Next.js logo

SHALEL

Updated

Phone: (212) 873-2300

Address: 65 WEST 70 STREET 10023

View on Google Maps

TLDR

An obscenely cozy, Moroccan-inspired subterranean grotto. Perfect for romantic, cave-like dining on the UWS.

Reddit Sentiment for SHALEL(based on 9 Reddit opinions)

78% Positive22% Neutral

Tags

moroccan 3mediterranean 2View All

Neighborhoods

Upper West Side

Featured Articles

Dedicated reviews and comprehensive features focusing directly on this restaurant.

NYCReview
neutral

Sonal Shah reviews this Upper West Side hidden gem, a basement-level grotto that provides a unique and romantic dining atmosphere perfect for dates after a night at Lincoln Center.

Sonal Shah • Jun 30, 2026
Read More →
Infatuation

Details

Tucked away in a subterranean grotto on the Upper West Side, this romantic spot offers a unique, cave-like atmosphere with waterfall features and intimate, curtained seating [1]. While the menu showcases a blend of Moroccan, Greek, and Mediterranean flavors, the culinary experience can be inconsistent [1]. It remains a highly atmospheric destination that feels like a world away from the city streets [1].

Food Overview

The restaurant serves a Mediterranean-focused menu with Moroccan and Greek influences [1]. Customer feedback indicates the food can suffer from inconsistent seasoning, including occasional issues with saltiness [1].

Customer Sentiment

Visitors consistently praise the restaurant's intimate, 'hidden gem' vibe and unique, romantic interior [1], [2]. While the atmosphere is highly regarded, some find the food quality to be inconsistent [1].

Reddit Opinions & Reviews

Top Reddit Posts About SHALEL

Tiny restaurants in NYC on the Upper West Side?
Multiple commenters highlight the restaurant's cozy, subterranean, and cave-like layout.
Greek food near or around Midtown?
Describes the space as a hidden, hip, and romantic Moroccan destination that feels like dining in a cave.
Solo date spot near Beacon Theatre?
The bar seating is highlighted as a great option for a solo visit or a casual evening.

Recent Reddit Mentions

From post: Seeking Economical Dinner Places 4560 Pp In

"Suggested for dinner on the Upper West Side."

Neutral
Aug 14, 2026View Comment →

From post: Solo Date Spot Near Beacon Theatre

"Shalel is highly recommended, particularly sitting at the bar, and is considered a 'hidden gem' with a great vibe."

Positive
Jan 17, 2026View Comment →

From post: Solo Date Spot Near Beacon Theatre

"Shalel is described as having a lovely vibe and offers bar seating, making it a good option."

Positive
Jan 16, 2026View Comment →

From post: Greek Food Near Or Around Midtown

"Shalel, a Moroccan place on the Upper West Side, is described as hidden, hip, different, and romantic, feeling like dining in a cave. It's near a subway line convenient for reaching the theater."

Positive
Dec 22, 2025View Comment →

From post: Tiny Restaurants In Nyc On The Upper West Side

"Recommended Shalel as a small and cozy restaurant."

Neutral
Oct 12, 2025View Comment →

From post: Tiny Restaurants In Nyc On The Upper West Side

"Agreed with the previous comment, emphasizing how "obscenely cozy" the restaurant is."

Positive
Oct 12, 2025View Comment →

From post: Tiny Restaurants In Nyc On The Upper West Side

"This commenter really liked Shalel, describing its layout as very cozy and subterranean with many nooks."

Positive
Oct 12, 2025View Comment →

From post: Best Take You To Another Time Or Place Restaurant

"A recent visit to Shalel confirmed its transporting quality."

Positive
Oct 10, 2025View Comment →

From post: Best Take You To Another Time Or Place Restaurant

"Shalel is presented as the correct answer for a Moroccan-themed restaurant that fits the user's request."

Positive
Oct 10, 2025View Comment →

More in Upper West Side

See all

More moroccan in NYC

See all