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Sawa
$$$ · Mediterranean, Middle Eastern

75 5th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11217
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ZipPicks Awards

Best Family Friendly Restaurants in Boerum Hill Best Michelin Star Restaurants in Boerum Hill Best Middle Eastern in Boerum Hill Best Mediterranean in Boerum Hill

Vibe Check this spot

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

0 / 5 selected

Master Critic Review

Sawa 8.5
Park Slope
Vibes: Date Night Magic Trendy Table Hotspots Birthday & Celebration Central Group Dining Gatherings
Sawa is a modern Lebanese restaurant opened in April 2024 by siblings Samaya Boueri Ziade and George Boueri, with chef Soroosh Golbabae translating Beirut’s hospitality into a sleek, two-room Park Slope space. Freshly baked pita from a central bread oven, refined mezze, and dishes like kibbeh arnabiyeh and lamb chops with labneh make it a go-to for special-occasion Middle Eastern dining in the neighborhood.
Must-Try Dishes: Hummus with braised Wagyu beef cheeks, Rakkakat (halloumi and akkawi cheese rolls), Grilled lamb chops with garlic labneh
Scores:
Value: 7.3 Service: 8.6 Consistency: 8 Food Quality: 9.3 Atmosphere: 8.9 Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Contemporary Lebanese cooking with pita fired in a showpiece oven and a short, tightly curated menu.
Who should go: Diners seeking polished Lebanese for dates or small celebrations.
When to visit: Prime evening slots or late seatings when the room buzzes.
What to order: Hummus with Wagyu beef cheeks, rakkakat, lamb chops with labneh.
Insider tip: Start with a spread of dips and fresh pita at the bread counter, then share one or two large plates instead of ordering individually.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; competitive after 6pm on weekends—allow extra time or consider nearby garages on 5th/Flatbush.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy; polished tops, dark denim or nicer pants feel appropriate.
Noise level: Moderate-lively; dates can converse, but peak weekend rooms carry a celebratory hum.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without a reservation, especially during prime 7–9pm windows.
Weekday lunch: N/A – lunch service not standard; early weekday dinners see minimal waits.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Strong mezze lineup and salads offer multiple satisfying choices.
Vegan options: Limited but present—select dips and vegetable plates; confirm with staff for modifications.
Gluten-free options: Several plates are naturally gluten-free; pita is not, but staff can guide substitutions.
Best For
Better for: Refined Lebanese plates, fresh pita from a central oven, and special-occasion ambiance outshine more casual Mediterranean spots nearby.
Skip if: If you want fast, casual mezze, budget-friendly pricing, or very quiet dining, other neighborhood options may fit better.