Emina S.
Yelp
I've had Balade delivered for dinner twice and as of last night, have eaten there twice. So far, it's some the best Lebanese / Mediterranean food I've had in Manhattan. First time we got delivery, we were astounded by the freshness, high quality, and deep flavors and knew we had to visit in person. Luckily, both times were with friends so I got to hear about the meat specialties they enjoyed!
Our waitress Isla last night and a gentleman from last time were both great at providing a welcoming and friendly dining experience. The interior is warm and feels like an old world cellar of sorts. The manager I saw running around deserves a round of applause for what he does to keep that small space running so smoothly.
Everything I've Tried at Various Points:
*Classic Margarita
*Beirut Beats/Zaatar Manakeesh (Lebanese pizza)
*Mezze Supreme Assortment (hummus, baba ghanouj, labne, mouhamara, kebbe krass, sfiha, makanek, and halloumi cheese) -- didn't try the meat-filled appetizers
*Pickled Vegetables
*Warak Einab (dolmas)
*Lentil Soup
*Artichoke Salad
*Rkakat (fried, cheesy phyllo rolls)
*Fattoush
*Falafel
*Balade Fries + Balade Rice
*Shankleesh (aged cheese, herbs, zaatar)
*Fatayir (like spanakopita)
*Fafet Shrimp (incredible yogurt sauce)
*Loubiye Bzeit (stewed-like green beans)
*Lebanese Salata
*Kenafa + Baklava Desserts
Friends Have Ordered and Raved About:
*Mixed Grill Platter (beef, lamb, chicken, veggies, pita)
*Shish Tawook (chicken, veggies, rice)
*Lamb Hummus
Favorites are: lentil soup, fatayir, loubiye bzeit, baba ghanouj, fafet shrimp, and warak einab.
You really can't go wrong with anything on the menu it seems. I do suggest making a reservation.
Huuuge fan of Mr. Semaan's vision and am happy to have recently found out about Balade Your Way nearby which is their fast-casual, small-menu sister restaurant that I'm hyped to eventually grab lunch from!