12 Chairs – Middle Eastern
12 Chairs captures the vibrant, sun-drenched energy of a Tel Aviv cafe, where the air is thick with the scent of freshly baked pita and toasted spices. Diners gather around rustic tables to share velvety swirls of hummus and vibrant, herb-flecked salads that celebrate the bright, bold flavors of the Mediterranean. This lively neighborhood sanctuary transforms every meal into a spirited celebration of Middle Eastern hospitality, where the warmth of communal dining turns a simple gathering into a soulful experience.
56 MacDougal Street, New York +1-212-254-8640 https://12chairscafe.com/Rating: 4.2/5 (1758 reviews)
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Price range: $$
Dietary options: high-protein, nut-free, gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian, vegan, keto, low-carb, mediterranean, pescatarian, sugar-free, paleo, heart-healthy, plant-based, low-fat, diabetic, whole30, anti-inflammatory, south-beach, clean-eating, high-fiber, low-cholesterol, atkins, gerd, tlc, detox, volumetrics, alkaline, raw-food, zone, low-fodmap, carnivore, mayo-clinic, candida, macrobiotic, slow-carb, pegan, lectin-free
Currently closed
What diners are saying
Diners consistently praise this vibrant Israeli spot for its comforting yet refined cuisine and welcoming energy. Standout dishes include the rich Jachnun, warm Masabacha, and crispy potato borek, though the flavorful lamb burger and fresh salads also receive high marks. Guests appreciate the high-quality ingredients, from fresh juices to creamy labneh, and highlight the attentive service that makes it perfect for everything from lazy brunches to birthday celebrations.
Menu
Breakfast Eggs & Omelettes
Breakfast is served until 4:00 pm. All eggs and omelettes are served with bread and Israeli salad
- Israeli Breakfast - $26: Two eggs any style served with Israeli salad, assorted cheeses, dips and bread; includes coffee and freshly squeezed juice Dietary tags: High-Protein, Vegetarian, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Mayo-Clinic
- Shakshuka - $18: Two eggs poached in a spicy Moroccan tomato sauce, cooked and served in a skillet Dietary tags: High-Protein, Low-Carb, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Paleo, Diabetic, Sugar-Free, Atkins, South-Beach, Clean-Eating, Mayo-Clinic
- Eggs Siniya - $18: Two sunny side eggs, cooked with tahini sauce and served in a skillet, served with Israeli salad, green olives and pita bread Dietary tags: High-Protein, Vegetarian, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Sugar-Free, Mayo-Clinic
- Borek - $17: Traditional cigar dough filled with potato puree and runny egg, folded into a pocket and fried Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Pescatarian, Sugar-Free
- Avocado Toast - $16: Avocado, harissa flakes and feta cheese Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Sugar-Free, High-Fiber, Low-Cholesterol, Mayo-Clinic
- Smoked Salmon Sandwich - $19: Ciabatta bread, scallion, cream cheese, tomato, red onion and capers Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Sugar-Free, Mayo-Clinic
- Smoked Salmon Scrambled - $19: Soft-scrambled eggs over toasted challah bread, served with smoked salmon and capers Dietary tags: High-Protein, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Sugar-Free, Mayo-Clinic
- Western Omelette - $15: Tomatoes, mushrooms, onions, peppers and ham Dietary tags: High-Protein, Keto, Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Paleo, Diabetic, Sugar-Free, Atkins, South-Beach
- Egg Whites Omelette - $18: Scallion and fresh herbs Dietary tags: High-Protein, Keto, Low-Carb, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Pescatarian, Paleo, Diabetic, Heart-Healthy, Low-Fat, Sugar-Free, Anti-Inflammatory, Atkins, South-Beach, Clean-Eating, Low-Cholesterol, GERD-Friendly, Volumetrics, TLC, Mayo-Clinic
- Two Eggs Any Style - $15: With a side of ham / bacon / smoked salmon Dietary tags: High-Protein, Keto, Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Paleo, Diabetic, Sugar-Free, Atkins, South-Beach, Low-Fodmap, Carnivore, Lectin-Free
Sweet Morning
Sweet breakfast options
