Au Za'atar: Your Guide to Authentic Lebanese Cuisine in NYC

Au Za'atar Introduce

Welcome to the vibrant world of Lebanese cuisine, right here in the heart of New York City. If you're searching for an authentic, flavorful, and unforgettable dining experience, look no further than Au Za'atar. Tucked away in the lively East Village, this restaurant has become a local favorite for its dedication to traditional recipes, warm hospitality, and a menu that transports you straight to the bustling streets of Beirut. Whether you're a seasoned fan of Middle Eastern food or new to its rich tapestry of flavors, Au Za'atar offers a journey for your taste buds that you won’t want to miss.

Lebanese food is celebrated worldwide for its emphasis on fresh, wholesome ingredients and a beautiful balance of spices. It's not just about the food; it's about the experience—sharing small plates (mezze) with friends and family, and taking your time to savor each bite. Au Za'atar perfectly captures this spirit, making it an ideal spot for any occasion, from a casual lunch to a romantic dinner. The menu is a comprehensive guide to the best of Lebanese cooking, from succulent grilled meats to rich vegetarian stews and creamy dips.

Au Za'atar is more than just a place to eat; it’s a destination for culture and community. The restaurant prides itself on serving up not only incredible meals but also a welcoming atmosphere that makes every guest feel right at home. It’s no wonder it’s a popular spot for solo diners and groups alike, attracting both local families and tourists eager to explore the city’s diverse culinary scene.

Located at 188 Avenue A, New York, NY 10009, Au Za'atar is conveniently situated in one of Manhattan’s most exciting and walkable neighborhoods, the East Village. This prime location makes it easily accessible for anyone in the city. The area is well-served by public transportation, with several subway and bus lines nearby. For those driving, there is both free and paid street parking available, though as with many parts of NYC, it can be competitive. The restaurant's storefront is easy to spot, with a warm and inviting presence that fits right into the neighborhood’s trendy and upscale vibe.

Upon arrival, you'll find the restaurant is committed to ensuring a comfortable experience for all patrons. They have a wheelchair-accessible entrance and seating, demonstrating a thoughtful approach to accessibility. Whether you're heading out for a quick bite or a long, leisurely meal, Au Za'atar's location and accessibility make planning your visit simple and stress-free. It's a great choice for a spontaneous dinner after exploring the city or a planned gathering with friends.

Au Za'atar offers a wide range of services designed to meet the needs of all its customers. Whether you're dining in, grabbing a quick meal to go, or planning a large event, they have you covered.

Services offered include:

Outdoor seating for enjoying your meal in the fresh air.
Delivery right to your door, so you can enjoy their delicious food from the comfort of your home.
Takeout for convenient pick-up.
Dine-in service, with a cozy and romantic atmosphere perfect for any occasion.
Brunch, lunch, and dinner options are available with flexible dining hours.
Catering services for events, with a dedicated menu featuring large trays of their most popular dishes, including Grilled Herb Salmon, Tabouli Salad, and an assortment of kebabs.
Table service, with attentive staff committed to providing a great dining experience.
Reservations are accepted, and highly recommended for brunch, lunch, and dinner, especially on busy nights when there is usually a wait.
They also offer high chairs for children, making it a family-friendly option.

What truly sets Au Za'atar apart are its unique features and commitment to quality. The restaurant’s highlights extend beyond just the food, encompassing the entire dining atmosphere.

Features and highlights include:

Great coffee and tea selection, perfect for finishing your meal or a quick pick-me-up.
A great wine list that complements the rich and varied flavors of Lebanese cuisine.
A bar with a wide selection of alcohol, beer, cocktails, and hard liquor.
Offers halal food, catering to a diverse clientele.
Plenty of vegetarian options on the menu, ensuring there's something for everyone.
Known for its fast service, making it a reliable choice even when you’re on a schedule.
A focus on small plates (mezze), which encourages sharing and trying a variety of dishes.
The menu features a range of authentic dishes, including comfort food and healthy options.
A casual, cozy, and romantic atmosphere that can be both trendy and upscale.
The restaurant has a restroom and an onsite bar for guests' convenience.
They accept a variety of payment methods, including credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments.

