What is the best Eastern restaurant in Midtown East?

Pera Mediterranean Brasserie is our top pick for Eastern restaurants in Midtown East, scoring 8.7/10. Long-running Turkish-led brasserie pairing charcoal-grilled meats with polished Midtown dining.

Any insider tips for Pera Mediterranean Brasserie?

Book ahead for larger groups or pre-theater prix-fixe menus.

What should I order at Pera Mediterranean Brasserie?

Mixed Grill Platter, lamb adana, crispy phyllo cheese rolls.

When should I visit Pera Mediterranean Brasserie?

Weeknight dinners and business lunches when the room feels lively.

Who should go to Pera Mediterranean Brasserie?

Business diners and dates seeking upscale Turkish and Mediterranean plates.

Any insider tips for NAYA?

Ask for extra pickled turnips and toum to brighten bowls.

What should I order at NAYA?

Chicken shawarma bowl, falafel bowl, extra garlic whip and hummus.

When should I visit NAYA?

Weekday lunch rush or early dinner before the commuter crowds.

Who should go to NAYA?

Office workers craving fast customizable Middle Eastern bowls at lunch.

Any insider tips for TBites?

Grab takeout; seating is limited to a few counter stools.

What should I order at TBites?

Chicken shawarma sandwich, beef kibbe, labne with toum and pita.

When should I visit TBites?

Weekday lunch or early evening for the freshest grilled meats.

Who should go to TBites?

Nearby workers and locals chasing inexpensive shawarma and mezze combos.

Best Middle Eastern Restaurants in Midtown East (10017)

3 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked

Last Updated: January 2026

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Our Top Pick

Pera Mediterranean Brasserie

Long-running Turkish-led brasserie pairing charcoal-grilled meats with polished Midtown dining.

Notable Picks

#1 Pera Mediterranean Brasserie

8.7

$$$ Midtown East – Grand Central

Vibes: Business Lunch Power Players Date Night Magic Group Dining Gatherings Trendy Table Hotspots

Pera Mediterranean Brasserie is a long-running Turkish-led restaurant serving charcoal-grilled meats, meze, and Eastern Mediterranean plates in a polished Midtown dining room. Open since 2006 near Grand Central, it draws both business diners and date-night crowds with its mixed grill platters, lamb adana, and full bar.

Must-Try Dishes: Mixed Grill Platter, Lamb Adana, Crispy Phyllo Rolls

What makes it special: Long-running Turkish-led brasserie pairing charcoal-grilled meats with polished Midtown dining.

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#2 NAYA

8.4

$$ Midtown East – Turtle Bay

Vibes: Quick Bites Champions Healthy Haven Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance Solo Dining Sanctuaries

NAYA’s 44th & 3rd location is a high-volume Lebanese fast-casual spot where office crowds build their own bowls, rolls, and salads with shawarma, falafel, and hummus. Consistently strong multi-platform reviews highlight fresh ingredients, reliable execution, and quick throughput at peak lunch hours.

Must-Try Dishes: Chicken Shawarma Bowl, Falafel Bowl, Hummus with Garlic Whip

What makes it special: Fast-casual Lebanese spot building customizable shawarma, falafel, and hummus bowls.

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#3 TBites

8.0

$ Turtle Bay

Vibes: Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance Hidden Gems Heaven Quick Bites Champions Solo Dining Sanctuaries

TBites is a tiny Middle Eastern counter on 2nd Avenue focusing on shawarma, mezze, and house-made date sweets at budget-friendly prices. Regulars call out the chicken shawarma, labne, and toum as standouts, making it a reliable quick-stop option around the UN and Turtle Bay offices.

Must-Try Dishes: Chicken Shawarma Sandwich, Beef Kibbe, Nutty Date Delight

What makes it special: Tiny counter spot specializing in Albanian-influenced Middle Eastern plates and sandwiches.

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