Best Cheap Halal Restaurants in Midtown East | Cheap & Halal

22 restaurants in Best Cheap Halal Restaurants in Midtown East | Cheap & Halal

• Tipsy Shanghai — Chinese · rated 5/5: Tipsy Shanghai captures the spirited essence of old-world China, where the sweet, nutty aroma of Shaoxing wine and fragrant osmanthus perfumes the air. Diners delight in the theater of hand-pleated xiaolongbao bursting with savory broth, complemented by a tapestry of traditional cold plates ranging from smoky, crisp carp to tender salted duck. This elegant retreat brings together time-honored Shanghainese techniques and bold, marinated flavors for a dining experience that is both nostalgic and deeply soul-warming.
• The Hugh — American · rated 5/5: This vibrant culinary destination pulses with the energy of a global marketplace, inviting guests into a sleek, sun-drenched space where the world’s most iconic flavors converge. The air is a fragrant tapestry of sizzling Pakistani seekh kebabs, zesty Caribbean spices, and the delicate scent of fresh-pressed sushi hand rolls. From the hearty crunch of a Berliner döner kebab to the comforting steam of a rich ramen bowl, every corner offers a new discovery for the adventurous palate.
• Ke Aloha Sushi & Poke Bowl — Japanese · rated 5/5: Ke Aloha Sushi & Poke Bowl captures the vibrant essence of the islands, inviting guests to enjoy the bright, clean flavors of the Pacific in every colorful bowl. Shimmering cubes of ahi tuna and buttery salmon mingle with zesty wasabi citrus and savory teriyaki glazes, creating a kaleidoscope of textures that range from delicate seafood to hearty seared steak. This refreshing escape celebrates coastal freshness, offering a harmonious dining experience where traditional Hawaiian spirit meets modern culinary artistry.
• Mastro's — Steakhouse · rated 4.5/5: Mastro’s exudes a high-octane elegance where the sultry notes of a live piano bar mingle with the sophisticated clink of crystal martinis under shimmering chandeliers. Succulent, butter-topped steaks sizzle alongside dramatic seafood towers veiled in dry ice, creating a theatrical feast that concludes perfectly with the rich, golden indulgence of their legendary warm butter cake.
• Estiatorio Milos — Greek · rated 4.5/5: Step into a sun-drenched sanctuary of Mediterranean elegance, where a glistening altar of pristine seafood on ice serves as the vibrant heart of the room. The kitchen honors the raw beauty of the Aegean with the simple alchemy of charcoal, sea salt, and liquid-gold olive oil, creating a masterclass in flavor served amidst an atmosphere of crisp white linens and sophisticated coastal charm.
• Osteria Laguna — Italian · rated 4.5/5: Bathed in a warm, amber glow, this spirited retreat captures the breezy elegance of a coastal escape through its rustic textures and the rhythmic clatter of a busy open kitchen. Here, the aroma of wood-fired specialties mingles with the perfume of fresh herbs, as silken, hand-stretched pastas and salt-kissed seafood transport diners to the sun-drenched shores of the Mediterranean. It is a vibrant sanctuary where every meal feels like a celebration, anchored by the timeless charm of authentic Italian hospitality.
• Blue Willow — Chinese · rated 4.4/5: Blue Willow transports guests into a sophisticated realm where the delicate artistry of classic porcelain meets the bold, fiery spirit of authentic Chinese soul food. Amidst an atmosphere of understated elegance, the kitchen orchestrates a symphony of numbing Sichuan peppercorns, aromatic garlic, and silken textures that turn every shared plate into a vivid celebration of tradition and spice.
• Gemini Diner — American · rated 4.2/5: Gemini Diner captures the nostalgic pulse of a classic American eatery, where the neon glow reflects off polished chrome and the rhythmic clatter of heavy ceramic mugs provides a comforting soundtrack. The air is thick with the savory perfume of sizzling griddles and golden hash browns, inviting guests to slide into plush vinyl booths for a timeless meal that feels like home. From sunrise breakfasts to late-night slices of pie, this neighborhood staple serves up a warm slice of Americana alongside every bottomless cup of coffee.
