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Category: Middle Eastern [Edit]
Neighborhood: Hell's Kitchen50th St-8th Ave (C, E)
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Best All-Kosher Israeli food ever! I crave and love Azuri Cafe. If you want seriously damn good food go to Azuri Cafe. Yes, it's a hole in the wall but those are the best places. If you dine outside, it's also a great dog/people watching spot.
Also, it's a cafe, not a restaurant, so don't expect to be waited on hand and foot if you sit at a table. It's a takeout place that happens to have a few tables.
I also see a lot of people complaining about the service but Ezra (the owner) has been nothing but a darling to me. I actually think he's super friendly and easy to talk to. He's absolutely adorable in my opinion! I don't go often enough for him to know me, but every time I go he treats me like an old friend (and sometimes like his granddaughter! He likes patting my head and giving me cookies for some reason.) He's honestly really sweet.
He's the perfect example of "Treat others as you would like to be treated." Yes, he's scowling when you walk in, but don't let that discourage you. Who knows, maybe he's not scowling but his wrinkles make him look like that?
Try giving him a smile, he'll smile right back. :)
read the reviews and stuck w/the sandwiches rather than the platters. one falafel sandwich and one shawarma. very tasty and meticulously crafted so that each bite contains ample flavor, texture, sauces, etc.
not quite sure why that guy needs to be such an unfriendly rude-dude... if not for his ungrateful attitude, id give this place five stars.
After hunting on Yelp with a friend for the best falafel in NY, we tried this place. I have no idea if it's "authentic," but really enjoyed it and the accoutrements that you don't usually see. Went twice - once with 2 friends, who happened to be Jewish girls. That time, Ezra was very gregarious...toward them (hah!). At any rate, I decided it (food and character combined) was so great that I took a guy friend there the next day. He more or less has the coloring of a Greek god (read: dirty blond hair, golden skin, not Jewish). Ezra was much less interested in chatting and grumpily took our orders. I doubt you'd find another hole-in-the-wall quite like this!
A friend and I went here tonight for dinner before a concert... Was it worth $30 (including tax and tip) for a falafel platter and a chicken shwarma platter? Absolutely no way Jose.
I've been previously, a couple of times, but only got sandwiches -- which come fully-loaded and aren't that expensive, for the usual freshness and quality of ingredients it's definitely worthwhile.
But tonight we got platters... The falafel platter had exactly three falafel balls -- the same amount as a falafel sandwich, only the platter costs twice as much and all you get in return is a little more salad... Same situation with meat on the chicken (which, today, was little more than over-cooked chicken thigh meat) shwarma platter.
I feel that the service is unnecessarily brusque and unavailable -- one guy doesn't speak any English, the other guy refuses to acknowledge you but instead points you to the owner, and the owner is standing there with a frown on his face the whole time... And they're very stingy with the ingredients: I asked four times "may I please have some hot sauce?" before he finally responded "it's on the salad." I asked for some more, and he said "you have enough." I didn't taste ANY... I asked if for two platters we could possibly please get more than only two pitas (most places give you two pitas per platter) and he said "you have enough..." I asked for water five times, which took 15 minutes to arrive, drank it then asked for more, he honestly said "I just gave you some."
I'm not going to accuse him of racism, but when a couple came in and, at first speaking English (saying, I overheard, "this is our first time here") then started speaking Hebrew, he immediately picked up their chairs and table then moved them outside... at the end of their meal he brought them dessert and gestured the Universal "it's on me, please, take it." It's not like they were regular customers, and they only ordered a couple small things -- why did they get far superior, preferential treatment?
For these prices you could go to a restaurant -- which gives you water and napkins and plates (rather than metal take-out containers) and has a functional bathroom and air-conditioning and leg-room and service with a smile... The food is good, which is why I'm giving it an A-OK, but I recommend you either stick to ordering sandwiches or just get take-out... Or maybe if you're wearing a yarmulke you'll get treated better.
Upon arrival my intention was to give 5 stars... But I left feeling otherwise.
