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Savor
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Savor
7.9
Plant-forward Arabic café from chef Mohamed Aboghanem (ex-Saha) serving soups, mezze, and modern vegetarian plates. Locals use it for wholesome lunches and light dinners near the park.
Must-Try Dishes:
Jackfruit Shawarma, Lentil Soup, Mezze Sampler
Scores:
Value: 7.3
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 7
What makes it special: Vegetarian Arabic plates with bright, spice-forward flavors.
Who should go: Vegetarians and flavor-curious omnivores
When to visit: Lunch 11:30–1:30 or early dinner
What to order: Jackfruit shawarma, lentil soup, mezze sampler
Insider tip: Soup of the day often sells out—ask on arrival.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; metered spots on Irving fill quickly, but side streets like Judah and Kirkham often have openings within 2–3 blocks.
Dress code: Casual; most guests come in park attire or weekend casual—no need to dress up.
Noise level: Low to moderate—conversations are easy, with occasional background chatter during lunch rush.
Weekend wait: Usually no wait; small groups may wait 5–10 minutes during peak hours.
Weekday lunch: No wait before noon; quick turnover even at peak.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – the entire menu is vegetarian with diverse Mediterranean and Arabic flavors.
Vegan options: Yes – most dishes can be made vegan; soups and mezze are popular choices.
Gluten-free options: Partial – several mezze and salads are gluten-free, but pita and some entrees contain gluten.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better suited for a low-key or daytime date—intimate but casual with a relaxed neighborhood vibe and easy conversation atmosphere.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—reservations aren’t needed; walk-ins are standard, and solo diners or pairs are seated quickly.
Is it kid-friendly? Somewhat—space is limited and better suited to adults or older children, but staff are accommodating and casual.
Best For
Better for: Health-conscious eaters and vegetarians seeking creative, flavorful Middle Eastern-inspired dishes in a calm setting.
Skip if: You’re looking for traditional meat kebabs, alcohol service, or a lively evening atmosphere.
Savor
7.9
Vegetarian, modern Arabic café from chef Mohamed (ex-Saha) serving soups, mezze, and creative plant-based plates. Locals use it for wholesome lunches and light dinners near the park.
Must-Try Dishes:
Jackfruit shawarma, Hodo tofu platter with baba ghanoush, Wild mushroom knafe
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.7
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 6
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Plant-forward Arabic plates and soups with thoughtful seasoning.
Who should go: Vegetarians and flavor-curious omnivores
When to visit: Lunch 11:30–1:30 or early dinner
What to order: Jackfruit shawarma, tofu platter, mushroom knafe
Insider tip: Soup of the day often sells out—ask when you’re seated.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Mostly street parking on 9th Avenue; expect limited availability during lunch and weekend evenings. Metered spots open up after 6pm on weekdays.
Dress code: Casual with a clean edge—jeans and sneakers fine, but it leans toward a relaxed café vibe rather than full dinner attire.
Noise level: Low to moderate—quiet enough for conversation or solo reading during lunch hours, with light chatter during peak dinner service.
Weekend wait: 15–25 minutes for small parties; no reservations but turnover is steady.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait except right at noon.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—menu is entirely vegetarian with a variety of mezze, salads, and hearty mains.
Vegan options: Yes—roughly half the menu is vegan or can be easily modified; staff are knowledgeable about substitutions.
Gluten-free options: Several options marked on the menu; gluten-free bread available on request but cross-contact is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—especially for a low-pressure, casual daytime date. Warm lighting and small tables make it intimate without feeling formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—Savor doesn’t take reservations, and walk-ins are the norm. Arrive early for lunch or after 7:30pm for faster seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Reasonably—high chairs available and service is patient, but menu skews toward adult palates with spiced, aromatic flavors.
Best For
Better for: Inventive vegetarian plates and balanced Mediterranean seasoning—more refined than typical falafel or shawarma spots nearby.
Skip if: You’re craving traditional meat-heavy Mediterranean fare or need fast counter-style service.