Flavorful Lebanese & Middle Eastern fare w/ standout kebabs & toum. Great for groups, known for vibrant ambiance & shareable plates.
This East Village gem offers a delightful journey into authentic Lebanese and Middle Eastern cuisine. Known for its flavorful kebabs and wide array of mezze, it's a place where traditional dishes are prepared with care. Reviewers often praise the vibrant atmosphere and the unique offerings, making it a solid choice for both casual meals and group gatherings.
This restaurant specializes in Lebanese and Middle Eastern cuisine, with particular highlights being their kebabs, shawarma, and the potent toum (garlic sauce). Reviewers have recommended it for its flavorful dishes and traditional offerings, noting that the meat, rice, and fries are appealing. It's also suggested as a good option for pita sandwiches and small plates.
"The chicken kebab is highly recommended for takeout. The toum (garlic sauce) is a standout flavor, best enjoyed with pita. Shawarma and various small plates are also highlighted as appealing options."
Customers generally have a positive view of the food, with specific praise for kebabs and the toum garlic sauce. However, there are mixed reviews regarding service, with some finding it notably bad at one location.
Important Note
One comment advises against going to Au Za'atar for an anniversary, and there are mixed reviews regarding service, with one user finding it notably bad. Another comment notes that the restaurant can be considered a bit touristy.
"The commenter favored Au Zaatar among several Lebanese suggestions for its toum and pita, in response to a recommendation for garlicky food."
Positive"The commenter suggested Au Zaatar as a place that likely serves toum, a garlic sauce, which can be enjoyed with pita or spread on meat. This was in response to a request for garlicky dishes."
Neutral"Seconding Au Zaatar in the East Village, highlighting its tableside shawarma as a fun feature."
Positive"Au Zaatar is recommended for its good food, pleasant modern ambiance, and reasonable pricing, making it ideal for groups."
Positive"This user explained that Au Zaatar was downvoted because the price point and upscale nature did not match the original poster's request for a major celebration."
Neutral"This user noted that Au Zaatar was receiving downvotes due to its location, not its food quality."
Neutral"Au Zaatar in the East Village was recommended."
Negative"Au- Zataar in the East Village was mentioned as being a bit touristy but appreciated. The user found their shawarma and mint lemonade to be really good."
Positive"This user suggested Au Za'atar has a really good Vitmo drink."
Positive"Au Zaatar was recommended for Lebanese food."
Positive"Au Za'atar is suggested for groups due to its numerous small plates and shareable options, creating a lively dining experience. Reservations are advised for larger parties."
Positive"A user clarified that Au Za'atar is Lebanese cuisine, not Greek, suggesting that the original poster's dislike might specifically be for Greek food, not all Mediterranean cuisine."
Neutral"The original poster clarified their interest in Au Za'atar, stating that despite their general dislike for Greek food, the meat, rice, and fries on Au Za'atar's extensive menu looked appealing."
Positive"The user questioned the original poster's choice of Au Za'atar, a Mediterranean spot, given their stated dislike for Mediterranean food."
Neutral"The original poster considered Au Za'atar for their last night's dinner in the East Village, despite initially stating a dislike for Mediterranean food."
Neutral
