Best Upscale Lebanese Restaurants in Washington Square | Upscale Lebanese Food

23 restaurants in Best Upscale Lebanese Restaurants in Washington Square | Upscale Lebanese Food

• Bite — American · rated 5/5: Bite serves as a vibrant sanctuary where the morning air is perfumed with the aroma of freshly baked pita and the earthy warmth of Middle Eastern spices. Guests gather over colorful mezze plates and bubbling pans of shakshooka, while golden-fried Moroccan cigars and velvety hummus platters bring a sun-soaked Mediterranean spirit to every table. It is a place where the simple joy of a perfectly crafted egg sandwich or a flaky, buttery mallawach transforms a casual meal into a rich, sensory journey.
• 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.
• Hummus Place — Middle Eastern · rated 4.6/5: Sunlight streams through the windows of this vibrant neighborhood gem, where the air is thick with the comforting aroma of freshly baked pita and toasted cumin. Guests gather around rustic tables to share bowls of velvet-smooth hummus drizzled with golden olive oil, complemented by bright, herb-flecked salads that celebrate the bold, earthy flavors of the Levant.
• Ba‘al Cafe & Falafel — Middle Eastern · rated 4.6/5: Ba‘al Cafe & Falafel is a sun-drenched sanctuary where the air is thick with the intoxicating scent of toasted cumin and the irresistible fragrance of chickpeas crisping in the fryer. Golden, herb-flecked falafel offers a satisfying crunch that gives way to a tender, steaming center, served alongside velvety hummus and zesty pickles that capture the soulful, sun-kissed essence of Levantine
• NYC Falafel Co — Middle Eastern · rated 4.6/5: The air hums with vibrant energy as the intoxicating aroma of toasted cumin and sizzling chickpeas spills onto the sidewalk, inviting passersby into a bright, modern space. Each bite offers a masterclass in texture, from the shatteringly crisp exterior of golden falafel to the cool, creamy swirl of house-made hummus and the sharp, bright pop of pickled vegetables tucked into warm, pillowy pita.
• Moustache Pitza — Italian · rated 4.6/5: Nestled in the heart of Greenwich Village, Moustache Pitza offers a cozy setting for enjoying Middle Eastern fare. With a diverse menu featuring vegetarian and vegan options, this casual eatery serves up comfort food like hummus, pita, and falafel, alongside dishes such as babaganoush and chicken plates. Perfect for solo diners and families alike, Moustache Pitza is a delightful spot for lunch, brunch, dinner, or late-night snacks.
• Reyna New York — Mediterranean · rated 4.6/5: Reyna New York is an intimate Mediterranean restaurant and cocktail bar in Greenwich Village. It offers a stylish and cozy setting perfect for enjoying Mediterranean tapas, including Lebanese tacos, Greek fries, and scallop crudo panipuri. Known for its delectable baklava and signature Reyna paella, the menu also caters to vegetarian and vegan preferences. Hidden beneath is a speakeasy for a unique experience. It's a spot to savor cocktails and Mediterranean bites in a warm, lounge-like atmosphere.
• Lava Shawarma — Middle Eastern · rated 4.5/5: Nestled in the heart of the Lower East Side, Lava Shawarma is a celebrated Middle Eastern eatery known for its delicious and healthy Mediterranean dishes. This casual spot is perfect for solo diners and families alike, offering a cozy and modern atmosphere. Highlights include chicken shawarma, hummus, and falafel, with vegetarian and halal options available. Friendly staff and affordable prices make it a local favorite for lunch and dinner.
• Taïm — Middle Eastern · rated 4.4/5: The air at Taïm is thick with the intoxicating scent of toasted cumin and fresh cilantro, drawing guests into a vibrant space where Middle Eastern street food is transformed into a colorful, sensory celebration. Golden, herb-flecked falafel offer a shatteringly crisp exterior that gives way to a tender, emerald-green center, perfectly complemented by swirls of velvety hummus and the bright, citrusy zing of pickled cabbage. Each pillowy pita becomes a vessel for a sun-drenched symphony of flavors, where cooling tahini and fiery harissa create a meal that feels both soulful and exhilaratingly fresh.
• 12 Chairs Cafe — Middle Eastern · rated 4.3/5: Nestled in the heart of New York at 56 MacDougal St, 12 Chairs Cafe offers a vibrant Middle Eastern dining experience with a cozy, rustic ambiance. The restaurant boasts a diverse menu featuring authentic dishes and delightful desserts, including standouts like hummus and falafel. Open daily from 8 AM, it caters to brunch, lunch, and dinner crowds. Outdoor seating, excellent service, and a wine and beer selection make it a must-visit spot. Reservations recommended!
• Mémé — Mediterranean · rated 4.3/5: Nestled in the heart of Greenwich Village, Mémé offers a relaxed Mediterranean dining experience with a delightful selection of small plates, comfort food, and refreshing drinks. The cozy ambiance, complemented by attentive staff, makes it a popular spot for brunch, lunch, and dinner. With outdoor seating available, it's perfect for enjoying hummus, falafel, and other Mediterranean favorites. Reservation recommended. (For reservations and more information, call +1 646-692-8450.)
