Shalel

Name: Shalel
Address: 65 W 70th St, New York, NY, United States, 10023
Telephone: (212) 873-2300
Price range: $50 and over
Rating: 4.7

4.7

237 Reviews

$50 and over

Mediterranean

Make a booking

2 people

5 Jan 2025

7:00 pm

Booked 20 times today

Neighbourhood gem
Romantic
Good for special occasions

Shalel has served New Yorkers since 2000 and is dedicated to the variety and excellency of Mediterranean cooking. Shalel draws its inspiration from dishes and design of the coastal Mediterranean: Morocco, Palestine, Israel, Turkey, Greece, Italy, the Côte d’Azur, and Spain. Shalel's unique underground space is a relaxed, candlelit setting where highlights include Shalel’s namesake waterfall, indoor plants, fresh cut flowers, and an “alimentari” market of various Mediterranean products. Walk down the rose petal covered stairs to this underground restaurant.

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Price
$50 and over
Cuisines
Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, Cocktail Bar
Hours of Operation
Bar Mon–Wed, Sun 4:30 pm–11:00 pm Thu–Sat 4:30 pm–12:00 am Dinner Mon–Wed, Sun 4:30 pm–9:45 pm Thu–Sat 4:30 pm–10:45 pm
Phone number
(212) 873-2300
Website
https://shalel.kitchen/
Payment Options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Catering
We offer a weekly Shabbat menu and are open to catering inquiries.
Private party facilities
We have several private rooms appropriate for special events - please inquire by phone at 212-873-2300.

Location
65 W 70th St, New York, NY 10023
Area
Lincoln Square
Cross Street
Just east of the corner of Columbus Ave & W. 70th Street.
Parking details
Street Parking
Public transit
Bus Station Columbus Ave & W 69th (M11 - M7) and Central Pk West & W 70th (M10 - M72) Subway Central Pk West & 72 St. (A/C/E), Subway 72 St. and Broadway (1/2/3)
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Delivery, Gluten-free Options, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeaway, Vegan, Wine

Mediterranean OlivesUSD 10.00
marinated with fennel, coriander, orange peel, stirato baguette
Hummus Bi TahinaUSD 15.00
with grilled pita
Baba GhanoushUSD 15.00
smoked eggplant caviar, tahini, toasted sesame seeds, grilled pita
Mediterranean MezzeUSD 20.00
hummus, tzatziki, baba ghanoush, tirokafteri (spicy feta dip), harissa, with oven-grilled pita
Kampachi CrudoUSD 21.00
thinly sliced yellowtail. lemon-caper dressing, microgreens, pickled turnips, with toasted stirato baguette

Hot Mezze

Housemade FlatbreadUSD 11.00
your choice of Jordanian za'atar or dried oregano, olive oil. Add whipped ricotta with lemon for $4
Moroccan Lamb Cigars (2)USD 18.00
diced lamb, onions, garlic, fresh mint, feuille de brick, harissa
Butternut Squash BruschettaUSD 15.00
mint, onion confit, Italian ricotta
Baked DatesUSD 16.00
stuffed with almonds and wrapped in bacon
Sicilian Cauliflower and Halloumi CheeseUSD 18.00
labneh, preserved lemon-tahina spread, anchovy-citrus vinaigrette
Jamon Serrano CroquetasUSD 15.00
manchego, harissa mayonnaise
Vegetarian Lebanese KibbehUSD 15.00
yellow split peas, chickpeas, bulgur, tahini sauce
SpanakopitesUSD 16.00
blended cheeses, spinach, onions, wrapped in phyllo dough
Gambas al Ajillo* (4)USD 24.00
Patagonian red shrimp, Calabrian chile, blistered cherry tomatoes, sautéed with garlic, olive oil, parsley
Braised Spanish Octopus*USD 27.00
olive oil, aged balsamic, rosemary, patatas bravas, pickled turnips, radishes
Jerusalem Artichoke FrittersUSD 15.00
with Kozani saffron aioli
Cheese BourekasUSD 16.00
organic feta and ricotta cheese, wrapped in crispy phyllo dough
Bacalhau CroquetasUSD 15.00
salted cod, with housemade harissa mayonnaise
Lamb & Beef MeatballsUSD 19.00
"Izmir style" with cinnamon and cumin

Roman Flatbreads

Margherita BurrataUSD 20.00
mozzarella, pomodoro, basil
Angelo's Pizza BiancaUSD 20.00
truffle pecorino, truffle oil, fresh mozzarella, chopped pistachios
Frutti di Mare Pizza*USD 25.00
octopus, clams, shrimp, tomato, Calabrian chili, basil

