Lava Shawarma NYC: A Vegetarian and Middle Eastern Culinary Gem in Flatiron

Lava Shawarma NYC Introduce

In the bustling heart of New York City, finding a restaurant that caters to diverse dietary needs while delivering authentic, flavorful cuisine can be a challenge. Lava Shawarma NYC, located in the Flatiron District, rises to this challenge with a menu that is both inclusive and delicious. Known for its Middle Eastern and Lebanese fare, this restaurant offers a compelling blend of traditional comfort food and healthy, plant-based options, making it a standout destination for both vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.

Lava Shawarma NYC is more than just a place to grab a quick bite; it's a culinary experience that brings the rich flavors of the Middle East to a modern, casual setting. The restaurant prides itself on using fresh ingredients to create a variety of dishes, from classic shawarma and kebabs to a remarkable selection of vegetarian and vegan plates. The inviting atmosphere, coupled with a friendly staff, makes it a perfect spot for a relaxed lunch, a family dinner, or a satisfying solo meal. This article is designed to be your comprehensive guide to everything Lava Shawarma NYC has to offer, from its prime location and services to the unique features that make it a local favorite.

Whether you are a long-time fan of Middle Eastern cuisine or are curious to explore the world of vegetarian and vegan food, Lava Shawarma NYC provides an exceptional experience that promises to be both flavorful and memorable.

Lava Shawarma NYC is ideally situated at 12 W 23 St, New York, NY 10010, USA. This prime location in the Flatiron District makes it incredibly accessible for locals and tourists alike. The restaurant is just steps away from Madison Square Park and is conveniently located near major subway lines, making it an easy destination regardless of where you are coming from in the city. The bustling neighborhood is a hub of activity, with offices, shops, and apartments, ensuring a steady flow of customers.

The restaurant itself is designed with accessibility in mind, featuring a wheelchair-accessible entrance and seating, ensuring all patrons can dine comfortably. The casual and trendy atmosphere provides a relaxed setting for a quick bite or a more leisurely meal. Paid street parking is available in the vicinity, though, like most of Manhattan, finding a spot can be a challenge. The restaurant's central location and proximity to public transit make it a convenient and stress-free option for your next dining outing.

Lava Shawarma NYC offers a variety of services to accommodate the diverse needs of its customers, from dining in to enjoying a meal at home.

Delivery: For ultimate convenience, the restaurant provides reliable delivery services, bringing its delicious food right to your doorstep.
Takeout: For those on the go, the takeout service is quick and efficient, allowing you to grab your meal and head to your next destination.
Dine-in: The on-site dining option allows you to enjoy the full experience, complete with table service and a comfortable setting.
Onsite services: The restaurant provides a comfortable space for a relaxed meal, whether you're dining alone or with a group.

Lava Shawarma NYC offers a diverse and appealing menu that caters to a wide array of tastes. While it is known for its shawarma and Middle Eastern dishes, its vegetarian and vegan options are a major highlight. The menu is divided into several categories, making it easy to find what you're craving.

For vegetarians and vegans, the menu features dedicated sections. The Vegan Plates include the Vegan Mix Grilled Plate and Falafel Plate, while Vegan Sandwiches offer items like the Falafel Lava Wrap and Vegan Beyond Burger. The Lava Meza section is also rich with plant-based options like Hummus, Baba Ghanouj, and Lava Beans. For sides, you can find vegetarian items like Falafel, Stuffed Falafel, and Royal Basmati Rice.

Beyond the vegetarian-focused items, the menu is extensive. The Lava Mix Grill section features Lamb Chops, Chicken Kabab, and the signature Lava Mix Plate. The Lava Sandwiches offer wraps and pitas with Chicken Shawarma, Beef and Lamb, and more. A selection of salads, burgers, and sides rounds out the menu, ensuring there is truly something for everyone.

Lava Shawarma NYC is distinguished by several key features that contribute to its popularity and reputation as a great place to eat.

