Great Israeli Spots Every New Yorker Should Try
Zoe Becker / November 29, 2017
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After our recent trip to Israel, we wanted to take a closer look at the Israeli food scene here in NYC (hummus withdrawal is a real thing). While we certainly don’t have enough great options here in New York, there are some solid, authentic eateries ranging from stands in Chelsea market to French-inspired cafes. Here are some of our favorite spots for Israeli food:
12 Chairs Cafe
Hummus at 12 Chairs. PC: 12 ChairsThis Eastern European-Middle Eastern hybrid coffee shop/restaurant in SoHo is like an Israeli twist on a French cafe. The sunny restaurant serves up a fantastic hummus, shakshuka and even pierogies. They have breakfast all day, in addition to brunch, lunch, and dinner — at appropriate times.
Timna
PC: TimnaRustic, chic and creative, modern Israeli dishes are what Timna, an East Village Mediterranean restaurant, specialize in. With inspiration from the Mediterranean, Middle East and North Africa, Timna has dishes such as “burratush” — a smoked eggplant mouse with anchovies — “mediterranean sashimi,” and “lamb belly katayeif.”
Nur
Mussels at Nur. PC: NurThis Middle Eastern restaurant was definitely one of the hottest openings of the year and has paved the way for the many new middle-eastern restaurants on the horizon. Opened by one of Israel’s most famous chefs — Meir Adoni — the cool yet casual restaurant is unique, refined, and delicious. The smoked eggplant carpaccio, Kubaneh bread, and octopus are all must-orders.
Balaboosta
Yemenite Pizza at Balaboosta. PC: BalaboostaBalaboosta does something rare. It makes you feel like Chef Einat Admony’s kitchen is that of your mother or grandmother. The dishes she prepares are special in a way that’s difficult to articulate beyond them being elevated versions of home-cooking. The hummus, crispy cauliflower, and “Israeli Street Fair” are perfect examples of said homeyness.
Miss Ada
PC: Miss AdaThis Eastern European-Middle Eastern hybrid coffee shop/restaurant in SoHo is like an Israeli twist on a French cafe. The sunny restaurant serves up a fantastic hummus, shakshuka and even pierogies. They have breakfast all day, in addition to brunch, lunch, and dinner — at appropriate times.
Taïm
Platter from Taïm. PC: TaïmIf fast casual Mediterranean is your aim, Taïm is your game. The vegetarian spot may be home to the best falafel here in NYC. We also recommend ordering their sabich sandwich and a date and lime smoothie for a filling and incredibly delicious lunch. Oh, and douse *everything* in the saffron aioli that comes with the french fries — trust us.
Dizengoff
PC: Melissa Hom, GrubStreetDizengoff is a Chelsea Market offshoot of the famed Philly restaurant by the same name. It’s a true ode to home cooking one might find in Israel, with again, some of the best hummus in town. Their hummus bowls — especially the beef with garlic tomato — are alone worth waiting in a line for. If a full family meal is of more interest, they have begun a to-go dinner service that serves four with za’atar chicken, pita, hummus, and a chopped salad, all for $36. Pretty good deal, if you ask us!
Miznon
Sandwich at Miznon. PC: Chi Z., YelpMiznon, the world renowned pita restaurant from Israeli chef Eyal Shani is coming to Chelsea Market in early December. With locations already in Tel Aviv, Paris, Vienna, and Melbourne, the restaurant has a knack for catering the menu to each market it expands to. If it’s fame worldwide is any indication, this import is anticipated to be hugely popular.
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