Sami & Susu Introduce
Step into Sami & Susu, a celebrated Mediterranean restaurant and wine bar located in New York City’s vibrant Lower East Side. Named after a beloved Israeli-Arab children's TV show, this establishment embodies a spirit of unity and shared culture, translating it into a unique culinary experience. The restaurant has quickly become a local favorite, earning a prestigious Michelin Bib Gourmand distinction for its commitment to great food at a good value.
Sami & Susu began as a take-out and delivery pop-up during the pandemic and has since blossomed into a cozy, full-service restaurant. Co-founders Amir Nathan and Jordan Anderson have created a space that feels both intimate and energetic. The menu is a thoughtful blend of Middle Eastern and European influences, drawing inspiration from family recipes and the diverse culinary landscape of NYC. It’s a place where you can find both classic comfort foods and inventive new dishes, with a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients.
The atmosphere here is casual, cozy, and trendy, making it a perfect spot for locals looking for a relaxed dinner or a night out. While the space is on the smaller side, it's designed to facilitate conversation and create a warm, inviting environment. The restaurant is particularly popular for dinner and for those dining solo who appreciate the friendly, approachable vibe.
Sami & Susu is more than just a place to eat; it's a place to experience. The staff is passionate and knowledgeable, eager to share insights about the food, wine, and culture that inspire their work. The rotating, seasonal menu means there's always something new to discover, keeping regular guests coming back for more. Whether you’re stopping in for a quick bite or planning a special evening, Sami & Susu offers a taste of modern Mediterranean cuisine that feels both familiar and excitingly new.
---Located at 190 Orchard Street in New York, NY 10002, Sami & Susu is situated in the heart of the Lower East Side. This lively neighborhood is known for its rich history, bustling art scene, and a diverse array of shops, bars, and restaurants. The restaurant is easily accessible by public transportation, with several subway stations and bus routes within a short walking distance.
For those with accessibility needs, the restaurant is well-equipped to ensure a comfortable visit. It features a wheelchair-accessible entrance, wheelchair-accessible restrooms, and wheelchair-accessible seating. This commitment to inclusivity ensures that everyone can enjoy a meal at Sami & Susu without any barriers.
The vibrant street life of Orchard Street adds to the restaurant's charm, making it a destination in itself. While the space inside is compact, it’s a testament to the efficient and thoughtful design that makes the most of its urban footprint. Whether you’re a local resident or visiting the neighborhood for the first time, Sami & Susu is a convenient and welcoming spot to enjoy a meal.
---Sami & Susu provides a range of services to accommodate various dining preferences and occasions.
- Onsite Services: Enjoy a full-service dining experience with friendly and attentive table service in a cozy, intimate setting.
- Takeout: If you’re in a hurry or prefer to eat at home, their full menu is available for takeout.
- Delivery: Sami & Susu offers delivery services, bringing their delicious Mediterranean dishes right to your doorstep.
- Catering: For special events or private gatherings, the restaurant provides catering options, allowing you to share their unique flavors with a larger group.
- Dine-in: Settle in for a memorable meal in their trendy and comfortable dining room.
- Reservations: Due to its small size and popularity, it is recommended to make a reservation, especially for dinner. They accept reservations to help you plan your visit.
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Sami & Susu stands out with several notable features and offerings that make it a go-to spot for locals.
- Fast Service: Despite the intimate setting, the staff is known for their efficiency and speed, ensuring you can enjoy your meal without unnecessary delays.
- Great Dessert: Be sure to save room for dessert! The restaurant is praised for its excellent sweet treats, providing a perfect end to your meal.
- Great Wine List: As a wine bar, Sami & Susu offers a curated selection of wines that perfectly complement their Mediterranean fare. The staff is happy to provide recommendations.
- Seasonal Menu: The menu rotates with the seasons, ensuring that every dish is made with the freshest, highest quality ingredients available. This keeps the dining experience fresh and exciting for repeat customers.
- Diverse Offerings: The menu includes a wide variety of options to suit different tastes and dietary needs. You’ll find alcohol, beer, and coffee, along with comfort food, healthy options, late-night food, organic dishes, and small plates.
- Dietary-Friendly Choices: They offer excellent vegan options and vegetarian options, making it a great choice for a variety of diners.
- Popular for Dinner and Solo Dining: The restaurant’s atmosphere is ideal for a relaxed evening meal. Its cozy vibe also makes it a great spot for enjoying a delicious meal on your own.
- Amenities: The restaurant features a bar onsite and restrooms for customer convenience.
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For reservations, inquiries, or to place an order, you can contact Sami & Susu directly.