If you're ready to experience the culinary delights of Au Za'atar, here's how to get in touch.

Address: 188 Avenue A, New York, NY 10009, USA

Phone: (212) 254-5660

For up-to-date hours, to make a reservation, or for any specific inquiries, it's best to call ahead or check their official website.

Au Za'atar stands out for a multitude of reasons, making it a must-visit for anyone in New York. The menu is a testament to the richness of Lebanese gastronomy. From the cold mezze to the charcoal grill, every dish is prepared with care and an unwavering commitment to authenticity. The Lamb Shank, a signature dish, is a perfect example: slow-cooked to perfection, it is incredibly tender and flavorful, falling right off the bone. The spicy hummus is another fan favorite, offering a delightful kick that elevates a classic staple.

Beyond the food, what makes Au Za'atar truly special is the hospitality. The staff, known for their attentiveness and friendly nature, go above and beyond to make your visit memorable. They are experts on the menu and are more than happy to guide you through the various options, offering recommendations based on your preferences. This personalized service makes you feel like a welcomed guest, not just another customer.

The ambiance of the restaurant is another reason to choose it. It manages to be both romantic and trendy, making it suitable for a date night or a night out with friends. The cozy interior and beautiful decor create a comfortable setting to enjoy a leisurely meal. The diverse crowd, from families to groups and tourists, speaks to its broad appeal.

Au Za'atar is not just a meal; it's an experience. It’s a place where you can enjoy traditional Lebanese dishes, discover new flavors, and feel the warmth of true hospitality. While some diners may have differing opinions on authenticity or pricing, the overwhelming positive feedback on the quality of food, the amazing service, and the inviting atmosphere makes it clear why Au Za'atar has a stellar reputation. It's a place that delivers a genuine taste of Lebanon, right here in the heart of the city, and is well worth a visit for anyone seeking a unique and delicious culinary adventure.

Au Za'atar Menu

Catering - Utensils and Plates
Serving Fork $1.00
Serving utensil for catering trays.
Tong $1.00
Serving utensil for catering trays.
Salad Tong $1.00
Serving utensil for catering trays.
Plate $1.00
Per person.
Cutlery Kit $1.25
Per person. Includes fork, knife, spoon, and napkin
Serving Spoon $1.00
Serving utensil for catering trays.

Catering - Fish & Seafood
Grilled Herb Salmon (Catering) (HL) $120.00
Serves 4-6.
Samke Harra (Catering) (HL) $110.00
Serves 4-6. Spiced fillet sea bass baked in a skillet with tahini topped with nuts.

Extras
Pita Bread $3.25
Zaatar Aioli Sauce $2.25
Red Hot Sauce $2.25
Garlic Toum $2.25
Green Hot Sauce $2.25
Tahini Sauce $1.75

Home Style Dishes & Stews - Tabkhat - Please no modifications or substitutions.
Kibbi Labaniyeh $36.00
Kibbeh krass in yogurt sauce, ground beef &mint sprinkled with toasted pine nuts served with vermicelli rice
Bemieh Bi Lahme $36.00
*can be (GF) Baby okra stew with lamb, tomato, onion,spices & cilantro served with vermicelli rice
Shish Barak $34.00
Hand rolled dumplings filled with ground beef & pine nuts in a mint yogurt stew served with vermicelli rice
Fattet Djaj $34.00
Shredded chicken breast, warm chickpeas,crispy pita chips smothered with yogurt sauce & sprinkled with assorted nuts
Mahashi $40.00
spiced rice and minced meat stuffed grape leaves and summer zucchini simmered in a deeply savory lemon, garlic, lamb broth with braised lamb
Laban Immo $46.00
lamb shank in yogurt mint stew sprinkled with toasted pine nuts served with vermicelli rice
Lamb Shank $42.00
(GF) Slow braised lamb shank served with mashed potatoes & caramelized onions
Loubiye Bi Lahmeh $36.00
Green romano beans stew with lamb, tomato,onion, spices & cilantros served with vermicelli rice
Malfouf Mehshi $37.00
spiced rice and minced meat stuffed cabbage simmered in a deeply savory lemon, garlic, lamb broth with braised lamb
Kharouf $40.00
shredded lamb shoulder served over spiced rice, minced beef & garnished with assorted nuts & pistachio
Riz A Djaj $34.00
Tender shredded boneless chicken served on a bed of spiced rice, minced beef & garnished with assorted nuts & pistachio
Dalaa Mahshi $100.00
Braised lamb shoulder stuffed with spiced rice & minced beef garnished with nuts
Fattet Lahmeh $38.00
succulent lamb cubes, warm chickpeas, crispy pita chips smothered with yogurt sauce & sprinkled with sautéed diced lamb & assorted nuts
Kousa Labaniyeh $34.00
minced meat stuffed zucchini in yogurt sauce & mint sprinkled with toasted pine nuts served with vermicelli rice

