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Au Za'atar - East Village
$$ · Mediterranean, Middle Eastern

188 Avenue A, New York, NY 10009
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ZipPicks Awards

Best Mediterranean in East Village Best Middle Eastern in East Village Best Business Lunch Restaurants in East Village

Vibe Check this spot

Food Quality 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 5
Consistency 5
Cultural Relevance 5

0 / 5 selected

Master Critic Review

Au Za'atar - East Village 8.3
Alphabet City
Vibes: Group Dining Gatherings Happy Hour Hotspots Family Friendly Favorites Trendy Table Hotspots
A high-volume Lebanese-Mediterranean room that’s built for sharing: spreads, grilled meats, and bright salads in a lively, reservation-friendly setting. It’s a strong choice when you want reliable crowd-pleasers with enough menu range to satisfy both picky eaters and spice seekers.
Must-Try Dishes: Tableside shawarma, Hummus and mixed dips, Shish taouk
Scores:
Value: 7.6 Service: 7.8 Consistency: 8.6 Food Quality: 8.7 Atmosphere: 7.9 Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Big, shareable Lebanese-Mediterranean menu with proven reliability at scale.
Who should go: Groups who want easy sharing
When to visit: Weeknight dinner or early weekend lunch
What to order: Tableside shawarma, hummus, shish taouk
Insider tip: Order 2 dips, 1 salad, 1 grill, 1 starch—skip extra mains.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is very limited; expect to circle or use a nearby paid garage if driving.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual—jeans are common, but a polished top works well for evenings.
Noise level: Moderate to loud during peak hours—fine for groups, less ideal for quiet conversations.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation during peak hours.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait or a short 5–10 minute wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—strong selection of mezze, salads, and vegetable-based plates.
Vegan options: Yes—several dips, salads, and sides can be ordered vegan-friendly.
Gluten-free options: Limited—many grilled items and salads work, but cross-contamination is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual or daytime dates than intimate first dates—the lively room and share-plate format keep things easy but not romantic-quiet.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, but expect a wait at dinner; reservations are strongly recommended for groups or weekend nights.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—kids do well with the spreads, grilled meats, and flexible ordering, especially at lunch or early dinner.
Best For
Better for: Reliable group dining with broad menu appeal and consistent execution at scale.
Skip if: You want a quiet, intimate Mediterranean meal or a chef-driven, fine-dining experience.