La Cava
Italian · Midtown East · $$
4.4(426)
Midtown East, New York, NY · $$
Tarik Fallous has opened a branch of his Middle Eastern restaurant with an emphasis on the food of Lebanon in Midtown East. Like the first Au Za’atar, in the East Village since 2014, this outpost features tableside shawarma.
“I have been to Au Za'atar in the East Village. A few weeks ago I went again with my family to celebrate my father's birthday. It was out 1st time at the Midtown East one and it did not disappoint. The food was delicious and our server, Hassan, was so awesome. He was very nice, very helpful and patient with us. He helped us with the menu and what was delicious to order. The restaurant was beautiful ! We ordered for starters, the Mezze & Dips Spinner (2 tiers). Wow, it was so delicious. We also ordered the Shawarma. There was no kid options and my kid is a picky one. They were nice enough to make her some plain fries and she also had some naan bread. We will definitely go back again.”
“I had a great experience here. The vibes were really nice and the service was excellent, the staff kept checking on us and everything came out quickly. The food was phenomenal. We ordered the lamb kibbeh nayeh, and it was incredibly fresh and flavorful. The grilled cheese was also really good. We tried the grilled quail as well; the quail itself was tasty, though the rice wasn’t my favorite since I prefer the fluffy aromatic Middle Eastern style. One small suggestion: it would be even better if the tables were spaced a bit farther apart for more comfort.”
“I visited this restaurant a few days ago and honestly had an amazing experience from start to finish. Everything about the place exceeded my expectations. The food quality was outstanding — fresh, flavorful, and clearly prepared with great attention to detail. Every dish we ordered was delicious and perfectly presented, making the whole dining experience memorable. A special shoutout to our server, Kyle, who truly made the night exceptional. He was professional, attentive, and incredibly friendly throughout our visit. His service was top-class and he made sure we were comfortable and well taken care of the entire time. It’s rare to come across service that genuinely elevates your experience, but Kyle absolutely did. The atmosphere and vibes of the restaurant are out of this world. The decorations are beautiful and create a warm, welcoming environment that’s perfect whether you’re dining with friends, family, or celebrating a special occasion. The energy of the place feels lively yet comfortable at the same time. Since we were fasting during Ramadan, I was especially touched that they thoughtfully provided dates for us to break our fast. That level of care and cultural awareness really stood out and showed how much the staff values their guests. The entire team was very friendly, respectful, and accommodating, which made the experience even more meaningful. Overall, this restaurant delivers excellence in food, service, atmosphere, and hospitality. I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for authentic Lebanese cuisine and a fantastic dining experience in Midtown East. Definitely a 10/10 — I will absolutely be coming back again.”
“I stopped by this restaurant for a late dinner after work and was pleasantly surprised. The ambiance is charming and welcoming, perfect for winding down. The menu is extensive with plenty of options to choose from, and the food is beautifully presented. I especially loved the homemade pita bread, freshly baked in their ovens, it makes a big difference!! The drinks were also excellent, well-balanced and flavorful. Overall, a great experience and I’ll definitely be coming back!”
“Trendy Lebanese restaurant in Midtown Manhattan. They went viral for their “tableside shawarma” which is carved in front of you with a whole presentation. For starters we got the classic Hummus and the Zaatar manaeesh. They were both fantastic and served with various dips and pickles to accompany. The drinks were also solid, definitely worth getting the strawberry vimto if you like fruity and sweet. Mint lemonade is OG and a good choice. We figured since we were there we should try this viral tableside shawarma experience. We opted to get the chicken shawarma. From a presentation perspective, it was a 10/10. Served with a mountain of sumac spiced fries, pita bread and the same dips and pickles (all unlimited and complimentary). The chicken was bland and super dry, not a fan. Overall: 6/10”
Never miss a table
Watch Au Za’atar Midtown East - 58th Streetand we'll alert you.
More like Au Za’atar Midtown East - 58th Street