Main Course Salads - Please no modifications or substitutions.
Salmon Salad $36.00
Arugula, greens, red onion, sun dried cranberries, boiled egg, baked salmon
Shish Tawook Salad $31.00
Grilled chicken cubes over house salad
Grilled Halloum Salad $28.00
Grilled halloum, roasted beets and cucumber with walnuts over greens and lemon sumac vinaigrette.
Rocca Beetroot Salad $24.00
Arugula, beetroot, red onion, feta cheese,sumac, lemon & olive oil dressing

Catering - Meat Mezze
Arayes Kafta (Catering) (HL) $42.00
Serves 8-10. Toasted pita filled with minced meat, onion, parsley, tahini sauce & Lebanese spices.
Rekakat Lahme (Tray Of 12) (HL) $36.00
Serves 6-8. Tray of 12. Phyllo pastry filled with minced beef & toasted pine nuts.
Kibbeh Kras (Tray Of 12) (HL) $48.00
Serves 6-8. Tray of 12. Hand-rolled shells consist of a mixture of beef & bulgur wheat, filled with ground beef, diced onions & pine nuts.
Hummus Bi Djaj (Catering) (HL) $75.00
Serves 8-10. Hummus topped with marinated chicken & pine nuts.
Jwaneh (Tray Of 22) (HL) $65.00
Serves 6-8. Tray of 22. Grilled chicken wings marinated with garlic, olive oil, lemon.
Hummus Bil Lahme (Catering) (HL) $80.00
Serves 8-10. Our classic chickpea dip topped with sautéed lamb & pine nuts.

Desserts
Knafeh $17.00
Baked cheese topped with shredded fillo dough soaked in orange blossom syrup topped with fresh pistachio.
Ashta $15.50
Homemade pudding with honey, pistachio and fresh banana.
Pyramid $13.00
Chocolate mousse on a chocolate sponge cake base with crunchy gianduia (chocolate and hazelnut) center, dusted with cocoa powder and decorated with white chocolate drops.
Baklawa $13.50
Assortment of fillo pastries with nuts.
Mouhallabie $11.00
Milk pudding topped with almonds, nuts and ground pistachio ＆ orange blossom syrup.
Chocolate Salted Caramel Souffle $13.00
Moist chocolate cake with a heart of creamy salted caramel.

Catering - Sides
Mediterranean Grits (Catering) (HL) $28.00
Serves 4-6.
Vermicelli Rice (Catering) (HL) $30.00
Serves 4-6.
Spiced Rice & Minced Beef (Catering) (HL) $34.00
Serves 4-6.
Mashed Potatoes (Catering) (HL) $38.00
Serves 4-6.
Grilled Vegetables (Catering) (HL) $36.00
Serves 4-6.

Catering - Salads
Tabouli Salad (Catering) (HL) $80.00
Serves 8-10. Wheat bulgur mixed with fresh parsley, tomatoes, scallions, mint, fresh lemon juice & olive oil.
Fattoush Salad (Catering) (HL) $70.00
Serves 8-10. Greens with tomatoes, cucumbers, radish, onions & toasted za'atar pita points in a lemon sumac vinaigrette.

Catering - Drinks
Drinks For Catering (HL) $6.00
Serves 5+. Bundle package for beverages. Choose between frozen mint lemonade, Mexican Coke and Diet Coke.

