Best Upscale Falafel in Union Square | Top 1 Upscale Spots

10 restaurants in Best Upscale Falafel in Union Square | Top 1 Upscale Spots

• Olympia Pita — Mediterranean · rated 4.7/5: The air at Olympia Pita is thick with the irresistible scent of pillowy bread emerging warm from the oven and the smoky char of spiced meats sizzling over an open flame. Vibrant plates of velvet-smooth hummus and zesty, herb-flecked salads bring the sun-drenched flavors of the Mediterranean to life in a space that hums with the convivial energy of a bustling market. Every bite offers a harmonious balance of crunch, spice, and freshness, turning a simple meal into a soulful celebration of traditional craftsmanship.
• Balade — Middle Eastern · rated 4.4/5: 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.
• Taboonette — Middle Eastern · rated 4.4/5: The warm, nutty aroma of freshly baked pita wafts from the signature wood-fired oven, drawing guests into a vibrant space where Middle Eastern traditions are reimagined with modern flair. Each dish is a tapestry of bold textures and bright colors, from succulent slow-cooked meats to zesty, herb-laden salads that capture the sun-soaked essence of the Mediterranean in every bite.
• Au Za'atar — Middle Eastern · rated 4.3/5: Stepping into this vibrant Levantine haven, guests are immediately enveloped by the intoxicating aroma of toasted za’atar and slow-roasted meats sizzling on the spit. The dining room hums with the energy of communal feasting, where towering tableside shawarma carvings and colorful arrays of silken mezze invite diners to linger over shared stories and warm, pillowy pita. Every bite captures the sun-drenched spirit of the Middle East, blending traditional Lebanese and Jordanian flavors into a soulful experience that feels both celebratory and deeply comforting.
• Balade — Middle Eastern · rated 3/5: This vibrant Levantine escape captures the spirit of a sun-drenched Mediterranean garden, where the air is perfumed with the bright tang of lemon and the earthy warmth of simmering lentils. Crisp, herb-heavy salads like zesty taboule and sumac-dusted fattoush provide a refreshing crunch against tender ribbons of savory shawarma and golden, seared halloumi. It is a sanctuary of wholesome, soulful flavors that blends rustic tradition with a light, contemporary touch, making every meal feel like a nourishing embrace.
• abcV — Mediterranean · rated 3/5: Bathed in ethereal light and minimalist elegance, this plant-forward sanctuary transforms the season’s bounty into vibrant, soul-nourishing works of art. The air carries the enticing aroma of whole roasted cauliflower and earthy koji-marinated tofu, inviting guests to linger over velvety squash dips and crisp avocado lettuce cups that burst with clean, global flavors. It is a sophisticated retreat where culinary innovation meets mindful dining, proving that vegetables can be both remarkably bold and deeply satisfying.
• SHŌSH — Mediterranean: Mediterranean restaurant serving vegan dishes in Greenwich Village
• Au Za'atar — Middle Eastern: Sun-drenched and spirited, this Levantine gem invites diners into a world of bold spices and communal warmth, where the morning air carries the fragrant promise of toasted za'atar and slow-simmered vegetable casseroles. Artful brunch plates reimagine tradition, featuring golden falafel-topped benedicts and savory kafta alongside vibrant spreads of silken hummus and smoky muhammara that beg to be shared. Every bite offers a journey through the Levant, transforming a simple meal into a rich, sensory celebration of Middle Eastern hospitality.
• Barbounia — Mediterranean: Barbounia transports diners to the sun-soaked shores of the Mediterranean, where a lively, open atmosphere hums with the energy of shared plates and vibrant conversation. The air is thick with the scent of fire-roasted eggplant and warm spices as colorful spreads of velvety labneh and beet hummus arrive alongside charred octopus and golden, herb-flecked falafel. Every bite celebrates the bold, rustic flavors of the Levant, inviting guests to linger over a mosaic of mezze in a space that feels both sophisticated and deeply soulful.
• The Little Beet — Mediterranean: This vibrant, plant-forward sanctuary invites diners into a world of seasonal abundance where the air is filled with the enticing aromas of roasted spices and fresh-picked herbs. Guests embark on a culinary journey through nourishing bowls and plates that marry bold flavors—like zesty shrimp esquites or savory miso tofu—with the crisp, autumnal sweetness of apples and shaved fennel. It is a refreshing destination where wholesome ingredients are transformed into sophisticated, texture-rich meals that energize the palate and the spirit alike.