"Au Za’atar is justly famous on social media for their tableside shawarma towers, and it’s pretty damn satisfying to slice the chicken or lamb off the vertical spit yourself, again and again. Au Za’atar’s other Lebanese classics are also excellent, especially the creamy labneh topped with olives and a slick of olive oil, and the mixed grill platter with sumac-dusted fries. Go with a couple of people, get a bottle of Lebanese wine, and call ahead to order that shawarma tower, which comes with fries, grilled tomatoes and onions, herb salad, plenty of pita, and enough food for leftovers." - bryan kim, neha talreja, hannah albertine, molly fitzpatrick