Balade – Middle Eastern
Balade captures the rustic soul of the Levant, welcoming guests into a warm, earth-toned space where the aroma of freshly baked manakeesh and charred spices fills the air. It is a place for communal celebration, where vibrant small plates and tender, flame-kissed meats bring the sun-drenched flavors of the Middle East to life in an atmosphere of effortless hospitality.
208 1st Avenue, New York, NY 10009 +1-212 529-6868 https://www.baladerestaurants.comRating: 4.4/5 (1309 reviews)
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Price range: $$
Dietary options: dairy-free, gluten-free, halal, high-protein, keto, low-carb, vegan, vegetarian, heart-healthy, low-fat, low-sodium, mediterranean, paleo, pescatarian, plant-based, whole30, anti-inflammatory, atkins, dash-sodium-reduced, gerd, high-fiber, low-cholesterol, south-beach, aip, alkaline, renal, tlc, volumetrics, zone, juice-cleanse, lectin-free, macrobiotic, slow-carb, sesame-free, soy-free
Diet fit at Balade
Dairy-Free at Balade
Balade in New York has 10 dairy-free-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Taboule, Batenjen and Baba Ghanouj. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Gluten-Free at Balade
Balade in New York has 4 gluten-free-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Taboule, Baba Ghanouj and Makanek. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Halal at Balade
Balade in New York has 14 halal-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Taboule, Batenjen and Baba Ghanouj. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
High-Protein at Balade
Balade in New York has 2 high-protein-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Salmon and Shish Tawook. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Keto at Balade
Balade in New York has 1 keto-tagged dish on its current menu, including Makanek. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Low-Carb at Balade
Balade in New York has 2 low-carb-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Baba Ghanouj and Makanek. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Vegan at Balade
Balade in New York has 10 vegan-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Taboule, Batenjen and Baba Ghanouj. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Vegetarian at Balade
Balade in New York has 13 vegetarian-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Taboule, Batenjen and Baba Ghanouj. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
How tags work: Dish-level menu analysis by Chefi's rule-based diet engine with AI assistance; nutrition values are estimated from ingredients unless marked verified. Allergen and certification claims are never inferred.
What to order at Balade
| Dish | Net carbs | Protein |
|---|---|---|
| Mixed Grill | 65 g | 75.7 g |
| Batenjen | 86.4 g | 29.3 g |
| Fattoush | 137.5 g | 29.1 g |
| Kebbe Kras | 21.2 g | 26.1 g |
| Salmon | 0 g | 24 g |
| Falafel | 36.4 g | 23.7 g |
| Ashta | 100.9 g | 23.3 g |
| Sfiha | 28.2 g | 20.8 g |
| Hummus | 30.9 g | 20.5 g |
| Shish Tawook | 1.5 g | 20.5 g |
| Baba Ghanouj | 13.8 g | 13.2 g |
| Warak Einab | 21.4 g | 12.4 g |
Nutrition values are estimated from ingredients.
Currently open
Hours
- Monday - Friday
- 5:00 PM - 12:00 AM
- Saturday - Sunday
- 11:00 AM - 11:00 PM
What diners are saying
Diners flock to this lively East Village spot for its vibrant atmosphere and generous portions of Lebanese cuisine. Guests rave about standout dishes like the creamy hummus with lamb, juicy tenderloin lamb kebabs, and the "fire" Kebbe Kras, while the Ashta dessert is celebrated as an emotional experience. Reviewers consistently highlight the warm, attentive service despite the bustling, sometimes crowded environment, though some note the prices run high for the neighborhood.
