Lebanese & Middle Eastern cuisine w/ vibrant ambiance [5, 12]. Known for shareable plates [5], tableside shawarma [13], and amazing toum & dips [16, 19].
Experience authentic Lebanese and Middle Eastern flavors in a vibrant East Village setting [5, 12]. Au Za'atar offers a delightful array of small plates and shareable options, perfect for groups [5]. Highlights include their delicious shawarma [8] and flavorful toum, a garlic sauce that pairs wonderfully with pita or meats [15, 16]. The modern ambiance and reasonable pricing add to its appeal, making it a great choice for a lively dining experience [12].
This restaurant specializes in Lebanese and Middle Eastern cuisine, with a particular emphasis on shareable small plates and dips. The mezze platter is a standout, featuring amazing dips [19]. Shawarma is frequently recommended, with one mention of a tableside preparation adding to the experience [8, 13]. The toum, a potent garlic sauce, is also a highlighted item, praised for its intensity and versatility with pita and meats [15, 16]. While one user initially expressed hesitation due to a dislike for Mediterranean food, they were drawn to the meat, rice, and fries on the menu [1, 3]. Another user noted that downvotes on Reddit were related to pricing and upscale nature for a specific request, not food quality [10, 11].
"The shawarma is a popular choice, with some mentioning a unique tableside preparation [8, 13]. The mezze platter is also highly recommended for its shareable nature and delicious dips [19]. Don't miss the toum, a flavorful garlic sauce perfect with pita or meats [15, 16]."
Customers generally have a positive view of the restaurant, enjoying its Mediterranean and Middle Eastern offerings, particularly the shawarma and dips [8, 19].
Important Note
One user noted that the restaurant sometimes receives downvotes on Reddit, not due to food quality, but because its price point and upscale nature might not align with certain requests for celebratory or very casual dining.
"Au Zaatar's mezze platter was highly praised as being super shareable with amazing dips."
Positive"This user mentioned Au Za'atar as one of several good Mediterranean options in the area."
Positive"This user recommended Au Za'atar as a good option for Mediterranean food."
Positive"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
