TLDR
Budget-friendly Middle Eastern counter-service gem. Iconic Williamsburg staple known for fresh falafel, hot za'atar manakish, and reliable, no-wait takeout.
Willa Moore reviews Oasis, an affordable and enduring Williamsburg counter-service spot that offers reliable Middle Eastern favorites like manakish, falafel, and shawarma.
Details
A Williamsburg staple since 2003, this budget-friendly Middle Eastern counter-service spot remains a reliable choice for fast, fresh takeout [3]. It is widely celebrated as a favorite for casual, affordable dining where most items are priced under $20 [3]. The menu offers a variety of quick, portable options like shawarma and manakish, making it a perfect grab-and-go meal for a walk in the park [2], [3].
Food Overview
The restaurant specializes in Middle Eastern staples, with the falafel being the primary highlight; it is frequently cited as fresh, delicious, and a top-tier choice for a meal [4], [6]. Other menu favorites include the shawarma and the hot, za'atar-smothered manakish [2], [3], [4]. While the food is generally praised, the pita bread has been noted by some as disappointing compared to other options [4].
Highlights / Recommended
"The falafel is highly recommended, as are the piping hot manakish topped with za'atar and the flavorful chicken shawarma plates [1], [2], [3], [4]."
Mentioned Dishes:
- •falafel sandwich(2)
- •falafel(2)
- •manakish(2)
Customer Sentiment
Patrons consistently identify the establishment as their favorite casual dining spot, largely due to the fresh and flavorful quality of the falafel [6]. While the overall sentiment is highly positive, some customers have expressed mixed feelings regarding recent price increases [4].
Caveats
The pita bread is sometimes described as underwhelming [4], and some customers have noted that the price of the falafel sandwich has increased over time [1], [4].
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About OASIS
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: Where Can I Find The Best Falafel Any
"Confirmed today that the falafel was fresh and delicious."
PositiveFrom post: Where Can I Find The Best Falafel Any
"Top choice for falafel; however, the pita is described as a bit sad compared to others."
PositiveFrom post: Favorite Middle Eastern Restaurant In New York
"The original poster considers this their favorite spot for a casual meal."
PositiveFrom post: What Is The Best Nyc Food After A Night Of
"Oasis for a falafel wrap is highly recommended, with the commenter recalling its past affordability."
PositiveFrom post: What Is The Best Nyc Food After A Night Of
"Oasis at 7th and Bedford is specifically mentioned for its excellent falafel platter."
PositiveFrom post: What Are The Best Value Meals You Have Had In Nyc
"A past customer recalled that a falafel sandwich at Oasis used to cost $3.50."
NeutralFrom post: What Are The Best Value Meals You Have Had In Nyc
"This user pointed out that the price of a falafel sandwich at Oasis has recently increased to $7."
NegativeFrom post: What Are The Best Value Meals You Have Had In Nyc
"This commenter mentioned that Oasis also serves great shawarma and that their veggie plates are a healthy snack option for $10."
PositiveFrom post: What Are The Best Value Meals You Have Had In Nyc
"This user considers Oasis their favorite falafel spot in the city, noting that it's still very reasonably priced."
Positive