TLDR
Sunny, plant-filled Mediterranean eatery serving house-made pita and signature dips. A vibrant choice for group brunch and casual dining.
Instagram Posts References
Motek is highlighted as a destination for fresh and delicious hummus, with a visually appealing presentation that includes chickpeas, herbs, and pine nuts.
Motek Cafe is highlighted for its excellent hummus, positioning it as a winning choice.
The reviewer visited Motek for their $5 happy hour, which features a variety of Mediterranean small bites and drinks including margaritas, wine, and beer. They specifically enjoyed the Flat Pita-Pastrami and Handcut Za'atar Fries, but advised skipping the Chicken Shawarma. The reviewer also noted that the red wine was a personal favorite, though they would have preferred their margarita to be stronger. They recommend visiting early for lunch or happy hour to avoid waits, and praised the restaurant for offering a wide variety of dishes without breaking the bank.
Motek Cafe in Flatiron, NYC, is a restaurant that offers a delightful dining experience. The author specifically praises the 'laffa' bread, describing it as something they still dream about. The chicken kebab is noted for its tenderness, and the cauliflower with harissa honey is highlighted as a 'YUMS!!' dish. The interior of the cafe is described as super cute, contributing to a positive overall atmosphere.
This is an upcoming Israeli-Mediterranean food establishment.
Motek Cafe is an upcoming restaurant on the Upper West Side serving Israeli-Mediterranean food.
The author expresses extreme satisfaction with Motek, stating they 'ATE' and would order half the menu again. They specifically call out the harissa chicken wing lollipops and arayes as must-order dishes, and the crispy chicken schnitzel sandwich as a fan favorite worth the hype. The tuna carpaccio is noted for its freshness and flavor, with jalapeños being a key component. The cauliflower dish is described as addicting, and the labneh is praised for its fluffiness. The overall dining experience is highly recommended.
Motek, a popular Miami import by Charlie Levy, brings its "Sunshine State" Mediterranean comfort food to New York, offering everything from fresh pita and spreads to hearty brunch dishes in a bright, seaside-inspired setting.
Bryan Kim reviews Motek, a Mediterranean chain in the Flatiron district that prioritizes a lively, cabana-like atmosphere over consistently memorable food.
Details
Known for a sunny, Miami-inspired aesthetic and a broad menu of over 60 Mediterranean dishes, this spot is a popular destination for group dining and brunch [2]. While the atmosphere is frequently praised as bright and accommodating, the food quality has been noted as inconsistent, with some critics finding certain mains unthrilling [1]. Despite mixed reviews on food execution, the restaurant maintains a strong reputation for its signature dips and casual, welcoming service [2].
Food Overview
The menu focuses on Mediterranean comfort food, with house-made pita and dips like hummus and tzatziki standing out as crowd favorites [1], [2]. While items like the Arayes and cauliflower with harissa honey receive high acclaim, other dishes such as the chicken shawarma and schnitzel have faced criticism for quality or heavy-handed seasoning [1], [3].
Customer experiences are deeply polarized, ranging from high praise for the menu variety and vibrant atmosphere to significant frustration regarding high price points and long wait times [1], [3]. While many consider it a reliable local gem, others have reported disappointing encounters with inconsistent food quality and service [1], [3].
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About MOTEK
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: Which Restaurant Whether Fancy Wellknown Or Not
"Mentioned as a dining spot."
NeutralFrom post: Looking For Restaurant Rec In Manhattan Upscale
"Mentioned as a recommendation for Middle Eastern/Mediterranean dining."
PositiveFrom post: Anyone Know Where I Could Find Schnitzel Middle
"Again, noted as not being very good."
NegativeFrom post: Anyone Know Where I Could Find Schnitzel Middle
"The schnitzel is not that good because of too much sesame in the breading."
NegativeFrom post: Favorite Middle Eastern Restaurant In New York
"Mentioned as a recommendation."
Positive