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Best Hidden Gems Heaven Middle Eastern Restaurants in Upper West Side (Central)

3 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked

Last Updated: February 2026

Our Top Pick
Lokal 83 Mediterranean Kitchen
Flexible neighborhood spot balancing grilled platters, salads, and shareable mezze.

Notable Picks

$ Upper West Side (Central) Mediterranean, Greek
Casual Mediterranean restaurant on Columbus serving mixed grills, salads, and platters in a bright, flexible dining room. It’s a reliable option when you want straightforward kebabs, dips, and a few healthier-leaning plates without committing to a long meal.
Must-Try Dishes: Mixed Grill Platter, Chicken Shawarma Plate, Kunafa
What makes it special: Flexible neighborhood spot balancing grilled platters, salads, and shareable mezze.
$$ Upper West Side (Central) Mediterranean, Middle Eastern
Compact Druze-Israeli restaurant known for oversized laffa-style bread, burekas, and mezze-heavy platters. Locals treat it as a cozy alternative to larger spots when they want homestyle Middle Eastern flavors and big portions in a low-key setting.
Must-Try Dishes: Gazala's Platter, Spinach Burekas, Hummus with Sujuk
What makes it special: Druze-run kitchen turning out laffa breads, burekas, and mezze with generous portions.

Worthy Picks

$ Upper West Side (Central) Mediterranean, Middle Eastern
A no-frills shawarma counter that prioritizes flavor and speed—big platters, punchy toppings, and a build-your-own energy that works best for takeout. It lands when you choose one protein, go heavy on the salads/pickles, and treat it like a satisfying, direct-hit meal.
Must-Try Dishes: Chicken shawarma platter, Shawarma in laffa, Falafel pita
What makes it special: Big, topping-forward shawarma that’s built for maximum satisfaction fast.