I walked 10 blocks for a falafel and a bowl of soup. It was worth a 5 block walk....not so sure about a 10 block walk. The lentil soup was a brothy style with whole lentils. This is not typical and it was a lighter, not hearty style. The falafel in pita was a mixed bag. The ingredients were fresh...fresh...fresh...except for the falafel which seemed old, overcooked, and a bit skimpy (in size). In fact, the falafel added no flavor to the sandwich. Admittedly, I was there at an odd hour (4pm) - I may have gotten one left over from the lunch rush. The service was superb. The owner was chatty and went out of his way to accommodate my love of hot (thermally) soup.
This is the best Falafel in the world, I know this because the owner told me. I honestly believe he may be right. They put crispy falafel inside a fresh pita and then add about a dozen ingredients. A drizzle of this and a pinch of that, what you end up with is falafel heaven in Hell's Kitchen.
Asuri Cafe is a stand-out restaurant. I recommend a "Combination Salad" in the "Small Plate" form. ($9) A combination salad at Azuri Cafe means "A little bit of everything", which means...3 large falafel pieces, served on a bed of fresh greens, creamy hummus, eggplant that makes you see colors with your mouth, beautiful baba ganoush, two tiny pieces of a delicious pickle (of course), and 2 or 3 other zesty middle eastern sides. (that I don't know the names of, but tasted great!) The bread that comes with it is fluffy and moist with that perfect little bit of char. I've had experiences elsewhere that made me stay away from falafel, thinking it was "Too heavy", but the way Azuri does falafel is beautifully authentic and subtle. It has just the right amount of moisture and density. I had a flan for dessert that didn't quite live up to the main course, but nonetheless... This is my favorite "Simple" middle eastern in manhattan. Extremely worthwhile. Go there now, and next time check out the more "Complicated" Taim in the west village. But that's for another review page.
I can't see what all the fuss is about. I went out of my way to the Azuri because it was rated as the best shawarma place in Manhattan. What a disappointment. The chicken shawarma sandwich is overpriced at $8 and not enough chicken. Other peopel might find Ezra charming but he just looked sour and unfriendly to me. Go to the kebab stands on the side of the road. You'll get better food at a better price.
Its funny but the reviews below are all so right on the mark. The owner/cashier lives and breathes non-hospitatlity through in and out - however once you get past that its worth the experience. I agree, unless you sit at the 1-2 tables just outside, plan to take out and eat in a nearby park. He's overpriced - I paid $18.50 for a schwarma plate and pepsi. Totally absurd. I can eat at a place like this in LA on almost every block for half that amount - perhaps this is just Manhattan. The fod is good - not great. I like the varied menu and appreciate the vegetarian options.
The best falafel in NYC. Yes it's not the cheapest place and yes Ezra can rub some people the wrong way. So, if you are sensitive and cheap, go somewhere else -- it will be less crowded for the people that enjoy the food.
Tasty Israeli food!
Falafel heaven. We come here every week for falafel Friday. It's worth the trip out if you don't live in the hood.
The pita is fresh the hummus is delicious it's a perfect lunch time meal
Good falafel, but nothing mindblowing- definitely not worth the hike from the E. Vill. to HK.
I got the veggie small plate, which included a variety of salads: 2 types of cabbage, tabouli, fava beans, eggplant, pickles and cucumber/tomato, in addition to hummus/baba ganoush/falafel (sounds like a lot, but they came in very small quantities). The eggplant was not fresh, but I also went late in the day. Everyone who worked there spoke Spanish- not what I was expecting. But the falafel had really good flavor- good enough to eat solo, without sauce or hummus.
The prices were also not what I was expecting for this little hole in the wall: my plate cost $10. I'll stick to my $2.50 Mamouns falafel, thank you very much.
I admit, i've only gone once (so far), and i only went because Gazala was closed and had no posted hours, so i didn't know how long i'd have to wait to eat there.
But i'm kinda glad.
The falafel sandwich was ridiculously good. Seriously, fantastically good. Better than Alfanoose, which was my best falafel sandwich so far in Manhattan (or the SF bay area).
We were there at 5 in the afternoon, so we were the only customers, and thus didn't get the famous surly treatment from the owner. He was sitting in the corner doing something on his computer instead of paying any attention to his restaurant. The rest of the staff had trouble with basic things like refilling empty water glasses, but damn the food is good. And cheap.
There's a $0.50 fee for takeout, but delivery is free over $15.
This is one of the best falafel places in the city, and yes the chicken shawrama and gyro is excellent better than places even in the middle east.
