Spice Brothers

Shawarma east pita: In a city where shawarma often serves as a late-night snack to curb tomorrow’s hangover, Spice Brothers takes the popular Middle Eastern street food very seriously. Every element of the sandwich — the spit it’s roasted on, the single origin of the spices that perfume the meat, the spelling of tahina — has been fussed over. But it’s not so precious that it doesn’t fit in perfectly on the eternally scruffy strip that is St. Marks. NIKITA RICHARDSON

At Spice Brothers, the beef-and-lamb shawarma (“Shawarma East” on the menu) is seasoned with a Turkish-style spice blend heavy on warm spices like cumin, cinnamon, and a bright flash of rose petals before it’s dressed with herbed labneh sauce. The other option, chicken, is the Shawarma West, spiced with pimentón and turmeric and packing the heat of harissa. The sandwiches are $15 (chicken) and $17 (beef-lamb), made with Sercarz’s spices and Pat LaFrieda meat. Each comes with tahini, a salty rendition of the mango-pickle amba, cilantro, and an unconventional crown of arugula. (It’s peppery and fresh; it works.) The pita, from New Jersey’s Angel Bakeries, is fluffy and holds its own against all the sauce and meat juice.

Abdullah

Google

Really good food for a great value and even better portioning. I tried their chicken shawarma (they didn’t have any lamb shawarma unfortunately). The ingredients tasted fresh and the bread was so soft/fluffy. Is this the best shawarma spot in NYC as some would claim? Absolutely not. Is it delicious? Absolutely

Todd Fellerman

Google

Delicious middle eastern food with rich spices and taste. Loved their Eggplant sabiche sandwich -- full of delicious flavors and a good size (was filling). Service was a bit slow -- but was fine to just relax outside at their sidewalk tables. Looking forward to come back here again!

Delphine Ettinger (Ashes57)

Google

I have just tried the Eggplant Sabish Pita, and it was absolutely delicious! The spice mix is perfect—spicy and herby—and the yummy lettuce inside really complements the flavors and to satisfy my vegetarianism. My friend ordered the Chicken Shawarma West Pita with extra Harissa, and we were both thrilled with our choices. The prices are very reasonable, making it a great spot for a quick meal alone or with one friend. I enjoyed my lunch inside, where there are a few cozy tables, as well as some outdoor seating for the summer months. I highly recommend this place for anyone looking for tasty, satisfying lunch, dinner, late dinner or snack!

Chaim G

Google

On a weekday at 11ish the place had just opened and was empty but for one local looking older couple. The lovely girl at the cash was both courteous and professional. The Sabich was near perfection except it was very oily and it ended on a drippy oil note. I've had drier versions but not better. It's a minor complaint because the end result is a huge portioned, generous and delicious Sabich the best on this side of the Med 😉 I washed it down with a Malka blonde ale 6.5 which is one of the best anywhere, anytime. Try and see. The Malabi at the end was a perfect desert lovely consistency and not too sweet. All in all an almost 5 star experience.

Julian Rachele

Google

Each time I eat here I'm at a loss for words, but I'll try: My office is nearby and my coworkers and I have a tier list for 35+ local restaurants of all varieties. This one is at spot number 1. Their falafel is peerless, impeccable and downright divine. The chicken shawarma bursts with flavor within you and has a beautiful contrasting crust. The fries are gorgeous and extremely flavorful. The hummus is perfect.

Doug Baltman

Google

This is probably the best pita I’ve had in New York after living here for a year. I got the schwarma, and my friends got the schnitzel & falafel. The pita had a perfect ratio of fresh ingredients, sauces, and meat, plus excellent distribution throughout the pita. Also they have good pickles and shifka peppers if you’re into that.

Jill Meyer

Google

I was excited to try some chicken shawarma after reading a review but I am still on the hunt for the best shawarma in NYC. My local place in Buffalo NY has a better sauce but I will give much credit to Spice Brothers: The ingredients here are fresher and the filling being inside the pita was cool. It allowed less dripping than typical wraps. Also, the chicken was better.

tomasz j

Google

I came across this place by accident, I was passing by in the west village, and since I was hungry I decided to stop in. The place is tiny, but clean and nice. The food is really tasty and I didn't have to wait long. I ordered a plate of falafel, very tasty, the fries were really great, the vegetables and sauces tasted nice, without any dominant flavors. I really recommend it. I think I will visit this place in the future.

Matthew G.

Yelp

Really enjoyed the delicious cuisine. Anything to add Joel? Idk You have to have? It was great

Kirsten P.

Yelp

This place is awesome! We turned up around 1pm on a Sunday and were the only ones there for a few minutes before it started to fill up. Beautiful and clean inside with plenty of space to sit, plenty of napkins and water. Everything you need. The folks who worked there put our order together quickly and it was brought out to the table promptly. The other people there were loudly remarking as to how delicious their order was. The pita comes out hot and full of fresh vegetables and delicious sauces, unlike other spots that sometimes hand you a cold pita with hot falafel inside. The spice level is amazing and so tasty, distinct from any similar place I've ever tried. We had the sabich and the falafel pitas and both were delicious. My sabich was so tasty, I would definitely have it again. We were also impressed by the range of drink options. For sure worth a taste and a return visit!

