Best Middle Eastern Restaurants in Columbus Circle

15 restaurants available nearby

1. ilili

4.7

Exceptional(8035)

Price: Expensive

• Middle eastern • Gramercy Park

Booked 75 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.

2. Zou Zou's

4.6

Exceptional(1480)

Price: Expensive

• Middle eastern • Hell's Kitchen

Booked 105 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.

3. Balade

4.7

Exceptional(1005)

Price: Moderate

• Middle eastern • East Village

Booked 11 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. Shalel

4.7

Exceptional(238)

Price: Very Expensive

• Middle eastern • Lincoln Square

Booked 15 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.

5. Gazala’s

4.6

Exceptional(395)

Price: Moderate

• Middle eastern • Upper West Side

Booked 7 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."

6. Local 92 - Soho

4.3

Awesome(224)

Price: Moderate

• Middle eastern • NoLita

Booked 1 time 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.

7. Mesiba

4.7

Exceptional(24)

Price: Expensive

• Middle eastern • Williamsburg

Booked 7 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."

A photo of ABA Turkish Restaurant restaurant

8. ABA Turkish Restaurant

4.5

Awesome(735)

Price: Moderate

• Middle eastern • Midtown West

Booked 3 times today

ABA Turkish Restaurant in Midtown West, New York, offers an authentic Mediterranean dining experience that transports you straight to the vibrant streets of Istanbul. Known for its "delicious and perfectly prepared" meals, ABA stands out with its "fresh, perfectly seasoned" dishes that offer something for everyone. Diners consistently praise the authenticity of the Turkish cuisine, with one reviewer exclaiming, "This is the real deal!" The restaurant's generous portions and reasonable prices make it a great value in Manhattan. ABA's warm, welcoming atmosphere, complemented by "exceptional attentive service," ensures a memorable culinary journey through the Mediterranean.

9. Skinos

4.6

Exceptional(201)

Price: Moderate

• Middle eastern • Financial District

Booked 36 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.

A photo of Sahara's Turkish Cuisine restaurant

10. Sahara's Turkish Cuisine

4.2

Awesome(98)

Price: Moderate

• Middle eastern • Kips Bay

Booked 1 time 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

E
Evan
New York City •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
It was our first time there and everything was amazing from start to finish. Cocktails were tasty. Great service. Beautiful and authentic decor and seating. We had the braised octopus and shrimp and crab brik to start and was amazed. I’m still dreaming of how good the Chicken Basteeya was 🔥🔥 Will definitely become a regular go to spot for me.
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ShalelPrice: Very Expensive• Mediterranean• Lincoln Square
•
4.7
L
LizVIP
Houston •11 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
We had a fantastic time from getting a drink at the bar to the meal at the table. Our waitress was very knowledgeable and had great suggestions. I would definitely recommend!
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Zou Zou'sPrice: Expensive• Mediterranean• Hell's Kitchen
•
4.6
A
Anthony
New York City •1 review
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
My partner and I had an amazing time with beyond exceptional service from our server Chris(The gentleman with glasses and long hair). He provided all of our needs and catered to my girlfriend’s allergies, explained the items in the menu, then provided the best espresso martini in the city as he stated hahah!! This was our 2nd time at ilili and the service was top tier twice in a row. Kudos to the front door staff, waiters, bartenders and chefs. You all are doing great work. And another shoutout to Chris, thanks for the dessert brother, we truly appreciated it all!! 15/10 ✨ Best, Anthony Rivera
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ililiPrice: Expensive• Lebanese• Gramercy Park
•
4.7
E
Emily
Washington, D.C. Area •2 reviews
5.0
Dined on Dec 27, 2024
The lunch deal was a steal — so ample and so delicious for an unbeatable price in the neighborhood.
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ABA Turkish RestaurantPrice: Moderate• Turkish• Midtown West
•
4.5
O
Olga
New York City •2 reviews
5.0
Dined on Dec 23, 2024
A nice and quiet place for a casual dinner. Everything delicious and pretty affordable, nice and attentive staff
More info
Gazala’sPrice: Moderate• Middle Eastern• Upper West Side
•
4.6

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Columbus Circle

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Best Middle Eastern Restaurants in Columbus Circle

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15 restaurants available nearby

1. ilili

2. Zou Zou's

3. Balade

4. Shalel

5. Gazala’s

6. Local 92 - Soho

7. Mesiba

8. ABA Turkish Restaurant

9. Skinos

10. Sahara's Turkish Cuisine

See what locals rave about

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