Meat Mezze - Please no modifications or substitutions.
Jwaneh $17.50
Grilled chicken wings marinated with garlic, olive oil, lemon
Sambousik Lahme $15.00
Hand crafted pastry pockets filled with minced ground beef, toasted pine nuts
Chicken Toshka $20.00
grilled stuffed flatbread with spicy minced chicken, onion, parsley and melted cheese
Arayes Kafta $21.00
Toasted pita filled with minced meat, onion, parsley, tahini sauce and Lebanese spices.
Hummus Bi Lahmeh $19.50
Our classic chickpea dip topped with sauteed diced lamb and pine nuts.
Spicy Kibbeh Sajiyeh $20.00
hand rolled shells made of a mixture of beef & bulgur wheat filled with spicy ground beef, diced onions, walnuts
Hummus Bi Djaj $18.00
Hummus topped with marinated chicken and pine nuts.
Makanek $20.00
House-made classic Lebanese spiced sausages flambeed with fresh lemon juice.
Kibbeh Kras $17.50
Lebanon’s national dish. A mixture of lean beef and bulgur wheat filled with a mixture of ground beef, diced onions and pine nuts.
Rekakat Lahme $16.00
Phyllo pastry filled with minced beef and toasted pine nuts.
Msakhan Rolls $18.00
tangy shredded sumac chicken and caramelized onions in pastry rolls
Soujouk $20.00
Housemade spicy beef sausages sauteed with fresh tomatoes and olive oil.

Catering - Famous Homemade Sauces and Fixins
Za'atar Aioli (Catering) (HL) $10.00
Serves 4-6. Sun-dried thyme-based spread.
Garlic Toum (Catering) (HL) $10.00
Serves 4-6. Garlic paste spread.
Tahini Sauce (Catering) (HL) $10.00
Serves 4-6. Sesame paste-based and lemon juice.
Lebanese Pickles (Catering) (HL) $10.00
Serves 4-6. Pickled cucumbers.
Red Hot Sauce (Catering) (HL) $10.00
Serves 4-6.
Pickled Turnips (Catering) (HL) $10.00
Serves 4-6.
Green Hot Sauce (Catering) (HL) $10.00
Serves 4-6.

Vegetarian Mezze - (We cannot guarantee that any of our dishes are allergen free; in particular sesame seeds & nuts)
Arnabeet Mekle $18.00
Fried cauliflower marinated in authentic Lebanese herbs and spices.
Vegetable Crudites $11.00
Fresh vegetable sticks for dipping
Batata Harra $16.00
Sauteed potato cubes with cilantro, garlic and red pepper flakes.
Vegetarian Kibbeh Naye $21.00
Sun-dried tomato, bulgur wheat & herbs tartare
Tabouli Salad $19.00
Wheat bulgur mixed with fresh parsley, tomatoes, onions, mint, fresh lemon juice and olive oil.
Waraa Enab Bi Zeit $18.00
Hand rolled stuffed grape leaves with tangy tomato, parsley and rice stuffing
Mudardara $15.00
Rice and lentils topped with caramelized onions.
Fattoush Salad $16.00
Greens with tomatoes, cucumbers, radish, onions and toasted za’atar pita points in a lemon sumac vinaigrette.
Labne $17.00
Classic Levantine cream cheese infused with za’atar and extra virgin olive oil.
Sumac Fries $10.00
Made with chickpeas, onions, cumin, spicy hot peppers and parsley.
Traditional Falafel $16.00
Made with chickpeas, onions, cumin and parsley.
Kibbeh Zankliyeh $16.00
Spiced bulgur wheat shell stuffed with Swiss chard, chickpeas
Burgrul W Banadoura $14.00
Cooked bulgur wheat in a garlic tomato broth
Foul Medamas $15.00
A blend of fava beans, garlic, lemon juice, cumin and olive oil.
Kousa Bi Zeit $16.00
Stuffed zucchini with tangy tomato parsley,rice filling
Bemieh Bi Zait $17.00
Fresh baby okra sautéed in extra virgin olive oil, tomatoes, garlic, cilantro
Raheb Salad $14.00
Diced grilled eggplant, tomatoes, bell pepper, mint, green onion, lemon juice, olive oil
Marinated Beets $16.00
Topped with chevre
Spicy Falafel $17.50
Made with chickpeas, onions, cumin, spicy hot peppers and parsley.
Arnabeet Bi Tarator $19.50
Fried cauliflower with yogurt tahini sauce topped with toasted pine nuts.
Fattet Al-Betanjane $20.00
Eggplant topped with toasted pita bread. Smothered with garlic yogurt sauce and sauteed pine nuts.
Khodra $13.00
Assorted fresh vegetable plate
Loubieh Bi Zait $17.00
Slow cooked French green beans,tomatoes, onions, garlic, olive oil