The falafel is great especially when mixed with all the other toppings and flavors because it balances itself out, not too sour and plain and it when you chew the falafel it all comes together. The shawarma is great too.
The kafta dish is not recommended, its not horrible but its not the signature dish , the steak is okay worth trying depending on your taste, if so get the platter.
The service is not that great, although the owner can be very friendly if he gets to know you, so I really can't fault him as a lot of other people.
On the other hand its hard to reason with him, he is a bit like a grumpy at times.
The place seems clean and he really seems to take pride in doing the service , cooking, and preparing the meals which is really unlike most falafel stores. Honestly, most falafel take out places don't have the same level of commitment , so the service in that regard is close to impeccable. He is always there supervising the workers and often prepares the meal.
I see him wear gloves when handing the food , my only problem is that on occassion, he uses his hand to touch the pita, now lately I have seen him use a wet paper towel to remove the dirt from his hand that he doesn't have the glove on.
Honestly, a lot of places are not as clean as his, a lot of take-out falafel joints probably use their bare hands all the time when not looking, but still he should avoid touching part of the pita with his hands. He does that when someone calls or if he is multi-tasking but most of the time he uses the glove to touch the pita on the cutting board.
I wouldn't recommend groups, maybe once a while you and a friend . However, its more recommended for quick lunch and maybe even takeout.
He is very grumpy and while he listens and responds he is like the soup nazi for special requests. If a girl says I am taking a coke with this or please do this special request, he may do it but its like a soup nazi with a face.
The other day he was very angry in a mood, not at his customers but one time some guy took a soda and but it back because he was short a view cents and he briefly cursed under his breath. However, the other customers were treated great and he even smiles or has an easy attitude most of the time.
Although the falafel is great and the shawarma is very good, other falfall joints seem to do meat based dishes better, such as falafel king in astoria's chicken and kafta although his shawrma is not that great.
I would love to give this places maybe 3.5 stars but since its much better than most falafel joints in the city who really don't have a rats about their food. I'll have to give it 4 stars in its category in comparison to others.
Prices are a bit higher than a lot of other falafel places, and adds 50c for taking out which most places don't . I gave this the moderate pricing because one may order 2 sandwiches which can easily put you in the $10-15 dollar range.
As for delivery, service may not be that great at times, he may not answer the phone, get well acquainted. Take-out is great and calling ahead is the better thing to do after getting acquainted, however sometimes it takes much longer than usual depending on the mood. The other day I had to wait an hour after calling and he didn't even start making the food, occassionaly he may wait 10-20 mintues after calling.
However, in most cases he and his staff are fast, 10-15 minutes they are usually done, quicker than a lot of other resturants and places so I would say normally service wait is not that long.
Stiil excellent falafel and for my first time ,awesome baklava.
Finally got here, it's a great little place sitting on a shady corner near 10th Avenue.
I loved the…
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One of the best fafafels I have ever had. Just don't expect service with a smile.
I guess I must be very spoiled when it comes to Middle Eastern food.
I am originally from Michigan where there is a middle eastern restaurant on every corner (thats a little exaggeration ... but not much).
After reading the reviews I was very excited to grab some food from here. It was a freezing night...but we bundled up and made the walk over to Azuri.
We both ordered the chicken shawarma plate. It included a salad, rice, some hummus, a few pickles and other random things. It was ok. The chicken was pretty dry and the all the extra things that came on the plant were really nothing special. In addition...the price was pretty high for what we got. For 2 plates we paid about 33 bucks.
I really have nothing much to say about the place...it was nothing out of the ordinary and even though I love middle eastern food...I will most likely not return.
Just not worth the walk...
Cozy la cucaracha colony with excellent Israeli food. Greg T. and I stopped by on our way to Terminal 5 to sample their abridged offerings.
Falafel are 4.5-stars. Five stars for their perfectly crisp exterior and perfectly moist interior. Four stars for their (mostly parsley) flavor. (Azuri's kosher falafel are second only to Holy Land's in Berkeley, CA - the latter's falafel flavors are more pleasingly complex.)
Platter pickles are also 4.5-stars: five for flavor, four for texture. Some of the pickles lack crispness, but that speaks more to my preferences than to their ability.
Chicken schwarma is tasty enough but dry (3-stars). Sambusak (savory meat pastry) is also okay, but it's the falafel plate that shines brightly here.
