Balaboosta

"The original Balaboosta was a popular Middle Eastern spot in Nolita, and it recently reopened in the old Bar Bolonat space in the West Village. We like some of the modern Israeli dishes here - like the creamy hummus and the cauliflower with peanut tahini - a lot, but we’ve found other things to be disappointing and overpriced (like octopus with overly salty lamb belly and chicken with too much pomegranate, which together will run you $50). If you stick to the small plates rather than the expensive entrees, then this place works well for groups or dates." - Matt Tervooren

"Chef Einat Admony and husband/business partner Stefan Nafziger’s Balaboosta also shut its doors at the end of May, following eight years in Nolita and similarly citing operational costs as part of the reason." - Serena Dai

"Balaboosta is a Middle Eastern neighborhood restaurant that has been praised since its opening in 2010. It is closing in May due to increased operational costs and neighborhood changes. Known for its shakshuka at brunch and gluten-free menu options, Balaboosta has been a key player in the modern Middle Eastern food boom in NYC." - Kayla Kumari Upadhyaya