Address: 190 Orchard St, New York, NY 10002, USA
Phone: (646) 559-2856
---What truly makes Sami & Susu worth choosing is its unique blend of culinary creativity, personal touches, and inviting atmosphere. The menu is a testament to the chefs' ability to take traditional Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavors and elevate them with a modern, New York twist. This is a place where familiar dishes are reimagined in exciting ways, and you can tell that every plate is crafted with care and passion.
The pitas are a definite highlight, with popular options like the Cauliflower and Lamb Kebab offering a perfect balance of flavors and textures. The “Others” section of the menu is where the true creativity shines, featuring dishes like Muhammara, which has been praised for its delicious taste, and unique offerings such as Montauk Tuna and Shrimp Boureka. One of the most talked-about aspects is the ever-changing seasonal menu, which means that you can visit multiple times throughout the year and always be surprised by new and innovative dishes. This dynamic approach keeps the food fresh and exciting, reflecting a deep respect for seasonal ingredients.
Beyond the food, the experience is what makes Sami & Susu a standout. It’s a place that feels like a hidden gem, even with its critical acclaim. The small, bustling space creates a vibrant energy that encourages conversation and connection. While some might find the small space a bit loud, many locals appreciate the lively atmosphere that allows for intimate conversations despite the crowd. The fact that the restaurant has a strong local following and is popular for solo dining speaks volumes about its welcoming nature.
The combination of exceptional, fact-based cuisine, a curated wine list, and a genuinely cozy atmosphere makes Sami & Susu a special destination. It’s a place where you can enjoy high-quality food that feels personal and authentic, all while being a part of the dynamic energy of the Lower East Side.
Sami & Susu Menu
Pitas
- Cauliflower $12.00
- Sabich $14.00
- Chicken $15.00
- Schnitzel $16.00
- Lamb Kebab $18.00
- Big Salad $17.00
Others
- Labneh
- Muhammara
- Matbucha
- Zaalouk $18.00
- Montauk Tuna $26.00
- Pea Shoot & Little $22.00
- Grilled Asparagus $22.00
- Shrimp Boureka $28.00
- Sweetbreads $26.00
Sami & Susu Details
Service options
- Delivery
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Fast service
- Great dessert
- Great wine list
Popular for
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Coffee
- Comfort food
- Healthy options
- Late-night food
- Organic dishes
- Small plates
- Vegan options
- Vegetarian options
- Wine
Dining options
- Brunch
- Dinner
- Catering
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
- Trendy
Crowd
- Groups
- Locals
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Sami & Susu Photos










Sami & Susu Location
Sami & Susu Reviews
muhammaralamb kebabnatural winesbranzinoschnitzelcrudointimatesweetbreadsfood and winewine list
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1The place is tiny and easily to get crowded and loud. The food was very well implemented. The Muhammara and squash blossom falafel taste were very delicious. I’d like to go back as they rotate the menu seasonally.
May 11 · DoraemonEverything was really tasty. I'm not rushing to go back but I definitely would if somebody wanted to go with me. Small space but not stuffy and you are able to have intimate conversation with a friend. Would not recommend for a date though.
April 06 · jadeThis was very good. It’s a very intimate wine bar which isn’t big. The food and wine selection are next level though.The owner/our waiter recommended a fantastic Sangiovese and even gave us a sample of Hungarian orange wine (highly recommend that for rosé drinkers in the summer).We ordered labneh, matbucha, tomato + cucumber panzanella, the chicken and steak dishes. It was all very good. I have to say my favorite dishes were the panzanella and the matbucha. Apparently they said their steak dishes with corn is tending online…the dish was very good.I’d highly recommend this spot for date nights and lovers of wine. The wine and food pairings were terrific! Don’t forget to ask your server which wine they recommend 🙂
August 02 · Matt BrehneLovely little restaurant with a well considered menu. We went on a Saturday at 6pm and managed to get a spot without booking, however I would generally recommend booking.Feedback I would give to service though is they brought the food out too quickly. Both my husband and I felt we were rushed through it.
August 16 · -Sami & Susu is the kind of restaurant you hope to find and experience in any large city. It’s cozy with only about 20 seats packed in a common NYC railroad apt layout in LES. The low and warm lighting emphasizing the intimate atmosphere.Service was stellar - warm and friendly. We felt cared for even when we were served our dessert and told another reservation was waiting. 😁The food was fantastic. The first to the last bite of the pita and the muhammara dip was dreamy. We both looked at each other in amazement. The red pepper dip was creamy and rich in flavor. I want a tub of it. The citrus salad was fresh and meaty. The lamb kebab was cooked and seasoned well. The sumac onion is Everything. The Meyer lemon panna cotta was so thick, smooth and bright. All of our dishes were perfectly balanced and each bite complex and complete. We didn’t get tired of any dish which happens all too often.I have already told everyone about it which now I regret. Getting reservations could get more difficult. I definitely will return to try the other and seasonal dishes.
February 15 · Cindy Chang (CINART)
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