Sami & Susu
Mediterranean restaurant · Lower East Side ·
Mediterranean restaurant with seasonal Jewish-Sephardic dishes and wine
Mediterranean restaurant with seasonal Jewish-Sephardic dishes and wine
"As further proof that big things often come in small packages, watch this narrow nook make a regular out of you in no time. On busy Orchard Street, this neighborhood gem hides in plain sight, anchored by a kitchen that doesn’t even have a proper gas stove. Seasonal, bright and unfussy, the menu is small but endlessly tempting as it roams the Middle East for inspiration. Simple, familiar things like tabbouleh chock full of fresh mint and sweet corn spark instant summer joy. Order anything with lamb, whether it’s wrapped in soft cabbage leaves or stuffed into squash blossoms, delicately fried and paired with creamy tzatziki. A punky soundtrack, a natural wine list and staff that will never judge you for over-ordering — what’s not to love?" - Michelin Inspector
"Every Tuesday from 5pm till late, LES restaurant and wine bar Sami & Susu throws a pita party where you can choose from five rotating pitas and special small plates. Past pita varieties have included everything from Nashville hot fish to chopped cheese and McRib. Find weekly menus and more info on their Instagram." - neha talreja
"Baguettes and pitas—these are what envelop the Mediterranean ingredients like harissa chicken and cauliflower with ras el hanout at this cafe on the Lower East Side. Sami & Susu also has soups, in case you need something warming—just know that our favorite item here is the beef tongue sandwich with anchovy-dill vinaigrette. Check out the whole menu and place an order here." - team infatuation
"This Mediterranean restaurant that opened within the last year has $60 per person Passover dinners that come with eight different dishes, including artichoke rice pilaf, chopped liver, wild mushroom kugel, and spicy Moroccon chraime. Each person gets to choose two entrees, and they can accommodate packages for up to six people. Place your order for delivery (anywhere in Manhattan, Brooklyn, or Queens) or pick-up on the Lower East Side here." - hannah albertine
"This spot has served as a location for Mehreen Karim’s pop-ups and residencies where she presents South and Southeast Asian–tinged dishes like tamarind-accented steak au poivre and chaat masala corn ribs. Her signature approach to stretching rotisserie chicken into an elevated dish shows up here in a chicken korma potpie: a Bengali-inspired filling built from browned fried shallots pureed with chicken skin into the roux, aromatics of onion, ginger and garlic, added vegetables and stock to thicken, and shredded chicken, finished under shingled heart-shaped puff pastry." - Bettina Makalintal