Lebanese

Top Tags:

Savory Lebanese cuisine served in a sophisticated atmosphere that captures the essence of Beirut's past as the Paris of the Middle East

Not available on OpenTable

Unfortunately, this restaurant is not on the OpenTable reservation network.

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Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Dining style
Fine Dining
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Lebanese, Middle Eastern, Mediterranean
Hours of operation
Lunch: Sunday - Friday: 12:00pm - 3:00pm; Dinner: Sunday - Thursday: 5:00pm - 10:00pm, Friday - Saturday: 5:00pm - 11:00pm
Phone number
(212) 759-5933
Website
http://www.bustanny.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Smart Casual
Executive chef
Elias Ghafary
Catering
Al Bustan's food may be delivered to your home or office. Our catering team will assist you in the preparation of tailor-made menus for private parties.
Private party facilities
The restaurant is available for your next event.
Private party contact
Elias Ghafary: (212) 759-5933

Location
319 East 53rd Street, New York, NY 10022
Neighborhood
Midtown East
Cross street
Between 1st and 2nd Avenues
Parking details
Parking Details Up to 3 hours $10 with validation
Public transit
E & V trains to 53rd Street.
Entertainment
Saturday Nights 11pm - 3am at Al Bustan. Live entertainment, Belly Dancer,Hookah and Drink Specials. Prix fixe menu: Mezze of assorted appetizers, Main Coarse, and Dessert $45 Per Person.
Additional
Banquet, Bar Dining, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Delivery, Entertainment, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Late Night, Private Room, Takeout, Wine