• Pebble Bar — Seafood · rated 4/5: Perched within a legendary townhouse, this sophisticated hideaway hums with the energy of a classic New York lounge, where moody lighting and polished wood set the stage for an evening of refined indulgence. The kitchen elevates the art of the bar snack, serving up glistening towers of chilled oysters and buttery lobster rolls alongside savory deviled eggs and crisp, salty bites. It is a place where the timeless allure of a well-poured cocktail meets a menu of coastal-inspired delicacies, creating an atmosphere that feels both effortlessly chic and intimately welcoming.
• Sushi Ryusei — Japanese · rated 4/5: Sushi Ryusei offers an intimate sanctuary where the rhythmic precision of the chef’s blade transforms the day’s finest catch into a choreographed omakase journey of delicate sashimi and hand-pressed nigiri. The serene, minimalist atmosphere invites diners to slow down and savor the nuanced flavors of the sea, from the buttery richness of premium cuts to the soul-warming depth of a fragrant clam clear soup. Each meticulously crafted bite serves as a testament to traditional artistry, creating a refined dining experience that honors the quiet elegance of Japanese hospitality.
• Maki Maki Sushi — Japanese · rated 4/5: Maki Maki Sushi invites diners into a vibrant space where the art of the knife takes center stage, transforming pristine cuts of fish into elegant displays of Sashimi Premium and zesty Madai Carpaccio. The air carries the comforting steam of savory miso and spicy seafood soups, perfectly balancing the cool, crisp textures of wakame salads and signature rolls like the creamy Avocado Cutup. Every visit offers a harmonious blend of traditional precision and modern flair, where the bright heat of Hamachi Jalapeño meets the delicate, fresh simplicity of expertly crafted sushi.
• Akdeniz — Mediterranean · rated 4/5: Akdeniz invites diners into a sun-drenched sanctuary where the vibrant, zesty spirit of the Mediterranean comes alive through a celebration of garden-fresh ingredients and coastal flavors. The air carries the comforting aroma of slow-simmered red lentil soup, while tables are adorned with a kaleidoscope of crisp shepherd salads and tender grilled calamari, each plate bursting with the bright acidity of lemon and the earthy richness of olive oil. It is a place where every meal feels like a breezy seaside escape, offering a refreshing journey through the heart of traditional Mediterranean hospitality.
• Teresa's — Italian · rated 3.8/5: Teresa’s welcomes guests into a warm, candlelit sanctuary where the intoxicating aroma of roasted garlic and simmering pomodoro sets the stage for a soulful Italian feast. Hand-stretched dough and silken, house-made pastas showcase a deep devotion to tradition, complemented by the hum of lively conversation and the clinking of wine glasses. This vibrant tribute to the Mediterranean table invites diners to slow down and savor the authentic, heart-warming flavors of a true Italian home.
• Pera — Mediterranean: Pera invites diners into a vibrant Mediterranean oasis where the air is thick with the enticing scent of charred spices and warm, stone-baked lavash. The table transforms into a colorful mosaic of textures, from the smoky depth of garlic-infused eggplant and velvety walnut muammara to the playful crunch of soujouk lollipops and golden, bluefish-stuffed falafel. Each bite captures the sun-drenched spirit of the coast, offering a communal feast that celebrates bold, traditional flavors reimagined with contemporary flair.
• Yakiniku TORAJI — Japanese: The air hums with the rhythmic sizzle of premium marbled beef hitting the tabletop grill, where guests become masters of the flame amidst a sleek, modern setting. Succulent cuts of outside skirt and tender beef tongue are elevated by the vibrant crunch of house-made kimchi, while chilled bowls of silky cold noodles provide a refreshing counterpoint to the rich, smoky heat. The experience is rounded out by pours of crisp, artisanal Junmai sake, creating a sophisticated sanctuary for a communal feast centered on the art of the fire.