- French Toast - $17: Challah bread; served with fresh seasonal fruits and cinnamon Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Nut-Free
- Pancakes - $17: Served with fresh seasonal fruits Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Nut-Free
- Oatmeal - $13: Served with fresh seasonal fruits and cinnamon Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Nut-Free, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Fat, Anti-Inflammatory, Clean-Eating, High-Fiber, Low-Cholesterol, Volumetrics, TLC, Detox, Alkaline, Mayo-Clinic, Macrobiotic
- Granola - $13: Served with fresh seasonal fruits and yogurt Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Plant-Based, High-Fiber, Mayo-Clinic
Hot Dishes
Main hot entrees
- Arayes - $25: Grilled pita filled with minced lamb, served with a spicy cherry tomato salad and tahini Dietary tags: High-Protein, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Sugar-Free
- Sea Bream a La Plancha - $30: Served with mashed potatoes and fresh herbs salad with harissa lemon sauce Dietary tags: High-Protein, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Paleo, Heart-Healthy, Sugar-Free, Anti-Inflammatory, South-Beach, Clean-Eating, TLC, Detox, Mayo-Clinic, Candida
- Shipudim - $26: Grilled chicken skewer, served with a spicy cherry tomato salad and tahini and potato wedges Dietary tags: High-Protein, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Paleo, Sugar-Free
- Chicken Schnitzel - $28: Served with mashed potatoes and honey mustard dressing Dietary tags: High-Protein, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free
- Pino’s Burger - $23: Our butcher’s secret burger recipe with 12 chairs dressing on a brioche bun, served with sweet potato Dietary tags: High-Protein, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free
- 12 Chairs Lamburger - $26: Mixed with middle eastern spices, feta cheese, red onion, Israeli pickles and spicy mayo on a brioche bun, served with hand cut fries Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free
- Moroccan Fish - $28: Filet of sea bream slowly cooked in spicy Moroccan tomato sauce, served with couscous Dietary tags: High-Protein, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Sugar-Free, Clean-Eating, Mayo-Clinic
- Vegetarian Couscous - $24: Slowly cooked vegetables in a Middle Eastern broth, served over couscous Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Fat, Sugar-Free, Clean-Eating, High-Fiber, Low-Cholesterol, Volumetrics, TLC, Detox, Mayo-Clinic, Macrobiotic
Salads
Add Schnitzel / Grilled Chicken / Tuna / Smoked Salmon / Falafel $7
- Shouk Salad - $17: Cucumbers, tomatoes, peppers, radishes, red onions, oregano, kalamata olives and feta cheese Dietary tags: Low-Carb, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Diabetic, Sugar-Free, South-Beach, Clean-Eating, High-Fiber, Raw-Food, Volumetrics, Mayo-Clinic
- Tunisian-Style Nicoise Salad - $19: Tuna, romaine lettuce, potatoes, green beans, cherry tomatoes, kalamata olives, radishes, capers, preserved lemon and hard-boiled egg Dietary tags: High-Protein, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Diabetic, Heart-Healthy, Sugar-Free, Anti-Inflammatory, South-Beach, Clean-Eating, High-Fiber, Zone, Volumetrics, TLC, Detox, Mayo-Clinic, Candida
- 12 Chairs Salad - $17: Mesclun, avocado, grapefruit, roasted pecans and 12 Chairs vinaigrette Dietary tags: Low-Carb, Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Mediterranean, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Diabetic, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Anti-Inflammatory, South-Beach, Clean-Eating, High-Fiber, Low-Cholesterol, Raw-Food, Volumetrics, TLC, Detox, Alkaline, Mayo-Clinic, Pegan, Candida
- Schnitzel Salad - $19: Breaded chicken breast over Israeli salad topped with tahini Dietary tags: High-Protein, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Sugar-Free
Small Plates
Served with warm pita bread
- Labneh - $9: Traditional yogurt cheese, olive oil and za’atar Dietary tags: Keto, Low-Carb, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Diabetic, Sugar-Free, Atkins, Clean-Eating, Low-Fodmap, Lectin-Free