Catering - Beef
Filet Mignon Shish Kebab (Catering) (HL) $145.00
Serves 4-6. Beef filet mignon cubes.
Grilled Kafta Kebab (Catering) (HL) $110.00
Serves 4-6. Char-grilled lean ground beef & lamb mixed with chopped onions, parsley, herbs & spices.

Catering - Vegetarian Dips & Mezze
Oven Roasted Beets (Catering) (HL) $68.00
Serves 8-10. Topped with chévre.
Arnabeet Bi Tarator (Catering) (HL) $78.00
Serves 8-10. Fried cauliflower with parsley yogurt tahini sauce topped with toasted pine nuts.
Crudité Plate (Catering) (HL) $24.00
Serves 8-10. Cucumber, carrots & celery sticks.
Vegetable Kebab (Catering) (HL) $96.00
Serves 4-6. Main Course.
Hummus (Catering) (HL) $55.00
Serves 8-10. Puréed chickpeas with tahini sauce & lemon juice.
Spicy Falafel (Tray Of 12) (HL) $30.00
Serves 6-8. Tray of 12. Made with chickpeas, onions, capsicum peppers & cumin.
Batata Harra (Catering) (HL) $58.00
Serves 8-10. Sautéed spicy potato cubes with cilantro, garlic & red pepper flakes.
Baba Ganoush (Catering) (HL) $65.00
Serves 8-10. Char-grilled eggplant purée with tahini & lemon juice.
Bamieh Bzeit (Catering) (HL) $58.00
Serves 8-10. Fresh baby okra sautéed in extra virgin olive oil with tomatoes, garlic & cilantro.
Spicy Hummus (Catering) (HL) $65.00
Serves 8-10. Puréed chickpeas with tahini sauce, lemon juice mixed with capsicum.
Labne (Catering) (HL) $60.00
Serves 8-10. Classic levantine cream cheese & extra virgin olive oil.
Traditional Falafel (Tray Of 12) (HL) $28.00
Serves 6-8. Tray of 12. Made with chickpeas, onions, cumin & parsley.
Arnabeet Mekle (Catering) (HL) $58.00
Serves 8-10. Fried cauliflower marinated in authentic Lebanese herbs & spices.
Rakakat Jebne (Tray Of 12) (HL) $36.00
Serves 6-8. Tray of 12. Blend of white cheeses in phyllo.
Mudardara (Catering) (HL) $58.00
Serves 8-10. Rice, lentils & caramelized onions.
Fattet Al-Betenjane (Catering) (HL) $58.00
Serves 8-10. Eggplant with warm chickpeas, crispy pita chips smothered with garlic yogurt sauce, sprinkled with cranberries, pomegranate seeds & pine nuts.
Wara'a Enab Bi Zeit (Tray Of 24) (HL) $74.00
Serves 10-12. Tray of 24. Hand-rolled stuffed grape leaves with tangy tomato, parsley, and rice stuffing.
Muhammara (Catering) (HL) $70.00
Serves 8-10. A blend of spicy & sweet pepper with walnuts & pomegranate molasses.
Foul Medames (Catering) (HL) $58.00
Serves 8-10. A blend of beans, garlic, lemon juice, cumin & extra virgin olive oil.
Sumac Fries (Catering) (HL) $36.00
Serves 8-10. Hand-cut frites tossed with sumac & parsley.
Hummus With Mushroom (Catering) (HL) $70.00
Serves 8-10. Hummus with seasoned sautéed mushroom and pine nuts.