What 349 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

4.0

4 based on all time ratings

4Food
3.8Service
3.9Ambience
3.4Value

Noise • Quiet

349 Reviews

R
Rich
London
28 reviews
vip
3.0
28 reviews
Dined on February 17, 2018
1. Overall 3
2. Food 4
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 2
We booked at Al Bustan based on reviews we read, the restaurant did not live up to our expectations. While the food was good the ambience left a lot to be desired and the service was quite strange. We did enjoy the food but we thought it was rather expensive for what we ordered. I will not be going back to Al Bustan.
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F
Foodie123
New York Area
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on February 11, 2018
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We were there on a Sat night and I think it caters more to a business crowd, so it was very quiet, which we liked. Food was delicious and waiter very nice. Good vegetarian options.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 2, 2018
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Excellent Lebanese cuisine, best in NYC and possibly the country.
1 person found this helpful
JF
JoshF
New York Area
18 reviews
vip
1.0
18 reviews
Dined on February 2, 2018
1. Overall 1
2. Food 1
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 1
One of the worst meals I’ve ever had. The restaurant was empty, we were literally the only people seated. Bar was closed and the service was terrible. The food was old and wilted.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
6 reviews
vip
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on January 14, 2018
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Very authentic Lebanese food. Their nammoura (dessert) is to die for!!
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KH
KatraH
New York Area
1 review
vip
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 23, 2017
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 5
Al Bustan is delicious authentic Lebanese cuisine. Extremely fresh ingredients that feels indulgent and healthy at the same time. My half-Lebanese husband had the best birthday meal here and I highly recommend it to everyone.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on December 9, 2017
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
great place to eat, nice service and great food.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Greater Boston
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on November 5, 2017
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 3
Cuisine not up to standard of Lebanese restaurants we have dined at in other countries. To get attentive service here it seems you need to be acquainted with the staff.
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AR
AmaniR
New York Area
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on October 28, 2017
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Authentic Lebanese food! Everything we ordered was cooked/made to perfection! Amazing desert collection and menu selections. The staff members were fast and courteous.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on October 24, 2017
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 3
classy service. the food was fantastic and I would recommend for sure.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Miami
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on October 15, 2017
1. Overall 1
2. Food 1
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 2
people not interested in giving a good service at all, some dishes were forgotten to be served and the restaurant is always empty with sad athmosphere
1 person found this helpful
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
4 reviews
4.0
4 reviews
Dined on October 14, 2017
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
Authentic Lebanese food!! Excellent food and service
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LR
LexiRoyal
New York Area
6 reviews
vip
3.0
6 reviews
Dined on September 19, 2017
1. Overall 3
2. Food 4
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 4
Excellent authentic food. Spacious and nice looking dinning room. They were out of a few things we tried to order, which was a bit disappointing. But I love the food.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Dubai
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 16, 2017
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 4
Best Lebanese food in New York . Am surprised we never tried it earlier. Strongly recommend for authentic Lebanese food
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SJ
SaJW
New York Area
57 reviews
5.0
57 reviews
Dined on August 18, 2017
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
This restaurant is one of our favorite places in NYC, and we always stop there every time we are in the city, best falafel in MY and that's saying something!!! All the starters were excellent, anything you want to order, just go ahead, it will be good, if you like Labanese food, you will want to try this hen of a restaurant, the service also great, thank you guys for a lovely evening and great food!
1 person found this helpful
JB
JBjb
New York Area
2 reviews
3.0
2 reviews
Dined on August 12, 2017
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
The owner and people who work at Al Bustan are really friendly and the restaurant mercifully quiet. But the food was a bit disappointing -- and expensive.
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J
James
Washington DC
35 reviews
5.0
35 reviews
Dined on August 9, 2017
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
A great experience, exceptional menu, great food and superb service with personal attention. Highly recommended. Will get back soon.
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M
Mshuayto
Detroit
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on July 22, 2017
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Amazing place. Authentic Lebanese cuisine.
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j
jvansch
New York Area
62 reviews
vip
4.0
62 reviews
Dined on July 15, 2017
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
Having lived in the Middle East, we often try NY restaurants that remind us of the delicious food of our past. Al Bustan was absolutely delicious - and authentic Lebanese cuisine. Many families of Middle Eastern background came in while we were eating, confirming Al Bustan offers real food of the region. While their mezzas include familiar dishes, like hummus, it is worth reaching further into Lebanese dishes. The French beans are amazing, soft-cooked in tomatoes and onions, and spiced delicately with cinnamon and cumin - I think. Yum. That was followed by ground lamb in a pomegranate and tomato sauce. Yes - fruity and tart, and unusually satisfying. Our service was great and helpful. We definitely recommend this restaurant. Of note, we were there on Saturday night and discovered that there is live music starting at 10 p.m.
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CB
ChrisB
New York Area
37 reviews
5.0
37 reviews
Dined on June 16, 2017
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
wonderful, as always!! fabulous food and service, excellent quality ingredients
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LG
LetsGoMets
New York Area
32 reviews
vip
3.0
32 reviews
Dined on June 12, 2017
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
We happened to be there on a night when they were almost empty, which permitted us and our friends to sit leisurely and comfortably for a very long time, but the food was mediocre at best, they were out of some menu items, and the whole evening had a kind of desultory air. It could well be that they are better when they are busier, but there was nothing about the evening that would encourage us to go back - especially when there are other Lebanese restaurants in that part of town that have better food at lower prices.
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KB
KatieB
New York Area
16 reviews
2.0
16 reviews
Dined on June 8, 2017
1. Overall 2
2. Food 3
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 4
Every single item we ordered was brought out incorrectly. We would order the vegetarian version of something and the meat option was brought out, we ordered beef and they brought lamb, we ordered rice pudding and they brought vanilla pudding. The food tasted good, but it was almost comical that almost every item was incorrect.
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KC
KCSunshine
New York Area
7 reviews
3.0
7 reviews
Dined on June 7, 2017
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 3
Food was decent but the service was attentive. The quiet setting allows easy conversation with friends.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Las Vegas
6 reviews
vip
2.0
6 reviews
Dined on May 31, 2017
1. Overall 2
2. Food 2
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 3
Two people serving the entire rest when I was there , had a shawarma , poor quality
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OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on May 28, 2017
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 4
Food was really good, grape leaves were amazing, mloukhiyeh was like a homemade one, soup and shawarma were average, tabbouleh was really good. Service is poor even when the place wasn't full. I definitely recommend the atayef and knefeh for dessert, they were great as well.
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s
smallstate
New York Area
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on May 19, 2017
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Really good food. Worth walking all the way from Park Avenue for lunch.
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FV
FoodieV
New York Area
9 reviews
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on May 18, 2017
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Al Bustan is one of the best Lebanese / Mediterranean restaurants in NYC. The food is consistently excellent, delicious and healthy. The service is great, friendly and they make you feel at home. My whole family enjoys Al Bustan!
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j
johnc
Miami
16 reviews
vip
5.0
16 reviews
Dined on May 13, 2017
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great food great place
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GB
GB99
New York Area
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on April 23, 2017
1. Overall 1
2. Food 1
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 1
HORRIBLE RESTAURANT. THE OWNER ABUSED US AND THREW US OUT BECAUSE WE ORDERED VEGETARIAN
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Palm Springs
2 reviews
vip
2.0
2 reviews
Dined on April 10, 2017
1. Overall 2
2. Food 2
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 1
Glass was dirty - food quality was very low compare to the prices they charge. Won't go again.
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D
Dbf22
New York Area
183 reviews
vip
5.0
183 reviews
Dined on April 6, 2017
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Had a wonderful evening with our group of 7 and everything was perfect. The food is outstanding... don't miss out
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S
Samandfari2015
New York Area
7 reviews
vip
1.0
7 reviews
Dined on April 1, 2017
1. Overall 1
2. Food 1
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 3
Food tasted like hospital food...! So expensive for hospital food!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
26 reviews
vip
3.0
26 reviews
Dined on March 3, 2017
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 3
Food was ok.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Diego
3 reviews
vip
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on February 28, 2017
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great restaurant. Food and service are both top shelf.
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TX
2TXAngels
Austin
102 reviews
vip
4.0
102 reviews
Dined on February 15, 2017
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
We went for Valentine's Day dinner but other than the back half of the upstairs being reserved for a private party (which was great to enjoy the music of) it was any other night at the restaurant. The waiter and chef did a very good job catering to two vegans - of course it helps starting with a cuisine that has several options to begin with that are either vegan or easily modified to be vegan. The atmosphere was an elegant mix of exposed brick walls but very nice decorations and color palate. There is a separately available bar and large area downstairs that I assume they would also rent out for private events, and the staff was great to deal with.
1 person found this helpful
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
7 reviews
vip
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on January 26, 2017
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great lunch special and good veg selection!
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on January 21, 2017
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Terrific, authentic Lebanese food. Great service always.
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K
Kathcg
New York Area
18 reviews
vip
2.0
18 reviews
Dined on January 15, 2017
1. Overall 2
2. Food 2
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
Probably the worse food I have eaten in a NYC restaurant. Perhaps it was an off night but the $40 grilled lamb chop entree looked like it was being served in a diner. The Cornish hen was overcooked, very dry and served with French fries?!? We have walked by this restaurant for over a year and thought we would give it a try....now I know why the restaurant is usually empty! Oh and the cost of this meal with only one glass of wine was $150!! Do yourself a favor....walk on by....we will ,
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OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on January 3, 2017
1. Overall 1
2. Food 2
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 2
Horrible experience with the staff. Reservation was for 9:45. Ran about 10 minutes late. Person on the phone kept saying kitchen closes at 10pm but the last reservation spot was for 10pm. Makes no sense. 4/8 of my party arrived. They would not let them order in advance
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B
Brasil
Indiana
8 reviews
1.0
8 reviews
Dined on January 1, 2017
1. Overall 1
2. Food 1
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 1
The food was average, the price was too much!!!
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FAQs