Welcoming and friendly service: Customers consistently praise the staff for their patience, warmth, and willingness to explain menu items. This exceptional hospitality, including the owner personally pouring tea for each customer, makes a lasting impression.
Family-friendly atmosphere: The restaurant is very kid-friendly, with high chairs available and a comfortable environment that makes it a perfect choice for family quality time.
Diverse and healthy offerings: The menu includes not only comforting Middle Eastern classics but also a wide variety of healthy, vegetarian, and vegan options, catering to a health-conscious crowd.
Unique dessert options: The dessert menu is a highlight, with treats like Kunafa with Cheese, Baklava, and even a unique Dubai Chocolate.
Authentic flavors: The food is praised for its traditional and authentic taste, with a focus on fresh ingredients and well-prepared dishes.

For reservations, inquiries, or to place an order, you can contact the restaurant directly.

Address: 12 W 23 St, New York, NY 10010, USA

Phone: (646) 398-9800

The phone number is the best way to get in touch with the restaurant’s team.

What makes Lava Shawarma NYC particularly worth choosing, especially for those interested in vegetarian and vegan cuisine, is its remarkable blend of authentic flavors and plant-based innovation. The restaurant doesn't just offer a few token vegetarian dishes; it has a robust and satisfying menu dedicated to them. Reviewers often express their delight at the quality of the vegetarian options, noting that the Falafel, in particular, is a standout—crispy on the outside, moist on the inside, and full of flavor. The Vegan Mix Grilled Plate is a fantastic way to sample a variety of their plant-based offerings.

Beyond the food, the inviting and relaxed atmosphere, coupled with the genuinely warm service, makes the entire dining experience a pleasure. As one customer shared, the owner is "super kind and always pour tea for each customer," creating a sense of being cared for. This personal touch, combined with the culinary excellence, makes Lava Shawarma NYC a must-visit. The Chicken Maqluba is a "must to order" for those who enjoy meat, while the desserts are a perfect way to end the meal, with the Kunafa with Cheese being a particular favorite. In a city full of dining options, Lava Shawarma NYC stands out for its delicious food, excellent service, and its successful mission to provide a truly enjoyable and inclusive dining experience.

Lava Shawarma NYC Menu

Soup
Red Lentil $7.00
A hearty and healthy soup made with red lentils, seasoned with aromatic spices.

Salads
Avocado Salad
Avocado, mixed greens, tomato, red onion, lettuce, parsley, fresh lime, olive oil, and sumac.
Beet Salad
Organic beet, mixed greens, red onion, dry raisin, tomato, feta cheese, fresh lime, olive oil.
Greek Salad
Roman lettuce, organic tomato, cucumber, red onion, back olives, feta cheese and greek dressing.
Eggplant Salad
Gold eggplant, fresh tomato, red onion, parsley, fresh mint, organic pomegranate syrup , fresh lemon and virgin olive oil.
Jerusalem Salad
Lettuce, tomato, cucumber, red onion, parsley, fresh mint, tahini sauce, sumac and virgin olive oil.
Tabbouleh Salad
Tomato, soft red onion, fresh parsley, fresh mint, lemon & lime juice, organic pomegranate syrup mixed with organic bulgur and virgin olive oil.
Fattoush Salad
Tomato, cucumber, lettuce, red onion, fresh parsley, fresh mint, toasted pita, organic pomegranate syrup, virgin olive oil and sumac.
Watermelon Salad
Organic naked watermelon and fresh mint.
Ceaser Salad
Organic iceberg, lettuce, homemade croton, homemade caesar dressing and parmesan cheese.