Hannah E.

Yelp

This shawarma beats out anything I had in Israel (or anywhere else, which goes without saying). I haven't agreed with Pete Wells of the New York Times all that often, but his article on this place was absolutely spot on. The focus he gave to the spices behind the meat, based on the focus the chef gives to the spices behind the meat, made me visit - I'm not a meat lover, but am a spice nerd, and being able to enumerate the spices behind every bite was a extra-sensorily pleasant experience. The meat may not be the centerpiece, but it's cooked as though it is. After all, you can't even be a vehicle without being able to drive. It would be impressive on its own, but the layers of spices are thick as coats of paint, and kept from being too tongue-coating by the tahine and amba. I also ordered a side of eggplant, thinking they'd be chip-adjacent, like, for snacking, but they were thick and meaty. You probably couldn't go wrong stuffing them right in your sandwich, but they're a bit tough to eat solo.

Erin D.

Yelp

Excellent shawarma in a well-composed sandwich with a good mix of sauces and veggies. Outdoor seating, which is a real bonus these days. Not a five star review for a few reasons, easily addressable so this is meant as constructive feedback: -High prices -- $15 for a not huge sandwich doesn't really bother me, but what does bug me is that the only water they sell is $5 and there's no way to get tap water. -The bathroom is right there clearly visible yet they refuse to let customers use it. Good way to alienate customers for no reason. -They no longer serve the beef and lamb shawarma, seemingly permanently (?), but the menu hasn't been updated to reflect this.

Vishnu G.

Yelp

This is a fantastic place for a delicious, inexpensive meal. I had the falafel pita, which came loaded with vegetables and a few sauces. The falafel was perfectly crispy, and the toppings added a variety of fresh, spicy, and creamy flavors. I also had a side of fried eggplant, which was just alright - it would probably be better in the context of an entire sandwich. The pita by itself is $12, which is a phenomenal deal. I'll definitely be back.

Alexander Z.

Yelp

The shawarma was excellent as long as you don't mind it being a bit spicy, and the hummus was perfectly creamy and had none of the chalky consistency or astringent undertone that sometimes mars it.

Evelyn H.

Yelp

Went out of my way to try this place and was underwhelmed. I got the Half and Half option on rice. The chicken was dry, the red meat gristly and the whole bowl just lacked flavor oomph to tie everything together.

Syc R.

Yelp

Spice Brothers place is a remarkable addition to the culinary vortex that attracts an array of exceptional food spots to this part of the East Village. Notable other examples include Foxface Natural and Superiority Burger. Everything on SB's menu is unbelievably superb - a culinary dream come true for casual, affordable Middle Eastern cuisine. The spices that season each dish are a delicate masterpiece, crafted with the expertise of true spice masters. Their falafel sets a new high, way above the standard, not to mention the eggplant sabich and the absolutely best shawarma. Even their side-dishes are superb, such as the fries (not to miss), the schug, the small, usually skippable accompaniments like the pita chips that come with the soups-they are usually bland and forgettable elsewhere but absolutely addictive at SB, even the berry jam is the best. Their version of malabi is the best ever, and more.... We have two "issues" with this place: 1) Everything on the menu has become a favorite, making it impossible not to over-order 2) Their food is irresistibly addictive.

Saul G.

Yelp

I am a fan of the spice mixtures from La Boite, so I was excited when the feinschmeker told me about the new resto in St. Marks. As good a shwarma as you'll encounter in the Big Apple. Tender, well seasoned meat, fresh veggies, the right amount of sauce, toasted pita. A pickled pepper. At $17.00 it better be great. It was.

Chris S.

Yelp

I picked up a Too Good To Go order for $6 and got the Shawarma West. Let me just say ... this was probably the best chicken shawarma I've ever had. It seems unassuming from the outside but it's PACKED with so many flavorful ingredients. The harissa, hummus, tomatoes, onion, and all the sauces and spices were so delicious. It was also a pretty hefty portion .. it looked small at first but you realize how much is actually packed in there. Fantastic food and makes me want to go back immediately.

Hannah H.

Yelp

Spice Brothers is a new shawarma eatery that opened up in East Village. Currently, they're in their soft opening stage - we tried their chicken shawarma in a pita in which the chicken was marinated in shawarma west spices, tahina, and amba; we also heard about their falafel, so we had to try that, which came nestled on top of hummus and zhoug. Everything was made to order and arrived hot and fresh. The staff is friendly and welcoming! Definitely a great place to stop by to get your falafel and shawarma fix. +falafel +shawarma pita sandwiches +friendly service

M. D.

Yelp

Not halal. And there is no such thing as "Israeli" shawarma. Might be cheap but certainly not the real thing.

