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Au Za'atar - Midtown EastB+Worth Trying

Name: Au Za'atar - Midtown East
Address: 1063 1st Ave, New York, NY 10022, New York, United States
Rating: 4.5

1063 1st Ave, New York, NY 10022 · Lebanese restaurant, Arab restaurant, Bar · 4.5/5 Google (2332 reviews)

Reservations · Delivery · Takeout

Polished Lebanese spot with standout mezze, table-side shawarma spectacle, and lively service; delicious but pricey with occasional service inconsistencies—best for groups who love to share.

Why it gets a B+ for overall quality

Au Za'atar delivers strong food quality anchored by excellent mezze, hummus, and grilled preparations, supported by warm, attentive service that earns regular praise. However, inconsistent execution—particularly dry meats and variable pacing during peak hours—prevents a higher grade, and the tight seating and crowding concerns limit the dining experience. A solid neighborhood destination for Lebanese cuisine, though not yet among the region's premier establishments.

Restaurant Summary

The room feels chic and lively without tipping into chaos, with a green-backed bar and glowing table lamps setting the mood. Staff are often praised by name for warm, attentive service, and the bread-and-sauce ritual gets people smiling. One guest put it simply: "The spreads and grilled meats turned dinner into an easy feast." However, expect busy peak hours and plan for a longer pacing if you choose the showy shawarma. The cooking leans elevated traditional Lebanese: mezze-driven and grill-focused with polished presentation rather than theatrics. Hummus and Beiruty variations win raves, manouche comes hot from the oven, and mixed grills satisfy groups when timed well. A few diners reported dry meats or long waits, especially around the table-side shawarma setup, but most describe flavors as bright, balanced, and generously sauced. Families do well here thanks to familiar kid-pleasers like warm pita, fries, grilled chicken, manouche, and simple salads. There is no explicit kids menu, but the large menu has many gentle flavors alongside spicier dishes. Portions are shareable, though bread refills and pacing can vary—helpful to ask up front so expectations match reality.

At a Glance

Hummus and mezze are standouts with fresh pita
Lively atmosphere ideal for celebrations and groups
Service can be slow at peak times and with table-side shawarma
Pricey menu; portions feel variable to some
Vegetarians should confirm dishes carefully due to two reported mix-ups

What Sets It Apart

table_side_shawarma_experience
extensive_lebanese_mezze
stone_oven_manouche

What People Love

Creamy, flavorful hummus and dips
Warm pita and fun sauce selection
Attentive named servers who guide the menu
Showpiece shawarma and mixed grills for sharing
Chic, modern room that still feels welcoming

Points of Concern

Pacing can be long during busy dinners and with shawarma (30–60 minutes)
A few incidents of poor escalation or limited comps when issues arose
Portion expectations vary; some perceived small servings at high prices
Two vegetarian mix-up reports—confirm orders if strict dietary needs

Service & Dining Experience

Service StyleTable Service Average Cost$62-88 per person ReservationsRecommended

What to Order

For vegetarians: Tabouli, Arnabeet Bi Tarator, Fattet Al-Betenjane, Manouche Jebne
For gluten-free: Many mezze marked GF plus grilled proteins with rice; verify sauces
Fish lovers: Dorade or Halibut Siyadieh for reliable execution

Perfect For

Group feasts built around mezze and grills
Date nights with polished but relaxed vibes
Celebrating birthdays with sparklers and shareables
Out-of-towners seeking elevated Lebanese classics

Location Insights

Area: Busy Midtown East corridor serving office workers, residents, and embassy/UN crowd; lively evenings.

Safety: Generally safe, well-lit with steady foot traffic; typical Midtown vigilance advised late night.

Nearby: Near offices, residential towers, bars, and casual eateries along 1st Ave; convenient to hospitals and UN area.

Turtle BayTurtle Bay offers a refined dining scene with a variety of upscale restaurants, casual eateries, and international cuisine reflecting the diverse population. The area is characterized by a quieter, more residential feel compared to the busier parts of Midtown, attracting diners looking for quality and ambiance in a convenient location.

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Monday10:00–02:00 Tuesday10:00–02:00 Wednesday10:00–02:00 Thursday10:00–02:00 Friday10:00–02:00 Saturday10:00–02:00 Sunday10:00–02:00

Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout

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