Baklava (3-stars) is more dense than flaky -- chock full of minced nuts and seasoned delicately with rosewater.
The owner, Ezra Cohen, is not at all unfriendly. Likely, it's the assertive eyebrows and the inelegant turns of phrase that make for this undeserved reputation. Let's just say your papa is stern like mine. If true, Mr. Cohen's terse affections will seem familiar, perhaps even lovable, by comparison.
Our interaction with him went something like this:
EC: "So you finish everything on plate!"
Me: "It was delicious!"
EC: "Yes. Delicious. I know. My delicious food, it make you hungry."
EC: "... So you like?"
Me: "Yes! Oh, it was soooo good ..."
EC [shrug]: "I know. I know. Already, I know."
I like calling it the Grumpy Falafel, not because the owner actually was a grump while I was there, but he always seems agitated at something, well, who can blame him?
The best falafel by far. The place is small, and not the most comfortable dining hall or anything, but the food tastes excellent. And it's easy on the budget, especially compared to what's around it. The garnish they put in their sandwiches taste good. Everything tastes good. It makes Oasis seem worse and worse.
I went here on a Yelp suggestion (thanks Steve M!) when I was nearby. A bit of a hike to 10th ave on a hot day in heels.. then to deal with extremely brusque, grouchy owner who grunted between cigarette draws (inside).. but above all, it takes a LOT for me to approve of felafel that costs $5. But it's worth it. smoky, crunchy, and interlayered with a diverse mix of sauces and veggies.. not just iceberg and chunks of tomato like some places. Good thick israeli pita, too, though it wouldn't kill them to heat it up.
Still, I concur with others-- best felafel I have had in a long time, possibly ever.
I can honestly say that this is the BEST Israeli food I've had. The large vegetarian platter is one of my favorite meals on earth--I actually crave Azuri after not having it for a few weeks. Despite the fact that Ezra, the owner, is gruff, curt, and borderline rude (they even state this fact on their menu-- NY Mag compared him to Seinfeld's Soup Nazi), Azuri is totally worth it!!! It's not a place where you should eat-in because there is barely room to sit and it's very sparse. This is a total take-out place. I often order for delivery, but beware that they only take cash and have a high delivery minimum (at least $15). They also close for the weekly Sabbath. If you like spicy sauces, their cilantro based hot sauce is mildly spicy but full of the most amazing flavor. I highly, highly recommend trying Azuri--it's great.
Agree re the owner/cook, but he can be nice, if you speak to him nicely. Who knows what he's been through?
The food is great, the atmosphere nil, the place very small. I saw a lot of takeout customers, but I don' live in the nabe, so ate in.
Kosher, too (meat). Particulartly good fried fish.
I was a bit nervous going in because I heard a girl on the way out say, "At least he didn't yell at me this time." I could immediately see who she was talking about, and I've heard that this person, I think the owner, was the inspiration for Seinfeld's "Soup Nazi."
I really loved the Spinach Burackas appetizer. It had a very light and tasty sauce on it. The Azuri Falafel Pita was amazing. It was bright and colorful, and had a great blend of tastes with the falafel, broccoli, hummus, cucumber, tomatoes, and cabbage. The pita was warm and delicious.
It was a little bit pricey in comparison to other small falafel places, but I will definitely go back here!
Well not authentic Mediterranean food but definitely one for the taste buds. Ignore the guy who serves the food. He is somebody way out from this world. The food is as delicious as it gets. I love their falafel, kababs and hummus. There is definitely a method to his madness in the way he makes his food and boy he is so protective that he doesn't even let the other co-workers touch the food. Though he pisses me off with his attitude but he makes up with the food. Something I can live with.
Incredible food, interesting owner, great one-of-a-kind New York experience! And it's a few blocks from the Daily Show studio. Stop by on your way there...
p.s. I've been there three or five times now, and I still think it's the greatest! The lentil or split pea soup is wonderful, as is the "Turkish" coffee.
great falafel and food. grumpy service.
a hole-in-the-wall that makes new york new york.
Can't believe I never Yelped this sentimental favourite. When I first came to NY, it was with the idea that I was splashing about in a world encyclopedia, the best of everything, and so naturally one of the tests I first put the city to was the search for the best shwarma. And this is that.
