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Zizi Wine Bar
$$$ · Middle Eastern

45 John St, New York, NY 10038
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ZipPicks Awards

Best Middle Eastern in Financial District

Vibe Check this spot

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

0 / 5 selected

Master Critic Review

Zizi Wine Bar 8.3
Financial District
Vibes: Date Night Magic Girls Night Out Approved Group Dining Gatherings Trendy Table Hotspots
Zizi Wine Bar is a Mediterranean and Middle Eastern–influenced wine bar on John Street serving hummus, Jerusalem bagel, skewers, and shareable plates alongside a focused wine list. It’s where FiDi diners go when they want mezze, good bread, and shawarma-inspired dishes in a stylish but relaxed setting.
Must-Try Dishes: Jerusalem Bagel with Dips, Chicken Shawarma Skewers, Knafe Dessert
Scores:
Value: 6.7 Service: 8.7 Consistency: 8 Food Quality: 8.5 Atmosphere: 8.9 Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: A stylish FiDi wine bar pairing Mediterranean mezze with thoughtful wines.
Who should go: Small groups or dates wanting mezze, wine, and a buzzy room.
When to visit: Evenings after work for a lively but not overwhelming scene.
What to order: Jerusalem Bagel, Chicken Shawarma Skewers, Knafe to share.
Insider tip: Anchor your meal with carbs—Jerusalem bagel or pita—then layer on mezze.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited on John Street; aim for nearby paid garages on Fulton or Pearl, especially evenings.
Dress code: Smart casual—jeans are fine, but most guests lean dressy-casual for wine night.
Noise level: Moderate buzz—conversations are comfortable at two-tops, slightly louder for larger groups.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation during peak hours.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable—primarily an evening-focused venue; very low midday demand if open.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Strong mezze lineup—multiple vegetarian dips, salads, and bread-based plates.
Vegan options: Moderate—several mezze items can be vegan or made vegan on request; mains more limited.
Gluten-free options: Partial—salads, skewers, and some mezze work gluten-free, but breads are central to the menu.
Best For
Better for: Atmosphere-forward mezze and wine experiences—more stylish, curated, and date-friendly than casual Middle Eastern counters nearby.
Skip if: If you want quick service, budget pricing, or full entrée portions rather than sharable plates.