Lava Sandwiches
Lava Chicken Shawarma Arabic $13.99
Chicken shawarma, lebanese pickles, garlic sauces and 3 pcs, of potatoes.
Chicken Zinger Wrap $13.99
Spicy chicken breast, lettuce, ring pepper, pickles and homemade spicy sauce.
Lava Steak Sandwich $15.99
8 oz. organic steak, organic mushroom, organic red onion, mild cheese & jack cheese.
Beef And Lamb Lava Wrap $13.99
Beef and lamb, roasted tomato, fresh red onion, fresh parsley and mint, tahini sauce.
Beef And Lamb Pita $13.99
Beef and lamb, grilled tomato, fresh red onion, fresh parsley & mint. Tahini sauce.
Lava Mix Sandwich Wrap $13.99
Chicken shawarma, beef, and lamb with garlic and tahini sauces, grilled tomato, and red onion wrapped in a sandwich.
Lava Lamb Kabab Wrap $13.99
8 oz. lamb kabab sandwich, red onion, parsley and sumac.
Lava Halloumi Wrap $13.99
Grilled halloumi, olive oil, tomato, black olives, and lebanese pickles.
Chicken Shawarma Pita $13.99
Chicken shawarma, lebanese pickles, garlic sauce, 3 pieces of potatoes.

Lava Mix Grill
Homemade Style Lamb $26.99
Lamb skewers and beef shawarma, grill tomato, grill red onion, grilled spicy peppers, side of jerusalem salad and side of premium basmati rice.
Lamb Kebab $25.99
Ground lamb. Ground lamb kebab with chicken shawarma, grilled tomato, onion, Jerusalem salad, and royal basmati rice.
Chicken Kabab $25.99
Chicken kabab skewers with chicken shawarma, grilled veggies, jerusalem salad, and premium basmati rice.
Lamb Chops $36.99
5 pcs. of lamb chops served with premium basmati rice and tabuleh salad.
Salmon Kabab $35.99
Large cut of salmon 10 oz. served with salad baba ghanouj and side premium basmati rice.
Chicken Shawarma Plate $15.99
Chicken shawarma, jerusalem salad, basmati rice and homemade spicy sauce.
Lava Mix Plate $16.99
Lamb, beef, and chicken shawarma with jerusalem salad, basmati rice, tahini, and garlic sauce.
Lamb Meatballs Bowl $16.99
Homemade lamb meatballs, grilled tomato, grilled spicy pepper, red onion, fresh garlic, virgin olive oil cooked together. Served with premium basmati rice, fresh parsley and sumac.
Chicken Biryani Bowl $13.99
Chicken cooked with biryani sauce, mixed vegetable, premium basmati rice finish with fried inion, fresh parsley, boiled eggs and sumac.
Fish And Chips $13.99
2 large pieces of cod fish, fries, served with tartar sauce.
Lava Lamb & Beef Shawarma Plate $16.99
Lamb and beef shawarma with jerusalem salad, basmati rice, garlic sauce, and homemade spicy sauce lamb meatballs.

Lava Meza
Hummus
Served with two homemade pita. Vegan.
Baba Ghanouj
Served with two homemade pita. Vegan.
Lava Beans $6.99
Served with two homemade pita. Vegan.
Labneh
Served with two homemade pita. Vegan.
Zucchini Mama Ghanouj
Served with two homemade pita. Vegan.
Beet Hummus
Served with two homemade pita. Vegan.
Avocado Hummus
Served with two homemade pita. Vegan.
Spicy Feta Cheese
Served with two homemade pita. Vegan.
Cauliflower Mama Ghanouj
Served with two homemade pita. Vegan.
Mama Ghanouj $9.00
Small Plate and all meza is served with one homemade pita.

Lava Burgers
Chicken Shawarma Burger $14.99
Chicken shawarma, lebanese pickles, garlic sauce and homemade spicy sauce.
Fried Chicken Burger $14.99
Fried chicken breast home style, lettuce, lebanese pickles, sweet banana, ring pepper, melted cheddar cheese and russian dressing.
Wagyu Beef Burger $17.99
Wagyu beef burger with sweet banana, lettuce, russian dressing, lebanese pickles and mild cheddar cheese.
Lava Lamb Burger $14.99
Fresh homemade lamb ground, lettuce, lebanese pickles and melted cheddar.
Cod Fish Burger $14.99
Fried cod fish, coleslaw, sweet banana.

Three Sliders
Wagyu Sliders $19.99
3 sliders, lattuce, sweet banana, russian dressing, homemade pickles.
Rib Eye Steak Sliders $24.99
3 sliders, lattuce, sweet banana, russian dressing, homemade pickles.
Chicken Sliders $17.99
Lattuce, sweet banana, russian dressing, homemade pickles.
Lamb Sliders $19.99
3 sliders, lettuce, homemade pickles, russian dressing and mild cheddar cheese.
Falafel Slider $16.99
2 large stuffed falafel served with hummus or fries. Vegan.