Alex R.

Yelp

Great to see a proper shawarma place on St Marks. The space is welcoming and decor complimentary to its sister restaurant David's Cafe. We ordered shawarma east and west. East had beef and lamb mixed with shredded purple cabbage and herbs. The pita is well stuffed and sauced with tahina and herbed labne. The meat was well done and charred in a good way. Texturally it was a mixed salad in a pita, which is not a bad thing as meat on a spit tends to dry out and needs the moisture of veggies and spices to bring it all together. And the spice here is pronounced. The pita was fluffy and held it all together to the very end. The shawarma west had its distinct flavor profile which is appreciated. Will definitely come back for falafel !

Tsvika K.

Yelp

The idea of a great shawarma based on two ingredients- Great meat and the right spices . Here you got it perfectly right . Both the "East" & the "West" done the exact way as it should be . The quality bring eventually the deliciousness . Arguably the best shawarma in NYC . Beside that their falafel is fantastic as a great snack and you want to add their thini and schug. Highly recommended!!! Definitely A destination!!!!!

C B.

Yelp

Had the lamb/beef shawarma and ... just wow! The meat was absolutely delicious, but to me, what made this special was the fresh herbal greens in the pita, it made it all taste so bright and didn't weigh me down. The pita didn't fall apart. It was shawarma perfection in my book!

Heather W.

Yelp

Really delicious food! I cannot wait to try more of it. I just wish the food came out hot, and that they had actual plates for the pricing. Tried both the East and West platters- they are the perfect combination of food, imo! Friendly guy at register. Thanks!

Michelle T.

Yelp

East Village stroll on a warm Sunday in March. Hadn't had schwarma in a long time and saw someone post about it on IG. Had the schwarma west pita with chicken, amba, tahina, harissa. So flavorful, fresh ingredients and packed ... pita didn't fall apart. Love that they mix all of the ingredients together so you don't get layered bites. I took half home and unless there is extra chicken hiding on the bottom, I felt like it could have used more. $15 ($16.34 with tax). Super friendly service. Would recommend and look forward to trying the falafel next time.

Aaly H.

Yelp

Wonderfully flavorful and fresh. Real spices. Not watered down. Very well presented and served even for delivery.

Chloé S.

Yelp

Some of the tastiest, most wholesome & rich soup I've EVER had!! I was really taken aback. AqqqES is a great fRich & complex in flavor, but with such a clean finish - absolutely none of that lingering aftertaste that tends to accompany such complex flavors. Each bite was a rich delight. You could tell it was made thoughtfully and with the freshest of ingredients. Was chicken chickpea

Yoni Z.

Yelp

Finally a place in Manhattan making a respectable shawarma and getting it right. This isn't a gyro, it's not souvlaki, it's not chicken thighs in similar spices masquerading as shawarma. This is legitimately the real deal off the spit, in a doughy enough pita with the right condiments. Tahina, Amba, schug , harissa. Shawarma places never stay open in New York so I'm praying this one thrives.

Evan K.

Yelp

Great place. I got the chicken pita and it was great. I also recommend getting either the zhoug or the mango sauce to go with it.

Shifra Z.

Yelp

Fantastic food , tahini is out of this world . I highly recommend this place. Service is great Relax ambiance

Shar H.

Yelp

The food is so amazing! I got a Too Good to Go Bag and it had their chicken shawarma sandwich. I don't usually eat a lot of meat but am willing to try new things. It was to die for! The chicken and vegetables were so fresh and the portion size was extremely generous. The flavors of all the sauces and spices tasted so good. This is the best Middle Eastern pita sandwich I have ever had.

Dylan R.

Yelp

I had a very exquisite dining experience when I came to spice brothers, their Shawarma bowls are magnificent. The service was amazing, and the environment was very friendly

Dino S.

Yelp

Amazing! The shafoie alone was to die and/or kill for! Great service and fantastic food all around.

Perry K.

Yelp

Absolutely fantastic, perfect! Sandwiches are insanely delicious with impeccable spice (it's in the name, lol!) and flavors. The care and quality here is next level, even for higher end shawarma places. I am so glad to have the Spice Bros in the neighborhood! This fulfills a need that has been missing for years.

Olive F.

Yelp

Ordered delivery so wasn't the most accurate representation but incredible still. Very pleased

Jean C.

Yelp

I was disappointed after hearing all the great reviews for this place. I had the beef/lamb shawarma and the meat was dry and had quite a bit of gristle. The sauce, pita and pickle were great, but for $17 I expected better!

Rogan Y.

Yelp

The restaurant is very nice with amazing service a good menu. Food came super fast and tasted AMAZING. The chicken shawarma was so good and the fries were DELICIOUS. The restaurant's decoration was spot on and looked very nice with this cool chalk board you can sign. I 110% recommend

Dana S.

Yelp

Not your usual falafel sandwich...deliciously spiced and elevated. Also love that they serve wine and beer. Will come back to try other things on the menu...