From Our Grill - Mashawi - Please no modifications or substitutions.
Lamb Kebab Platter $40.00
Seasoned lamb cubes served with vermicelli rice
Grilled Kafta Kebab Platter $34.00
Char-grilled lean ground beef & lamb mixed with chopped onions, parsley, herbs & spices served with vermicelli rice
Shish Tawook Platter $34.00
Char-grilled skewered chicken cubes marinated in lemon and herbs, vermicelli rice
Chicken Chops $34.00
Semi-Boneless marinated chicken chops & hand cut frites
Filet Mignon Shish Kebab Platter $40.00
Beef filet mignon cubes served with hand cut frites
Baby Lamb Chops $48.00
Seasoned baby lamb chops served with vermicelli rice
Chicken Kafta Kebab Platter $31.00
char-grilled seasoned ground chicken served hand cut frites
Vegetable Kebab $30.00
Grilled marinated zucchini, eggplant, onion,tomato, bell pepper served with vermicelli rice
Fish Kebab $38.00
Grilled marinated cubes of swordfish served with hand cut frites
Mixed Grill Platter Supreme $78.00
Shish Tawook, Filet Mignon, Chicken Kafta,Beef Kafta Kebab, Baby Lamb Chops & Jumbo Shrimp served with hand cut frites
Mixed Grill Platter $58.00
Shish Tawook, Filet Mignon, Chicken Kafta & Beef Kafta Kebab served with hand cut frites

Mediterranean Cheeses - Please no modifications or substitutions.
Pickled Labne $14.50
Round shaped pickled labne in olive oil
Feta & Pistachio Puree $19.00
feta, garlic honey, cilantro, pistachio
Halloum Mekli $19.00
Fried Cypriot cheese drizzled with garlic honey olive oil
Rekakat Jebne $14.50
Blend of 5 cheeses in phyllo.
Grilled Halloum $18.00
Cypriot cheese served grilled over marinated tomatoes and cucumbers.

Sides - Please no modifications or substitutions.
Vermicelli Rice $8.00
Mashed Potato $10.00
Spiced Rice & Minced Beef $9.50
Sauteed Spinach $12.00

Catering - Poultry
Chicken Chops (Catering) (HL) $96.00
Serves 4-6. Semi-boneless marinated chicken chops.
Riz A Djaj (Catering) (HL) $120.00
Serves 4-6. Tender shredded boneless chicken served on a bed of spiced rice, minced beef & garnished with sautéed assorted nuts & pistachio. Serves 4-6.
Shish Tawook (Chicken Kebab) (Catering) (HL) $110.00
Serves 4-6. Char-grilled chicken cubes marinated in lemon & herbs.
Chicken Kafta Kebab (Catering) (HL) $110.00
Serves 4-6. Char-grilled seasoned ground chicken.

Catering - Lamb
Lamb Shank (Catering) (HL) $140.00
Serves 4-6. Dressed with armagnac prune sauce & caramelized onions.
Lamb Kebab (Catering) (HL) $165.00
Serves 4-6. Succulent marinated lamb cubes.
Dalaa Mahshi (Catering) (HL) $168.00
Serves 4-6. 2-3 pound piece Braised lamb shoulder.
Baby Lamb Chops (Catering) (HL) $165.00
Serves 4-6. Marinated baby lamb chops.

Vegetarian Dips - Please no modifications or substitutions.
Spicy Hummus $16.00
Pureed chickpeas with tahini sauce and lemon juice mixed with capsicum.
Hummus W Fitter $18.50
Hummus with seasoned sautéed mushroom and pine nuts
Baba Ghanoush $16.00
Char-grilled eggplant puree with tahini and fresh lemon juice.
Hummus Snobar $18.00
hummus topped with roasted pine nuts
Sweet Potato Puree $17.50
purple sweet potato purée blended with chickpeas, tahini, garlic, lemon juice topped with boiled egg
Hummus $15.00
Pureed chickpeas with tahini sauce and lemon juice.
Hummus Beiruty $15.50
Puréed chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, garlic,parsley topped with hot fava beans
Hummus Extra $18.50
traditional hummus topped with diced salad
Muhammara $18.00
A blend of spicy and sweet pepper with walnuts and pomegranate molasses.

