TLDR
Tableside shawarma towers and fresh, homemade pita. A go-to for authentic, shareable Lebanese favorites in a luxe setting.
Instagram Posts References
Au Za'atar is highlighted for its personal shawarma tower, which is carved tableside. The set includes shawarma, fries, salad, and pita, offering a unique and engaging dining experience.
Details
Renowned for its authentic Lebanese cuisine, this spot has captured local attention for its bold flavors and impressive, shareable platters [1]. Diners frequently highlight the unique, interactive experience of the tableside shawarma tower, which serves as a centerpiece for many visits [4]. Beyond the entertainment, the kitchen earns consistent praise for its high-quality, homemade pita bread and commitment to natural ingredients in its sweets and beverages [13].
Food Overview
The menu focuses on traditional Lebanese flavors, with the shawarma tower—often served with a generous mountain of fries—standing out as a fan favorite [10], [16]. Homemade pita is widely celebrated as a high-quality staple [13], and diners appreciate the selection of vegetarian options available [15]. Some reviewers specifically recommend the sauce trio and the Halawet el Jibn [6], [7].
Customer Sentiment
Feedback is overwhelmingly positive, with many patrons calling the food delicious and the atmosphere in the Midtown location particularly luxe [6], [9]. While most experiences are stellar, there has been occasional isolated criticism regarding specific dishes like the Shish Barak and Muhamarra [18].
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About AU ZA'ATAR
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: Where Can I Find The Best Falafel Any
"Recommended for Lebanese style and fully homemade pita."
PositiveFrom post: Any Musteat Restaurants In This General Vicinity
"Mentioned as a restaurant in the area."
NeutralFrom post: Looking For Foodie Reccs That Are Not Heavy
"Recommended if the user liked ilili; notes that any sweetness in drinks or desserts is natural."
PositiveFrom post: Favorite Middle Eastern Restaurant In New York
"Mentioned as a recommendation."
PositiveFrom post: Looking For A Nice Dinner For Two 200 All Told In
"Suggested for Lebanese cuisine."
NeutralFrom post: What Is The Single Best Restaurant Dish In Nyc In
"The Shish Barak with a side of Muhamarra from Au Za atar was mentioned."
NegativeFrom post: Which Place Gives You Insane Sized Meals Doesnt
"This user recommended Au Zatar for its large amount of shawarma, served on a huge pile of fries with vegetables, describing it as delicious and very filling."
PositiveFrom post: Best Midpriced Vegfriendly Cuisinefocused
"Zaatar was recommended as a mid-priced, no-frills Middle Eastern restaurant with great vegetarian options."
PositiveFrom post: Best Lunchearly Dinner On Upper East Side
"Au Zaatar is recommended as a dining option."
PositiveFrom post: What Is Your Top 3 Restaurants In The Ues
"This user suggested Au Za'atar as a dining option within the specified budget."
PositiveFrom post: Halal Fine Dining Nyc
"The commenter has dined at both Au Za'atar locations and found the Midtown location to have better ambiance, while praising the delicious food at both."
PositiveFrom post: Halal Fine Dining Nyc
"This commenter agrees that Au Za'atar Midtown is a great option with amazing food and ambiance, describing it as a high-end experience though not strictly 'fine dining'."
PositiveFrom post: Halal Fine Dining Nyc
"The commenter believes Au Za'atar is halal and had a positive experience there during Ramadan, noting the Midtown East location felt very luxe."
PositiveFrom post: Best Iftar Spots In The City
"Au Za'atar is a Lebanese restaurant that has Halawet el Jibn and offers trays of sweets, which is considered valuable information."
PositiveFrom post: What Are Some Good Middleeastern Food Spots
"The commenter enjoyed the tableside shawarma experience at Au Z'aatar."
PositiveFrom post: What Are Some Good Middleeastern Food Spots
"This commenter seconded the recommendation for Au Z'aatar, describing it as a 'delicious spot'."
PositiveFrom post: What Are Some Good Middleeastern Food Spots
"The commenter expressed strong positive sentiment towards Au Z'aatar, stating 'Love Au Z'ataar!'."
PositiveFrom post: What Are Some Good Middleeastern Food Spots
"Au Z'aatar was recommended for its amazing food, whether for delivery or dine-in, with a special mention of their 'sauce trio' being unreal."
PositiveFrom post: Large Group Early Dinner
"This user recommended Au Za ownar for Lebanese cuisine, noting that the East Village location is suitable for large groups and offers many shareable dishes. They also mentioned that the restaurant's website lists prices."
PositiveFrom post: Im An Out Of Tower That Needs To Impress A Local
"Au Zaatar is mentioned positively for its shawarma tower."
Positive