Al Bustan offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (212) 759-5933.

Al Bustan is rated 4 stars by 349 OpenTable diners.

Not available on OpenTable

Unfortunately, this restaurant is not on the OpenTable reservation network.

If you like, we'll notify you by email if this restaurant joins.

Is this your restaurant?

Claim this listing

Order delivery or takeout

319 East 53rd Street, New York, NY 10022

Additional information

Cross street
Between 1st and 2nd Avenues
Neighborhood
Midtown East
Hours of operation
Lunch: Sunday - Friday: 12:00pm - 3:00pm; Dinner: Sunday - Thursday: 5:00pm - 10:00pm, Friday - Saturday: 5:00pm - 11:00pm
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Lebanese, Middle Eastern, Mediterranean
Dining style
Fine Dining
Dress code
Smart Casual
Parking details
Parking Details Up to 3 hours $10 with validation
Public transit
E & V trains to 53rd Street.
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive chef
Elias Ghafary
Entertainment
Saturday Nights 11pm - 3am at Al Bustan. Live entertainment, Belly Dancer,Hookah and Drink Specials. Prix fixe menu: Mezze of assorted appetizers, Main Coarse, and Dessert $45 Per Person.
Additional
Banquet, Bar Dining, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Delivery, Entertainment, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Late Night, Private Room, Takeout, Wine

Website
http://www.bustanny.com/
Phone number
(212) 759-5933
Catering
Al Bustan's food may be delivered to your home or office. Our catering team will assist you in the preparation of tailor-made menus for private parties.
Private party facilities
The restaurant is available for your next event.
Private party contact
Elias Ghafary: (212) 759-5933

Al Bustan

Not available on OpenTable

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Menu

Lunch Express

Chef's Special$24.00

What 349 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

FAQs

Does Al Bustan offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Al Bustan restaurant rated?

Not available on OpenTable

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information