Shalel

4.8

230 Reviews

$50 and over

Mediterranean

Make a booking

2 people

16 Dec 2024

19:00

Booked 20 times today

Neighbourhood gem
Good for special occasions
Romantic

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
Gluten-free Options, Vegan

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

Hot Mezze

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

Roman Flatbreads

Margherita BurrataUS$20.00
mozzarella, pomodoro, basil
Angelo's Pizza BiancaUS$20.00
truffle pecorino, truffle oil, fresh mozzarella, chopped pistachios
Frutti di Mare Pizza*US$25.00
octopus, clams, shrimp, tomato, Calabrian chili, basil

Salads

Ten-Ingredient Roman SaladsUS$12.00
seasonal mixed herbs, endive, radicchio, champagne vinaigrette
Broccolini SaladUS$19.00
tomatoes, red onions, Palestinian maftoul
Rainbow Roasted BeetUS$19.00
crumbled goat cheese, mixed greens
Chopped IsraeliUS$19.00
barrel-aged feta, olives, cucumbers, red onions, sumac, Aleppo pepper, lemon vinaigrette
Lebanese FattoushUS$19.00
crust breads, tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, red onions, sumac, Aleppo pepper, lemon vinaigrette

Brunch All Day

Moroccan ShakshukaUS$19.00
baked tomatoes, onions, peppers, two farm-fresh eggs cauliflower, zucchini, carrots
Egyptian KoshariUS$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 MoussakaUS$26.00
layered eggplant, zucchini, Yukon Gold potatoes, red and green bell peppers, béchamel
Chicken BasteeyaUS$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 KebabUS$29.00
roasted vegetables, basmati pilaf, tzatziki, warm pita
Filet Mignon KebabUS$35.00
roasted vegetables, Persian basmati pilaf, tzatziki, oven-grilled pita
Mixed GrillUS$40.00
beef kebab, chicken kebab, lamb merguez, basmati pilaf, warm pita
Chicken Tagine a la FezUS$28.00
organic chicken, tomatoes, ras-el-hanout, cous-cous
Lamb Kofta TagineUS$30.00
minced lamb, steamed cous-cous, chickpeas, roasted vegetables
Lamb-On-The-Bone TagineUS$37.00
cous-cous, zucchini, carrots, Palestinian maftoul, berbere and kashmiri broth
Whole Branzino*US$37.00
butterflied Greek striped bass, spinach, basmati pilaf
North Atlantic Bacalhau*US$32.00
Portuguese salted cod stew with tomato, onion, red pepper, Yukon Gold potatoes
Venetian Sardines*US$22.00
house-preserved butterflied Portuguese sardines al saor, market salad, rustic bread

Pasta & Risotto

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

What 230 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.8

4.8 based on recent ratings

4.7Food
4.6Service
4.8Ambience
4.5Value

Noise • Moderate

Diners' Choice Awards

New York City
Mediterranean
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.

230 Reviews

L
Larry
New York City
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined today
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.
Is this helpful?
m
michael
New York City
4 reviews
vip
4.0
4 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
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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A
Ariel
Atlanta Metro
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
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.
Is this helpful?
M
Marshall
Philadelphia
31 reviews
vip
4.0
31 reviews
Dined on 7 December 2024
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 5
Great ambiance at this restaurant. The food is very good. Like most Manhattan restaurants on a Saturday night it will be a fast meal but that is typical.
Is this helpful?
H
Harshada
New York City
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 7 December 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Definitely coming back! Loved the ambience - we got perfect corner for our date night. The place has so much character and quirks. We want to come back with a larger group just to try to their different “rooms”. Super impressed by creativity genius who designed this place. Very New York!!! Food was excellent for us pescatarians. Service excellent as well.
Is this helpful?
L
Lawrence
New York City
23 reviews
vip
5.0
23 reviews
Dined on 6 December 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
This past visit to Shalel was great. As was every other time we dined at this wonderful, atmospheric restaurant! The food, the service, the ambience -- everything was wonderful!
Is this helpful?
R
Robert
New York City
23 reviews
4.0
23 reviews
Dined on 6 December 2024
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 5
A unique atmosphere with very good food and cocktails.
Is this helpful?
ES
EllanaS
New York City
33 reviews
vip
5.0
33 reviews
Dined on 1 December 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
My kind of place . I keep coming back and it never disappoints! Cool vibe , quiet , tasty, yummy drinks . I am boring and always order grilled branzino, but also I try everybody’s food ( just to know ). Every dish is delicious! Needless to say, I will come back many more times !
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D
David
New York City
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 30 November 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Excellent! Quiet, unobtrusive service. Delicious meals, good portion sizes, fantastic help from the waitstaff.
Is this helpful?
J
Jay
Greater Boston
4 reviews
vip
4.0
4 reviews
Dined on 30 November 2024
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 5
Server was super nice and helpful. Layout and atmosphere felt magical. Catacombs of New York. We had long waits to place orders, receive food and pay the check. Other than that, it was perfect.
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FAQs

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

Shalel is rated 4.8 stars by 230 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a booking

2 people

16 Dec 2024

19:00

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
Gluten-free Options, Vegan

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 OlivesUS$10.00

Hummus Bi TahinaUS$15.00

Baba GhanoushUS$15.00

Mediterranean MezzeUS$20.00

Kampachi CrudoUS$21.00

Hot Mezze

Housemade FlatbreadUS$11.00

Moroccan Lamb Cigars (2)US$18.00

Butternut Squash BruschettaUS$15.00

Baked DatesUS$16.00

Sicilian Cauliflower and Halloumi CheeseUS$18.00

Jamon Serrano CroquetasUS$15.00

Vegetarian Lebanese KibbehUS$15.00

SpanakopitesUS$16.00

Gambas al Ajillo* (4)US$24.00

Braised Spanish Octopus*US$27.00

Jerusalem Artichoke FrittersUS$15.00

Cheese BourekasUS$16.00

Bacalhau CroquetasUS$15.00

Lamb & Beef MeatballsUS$19.00

Roman Flatbreads

Margherita BurrataUS$20.00

Angelo's Pizza BiancaUS$20.00

Frutti di Mare Pizza*US$25.00

Salads

Ten-Ingredient Roman SaladsUS$12.00

Broccolini SaladUS$19.00

Rainbow Roasted BeetUS$19.00

Chopped IsraeliUS$19.00

Lebanese FattoushUS$19.00

Brunch All Day

Moroccan ShakshukaUS$19.00

Egyptian KoshariUS$20.00

Les Grands Plats and Casseroles

Vegetarian MoussakaUS$26.00

Chicken BasteeyaUS$31.00

Yogurt Marinated Chicken KebabUS$29.00

Filet Mignon KebabUS$35.00

Mixed GrillUS$40.00

Chicken Tagine a la FezUS$28.00

Lamb Kofta TagineUS$30.00

Lamb-On-The-Bone TagineUS$37.00

Whole Branzino*US$37.00

North Atlantic Bacalhau*US$32.00

Venetian Sardines*US$22.00

Pasta & Risotto

Mezzaluna RavioliUS$28.00

Strozzapreti PomodoroUS$20.00

Risotto PorciniUS$27.00

Risotto with Patagonian Shrimp*US$28.00

Overall ratings and reviews

Diners' Choice Awards

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