NA Beverages
Pineapple Cocktail $10.00
Blended fresh pineapple ＆ banana with milk, topped with diced strawberries, pistachio ＆ pine nuts
Strawberry Banana Cocktail $12.00
Blended fresh pineapple ＆ banana with milk, topped with diced strawberries, pistachios ＆ pine nuts
Frozen Mint Lemonada $10.00
Blended fresh mint and fresh lemon juice
Laban Ayran $8.00
Salty homemade yogurt drink
Frozen Watermelon Juice $10.00
Blended fresh watermelon
Frozen Strawberry Vimto $10.00
Diet Coke $5.00
Glass Bottle. Requires Bottle Opener.
Frozen Jellab $12.00
Sweet blend of grape, date molasses, rose water and garnished with pine nuts ＆ pine nuts
Coke $5.00
Glass Bottle. Requires Bottle Opener.
Sprite $5.00
Glass Bottle. Requires Bottle Opener.

Fish & Seafood - Please no modifications or substitutions.
Luccas Meshwi $42.00
Char-grilled bone-in whole branzino marinated in lemon, garlic, salt served with tarator(tomato, parsley tahini salad)
Grilled Herb Salmon $36.00
Mediterranean grits and tomato Provencal.
Dorade $40.00
Mediterranean fish with rich flavor, grilled & butterflied served with tarator (tomato, parsley tahini salad)
Areydes $40.00
Jumbo shrimp sautéed in Lebanese Provençale sauce served with vermicelli rice
Samke Harra $40.00
Spiced fillet sea bass baked in a skillet with tahini over spiced potatoes topped with nuts.

Manae'esh Pita - Open Face Sandwiches - Please no modifications or substitutions.
Soujouk W Jebne Bi Ajin $21.00
Minced beef Lebanese sausage, tomatoes and cheese
Za'atar Manouche $13.00
Sun-dried thyme, sesame seeds, sumac, and extra virgin olive oil
Lahme Bi Ajin $17.50
Minced meat, onions, tomatoes with traditional spices
Kafta W Jebne Bi Ajin $21.00
Minced meat with onions, parsley, Lebanese spices and cheese
Falafel Pizza $21.00
cheese, tomatoes, diced falafel, and tahini sauce
Chicken Kafta W Jebne Bi Ajin $21.00
minced chicken with onions, parsley, Lebanese spices, white cheese blend
Jebne Manouche $14.00
White cheese

Sandwiches - Please no modifications or substitutions.
Batata Pita Sandwich $14.00
Vegetarian. Sumac fries, coleslaw, pickles, garlic toum, ketchup
Kafta Kebab Pita Sandwich $16.50
Char-grilled ground beef and lamb seasoned with onions, parsley, herbs, and spices with grilled tomatoes, a spread of hummus and tahini sauce.
Falafel Pita Sandwich $14.50
Vegetarian. Chickpea fritters, tomatoes, parsley, pickled turnips, tahini sauce.
Chicken Kafta Kebab Pita Sandwich $16.50
Char-grilled ground chicken seasoned with chopped onions, parsley, spices, and a spread of za’atar aioli, topped with fresh mint leaves, Lebanese pickles and fries all inside the sandwich.
Lahme Pita Sandwich $16.50
Marinated sliced beef, onion parsley sumac mix, pickles, tomatoes, tahini
Taouk Franji Pita Sandwich $16.50
Shish taouk, garlic toum, pickles, coleslaw, sumac fries
Sojuk Pita Sandwich $16.50
Spiced Lebanese beef and lamb sausage flambeed in lemon juice, garlic toum, pickles and tomato.
Arnabeet Mekle Pita Sandwich $15.50
Vegetarian. Marinated fried cauliflower, tomatoes and tahini sauce.
Djaj Pita Sandwich $16.50
Marinated thinly sliced chicken, garlic toum, pickles, sumac fries
Shish Tawook Pita Sandwich (Chicken Kebab) $16.50
Char-grilled chicken breast cubes, garlic toum, onions ＆ parsley sumac mix, pickles, and fries all inside the sandwich.
Lamb Harra Pita Sandwich $16.50
Shaved hot & spicy Lamb with onions, jalapeno, cilantro, sumac fries and garlic toum
Egg Pita Sandwich $13.50
Vegetarian. Boiled Egg, labne spread, scallions, olives & fresh mint leaves
Makanek Pita Sandwich $16.50
Makanek(House-made classic Beef & Lamb Lebanese spiced sausages flambeed with fresh lemon juice -contains pine nuts), spread of hummus, pickles, tomatoes, sumac fries

Hot Soups - Shorba
Chicken Soup $12.00
Red Lentil Soup $11.00

Catering - Dessert
Baklawa (HL) $48.00
Serves 4-12. Assortment of filo pastries with nuts.

