Seemor
Shawarma ShabaziBWorth Trying
668B Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10025
· Middle Eastern restaurant, Arab restaurant, Kosher restaurant
· 4.7/5 Google (452 reviews)
Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating
Big, customizable Israeli-style shawarma, laffa, and falafel with late hours and limited seating; great portions, mixed service, and some cleanliness/value complaints.
Why it gets a B for overall quality
Shawarma Shabazi delivers solid neighborhood quality through strong food quality and excellent value, especially for in-store orders, but inconsistent execution and tight seating constraints prevent higher standing. The customizable toppings bar and generous portions appeal to casual diners seeking authentic Israeli street food, though late-night cleanliness reports and variable service during busy shifts create reliability concerns that keep it competitive with neighborhood favorites rather than a destination standout.
Restaurant Summary
On Amsterdam Avenue, the room feels busy and unfussy, the kind of counter where you point, stack toppings, and walk out with a wrap the size of your forearm. Portions are the headline here, with one diner saying their plate fed them twice, and service ranges from friendly and quick to a bit curt when only one person runs the line. Late-night hours bring convenience but also the occasional messy salad bar and tighter seating options. Cooking leans classic Israeli street food: shawarma shaved fresh, pillowy laffa, and an unlimited toppings bar that lets you dial in tahini, schug, amba, and crisp salads. When they are on, flavors pop and the value lands, especially in-store; a few reviews call out bland or cold orders, most often tied to delivery or off-peak timing. If you crave customizable comfort more than culinary theater, this is your move. Families will find it workable: schnitzel, fries, pita, and simple shawarma are kid-approachable. Seating is limited and often outdoors, so plan for takeaway in bad weather. Vegetarian options like falafel, sabich, and hummus bowls make it easier to feed mixed preferences, though high chairs or kid menus are not mentioned.
At a Glance
- Huge portions with customizable toppings
- Strong in-store value versus delivery apps
- Limited seating and occasional cleanliness complaints late-night
- Inconsistent seasoning/temperature on off-peak or delivery orders
- Delivery app markups can be significant compared with in-store prices
What Sets It Apart
- unlimited_toppings_bar
- late_night_hours
- hearty_portions
What People Love
- Feeling of Israeli street-food energy
- Laffa wraps packed to the brim
- Friendly staff that fixes delivery mistakes
- Falafel and hummus that taste fresh when made to order
Points of Concern
- Seating is minimal; winter dining can be uncomfortable outdoors
- Some reports of bland or cold food, especially via delivery
- Occasional late-night cleanliness and salad bar tidiness complaints
- Review patterns show very high five-star share; engagement data supports authenticity but interpret extremes with context
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleCounter With Seating
Average Cost$30-$40 per person
ReservationsNot required
What to Order
- Choose laffa or plate if hungry; sabich or falafel for vegetarian; add schug and amba for brightness; pair a hummus bowl ($10.50-$15.50) to share.
Perfect For
- A hefty, fast-casual meal before or after a movie
- Late-night takeaway when other kitchens close
- Group orders where portions stretch into leftovers
- Vegetarian-friendly casual bites with Israeli flavors
Location Insights
Area: Residential Upper West Side corridor with steady foot traffic, student and family mix, late-night bites nearby.
Safety: Generally safe, well-lit avenues; occasional street-level grit typical of busy Manhattan blocks.
Nearby: Near Columbia-adjacent stretch, cafes, bars, and other casual eateries; close to Central Park West and transit on Broadway.
Morningside HeightsMorningside Heights is a lively neighborhood anchored by Columbia University and several seminaries, creating a youthful yet scholarly atmosphere. The dining scene includes casual eateries, coffee shops, and ethnic restaurants catering to students and faculty, alongside more traditional family-run establishments.
West HarlemThis micro-neighborhood blends historic Harlem culture with new development, offering a mix of soul food, Caribbean, and contemporary dining venues. It has a community-oriented feel with increasing diversity in culinary offerings.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday10:30–01:00
Tuesday10:30–01:00
Wednesday10:30–01:00
Thursday10:30–01:00
Friday10:30–17:30
Saturday20:30–03:00
Sunday10:30–01:00
Available: Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating
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