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Sami & Susu
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Sami & Susu
8.6
Sami & Susu is an intimate Mediterranean-leaning restaurant and wine bar where seasonal plates, dips, and natural wines are served in a narrow, candlelit room. A Michelin Bib Gourmand nod and a concise menu of mezze, salads, and heartier dishes make it feel insider-y without being stiff.
Must-Try Dishes:
Muhammara with Warm Pita, Lamb Kebab, Meyer Lemon Panna Cotta
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 8.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: A 20-seat Mediterranean-inspired spot with thoughtful small plates, natural wines, and a Bib Gourmand pedigree.
Who should go: Couples and small groups who care about seasonal plates and wine.
When to visit: Early evening reservations or late second seatings for a relaxed pace.
What to order: Dip trio with Muhammara, Lamb Kebab, Meyer Lemon Panna Cotta.
Insider tip: Book the earlier seating and linger over dips and wine before wandering to a nearby bar on Orchard Street.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; availability varies. After 6pm, spots on Suffolk, Norfolk, and surrounding LES side streets can be scarce—plan for 10–15 minutes of circling or use nearby paid garages on Essex Street.
Dress code: Smart casual. Most diners wear elevated basics—nice jeans, boots, sweaters, or simple dresses. A touch dressy fits the candlelit room.
Noise level: Moderate. Conversation-friendly at early seatings; becomes a lively buzz during peak hours but you can still hear your date without shouting.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, depending on walk-in traffic. Bar seats fill quickly.
Weekday lunch: N/A — primarily a dinner-focused spot; daytime openings vary.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Strong options — several mezze, salads, and veg-forward plates can make a full meal.
Vegan options: Limited — a couple of mezze and salads may work, but mains skew toward dairy or meat.
Gluten-free options: Moderate — many dips and proteins are naturally gluten-free; staff is helpful about substitutions, but no dedicated prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes. The candlelit, intimate room, shareable plates, and natural wine list create an effortlessly romantic atmosphere without being overly formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possibly. Arrive early (before 6:15pm) for the best chance at walk-in tables or bar seating. Peak hours and weekends usually require a reservation.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal. The space is small, seating is tight, and the menu caters more to adults. Older teens comfortable with Mediterranean flavors may enjoy it.
Best For
Better for: A more intimate, insider-feeling Mediterranean experience than larger LES restaurants. Better for dates, wine-driven nights, and curated small-plate dinners.
Skip if: You want large portions, big-group seating, very quiet dining, vegan-heavy menus, or a quick in-and-out meal.
Sami & Susu
8.4
Sami & Susu is a Mediterranean-leaning restaurant and wine bar inspired by family recipes and market cooking, served in a narrow, softly lit room. The menu leans toward dips, grilled meats, and seasonal vegetables that pair naturally with the concise list of wines.
Must-Try Dishes:
Muhammara and labneh dip spread, Lamb kebab with herbs and yogurt, Chicken pita with pickles and tahini
Scores:
Value: 6.6
Service: 8.5
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Bib Gourmand Mediterranean plates and natural-leaning wines served in a space that feels like a friend’s dinner party.
Who should go: Couples and small groups who snack, share and linger over wine.
When to visit: Early evening for walk-ins or later reservations for a slower pace.
What to order: Order dip spreads, lamb kebab and at least one seasonal fish or steak.
Insider tip: Build your meal around the dip and mezze section, then split one or two larger plates rather than over-ordering.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited on Norfolk and Rivington; expect to circle during peak dinner hours. Nearest reliable option is the Essex Street Market garage, a short walk away.
Dress code: Smart casual. Most guests lean polished but relaxed — think nice jeans, boots, sweaters, and simple dresses.
Noise level: Moderate. You can hold a conversation across a two-top, though the narrow room gets a gentle buzz during peak hours.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes for walk-ins depending on party size; small tables fill quickly.
Weekday lunch: N/A — the restaurant is primarily an evening operation, so no lunch service or lunch crowds.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several dips, salads, and vegetable plates are strong options built around seasonal produce.
Vegan options: Limited — a few mezze items may qualify, but most dishes incorporate dairy or egg; ask staff for guidance.
Gluten-free options: Good selection — many grilled meats, salads, and dips are naturally gluten-free, though no dedicated prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes. The candlelit, narrow room creates an intimate atmosphere, and the shareable Mediterranean plates encourage an easy, interactive flow.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possibly. Early evenings and late seatings have the best shot for walk-ins; peak dinner windows often require a reservation.
Is it kid-friendly? Somewhat, but better for adults. The room is compact with limited high-chair space and a menu geared toward adventurous eaters.
Best For
Better for: A quieter, more intimate Mediterranean experience than larger LES spots, with plates that feel handcrafted rather than mass-produced.
Skip if: You want a loud, high-energy scene or need extensive vegan options — nearby trendier or plant-forward spots will suit those needs better.
Sami & Susu
8.3
Sami & Susu is an intimate Mediterranean restaurant and wine bar where a compact menu of dips, grilled meats, and vegetables shifts with the seasons. The Bib Gourmand–recognized kitchen leans on local produce and carefully sourced pantry staples to deliver shareable plates that feel both homey and polished.
Must-Try Dishes:
Muhammara Dip, Lamb Kebab, Meyer Lemon Panna Cotta
Scores:
Value: 6.5
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.1
What makes it special: A Bib Gourmand Mediterranean spot where seasonal plates and dips rotate with what’s best from local producers.
Who should go: Couples and small groups who prioritize wine, mezze, and atmosphere.
When to visit: Early evening for walk-ins or later reservations for a slower pace.
What to order: Dip trio with muhammara, lamb kebab, seasonal vegetable or fish, panna cotta.
Insider tip: Start with the dip spread and ask about any off-menu seasonal specials that night.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; generally tight on Broome Street, slightly easier on adjacent blocks before 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans are fine but most diners lean slightly dressy given the wine-bar vibe.
Noise level: Moderate; you can hold a conversation but expect a lively, close-quarters room.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes for walk-ins; reservations recommended for prime times.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable; lunch is not regularly offered, but early weekday dinners usually have short or no waits.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Strong options — dips, salads, and seasonal vegetable plates are reliable and substantial.
Vegan options: Limited — a few mezze and vegetable dishes may qualify depending on seasonal prep; ask staff for guidance.
Gluten-free options: Good selection — many grilled meats, dips, and vegetables are naturally gluten-free, but no dedicated prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the candlelit, narrow room and shareable mezze format create an easy, intimate rhythm for conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often, yes for early evenings or late seatings; prime weekend hours can involve a wait, so walk-ins should arrive early.
Is it kid-friendly? Somewhat — older kids who enjoy Mediterranean flavors will be fine, but the compact room and wine-bar energy aren’t ideal for very young children.
Best For
Better for: Shareable mezze, seasonal Mediterranean flavors, and a relaxed but polished date-night atmosphere that feels more intimate than nearby larger-format restaurants.
Skip if: You want a quiet room, large tables for big groups, or extensive menu variety — the space is tight and the menu intentionally concise.