- Babaganoush - $9: Grilled eggplant mixed with garlic and aioli Dietary tags: Keto, Low-Carb, Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Paleo, Diabetic, Plant-Based, Sugar-Free, Atkins, South-Beach, High-Fiber, Low-Cholesterol, Mayo-Clinic, Candida
- Tabouli Salad - $9: Bulgur, cucumbers, onions, fresh herbs, pine nuts and pistachios Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Dairy-Free, Mediterranean, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Sugar-Free, Anti-Inflammatory, Clean-Eating, High-Fiber, Low-Cholesterol, Raw-Food, Volumetrics, TLC, Detox, Alkaline, Mayo-Clinic, Macrobiotic
- Falafel & Tahini - $9: Falafel served over tomato tahini, garlic and parsley Dietary tags: High-Protein, Vegan, Vegetarian, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Plant-Based, Sugar-Free, High-Fiber, Low-Cholesterol, Mayo-Clinic, Slow-Carb
Hummus
Served with warm pita bread and Israeli pickles
- Hummus - $13: Classic hummus Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Diabetic, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Sugar-Free, Anti-Inflammatory, South-Beach, Clean-Eating, High-Fiber, Low-Cholesterol, TLC, Alkaline, Mayo-Clinic, Macrobiotic, Slow-Carb
- Hummus Falafel - $16: Hummus topped with falafel Dietary tags: High-Protein, Vegan, Vegetarian, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Sugar-Free, High-Fiber, Low-Cholesterol, Mayo-Clinic, Slow-Carb
- Hummus Meat - $17: Ground beef, pine nuts and mushrooms Dietary tags: High-Protein, Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Sugar-Free, Atkins, Clean-Eating, High-Fiber, Slow-Carb
Sweets
Desserts
- Knafeh - $16: Kadayifi, labneh cheese, orange blossom syrup and pistachios Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Pescatarian
- Chocolate Mousse - $14: Belgian chocolate, brandy, angel-hair style halva and pistachios Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Pescatarian
- Malabi - $13: Our signature coconut-milk pudding with pomegranate syrup, coconut flakes and pistachios Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Low-Cholesterol
Drinks
Cold and Hot Beverages
- Iced Mint Tea - $6: Cold tea with fresh mint
- Freshly Squeezed Juice - $7: Lemonade / Orange Juice / Grapefruit Juice
- Cappuccino / Latte - $6: Hot coffee drinks
Frequently Asked Questions about 12 Chairs
- Which dishes work for multiple diets at once (e.g., keto + gluten-free)?
- Dishes working for multiple diets include Babaganoush, Labneh, and the Western Omelette, which are all keto, gluten-free, and low-carb.
- How extensive is this restaurant's menu selection?
- The menu offers 38 dietary categories including keto, vegan, and gluten-free, featuring dishes like shakshuka, lamburgers, and vegetarian couscous.
- What type of diner would most enjoy this restaurant?
- Diners seeking a lively Israeli spot for communal meals, lazy brunches, or celebrations with extensive dietary options like vegan and keto.
- What are the main concerns mentioned in customer reviews?
- Reviews mention no specific concerns, instead praising the attentive service, high-quality ingredients, and standout dishes like Jachnun and Masabacha.
- Is this restaurant good value for money?
- With a 4.2/5 rating and moderate ($$) pricing, diners praise the high-quality ingredients and attentive service, indicating good value.
- Does this restaurant have a website or online ordering?
- 12 Chairs has a website at https://12chairscafe.com/, but the provided data does not specify if online ordering is available.
- Is this restaurant suitable for families?
- The restaurant is suitable for families, offering a welcoming energy for birthday celebrations and communal dining with pancakes and French toast.
- What are the most popular dishes at this restaurant?
- Popular dishes include the rich Jachnun, warm Masabacha, crispy potato borek, flavorful lamb burger, fresh salads, and creamy labneh.
- How can I contact this restaurant?
- You can contact 12 Chairs by visiting their official website at https://12chairscafe.com/ for all inquiries and information.
- What is this restaurant's overall rating?
- 12 Chairs has an overall rating of 4.2/5, reflecting positive customer feedback for its Middle Eastern cuisine and service.