Vegan Plates
Vegan Mix Grilled Plate $17.99
2 pcs. of falafel, cauliflower, eggplant, zucchini, side of jerusalem salad, side of baba ghanouj, served with pita bread.
Falafel Plate $14.99
6 pieces of falafel, side of jerusalem salad and side of hummus.

Vegan Sandwiches
Falafel Lava Wrap $12.99
4 pieces of falafel, jerusalem salad, homemade pickles, tahini and homemade spicy sauce.
Vegan Beyond Burger $15.00
A delicious plant-based burger, grilled to perfection.
Vegan Arabic Sandwich $13.99
2 pieces of falafel, cauliflower, eggplant, zucchini, jerusalem salad, pickles, tahini and homemade spicy sauce.
Falafel Pita Sandwich $12.99
4 pieces of falafel, jerusalem salad, homemade pickles, tahini and homemade spicy sauce.
Lava Vegan Wrap $14.99
Mushroom, cauliflower, fries, tahini sauce, pickles.

Middle Eastern Specials
1 Piece Mansaf $27.99
Traditional jordanian lamb dish cooked in jameed sauce, served over rice with almonds and pine nuts
2 Piece Mansaf $44.99
Traditional jordanian lamb dish cooked in jameed sauce, served over rice with almonds and pine nuts.
Chicken Maqluba $29.99
Traditional middle eastern chicken dish layered with rice and fried vegetables, served upside down with almonds and warm spices.

Lava Side Order
Cauliflower $8.99
Lightly fried cauliflower florets seasoned with aromatic spices.
Eggplant $5.99
Slices of grilled eggplant seasoned with herbs and spices.
Fries $5.99
Classic deep-fried potato strips, crispy and golden.
Falafel $5.99
Deep-fried balls made from ground chickpeas and herbs.
Stuffed Falafel $5.99
Falafel balls stuffed with a savory filling, offering a twist on the classic.
Naked Mushrooms $5.99
Sautéed mushrooms seasoned with herbs and spices.
Mixed Arabic Pickles $5.99
A variety of traditional middle eastern pickled vegetables.
Spicy Kalamata Olives $5.99
Kalamata olives marinated in a spicy blend of herbs and spices.
Royal Basmati Rice $5.99
Fragrant basmati rice cooked to perfection.
Grape Leaves $5.99
Vine leaves stuffed with a savory rice and herb mixture.
4 Piece Vegan Samosa $5.99
Four crispy pastries filled with a spiced vegetable mixture.
Tater Tots $5.99
Crispy, golden-brown potato bites.
Maqdous $6.99
Stuffed eggplants with walnuts , homemade spicy and olive oil. Vegan.
Chicken Samosas $6.99
4 crispy pastries filled with spiced minced chicken and herbs.
Beef Samosas $6.99
4 crispy pastries filled with seasoned minced beef and aromatic spices.
Chicken Wings With Fries $14.99
6 juicy chicken wings served with crispy fries.
Kebab Balls $6.99
3 flavorful lamb meatballs seasoned with middle eastern spices.
Homemade Chicken Nuggets $11.99
8 pieces, served with honey mustard and fries.
Homemade Chicken Strips $11.99
5 pieces, served with honey mustard.
Homemade Mozzarella Sticks $7.99
4 pieces, served with marinara sauce.
Onion Rings $7.99
8 pieces, served with marinara sauce.