• Pierre Loti Wine Bar — French · rated 4.3/5: Located in Midtown Manhattan's Union Square, Pierre Loti Wine Bar offers a cozy and dog-friendly atmosphere with romantic outdoor seating. Known for its Mediterranean dishes like Turkish meatballs, hummus, and baklava, the menu also includes pizza and a diverse drink selection, featuring wines, cocktails, and beer. Patrons frequently commend the friendly service and fast pace. Enjoy happy hour from 3:00-6:00 PM on weekdays!
• 12 Chairs — Middle Eastern · rated 4.2/5: 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.
• Taïm — Middle Eastern: The air hums with the vibrant energy of a Mediterranean marketplace, filled with the irresistible aroma of spice-rubbed shawarma and golden, herb-flecked falafel frying to a perfect crunch. Pillowy pita pockets are stuffed to bursting with velvety hummus, smoky babaganoush, and tender cauliflower, all brightened by drizzles of zesty tahini and cooling tzatziki. It is a sensory journey where traditional street food is elevated through bold, sun-drenched flavors and the comforting warmth of a bustling neighborhood kitchen.
• 19 Cleveland — Middle Eastern: Sun-drenched and spirited, this Nolita gem transports diners to the Mediterranean with its airy, greenery-filled space and a menu that celebrates the bold, zesty flavors of modern Israeli cuisine. Plates of velvet-smooth hummus and spice-rubbed meats are meant for sharing, creating a communal energy that hums beneath the glow of oversized windows and the rhythmic clink of craft cocktails.
• Pera SoHo — Mediterranean: This chic Mediterranean sanctuary transports diners from the bustle of SoHo into a world of sun-drenched flavors and sophisticated urban charm. Silken swirls of house-made hummus and golden, salt-kissed calamari set the stage for spirited afternoons fueled by botanical mocktails and vibrant signature martinis. It is a stylish retreat where the energy of the city meets the warmth of the Aegean, perfect for lingering over a crisp glass of wine as the golden hour glows.
• Moustache Pitza (Moustache) — Middle Eastern: This sun-drenched haven invites diners to explore a tapestry of Levantine flavors, where the air is perfumed with the scent of toasted spices and warm, pillowy bread. Vibrant bowls of herb-flecked tabouleh and velvety, olive oil-slicked hummus anchor a table meant for sharing, alongside smoky eggplant spreads and hearty, slow-simmered grains. The atmosphere hums with a rustic charm, offering a soulful retreat where every bite of creamy labne or zesty muhammara captures the essence of traditional Mediterranean hospitality.
• The Izakaya NYC — Japanese: The Izakaya NYC captures the electric spirit of a Tokyo-meets-Manhattan gastropub, where a warm, bustling atmosphere sets the stage for a menu of elevated, umami-rich comfort food. Guests share vibrant plates of edamame hummus and blistered shishito peppers before indulging in the decadent crunch of uni-sauced fries or a succulent, juice-dripping Wagyu beef burger. This lively urban retreat blends playful innovation with soulful flavors, offering a spirited dining experience that feels both familiar and excitingly new.
• 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.
• Claudette — Mediterranean: Bathed in soft light and effortless charm, Claudette evokes the spirit of a chic Mediterranean villa where the air is filled with the scent of warm baguettes and sizzling garlic prawns. Bright, textural plates like charred octopus and creamy burrata tartines celebrate the bounty of the sea and garden, while the earthy richness of truffle hummus and steak tartare adds a layer of sophisticated indulgence. It is a vibrant neighborhood jewel where every shared plate and chilled glass of wine feels like a sun-soaked afternoon on the French Riviera.
• Shuka — Mediterranean: Sun-drenched and vibrant, this Mediterranean oasis transports diners with its azure-tiled walls and a bustling energy that mirrors the lively markets of the Levant. The air is thick with the scent of charred meats and warm spices as tables overflow with colorful spreads of silky hummus, tangy labne, and wood-fired kebabs designed for spirited sharing. It is a celebration of bold, herb-forward flavors and communal dining, capturing the soulful essence of the Eastern Mediterranean in a space that feels both sophisticated and warmly inviting.
• Ba'al Cafe & Falafel — Middle Eastern: This vibrant neighborhood haunt draws you in with the irresistible aroma of toasted spices and golden, herb-flecked falafel sizzling in the kitchen. Plates arrive overflowing with velvety hummus, bright pickled vegetables, and warm, pillowy pita, offering a soulful celebration of Levantine flavors in a space that feels both modern and deeply comforting.
• CAVA — Mediterranean: Sun-drenched Mediterranean flavors burst forth in this vibrant, modern eatery where guests craft their own culinary journeys through layers of bold spices and garden-fresh ingredients. From the creamy swirl of house-made hummus to the zesty crunch of pickled vegetables and fire-grilled proteins, every bowl offers a personalized mosaic of textures that brings the bright, healthful spirit of the coast to the table.