The falafel small plate is excellent. I personally thought the staff was friendly, but even on the menu, it states the owner is not the nicest person. So only go in there expecting good food.
I live right by Azuri and they have the most amazing Falafels! I went in expecting the owner to be really mean but found him to be a very friendly. He recognized me from previous visits and we chatted about music and traveling.
I wish the price was a bit lower, but am willing to pay because it's so good.
The falafels just don't do it for me (please don't kill me) but their sides are awesome. I walked over to Azuri Cafe with a couple of coworkers and I was a little scared...I mean, I read some reviews that made the owner seem like he was the new Soup Nazi. The owner turned out to be very nice (to all of us) and we were served really quickly. We all went with the falafel small plate and I think I was the first to mention how extremely crunchy the falafel was (I mean, I could've broken a filling by biting down on the falafel). The side items were really good (I don't even know what any of the side items were) and if it wasn't so far on the west side, I would go back.
Falafel is excellent. Can't build it yourself, but the guy making them gives you a very high level experience. Location is the biggest problem for this place. Also, it is dumpy, but as long as you know that going in it doesn't matter.
Azuri has phenomenal falafel, topped with countless delicious and exciting garnishes. My friend Amy brought me here with an ardent plea "You HAAAAVE to try this!!" She was so right, and I have been back 20 times at least. It is a simple room with 5 or so tables. And the owner is just fine: I think that many Americans misunderstand gruffness, just because someone isn't all "My name is Sherri and I'll be your server!!"
The owners are SO rude!! I would never return here again. There are plenty of places with delicious falafel where you will also be treated with basic respect and decency - not here! Beware.
Do you require attentive, cheerful and outgoing waitstaff when eating falafel? If so, I suggest avoiding this place. Brusque is on the menu here every day. I will gladly put up with the attitude to get some of their food. I can't really find the words to describe their sandwiches (uh, so why are you writing a review then?) so you will have to accept my lack of adjectives of proof of the deliciousness and authenticity abounding at Azuri. Get the fried eggplant in your sandwich...sounds strange but so good. There aren't many places to sit so just take your sandwich and move along...next!
This place is MONEY. Killer meat, good falafel, and they give you a grip of good vegetables/sides with the plates. It's not that cheap and the place is a bit small, but hey, if you're looking for dirt cheap stuff and more open space, MOVE TO f***ing NORTH DAKOTA!!! Sure the digs are a bit small and seedy, but it beats the filthy, cockroach-infested, glorified broom closet that you call home. I don't agree with others' opinions of the "warm and friendly" people working there. Personally, I found them to be, for lack of a better word, d-bags. Absolutely no patience, and you'd better be able to understand a thick Israeli accent OR ELSE. But relax guy, the food's worth it.
Holy Smoke, they have the best chicken shawarma ever!!! If served to all nations' leaders, it would make for world peace.
A lot of people come here for the chicken and beef kebabs. That's just fine, but for my money, the falafel is where it's at. It's handmade, and if you weren't such a gutter brain, I'd say something about how you can taste the love that goes into every piece. Their pita, lettuce, tahini, and hummus will also fill you up while keeping the bill down.
I could not decide between the Shawarma Pita or the Falafel Pita so I got both. All I can say is "WOW!" The Shawarma was amazing. It's enough to make it a routine stop in NYC every time I pass through. The Falafel was very good, but the Shawarma stole its thunder. Ezra was grumpy as I have read, but I agree its part of the charm. It's a cute little shop. Good Eats!
For the attitude and the taste, you'll be missing out of you never go here. The Chicken Shawarma was the best I've ever tasted, has plenty of good toppings, and is served in a fluffier bread than your traditional pita. The owner's behavior was really odd-- after I ordered a Shawerma, he started yelling at someone behind the counter. He proceeded to stare right past me for well over a minute, and then, as if no time had passed, asked me to pay. We were one of his first customers of the day, so I nervously asked him if he had change for a fifty dollar bill. He tipped his chin down, and looked up at me in disgust for a good while before angrily opening the cash register. Right before my order came, some guy selling toy robots walked up to register and tried to sell one to the owner. Strangely, he was kinder to this homeless weirdo than he was to any of the paying customers!
Neighborhood: Midtown East
Category: Middle Eastern
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