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Aba
Master Critic Reviews (6 Lists)
Aba
8.9
Aba is a high-energy rooftop spot in Fulton Market where modern Middle Eastern–leaning mezze, shawarma-spiced proteins, and a deep cocktail list are matched by one of the most polished patios in the city. Locals treat it as a go-to for celebratory dinners, brunch with out-of-towners, and nights where food and scene both matter.
Must-Try Dishes:
Whipped Feta with charred pita, Short Rib Hummus, Shawarma-Spiced Skirt Steak
Scores:
Value: 7.1
Service: 8.7
Consistency: 9.2
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 9.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: Destination rooftop Mediterranean spot where polished mezze meets a lush, scene-y patio.
Who should go: Diners planning buzzy, upscale nights with shared plates.
When to visit: Prime weekend evenings or sunny brunch with reservations.
What to order: Whipped feta, short rib hummus, shawarma-spiced skirt steak.
Insider tip: Target earlier golden-hour reservations to actually see the space before it gets dark and packed.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in Fulton Market is limited; nearby paid garages and valet at neighboring hotels are the most reliable options.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy — elevated outfits fit the vibe, but nice jeans and a stylish top are fine.
Noise level: Lively — you can chat, but expect a buzzy scene, especially on weekends and on the rooftop.
Weekend wait: 45–90 minutes or more without a reservation during peak times.
Weekday lunch: Typically little to no wait, though the patio can still fill on sunny days.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — plenty of mezze, salads, and vegetable-forward plates.
Vegan options: Moderate — several dishes work as-is or with small modifications.
Gluten-free options: Good selection — many items are naturally gluten-free or can be adjusted.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the rooftop setting and shareable menu make it fun and romantic, especially at sunset.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes — the bar and limited walk-in tables may be available early evening or late night, but prime hours usually require a booking.
Is it kid-friendly? Older kids and teens will be fine, but the vibe skews adult, social, and cocktail-forward — better for date nights or groups than family dining with young children.
Best For
Better for: Stylish rooftop dining, celebratory group meals, and Middle Eastern–leaning mezze with a strong cocktail program.
Skip if: You want a quiet, low-key meal, don’t enjoy lively dining rooms, or prefer traditional Middle Eastern food over contemporary takes.
Aba
8.8
Aba is a Mediterranean restaurant from Chef CJ Jacobson with a greenhouse-like dining room that spills onto a busy rooftop patio overlooking Fulton Market. Diners come for shareable spreads, charcoal-grilled meats, and a deep wine and cocktail list that make it a go-to for high-energy rooftop dinners and brunch.
Must-Try Dishes:
Smoky Garlic Hummus, Whipped Feta Spread, Shawarma-Spiced Skirt Steak
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 9.2
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 9.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: Lush rooftop patio and atrium serving polished Mediterranean small plates.
Who should go: Groups and couples chasing lively rooftop Mediterranean dinners.
When to visit: Golden hour into evening for views and full energy.
What to order: Smoky Garlic Hummus, Whipped Feta, Shawarma-Spiced Skirt Steak.
Insider tip: Book well ahead and ask for rooftop patio seating in warm months.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking can be limited; nearby paid garages in Fulton Market are the most reliable option
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy — rooftop crowd tends to be polished
Noise level: Lively to loud — conversation is possible but expect buzz, especially outside
Weekend wait: 45–90 minutes without a reservation during peak season
Weekday lunch: Often minimal wait, but bookings still recommended
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Many strong mezze and salad options
Vegan options: A handful of customizable items, but selection is limited
Gluten-free options: Several marked options — staff is used to accommodating requests
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the rooftop setting and shareable menu make it fun and interactive, though noise levels can be high.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes — bar and lounge seating may open up, but prime-hour tables are rarely available last-minute.
Is it kid-friendly? Technically yes for earlier meals, but it’s best for adults — evenings skew social, loud, and cocktail-driven.