Au Za'atar Details

Service options
Outdoor seating
Delivery
Takeout
Dine-in

Highlights
Fast service
Great coffee
Great tea selection
Great wine list
Serves local specialty

Popular for
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining

Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible seating

Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Cocktails
Coffee
Comfort food
Halal food
Hard liquor
Healthy options
Late-night food
Small plates
Vegetarian options
Wine

Dining options
Brunch
Lunch
Dinner
Catering
Dessert
Seating
Table service

Amenities
Bar onsite
Restroom

Atmosphere
Casual
Cozy
Romantic
Trendy
Upscale

Crowd
Family-friendly
Groups
Tourists

Planning
Brunch reservations recommended
Lunch reservations recommended
Dinner reservations recommended
Accepts reservations
Usually a wait

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards

Children
High chairs

Parking
Free street parking
Paid street parking

Au Za'atar Photos

Au Za'atar Location

Au Za'atar

New York New York County New York Avenue A

188 Avenue A, New York, NY 10009, USA

Au Za'atar Reviews

An average rating of ★4.3 from 4237 user reviews.

lamb shawarmaspicy hummuslamb shankmint lemonadespicy falafelvideofalafel pizzasmall platesfilet mignoncrystal

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

5/5 stars!It was our first time trying Lebanese food and our server Ivan was amazing and walked us through the entire menu, sharing the most popular dishes and his personal favorites. He was on top of his service, constantly checking in on us and asking if we were ok. A fellow female server, I don't have her name, but she was also refilling our waters and offering help whenever we needed. The food was amazing, especially the Lamb Shank and spicy hummus. Thank you
July 17 · Vanessa Li
I have been to so many middle eastern restaurants and I was born and raised in the Middle East!! This restaurant DID NOT taste good at all!! I grew up eating middle eastern food and this was a disappointment.They didn’t have authentic food that I was hoping for and the worst part was everything had to be ordered separately. Hummus and bread and rice in any middle eastern restaurant is given for free. It’s a part of the meal. Here we had to order separately. My kids wanted regular lemonade but the waiter was like no there is only mint frozen one. The prizes on these were outrageous too. It’s one thing if your food is good but when it’s not and you charge a lot it’s just not worth it.I really do not know how they got these ratings! I will never recommend this place to anyone. Very disappointing
July 25 · Tinz
Unforgettable Experience – 10/10!From the moment we walked in, the staff made us feel genuinely welcome. The hospitality was next-level — warm, attentive, and truly thoughtful without ever being overbearing. You could tell they really cared about creating a great experience.The food? Absolutely incredible. Every dish was flavorful, beautifully presented, and cooked to perfection. You can taste the quality and passion in every bite.On top of that, the atmosphere was just perfect—cozy yet elegant, with just the right lighting and music to create a relaxed, inviting vibe. Whether you're there for a casual dinner or a special night out, it feels just right.It’s rare to find a place where the service, food, and ambiance are all this amazing — but this restaurant nailed it. Can’t wait to come back. Highly, highly recommend!
April 16 · Daliah B
My wife and I considered canceling our reservation because we had already eaten so much during the day. We’re so glad we didn’t. This was one of the best dining experiences we had in our 8 days in NYC. The service was great, but the food was extremely impressive. We ordered more than we knew we could eat just because we wanted to try so many different things. Every bite was absolutely delicious.
May 11 · Joshua Davis
Like it’s decent. Got in on a Friday at 7pm without a reservation.The mezze are much larger than they let on. They said order 2 per person. We ordered 0.6/person (2 mezze for 3 people) and we were literally full.They really need to give you more bread for the mezze/dips.I liked the pickles and radish and sauces that came with the mezze.The hummus with lamb was really solid. The dip with pomegranate was pretty good.Outdoor and indoor seating.
July 20 · Cassia A