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Au Za'atar
Master Critic Review
Au Za'atar
8.0
Au Za'atar brings Lebanese and broader Middle Eastern cooking to Midtown East with shareable mezze, wraps, and large-format mixed grills that work well for family-style eating. Outdoor seating, extended hours, and flexible portions make it a good choice for groups with adventurous palates.
Must-Try Dishes:
Mezzes Supreme, Za'atar Manakeesh, Mixed Grill Supreme Platter
Scores:
Value: 6.5
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 7.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.7
What makes it special: Lebanese restaurant with a wide mezze and grill menu ideal for sharing.
Who should go: Families who enjoy Middle Eastern flavors and big platters.
When to visit: Early dinner before peak crowds for easier seating.
What to order: Mezzes Supreme, Za'atar Manakeesh, Mixed Grill Supreme Platter.
Insider tip: Ask to pace mezze and grill courses slowly so kids can graze and share.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No valet; paid garages on 2nd & 3rd Ave within a 2–3 minute walk. Street parking is limited and especially difficult after 6pm.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual; jeans and comfortable attire are fully acceptable.
Noise level: Moderate during peak hours; normal conversation is still manageable, especially outdoors.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation, longer for larger groups.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; seating is straightforward.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Strong selection—mezze, salads, manakeesh, and several mains work well for vegetarians.
Vegan options: Moderate—hummus, baba ghanoush, tabbouleh, and a few cooked vegetable dishes are fully vegan.
Gluten-free options: Multiple naturally gluten-free dishes (mezze, grilled meats); no dedicated prep area, so cross-contact is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want something lively and shareable rather than intimate. Mezze encourages conversation, but the room can get moderately loud during peak times.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually for lunch or early dinner. For weekend evenings, walk-ins should expect a wait—groups in particular benefit from booking ahead.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes. Staff is welcoming, portions are shareable, and flavors are approachable for kids who like grilled meats and fresh bread. High chairs available; best for ages 4+.
Best For
Better for: Shareable Middle Eastern platters, group-friendly portions, and outdoor seating—stronger for mixed-age families than many Midtown alternatives.
Skip if: You want a quiet, romantic meal; need strict gluten-free controls; or prefer more polished, fine-dining service.