Best For
Better for: High-energy rooftop dinners, Mediterranean spreads, and group sharing in a stylish setting
Skip if: You want a quiet meal, very traditional Mediterranean food, or last-minute weekend seating
Aba
8.8
Aba is a Mediterranean restaurant and rooftop terrace in Fulton Market where shared plates, cocktails, and skyline views all carry equal weight. The third-floor patio, wrapped in greenery and fire pits, makes it one of the neighborhood’s most in-demand al fresco reservations from brunch through late-night.
Must-Try Dishes:
Smoky Garlic Hummus, Shawarma-Spiced Skirt Steak Frites, Crispy Short Rib Hummus
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 9.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: Mediterranean small plates and cocktails served on a lush, skyline-facing rooftop terrace.
Who should go: Date nights, celebratory groups, and cocktail-focused patio seekers.
When to visit: Golden hour into evening for views and peak atmosphere.
What to order: Smoky Garlic Hummus, Crispy Short Rib Hummus, Skirt Steak Frites.
Insider tip: Book an outdoor table and linger over dessert to enjoy the terrace after dark.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in Fulton Market can be tight, especially evenings; nearby paid garages are the most reliable option.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy — elevated outfits fit the scene, but stylish jeans are fine.
Noise level: Lively — conversation is possible, but expect upbeat rooftop energy and music.
Weekend wait: Expect long waits without a reservation; prime tables are often booked weeks out.
Weekday lunch: Usually manageable with shorter waits, especially earlier in the afternoon.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Plenty of plant-friendly mezze and salads available.
Vegan options: Several options exist, though menus lean more vegetarian than fully vegan.
Gluten-free options: Marked gluten-free choices are available, including many dips and proteins.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the rooftop setting, greenery, and shareable plates create an effortlessly romantic atmosphere without feeling too formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? It’s possible but not guaranteed. The bar and lounge seating may open up, but outdoor tables almost always require advance booking.
Is it kid-friendly? Families are welcome, but the vibe leans adult — best for older kids and special occasions rather than toddlers.
Best For
Better for: Scenic rooftop dining where cocktails, sharing plates, and atmosphere matter as much as the food.
Skip if: You want a quiet dinner, last-minute seating, or a budget-friendly night out.
Aba
8.4
Aba pairs Mediterranean small plates and cocktails with a leafy rooftop terrace overlooking the neighborhood. It’s a reservation-heavy choice for skyline views, shareable plates, and a bar program that leans as hard into spritzes as into the mezze.
Must-Try Dishes:
Smoky Garlic Hummus, Crispy Short Rib Hummus, Skirt Steak Frites
Scores:
Value: 6.9
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 9
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Mediterranean rooftop where cocktails and mezze share top billing.
Who should go: Groups or dates chasing views, mezze, and strong drinks.
When to visit: Golden hour into evening for terrace light and skyline.
What to order: Smoky garlic hummus, crispy short rib hummus, skirt steak.
Insider tip: Request outdoor seating when booking and arrive a bit early to settle at the bar.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking can be limited in Fulton Market; nearby paid garages are the most reliable option. Valet is often available during peak dinner service.
Dress code: Smart casual with a stylish lean — polished jeans or dresses fit right in.
Noise level: Lively — conversation is possible but expect a buzzy, social atmosphere, especially on the terrace.
Weekend wait: Expect a long wait without a reservation — often 60–90 minutes or more.
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal wait, though the rooftop can fill on sunny days.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Strong selection — many mezze, salads, and sides are vegetarian-friendly.
Vegan options: Moderate options — a handful of plates can be ordered vegan or customized.
Gluten-free options: Several gluten-free dishes are available and clearly noted on the menu.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the rooftop setting, cocktails, and shareable plates create an easy back-and-forth flow, though it can be loud during peak hours.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes — walk-ins may be seated at the bar or during off-hours, but evenings and weekends usually require advance bookings.
Is it kid-friendly? It’s technically family-friendly, but the scene skews adult and social. Better suited for teens than young children, especially at dinner.
Best For
Better for: Stylish rooftop energy, craft cocktails, and Mediterranean small plates ideal for dates and group nights out.
Skip if: You want a quiet dinner, casual pricing, or last-minute reservations on busy weekends.