Menu
Salads
Choose 1
- Taboule: Authentic parsley salad with burghul mixed with chopped onions, tomatoes, olive oil, and fresh lemon juice Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Mediterranean, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Low-Fat, Anti-Inflammatory, Atkins, South-Beach, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, GERD-Friendly, Zone, Volumetrics, TLC, Alkaline, Juice-Cleanse, Slow-Carb, Soy Free, Sesame Free
- Fattoush: Mixture of greens with cucumber, tomatoes, onions, mint, bell peppers, sumac and extra virgin olive oil, served with toasted pita chips Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Dairy-Free, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, High-Fiber
Mezze
Choose 1
- Hummus: Delightful dip of chickpea purée with tahini & lemon juice Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Dairy-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, High-Fiber, Alkaline, Renal, Macrobiotic
- Baba Ghanouj: Chargrilled eggplant purée with tahini & fresh lemon juice Dietary tags: Low-Carb, Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Mediterranean, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Plant-Based, South-Beach, High-Fiber, Alkaline, Slow-Carb, Soy Free
- Falafel: Made with chickpeas, onions, cumin, and parsley served with tahini sauce Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Dairy-Free, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, High-Fiber
- Muhammara: Spicy fresh red peppers, walnuts & pomegranate Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Dairy-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, TLC
- Sfiha: Miniature squares of pastry filled with our traditional mouth-watering combination of meats
- Warak Einab: Homemade-style grape leaves stuffed with chickpeas, tomatoes, parsley and rice Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Dairy-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, High-Fiber, Low-Cholesterol, TLC
- Kebbe Kras: A mixture of lean beef and crack wheat, filled with a mixture of ground beef, diced onions & pine nuts. Served with a yogurt-cucumber dip
- Makanek: Spiced beef sausages flambéed with fresh lemon juice Dietary tags: Keto, Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Atkins, Slow-Carb, Lectin-Free, Soy Free
- Labne: Homemade cream cheese infused with za'atar and crushed garlic Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory
- Beirut Beats / Za'atar: Mixture of wild-dried thyme, sesame seeds, sumac and olive oil Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Mediterranean, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, TLC, Alkaline, AIP, Macrobiotic, Lectin-Free, Soy Free
Main
Choose 1
- Shish Tawook: Marinated chicken breast cubes served with rice, grilled vegetables & garlic aioli Dietary tags: High-Protein, Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, TLC
- Mixed Grill: Beef kafta, lamb kabab & chicken tawook served with french fries & chargrilled veg Dietary tags: High-Fiber
- Moudardara: Cooked lentils & rice. Topped with caramelized onions, served with a side salad Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Dairy-Free, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Low-Fat, Anti-Inflammatory, Low-Cholesterol, GERD-Friendly, Volumetrics, Macrobiotic
- Salmon: Baked salmon served with potatoes and side of balade rice Dietary tags: High-Protein, Halal, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, TLC
- Batenjen: Eggplants with tomatoes, onion chickpeas, spices, scallions and a side of balade rice Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Dairy-Free, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Anti-Inflammatory, Low-Cholesterol
Dessert
Choose 1
- Baklava: Assortment of pastries with nuts and pistachios Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium
- Mouhalabie: Milk pudding topped ground pistachios and homemade syrup Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium
- Ashta: Homemade white pudding with honey, pistachio, and fresh fruits Dietary tags: Low-Sodium, High-Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions about Balade
- What are the standout dishes based on the menu?
- Standout dishes include creamy hummus with lamb, juicy tenderloin lamb kebabs, "fire" Kebbe Kras, and the celebrated Ashta dessert.
- Is this restaurant good value for money?
- Rated 4.4/5, this moderate ($$) restaurant offers generous portions, though some reviewers note that prices run high for the neighborhood.
- Does this restaurant have good options for group dining with mixed dietary needs?
- Balade accommodates mixed diets with communal options like vegan and nut-free Taboule, gluten-free Salmon, and vegetarian Ashta.
- How can I contact this restaurant?
- You can contact Balade by visiting their official website at https://www.baladerestaurants.com for all inquiries, reservations, and general information.
- What are this restaurant's hours of operation?
- The provided restaurant data for Balade does not include information regarding its specific hours of operation.
- What are the most popular dishes at this restaurant?
- Popular dishes include creamy hummus with lamb, juicy tenderloin lamb kebabs, "fire" Kebbe Kras, and the celebrated Ashta dessert.
- Is this restaurant suitable for families?
- Balade is suitable for families, offering a communal atmosphere, generous portions of Lebanese cuisine, and warm service with a 4.4/5 rating.
- What is this restaurant's overall rating?
- Balade has an overall average rating of 4.4/5, reflecting the high praise received for its Middle Eastern cuisine and service.
- What makes this restaurant unique or special?
- Balade is unique for its "emotional" Ashta dessert, freshly baked manakeesh, and menu accommodating 41 different dietary needs including sirtfood.
- Is this restaurant currently open and operational?
- The restaurant is currently operational, featuring an active website at https://www.baladerestaurants.com and a 4.4/5 rating from recent diners.
- Is Balade dairy-free-friendly?
- Yes. Balade has 10 dairy-free-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Taboule, Batenjen and Baba Ghanouj.
- What can I eat at Balade on a dairy-free diet?
- Taboule, Batenjen and Baba Ghanouj carry the dairy-free tag, out of 10 tagged dishes on the current menu. Every dish's diet tags are listed in the menu.
- Does Balade have vegan options?
- Yes. 10 dishes are tagged vegan on the current menu, including Taboule and Batenjen.
- Is Balade gluten-free?
- 4 dishes are tagged gluten-free on the current menu. Chefi never infers allergen tags from a dish name alone, but a tag is not a certification — confirm preparation with the restaurant if you have celiac disease or a severe sensitivity.
- What is the highest-protein dish at Balade?
- Mixed Grill, at roughly 75.7g of protein (estimated from ingredients).
Restaurants near Balade
- Balade — Middle Eastern
- Salma — Middle Eastern
- Saperavi — Middle Eastern
- Chito Gvrito — Middle Eastern
- Hani's — Middle Eastern
- Oda House — Middle Eastern
- Au Za'atar — Middle Eastern
- Horus — Middle Eastern
- Au Za'atar — Middle Eastern
- Taboonette — Middle Eastern
- Salma — Middle Eastern
- The Broken Shaker — Middle Eastern