• Adyar Ananda Bhavan — Indian: The air at Adyar Ananda Bhavan is thick with the comforting fragrance of toasted spices and simmering sambar, drawing guests into a vibrant space where South Indian culinary traditions are celebrated with every plate. Pillowy-soft idlis and golden, crisp medu vadas serve as the canvas for a symphony of flavors, from the fiery kick of podi-dusted bites to the soul-warming depth of a perfectly spiced rasam. This bustling haven captures the essence of authentic comfort, where every spoonful of aromatic soup and every ghee-soaked morsel tells a story of heritage and warmth.
• ammos estiatorio — Greek: Sun-drenched and sophisticated, this Mediterranean escape transports diners to the Greek coast with its airy ambiance and the inviting aroma of sizzling saganaki. Morning light dances over bowls of velvety Greek yogurt drizzled with golden honey, while the afternoon brings a parade of crisp, paper-thin vegetable chips and vibrant platters of traditional dips. Whether lingering over a signature omelette or sharing savory small plates, guests find a refined yet soulful retreat that celebrates the bright, timeless flavors of the Aegean.
• Estiatorio Milos — Greek: Sunlight dances across pristine white linens and shimmering displays of ice-chilled seafood, transporting diners to the sun-drenched shores of the Mediterranean. The kitchen honors the purity of the sea, transforming the day’s freshest catch—from salt-crusted Dorade Royal to tender, charred octopus—into masterpieces of minimalist elegance. Whether sharing vibrant Greek spreads or savoring the iconic paper-thin towers of the Milos Special, every bite celebrates the soulful simplicity and refined artistry of coastal Greek dining.
• Tensai Udon House — Japanese: Tensai Udon House invites diners into a vibrant sanctuary where the steam from simmering bowls mingles with the irresistible aroma of golden-fried treasures. The table comes alive with a colorful parade of crispy ube chips, blistered shishito peppers, and succulent kurobuta sausage, each bite celebrating a playful balance of traditional Japanese comfort and modern flair. Whether sharing a platter of lacy vegetable tempura or savoring tender pork gyoza, guests find themselves wrapped in a warm, communal atmosphere that turns a simple meal into a soulful retreat.
• P.J. Clarke's — American: This storied tavern invites guests into a world of polished mahogany and bustling energy, where the briny aroma of freshly shucked East Coast oysters and Long Island littlenecks sets a sophisticated yet spirited tone. Glistening seafood towers and jumbo shrimp cocktail offer a chilled, coastal indulgence, perfectly complemented by warm, inventive plates like crispy zucchini chips and savory Korean sticky ribs. It is a place where the timeless charm of a classic saloon meets a vibrant culinary landscape, making every visit feel like a celebratory slice of city life.
• Smith & Wollensky — Steakhouse: Stepping into this iconic institution feels like entering a golden era of dining, where towering silver platters of chilled lobster, briny oysters, and colossal lump crab arrive at white-clothed tables amidst a hum of sophisticated energy. The air carries the irresistible scent of smoky, thick-cut steakhouse bacon and the comforting warmth of velvety split pea soup, grounding the opulence of the raw bar with timeless, soul-satisfying flavors. It is a place where grand celebrations unfold over impeccably fresh seafood and classic American fare, served with a sense of heritage that feels both grand and welcoming.
• Gong Cha — Chinese: Step into a vibrant sanctuary of tea artistry where the delicate aroma of freshly brewed oolong and earl grey meets the velvety indulgence of their signature salty-sweet milk foam. Rich ribbons of "dirty" brown sugar swirl through creamy lattes topped with caramelized crème brûlée, while chewy pearls provide a playful, honeyed texture to every meticulously crafted sip. It is a modern ritual of customization that transforms traditional botanicals into a refreshing, multi-layered experience designed to delight the palate.