Desserts
2 Piece Baklava $6.99
2 pieces of filo dough filled with chopped nuts and soaked in honey syrup.
Kunafa With Cheese $5.99
A sweet and cheesy dessert made with crispy dough and syrup.
2 Piece Basbosa $3.99
2 pieces of traditional semolina cake, soaked in syrup.
2 Piece Harisah $3.99
2 pieces of semolina cake made with sugar, butter, and almonds.
Dubai Chocolate $10.99
Rich chocolate dessert inspired by the flavors of Dubai.
Cheese Cake $5.99
Rich, creamy new york-style cheesecake with a buttery graham cracker crust — a timeless dessert classic.
Large Dubai Chocolate $20.99
Rich chocolate dessert inspired by the flavors of dubai.
Rice Pudding $6.99
Creamy slow-cooked rice dessert infused with cardamom and topped with pistachios and rose water.
Small Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cup $10.99
Rich chocolate dessert inspired by the flavors of Dubai.
Large Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cup $19.50
Rich chocolate dessert inspired by the flavors of Dubai.
Carrot Cake $4.99
A delicious, moist cake perfect for dessert lovers.
Red Velvet Cake $4.99
A delicious, moist cake perfect for dessert lovers.
Chocolate Cake $4.99
A delicious, moist cake perfect for dessert lovers.

Drinks
Watermelon Juice $5.00
Refreshing and thirst-quenching juice made from watermelon.
Arabic Tea $4.00
Turkish Coffee $5.99
Thick texture and creamy foam.
Hibiscus Iced Tea $4.00
Refreshing herbal tea infused with hibiscus flowers.
Soda $2.00

Lava Shawarma NYC Details

Service options
Delivery
Onsite services
Takeout
Dine-in

Popular for
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining

Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible seating
Wheelchair accessible parking lot

Offerings
Coffee
Comfort food
Healthy options
Late-night food
Quick bite
Small plates
Vegetarian options

Dining options
Lunch
Dinner
Dessert
Seating
Table service

Amenities
Restroom
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi

Atmosphere
Casual
Trendy

Crowd
Family-friendly
Groups
Tourists

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards

Children
Good for kids
High chairs

Parking
Paid street parking

Lava Shawarma NYC Photos

Lava Shawarma NYC Location

Lava Shawarma NYC

New York New York County New York West 23 Street

12 W 23 St, New York, NY 10010, USA

Lava Shawarma NYC Reviews

An average rating of ★4.5 from 753 user reviews.

jordanianindian cuisinearabic teamansafbabaganoushdesertkunafabeef and lamb shawarmacardamomfast casual

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

The service was very nice, the server was patient and friendly in explaining the menu items. There’s a lot of variety to choose from, and I especially loved their dessert options. The Espresso Crème Brûlée was amazing and definitely a highlight for me.The only downside was that the food took quite a long time to come out, which could have been better.
August 20 · Maymunah Issabre
We always enjoy coming to Lava for a relaxing meal. The owner is super kind and always pour tea for each customer. The place is very kid friendly. The Chicken Maqluba is a must to order in this restaurant and you will be amazed at how the dish is served (video added). The owner even served us a dessert to complete the meal! This is our go-to place for family quality time and we highly recommend if you like or would like to try Middle Eastern food.
July 19 · Xi Zhu
This is nice hidden gem. We wanted some middle eastern food. This was perfect spot. Not pricy and very tasty 😋 a d you get a large quantity of food. We got the 6person platter. It can feed way more than 6 more like 8 or possibly 10 if you are not super hungry.it come with lamb beef and chicken with variety of veggies. Also comes with rice and babagaloush and hummus. You get some free tea. The staff is warm and attentive. The food came out piping hot. You also get pita 🫓🫓 bread too
August 02 · corenzo wilkerson
I was hungry and in the area, this gem was a pleasant surprise! Schwarma is always delicious but this place goes an extra mile with sides and presentation. The fries were crispy and the sandwich was cut and garnished just like on the menu. The staff is friendly (and bring you water). Highly recommend this place
August 16 · Michael Cohen
Absolutely incredible experience! The service, food, and atmosphere were all top notch. Prices were surprisingly reasonable for Manhattan, and the quality of the food was impressively fresh. The lamb and beef shawarma were standout favorites, but the mezzas, especially the babaganoush and hummus, deserve a special shoutout. Dining here feels like a delicious escape from the hustle of NYC. Highly recommend stopping by to enjoy the amazing flavors this place has to offer!
July 20 · Shahreen Sultana