Salads

Ten-Ingredient Roman SaladsUSD 12.00
seasonal mixed herbs, endive, radicchio, champagne vinaigrette
Broccolini SaladUSD 19.00
tomatoes, red onions, Palestinian maftoul
Rainbow Roasted BeetUSD 19.00
crumbled goat cheese, mixed greens
Chopped IsraeliUSD 19.00
barrel-aged feta, olives, cucumbers, red onions, sumac, Aleppo pepper, lemon vinaigrette
Lebanese FattoushUSD 19.00
crust breads, tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, red onions, sumac, Aleppo pepper, lemon vinaigrette

Brunch All Day

Moroccan ShakshukaUSD 19.00
baked tomatoes, onions, peppers, two farm-fresh eggs cauliflower, zucchini, carrots
Egyptian KoshariUSD 20.00
beluga lentils, chickpeas, caramelized yams, toasted rice, vermicelli, tomato-vinegar sauce, topped with crispy leeks, pickled vegetables

Les Grands Plats and Casseroles

Vegetarian MoussakaUSD 26.00
layered eggplant, zucchini, Yukon Gold potatoes, red and green bell peppers, béchamel
Chicken BasteeyaUSD 31.00
saffron, ginger and cinnamon braised chicken, toasted almonds perfumed with orange blossom water, eggs, flaky pastry, topped with cinnamon sugar
Yogurt Marinated Chicken KebabUSD 29.00
roasted vegetables, basmati pilaf, tzatziki, warm pita
Filet Mignon KebabUSD 35.00
roasted vegetables, Persian basmati pilaf, tzatziki, oven-grilled pita
Mixed GrillUSD 40.00
beef kebab, chicken kebab, lamb merguez, basmati pilaf, warm pita
Chicken Tagine a la FezUSD 28.00
organic chicken, tomatoes, ras-el-hanout, cous-cous
Lamb Kofta TagineUSD 30.00
minced lamb, steamed cous-cous, chickpeas, roasted vegetables
Lamb-On-The-Bone TagineUSD 37.00
cous-cous, zucchini, carrots, Palestinian maftoul, berbere and kashmiri broth
Whole Branzino*USD 37.00
butterflied Greek striped bass, spinach, basmati pilaf
North Atlantic Bacalhau*USD 32.00
Portuguese salted cod stew with tomato, onion, red pepper, Yukon Gold potatoes
Venetian Sardines*USD 22.00
house-preserved butterflied Portuguese sardines al saor, market salad, rustic bread

Pasta & Risotto

Mezzaluna RavioliUSD 28.00
stuffed with porcini-ricotta crema, blistered cherry tomatoes, swiss chard, touch of butter and cream, fresh parmesan
Strozzapreti PomodoroUSD 20.00
fresh tomatoes, basil, Calabrian chili, fresh parmigiano
Risotto PorciniUSD 27.00
hen-of-the-woods and porcini mushrooms, fresh parmagiano
Risotto with Patagonian Shrimp*USD 28.00
leeks, fava beans, touch of butter

What 237 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.7

4.7 based on recent ratings

4.7Food
4.6Service
4.8Ambience
4.4Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Manhattan
Mediterranean

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Shalel is a "hidden gem" on the Upper West Side, offering a romantic, underground atmosphere reminiscent of a Moroccan retreat. Guests rave about the "amazing food" and "unique decor," with standout dishes like the margarita flatbread and grilled octopus. Service is consistently "top notch," ensuring a memorable dining experience.

237 Reviews

K
Kate
New York City
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Such a cozy atmosphere, every seat in the restaurant would have been enjoyable. Food and service were excellent and the cocktails (sfax) were fantastic.
Is this helpful?
P
Preston
New York City
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Phenomenal food and accommodating staff. They screwed up my entree order but took it back right away once notified and put the drinks on the house to make up for it. Our waitress was honest about what were best bang-for-our-book for dessert and coffee.
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J
Joanne
VIP
New York City
10 reviews
5.0
10 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
My family enjoyed the Middle Eastern options. The waiter was friendly and helpful. Ambience was a bit too dark for me and I can hear the conversation at the next table. Overall we do recommend this place because we loved the food.
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C
Christopher
VIP
Los Angeles
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on 21 December 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Consistently satisfying dining experience. Kind and accommodating staff. Beautiful ambiance.
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H
Herbert
New York City
17 reviews
2.0
17 reviews
Dined on 21 December 2024
1. Overall 2
2. Food 1
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
The ambiance was unique, the service very attentive and good, but the food was under-seasoned and underwhelming.
Is this helpful?
J
John
New York City
330 reviews
4.0
330 reviews
Dined on 17 December 2024
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
A charming underground hideaway near Lincoln Center serving excellent Mediterranean/middle Eastern food and a nice variety of wines and beers. The service is laid back and friendly.
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L
Larry
New York City
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 16 December 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
My wife brought me here for my birthday. It was the best birthday experience I’ve had in a long time. This is now my favorite restaurant.
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m
michael
VIP
New York City
4 reviews
4.0
4 reviews
Dined on 14 December 2024
1. Overall 4
2. Food 3
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Having been here a few times I can now say that your experience is HIGHLY dependent on your table location. Some are fantastic and even magical, others like the two-top situated in a dank basement closet-like space are depressing and completely cut off from the restaurant. Still a big fan, just avoid this table if you can IMHO.
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w
william
VIP
New York City
168 reviews
3.0
168 reviews
Dined on 13 December 2024
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 5
Dining at Shalel is like being transported to Morocco. The quirky cave like rooms in this basement outpost create a totally unique ambience. The Mediterranean fare is diverse with many Veg options. The Tagines, Mousssaka, and Sardines tonight were all authentic in flavor and presentation. And the Pasteis da Nata must have been instantly beamed from Belem! Shalel is where I take my out of area friends to surprise and sate them!
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A
Ariel
Atlanta Metro
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on 9 December 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Shalel was the perfect place to bring my in-laws for a great night out! Loved the ambiance, dedicated service and excellent food.
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FAQs

