Best Middle Eastern Restaurants in Upper West Side (Central)

Modern Israeli restaurant on a prominent Broadway corner serving mezze, breads, and wood-leaning mains with Levantine flavors. Locals use it for date nights, celebrations, and nights when they want serious cooking and a buzzier room than most of the neighborhood.

A beloved Upper West Side Middle Eastern spot known for generously portioned, fresh hummus and falafel with lively, welcoming service. Locals love it for casual lunches and family dinners where quality meets value.

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.

Miriam serves Mediterranean and Middle Eastern-inspired dishes with a focus on casual comfort and seasonal ingredients. Brunch and dinner both deliver satisfying plates in a relaxed setting.

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.

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.

A newer Yemeni café (established 2024) that brings Middle Eastern coffee culture to the Upper West Side with spiced drinks, sweets, and a sit-and-sip rhythm. Come for one signature latte or tea plus one pastry or cake—treat it like a focused coffee-and-dessert stop, not a full meal destination.

Compact branch of a long-running New York falafel mini-chain serving sandwiches, platters, and late-night snacks. It’s a practical choice for quick, inexpensive Middle Eastern food when you want to eat at the counter, grab-and-go, or sit briefly by the windows.

Fast-casual Middle Eastern spot specializing in build-your-own bowls, salads, and pitas with shawarma, falafel, and grilled proteins. Upper West Siders lean on it for customizable lunches and early dinners that feel fresher than typical grab-and-go.