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Shuka
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Shuka
8.7
Since 2017, chef Ayesha Nurdjaja’s Shuka has anchored SoHo’s Eastern Mediterranean scene with mezze, kebabs, and shareable feasts in a loud, lively dining room and garden. Strong multi-platform reviews and a James Beard–recognized chef back up the menu’s balance of rustic spreads, grilled meats, and crowd-pleasing brunch plates.
Must-Try Dishes:
Whipped feta with pistachios, Fried halloumi, Shuka Feast for 2
Scores:
Value: 7.3
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 9.1
Food Quality: 9.3
Atmosphere: 8.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: Large-format Eastern Mediterranean feasts, lively room, and serious cocktails.
Who should go: Groups and friends wanting shareable Mediterranean plates and cocktails.
When to visit: Prime-time dinners or weekend brunch; book ahead for groups.
What to order: Whipped feta with pistachios, fried halloumi, Shuka Feast for two.
Insider tip: Ask for the Shuka Feast and let the kitchen choose.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in SoHo is scarce, especially evenings; expect meters or paid garages within a 2–3 block walk.
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans and nice tops are common, but most guests lean slightly dressy for nights out.
Noise level: Loud during peak dinner and brunch; conversations are possible but raised voices may be needed.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without a reservation, especially for groups.
Weekday lunch: Typically minimal wait; walk-ins often seated quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Strong selection of mezze, salads, and vegetable mains; easy to build a full meal.
Vegan options: Moderate—several mezze and salads qualify, but mains are more limited.
Gluten-free options: Many naturally gluten-free dishes; staff can guide substitutions but no dedicated prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Great if you want energetic, social energy and shareable plates; less ideal if you prefer a quiet conversation-focused setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes for smaller parties if you’re flexible—off-peak or early seatings help. Groups should book ahead as walk-in waits can be long.
Is it kid-friendly? Suitable for older kids who enjoy lively rooms; no dedicated kids’ menu, but mezze and grilled items work well for adventurous eaters.
Best For
Better for: Shareable Eastern Mediterranean feasts, group-friendly energy, and a standout garden space that beats many SoHo competitors.
Skip if: You want an intimate, quiet dinner or strictly vegan/gluten-free dining where dedicated prep protocols are required.
Shuka
8.8
Opened in 2017, Shuka brings chef Ayesha Nurdjaja’s Eastern Mediterranean cooking to a lively SoHo dining room and garden-adjacent space, with Greek-adjacent mezze and kebabs alongside broader regional dishes. High review volume and a James Beard–recognized chef make it a dependable pick for shareable feasts, buzzy brunches, and hard-to-get group reservations.
Must-Try Dishes:
Whipped feta with pistachios, Steak kebab with pita and dips, Chocolate babka French toast
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 7.1
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: High-energy Eastern Mediterranean spot with mezze, kebabs, and serious brunch.
Who should go: Groups and friends craving shareable Mediterranean plates and cocktails.
When to visit: Prime-time dinners or weekend brunch; book well in advance.
What to order: Whipped feta, steak kebab, chocolate babka French toast.
Insider tip: Order a spread of dips and extra pita; they anchor the meal.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited in this part of SoHo; expect meters and garages nearby on Thompson and West Broadway, but budget extra time.
Dress code: Smart casual; diners tend to lean stylish due to the SoHo crowd, but jeans and a nice top are perfectly acceptable.
Noise level: Lively and loud during peak dinner and brunch; conversation is possible but raised voices are common in the main room.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without a reservation, especially for groups.
Weekday lunch: Typically minimal wait, though the garden area fills first.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Strong options including mezze, salads, and vegetable-focused mains.
Vegan options: Limited but workable; a few mezze and salads can be made vegan—ask for modifications.
Gluten-free options: Several dishes are naturally gluten-free and staff are familiar with substitutions, but there is no dedicated prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want a high-energy setting; the lively room and shareable plates help break the ice, but it’s not ideal for quiet conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possibly for smaller parties during off-peak hours, but weekend dinners and brunch often require booking well ahead.
Is it kid-friendly? Suitable for older kids and teens who enjoy flavorful Mediterranean food; no dedicated kids menu and the room can be loud.
Best For
Better for: Large-group dining, festive brunches, and shareable Eastern Mediterranean feasts with strong cocktails.
Skip if: You want a quiet meal, a fully traditional Greek menu, or extensive vegan options.
Hours
Monday5pm - 10pm
Tuesday5pm - 11pm
Wednesday5pm - 11pm
Thursday5pm - 11pm
Friday5pm - 11pm
Saturday5pm - 11pm
Sunday5pm - 10pm