Shalel offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (212) 873-2300.

Shalel is rated 4.7 stars by 237 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a booking

2 people

5 Jan 2025

7:00 pm

Booked 20 times today

Order delivery or takeout

65 W 70th St, New York, NY 10023

Dining areas

Additional information

Cross Street
Just east of the corner of Columbus Ave & W. 70th Street.
Area
Lincoln Square
Hours of Operation
Bar Mon–Wed, Sun 4:30 pm–11:00 pm Thu–Sat 4:30 pm–12:00 am Dinner Mon–Wed, Sun 4:30 pm–9:45 pm Thu–Sat 4:30 pm–10:45 pm
Price
$50 and over
Cuisines
Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, Cocktail Bar
Dining style
Casual Elegant
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
Street Parking
Public transit
Bus Station Columbus Ave & W 69th (M11 - M7) and Central Pk West & W 70th (M10 - M72) Subway Central Pk West & 72 St. (A/C/E), Subway 72 St. and Broadway (1/2/3)
Payment Options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Delivery, Gluten-free Options, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeaway, Vegan, Wine

Website
https://shalel.kitchen/
Phone number
(212) 873-2300
Catering
We offer a weekly Shabbat menu and are open to catering inquiries.
Private party facilities
We have several private rooms appropriate for special events - please inquire by phone at 212-873-2300.

Shalel

Make a booking

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

Cold Mezze

Mediterranean OlivesUSD 10.00

Hummus Bi TahinaUSD 15.00

Baba GhanoushUSD 15.00

Mediterranean MezzeUSD 20.00

Kampachi CrudoUSD 21.00

Hot Mezze

Housemade FlatbreadUSD 11.00

Moroccan Lamb Cigars (2)USD 18.00

Butternut Squash BruschettaUSD 15.00

Baked DatesUSD 16.00

Sicilian Cauliflower and Halloumi CheeseUSD 18.00

Jamon Serrano CroquetasUSD 15.00

Vegetarian Lebanese KibbehUSD 15.00

SpanakopitesUSD 16.00

Gambas al Ajillo* (4)USD 24.00

Braised Spanish Octopus*USD 27.00

Jerusalem Artichoke FrittersUSD 15.00

Cheese BourekasUSD 16.00

Bacalhau CroquetasUSD 15.00

Lamb & Beef MeatballsUSD 19.00

Roman Flatbreads

Margherita BurrataUSD 20.00

Angelo's Pizza BiancaUSD 20.00

Frutti di Mare Pizza*USD 25.00

Salads

Ten-Ingredient Roman SaladsUSD 12.00

Broccolini SaladUSD 19.00

Rainbow Roasted BeetUSD 19.00

Chopped IsraeliUSD 19.00

Lebanese FattoushUSD 19.00

Brunch All Day

Moroccan ShakshukaUSD 19.00

Egyptian KoshariUSD 20.00

Les Grands Plats and Casseroles

Vegetarian MoussakaUSD 26.00

Chicken BasteeyaUSD 31.00

Yogurt Marinated Chicken KebabUSD 29.00

Filet Mignon KebabUSD 35.00

Mixed GrillUSD 40.00

Chicken Tagine a la FezUSD 28.00

Lamb Kofta TagineUSD 30.00

Lamb-On-The-Bone TagineUSD 37.00

Whole Branzino*USD 37.00

North Atlantic Bacalhau*USD 32.00

Venetian Sardines*USD 22.00

Pasta & Risotto

Mezzaluna RavioliUSD 28.00

Strozzapreti PomodoroUSD 20.00

Risotto PorciniUSD 27.00

Risotto with Patagonian Shrimp*USD 28.00

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Review summary

FAQs

Does Shalel offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Shalel restaurant rated?

Is Shalel currently accepting bookings?

Make a booking

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information