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NAYA
Master Critic Review
NAYA
8.1
NAYA’s 1400 Broadway location brings a polished assembly-line format to Lebanese and broader Mediterranean flavors just south of Times Square. Bowls, wraps, and platters built from hummus, tabbouleh, grilled meats, and plenty of vegetarian options make it a dependable, slightly upgraded alternative to basic office-district salads.
Must-Try Dishes:
Build-Your-Own Shawarma Bowl, Falafel Mezze Plate, Hummus with Warm Pita
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.4
What makes it special: A sleek Lebanese counter-service spot where you build bowls and wraps from a broad mezze lineup.
Who should go: Office groups wanting customizable Mediterranean bowls near Broadway.
When to visit: Weekday lunch before 12:15pm or after 1:30pm to dodge lines.
What to order: Shawarma bowl with hummus base, falafel mezze plate, extra hummus with warm pita.
Insider tip: Double down on vegetables and dips—asking for half-and-half bases lets you layer hummus, salads, and grains without extra charges.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is scarce during business hours; nearby paid garages along 38th–39th Streets typically run $25–$45 for short stays.
Dress code: Casual office attire; gym clothes and jeans are common during lunch rush.
Noise level: Moderate during peak lunch but still easy to hold a conversation; quieter mid-afternoon.
Weekend wait: Not applicable — this location is primarily a weekday lunch spot and sees minimal evening or weekend crowds.
Weekday lunch: 5–12 minutes during peak window (12:00–1:15pm); usually under 5 minutes outside rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Strong selection — falafel, grilled vegetables, tabbouleh, lentils, hummus, and multiple veggie mezze options.
Vegan options: Good coverage — falafel, hummus, baba ghanouj, salads, grains, and tahini-based dressings are typically vegan-friendly.
Gluten-free options: Most bowls can be made gluten-free by avoiding pita and certain sauces; ingredients are labeled, but no dedicated GF prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you want something low-pressure and casual — the counter-service format isn’t ideal for a long sit-down date, but works for a quick, healthy meet-up.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — tables are first-come, first-served. Seating is limited during lunch, so expect to share or grab a spot quickly.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who enjoy bowls and wraps; no special kids' menu or highchairs, and the fast-casual pace suits short visits rather than long family meals.
Best For
Better for: Health-leaning, customizable Mediterranean bowls with fresher produce and cleaner flavors than most Midtown lunch counters.
Skip if: You want a sit-down experience, ambiance-heavy meal, or more traditional full-plate Lebanese dishes — a taverna-style restaurant would be a better fit.