Aba
8.6
Aba combines a plant-forward Mediterranean menu, strong cocktails, and a rooftop setting with multiple private and semi-private spaces, from a chef’s table to events in the adjoining Dalcy hall. It’s a go-to for groups who want sharable plates and a view-driven atmosphere that works as well for corporate dinners as it does for birthdays.
Must-Try Dishes:
Smoky Garlic Hummus, Crispy Short Rib Hummus, Skirt Steak Frites
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 9
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 9
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: Rooftop Mediterranean restaurant with a range of private and semi-private spaces.
Who should go: Teams and groups wanting cocktails, shareable plates, and skyline views.
When to visit: Golden hour into dinner for best light and rooftop energy.
What to order: Smoky garlic hummus, crispy short rib hummus, skirt steak frites.
Insider tip: Ask whether your group fits better in the chef’s table nook or the larger Dalcy event hall.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet is typically available in the area; street parking is limited and fills quickly on weekends. Nearby paid garages are the safest bet.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy — heels, button-downs, and polished outfits fit the scene.
Noise level: Lively — conversation is doable at smaller tables but expect background energy, especially on weekends.
Weekend wait: Often fully booked; walk-ins may wait 60–90 minutes or be turned away during peak times.
Weekday lunch: Generally easier — short wait or none with a reservation.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Strong selection — several mezze, salads, and mains are vegetarian-friendly.
Vegan options: Limited but possible — a few dishes can be modified; communicate with staff.
Gluten-free options: Many items are naturally gluten-free or adaptable; staff is used to special requests.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the rooftop setting, lighting, and cocktails create an impressive atmosphere, though it leans lively rather than intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes — but weekends and prime dinner hours usually require booking ahead. Arrive early or try bar seating for better luck.
Is it kid-friendly? Older kids and teens will be fine, but it’s more geared toward adults, groups, and celebrations than families with young children.
Best For
Better for: Stylish group dinners, rooftop celebrations, and cocktail-forward Mediterranean dining with private and semi-private options.
Skip if: You want a quiet, low-key meal, budget-friendly pricing, or a deeply traditional Mediterranean experience without modern flair.
Aba
8.7
Aba is a high-energy rooftop Mediterranean restaurant in Fulton Market, known for its spread of modern mezze, wood-grilled proteins, and a deep wine and cocktail list. Diners come for shareable plates, a lively patio, and consistently strong execution across a large, high-volume operation.
Must-Try Dishes:
Smoky Garlic Hummus, Shawarma-Spiced Skirt Steak, Village Salad
Scores:
Value: 7.3
Service: 8.5
Consistency: 9.2
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 9.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: Large-format rooftop Mediterranean spot with polished mezze and serious cocktails.
Who should go: Groups or couples wanting buzzy, upscale Mediterranean sharing plates.
When to visit: Prime weekend evenings or golden-hour patio reservations.
What to order: Smoky Garlic Hummus, Shawarma-Spiced Skirt Steak, Village Salad.
Insider tip: Book outdoor seating well in advance for peak-season evenings when the rooftop fills fastest.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in Fulton Market is limited; nearby paid garages and valet are the most reliable options.
Dress code: Smart casual to dressy — stylish attire fits the scene, though elevated denim is common.
Noise level: Lively — expect buzz and background music, with conversation still doable at most tables.
Weekend wait: Often fully booked; walk-ins may wait 60–90 minutes or be waitlisted.
Weekday lunch: Typically little to no wait outside peak dates and holidays.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — many mezze, salads, and mains are vegetarian-friendly.
Vegan options: Yes — several plant-based mezze and sides are available.
Gluten-free options: Yes — many items are naturally gluten-free or can be modified; staff are accustomed to requests.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the rooftop setting, cocktails, and shareable plates create an easy, high-energy vibe that works well if you don’t mind a lively room.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes — the bar and limited walk-in space may be available, but weekends and patio days usually require advance booking.
Is it kid-friendly? Technically yes, but it’s more geared toward adults. Early seatings work best for families; later hours skew social and cocktail-focused.
Best For
Better for: Stylish group dinners, cocktails, and rooftop energy with polished Mediterranean cooking.
Skip if: You prefer quiet, intimate dining or don’t enjoy high-energy restaurant environments.