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Balila Lebanese Restaurant
$ · Mediterranean

1636 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10128
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ZipPicks Awards

Best Mediterranean in Upper East Side

Vibe Check this spot

Food Quality 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 5
Consistency 5
Cultural Relevance 5

0 / 5 selected

Master Critic Review

Balila Lebanese Restaurant 7.6
Upper East Side-Yorkville
Vibes: Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance Comfort Food Classics Family Friendly Favorites Hidden Gems Heaven
Balila Lebanese Restaurant is a small Lebanese cafe on Third Avenue known for its shawarma, vegetarian mezze, and notably generous portions at modest prices. Early reviews point to warm service and homestyle flavors that make it an appealing option for casual neighborhood lunches and low-key dinners.
Must-Try Dishes: Chicken Shawarma Plate, Moujadara, Eggplant Salad
Scores:
Value: 8.6 Service: 8 Consistency: 7.2 Food Quality: 7.9 Atmosphere: 6.5 Cultural Relevance: 6.8
What makes it special: Casual Lebanese cafe emphasizing shawarma, hearty vegetarian mezze, and big portions.
Who should go: Budget-minded diners wanting Lebanese plates and friendly service.
When to visit: Lunch or early dinner for the calmest, quickest experience.
What to order: Chicken shawarma plate, moujadara, eggplant salad.
Insider tip: Portions run large; split a shawarma plate and add a couple of mezze.