Au Za'atar is the LES' Best Not Kept Secret
Au Za’atar sits on Avenue A in one of the busier areas of the Lower East Side and has for the past 9 years. Chef/Owner Tarik Fallous opened the restaurant to introduce diners to the traditional Lebanese family recipes that he grew up with. We showed up to experience the extensive menu at 5pm on a Thursday and you’d think it would be empty that early, but you’d be wrong. The restaurant was already vibrant with patrons and by the time we left an hour later, every seat, including outside was full. This was definitely the “it” place to be at.
When dining at Au Za’atar, starting with the Mezze & Dips Tray for the table is a must. At a time when Mediterranean restaurants with dips are all the rage, Au Za’atar has perfected it. The bundle is served with Hummus, Baba Ghanoush, Tabouli Salad, Arnabeet Bi Tarator, Foul Medamas and Batata Harra.
For beverages, you could go the route of getting their authentic coffee, served in a lush pot, or the cocktail route with their Espresso Martini, which was also very impressive. We were also introduced to a trio of their Manae’esh, baked Lebanese flatbread, served open-faced, like a pizza. The good news? Considering the quantity of food, we were lucky the restaurant provides to-go boxes!
And then we came to the pièce de résistance portion of the evening, the Original Tableside Shawarma®️. Created by Fallous, the Original Tableside Shawarma®️ is not even on the menu, but the secret is out because as you look around, every table has one. The heater is plugged it to keep the meat hot and there’s a half frying pan that keeps the meat separate from the plentiful plate of fries. There is a choice of beef, chicken or lamb, but lamb is what they’re known for, so you go with that. The meat is tender and flavorful, and we used the leftover dips on everything, so the first course served many purposes.
Au Za’atar provides an experience where you are treated like royalty and like you’re the only customer in the restaurant, even though you clearly are not. The food is flavorful and filling, providing the authentic experience Fallous is going for. Au Za’atar also has another location in Midtown (1063 1st Avenue, at 58th Street), which is slated to open its’ indoor space very soon. Do not sleep on this restaurant! For more information and to make a reservation, because you’re going to need it, please visit https://www.auzaatar.com.
