Au Za’atar East Village - 12th Street

“If you’re craving authentic Middle Eastern flavors, this place absolutely delivers. The hummus is hands down one of the best I’ve had—ultra creamy, perfectly seasoned, and drizzled with just the right amount of olive oil. It’s rich without being heavy and pairs beautifully with their fresh, warm bread. The shish tawook is another standout. The chicken is incredibly tender, juicy, and marinated to perfection with a smoky, slightly tangy flavor that really comes through in every bite. Grilled just right, it has that perfect char without drying out. And then there’s the Chicken Toshka—an absolute must-try. Packed in soft bread and loaded with flavorful, well-seasoned chicken, it’s hearty, satisfying, and full of bold spices. Every bite is comforting yet exciting. Overall, the food is fresh, flavorful, and clearly made with care. Definitely a spot worth coming back to!”

“We came here for dinner. My boyfriend and I were exploring the East Village and wanted something different so we spotted Au Za'atar and went in. We didn't make reservations but luckily we got a table right away. Started with the SAMBOUSIK LAHME as appetizer (beef-filled pastry pockets with pine nuts) and it was delicious. Then we shared the Mixed Grill Platter Supreme (Shish Tawook, Filet Mignon, Chicken & Beef Kafta kebabs with hand-cut frites). It's big enough for two and full of flavor. After eating we got their dessert. We ordered chocolate salted caramel soufflé that wasn't too sweet. We also tried their cocktail Karkade. It's a refreshing hibiscus drink. Service was friendly and the vibe was great. This is a great spot for tasty Lebanese/Middle Eastern food in the East Village”

“Food, ambiance and service all 10/10!! The non-alcoholic frozen watermelon juice was the best thing I’ve ever had.. The lamb shank melted off the bone— so incredibly flavorful. Spicy hummus was amazing. Some of the best rice I’ve ever had. Our server Olivia was so welcoming, warm and sweet! She made the dinner even better, not overbearing but was there to bring us anything we needed as well as some awesome recommendations. Cannot wait to come back!”

“For me, this restaurant is a bit overpriced. The spicy hummus was very good and I would recommend it as a starter to share. I ordered the kebab, which was quite disappointing in my opinion, especially considering the price. My friend had a piece of lamb. The meat was good, but it was quite simple. On the positive side, the waitresses were friendly and welcoming. Overall, I’m not sure I would recommend this place.”

“I was excited to try Au Za'atar after hearing so much about it, but unfortunately, the experience didn't live up to the expectations. The dips were the highlight of the meal but that's where the positives ended. The pita bread tasted reheated rather than freshly made, which was disappointing for a Lebanese restaurant. The Falafel Pizza was bland, lacking flavor, and topped with bad quality cheese. The prices don't justify the quality, and portion sizes. Many of the dishes felt like they had been prepared earlier and simply reheated before serving. Service was equally disappointing. The staff member taking our order seemed visibly annoyed and made faces. With so many excellent Lebanese and Middle Eastern restaurants around, there are plenty of better places to spend your money and enjoy a much more authentic and welcoming dining experience.”