Seemor
Zatar Cafe & BistroB+Worth Trying
1294 Myrtle Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11221
· Middle Eastern restaurant, Grill, Bistro
· 4.5/5 Google (559 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating
Casual Middle Eastern spot with standout dips, shawarma, and desserts at fair prices; service can be inconsistent, especially for takeout and late-night orders.
Why it gets a B+ for overall quality
Zatar Cafe & Bistro delivers solid neighborhood dining with strong food quality in shawarma, falafel, and mezze, supported by comfortable seating and fair pricing. However, inconsistent execution across service and timing—particularly in takeout delays and occasional food safety concerns—prevents the higher reliability expected of grade A establishments. Best experienced for dine-in visits where the warm, welcoming atmosphere and kitchen focus shine brightest.
Restaurant Summary
A cozy neighborhood bistro where plates of dips, shawarma, and flatbreads meet a friendly, lived-in room that feels warm and welcoming. Diners praise attentive servers and shareable spreads, with one guest noting, "the sampler dips were a hit and the falafel sandwich was on point." Outdoor seats are pleasant, though the nearby train adds street-side buzz. The cooking leans traditional Middle Eastern with a few playful touches—think hearty kabobs, crispy falafel, and flatbreads alongside a standout kunafa—more elevated comfort than edgy fusion. Most find flavors vibrant and portions fair for the price, though late-night or takeout timing can bring slower service and the occasional dry bite. Families fare well here. The menu includes a true kids menu (grilled cheese, nuggets, cheeseburger, mini falafel) and familiar flatbreads, while adventurous eaters can branch into mezze and kabobs. If food allergies are a concern, communicate clearly and confirm details, as one guest reported an issue with dairy handling.
At a Glance
- Excellent mezze and shareable dips
- Fair pricing with generous shawarma portions
- Dessert highlight—fresh, crisp kunafa
- Takeout delays and order accuracy issues at busy/late hours
- Isolated allergen-handling complaint; verify with staff
What Sets It Apart
- deep_mezze_selection
- housemade_kunafa
- kids_menu_in_mediterranean_bistro
- late_hours_with_cafe_service
What People Love
- Sampler dip platters that start the meal right
- Juicy shawarma with fresh accompaniments
- Crisp, fragrant kunafa to finish
- Welcoming staff that guide the menu
Points of Concern
- Takeout and late-night orders can be slow or incorrect; check bags before leaving
- Service inconsistency reported—great on good nights, uneven on others
- Noise outdoors from nearby train; sit inside if sensitive
- Review patterns show signs of mixed experiences rather than manipulation; expectations should factor variability
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$28-42 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Build a shareable spread: Variety Dip ($13) + Chicken Kabobs ($14) + Manqoosh flatbread ($10-12) + Kunafa ($12.95) for a balanced table at fair cost
Perfect For
- Casual weeknight Middle Eastern cravings
- Sharing plates with friends
- Brunch with flatbreads and coffee
- Family dinners with kid-friendly options
Location Insights
Area: Mixed commercial corridor with cafes, bars, and neighborhood foot traffic; casual, late-night energy near the M train.
Safety: Generally active and fair lighting; typical urban considerations, some late-night rough edges per area norms.
Nearby: Steps from elevated subway, street noise present; near bars and coffee shops that feed evening traffic.
Bedford-StuyvesantBedford-Stuyvesant, often called Bed-Stuy, is a historically rich neighborhood with a strong African-American cultural heritage. The dining scene is eclectic, featuring soul food, Caribbean cuisine, trendy cafes, and new gastropubs, reflecting both its roots and ongoing gentrification. The area is lively and community-oriented, with a mix of traditional and contemporary dining experiences.
Stuyvesant HeightsStuyvesant Heights is a sub-section of Bed-Stuy known for its well-preserved historic architecture and a slightly more residential, calm atmosphere. Dining here tends to be neighborhood-focused with a few boutique eateries and local favorites, offering a more intimate and community-driven experience.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday08:00–00:00
Tuesday08:00–00:00
Wednesday08:00–00:00
Thursday08:00–00:00
Friday08:00–00:00
Saturday08:00–00:00
Sunday08:00–00:00
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating
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