Shalel

4.6

262 Reviews

$50 and over

Mediterranean

Make a booking

2 people

15 Mar 2025

19:00

Booked 23 times today

About this restaurant

Neighbourhood gem
Romantic
Charming

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 262 people are saying

Shalel reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.6

4.6 based on recent ratings

4.6Food
4.5Service
4.7Ambience
4.3Value

Noise • Moderate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Shalel captivates diners with its "incredible atmosphere" that feels like a secret Moroccan hideaway. Guests rave about the "amazing food," "cozy and romantic" setting, and "top-notch service." The unique, intimate spaces and "authentic, tasty dishes" make it a perfect escape on the Upper West Side.

262 Reviews

m
michael
New York City5 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
I’ve been there many many times always a wonderful experience. The food and the drink is excellent as well as the service and the ambience. Very highly recommended.
Is this helpful?
S
Sara VIP
New York City22 reviews
5.0
Dined on 6 March 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Such a cool place, unlike any other in the city. Outstanding food and service, can’t wait to go back!
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C
Cindy VIP
New York City23 reviews
5.0
Dined on 1 March 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 5
Love the atmosphere and the wide selection of mezze especially the octopus
Is this helpful?
J
Jay
New York City2 reviews
5.0
Dined on 1 March 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
My wife and I enjoyed the food during our trip to Morocco, so most of our group of six in our private room in Shalel ordered Moroccan appetizers and entrees. The food was excellent, taste and presentation, and good tangine is so aromatic. The desserts were wonderful, too. For people who don't know, some of the items can be spicy, if you're looking for that (or looking to avoid that), you should ask.
Is this helpful?
L
Les VIP
Philadelphia10 reviews
4.0
Dined on 1 March 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 4
This was our second time visiting the restaurant. It's a cosy place with a lot of nook and grannies.
Is this helpful?
L
Lawrence VIP
New York City24 reviews
5.0
Dined on 1 March 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
It is always such a delight to dine at Shalel! The food, service and vibe was, as always, wonderful!!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
New York City1 review
3.0
Dined on 28 February 2025
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 4
The food was ok not the best Mediterranean food I’ve had. The reviews said otherwise so I had a lot of excitement before going there. The place is interesting but looks like a basement with zero consideration for fire codes. The heaters weren’t working properly. The menu was a fusion of different things from France, Italy, Greece, Morocco, Lebanon. The didn’t serve any wine from Middle East and the Malbec we had was just mediocre. Overall it’s a mediocre restaurant, maybe I had high expectations before going….
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G
Gina
New York City5 reviews
5.0
Dined on 22 February 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Always love coming to this restaurant! It's so romantic and the food is consistently so so good!
Is this helpful?
M
Michaela
New York City1 review
5.0
Dined on 22 February 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Cool spot. Intimate setting great vibe and nice spot for conversations
Is this helpful?
A
Ariel
New York City2 reviews
5.0
Dined on 17 February 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great experience, thank you for accommodating us with the table we requested!
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FAQs

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

Shalel is rated 4.6 stars by 262 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a booking

2 people

15 Mar 2025

19:00

Booked 23 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

About this restaurant

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

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