What is better than to explore new places and check out new foods? I don’t know, but I love trying out new dishes that add to the variety of my food cravings list. With a big appetite, I venture out in the city and explore new dishes. Of course, there are dishes that I run back to for seconds and thirds. But it is always good to keep an open-mind in the diversity of choices when it comes to exploring Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine.
Yes, we do love Kabab, Tahini, and Chicken Shawerma, but there are so many other savory and sweet dishes added to the list, and presented through different settings. Did I mention that we New Yorkers are very lucky to be in this city, with an approximate number of 24,000 eating establishments to explore. You would need a lifetime to check all these places given you try a new place everyday.
The list below is a beginning of many series I will share with readers, a list of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine to indulge. Each establishment has its own unique setting, interesting menu, and a mélange of recipes to die for:
Check out this list of places inspired by the MENA region:
1 – Mazeish Grill – $
Persian – Mediterranean Gril
137 Rivington St, New York, NY, 10002
2 – Mezetto $$
161 East Houston St. New York, NY, 10002
Derived from the word ‘Meze’ which is a wide selection of small dishes served in a Mediterranean cuisine.
3 – Au Za’atar $$
188 Avenue A. New York, NY, 10009 Au Za’atar is an Arabian French bistro in Alphabet city with a beautiful interior that serves everything from Mediterranean cheeses to couscous to mezzo. The chef is Lebanese, with plenty of recipes originated from Morocco and Tunisia as well.
4 – Cafe Rakka $
5 – Mamoun’s Falafel $
Middle Eastern Sandwiches
22 St. Marks Place
New York, NY 10003
The original Mammon’s Falafel, on Macdougal St. introduced the falafel sandwich to the city in 1971. It was a great hit and remains to be a success with the best sandwiches in town.
7 – Balade` $$
Middle Eastern
208 1st Avenue
Lebanese restaurant. Rich tasting Falafel, cozy atmosphere and always creative dishes pita pizza, Greek Pitza! Delicious! Pair with stuffed grape leaves and the Lebanese Cos Blanc white wine.
8 – Zerza $$
Moroccan tea with mint leaves
Moroccan
320 E 6th St. New York, NY, 10003
9 – Nomad $$
African, Moroccan
78 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10003
10 – Horus Cafe` on A $$
When you got the time, the appetite, and ready to explore colorful dishes of the Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine, make sure to begin with this list in the East Village. Enjoy friends!
arbnyc 