Taboon

"We've got a handful of spots that we like in Hell's Kitchen, and Taboon is one of our absolute favorites. That says a lot for the food, considering the restaurant itself lacks most qualities of a typical Infatuation Approved establishment. It's pricey and a little stuffy, and the music they play is an unlistenable combination of Greek lounge music and Yanni remixes. Oh yeah, and it's on 10th Avenue. But what Taboon lacks in cool, it more than makes up for with top quality Mediterranean eats and good service. A taboon is an Arabic word for a wood-burning oven, and the one in the front of this restaurant turns out some damn tasty food. Things that swim seem to benefit the most from the taboon treatment - all of the fish entrees here are excellent, and the octopus and lamb kebab pot pie should not be missed. They also bake an amazing fresh focaccia and serve it on a paddle, which I then use to jam the entire loaf down my throat at once. More please. Prices are a little steep, so Taboon probably shouldn't be in your heavy rotation, but we recommend spending the extra bucks if you're in the area looking for a solid meal. Food Rundown Hummus One of the waiters tried telling me this is the best hummus in the city. I wouldn't go that far, but it's definitely solid. There's a little cumin and paprika in there, and it's a good-sized serving. Eat it with the fresh focaccia if you have any left on the table. Grilled Octopus A slammin' appetizer of grilled octopus with julienned apples and some pickled onions. Easily one of the best octopus dishes in town. Order this. Branzino As previously mentioned, the fish entrees at Taboon are excellent. This whole branzino unfortunately comes without the head, but it's light and flavorful. The roast eggplant on the plate doesn't suck either. Heraime A piece of halibut cooked in a cast iron pan in the taboon, and then brought directly to your table. The fish is delicate and perfect, and it sits on a really nice ragout of roasted red pepper. This is my favorite thing on the menu. Hanger Steak Really good hanger steak marinated in zataar, a Mediterranean spice that makes shit taste good. Another standout from the meat group. Terra Cotta Lamb Kebabs Not just lamb kebabs - lamb inside of a "Mediterranean pot pie." Also inside this dome of pleasure? Tomatoes, charred onions, and pine nuts. Do it." - Chris Stang

"Taboon is one of our favorite restaurants in Hell’s Kitchen and it’ll be a good choice if you’re prepared to spend some money on your meal. They serve Middle Eastern and Mediterranean food, and have both a full bar and a pre- and post-theater special during the week where you get three courses for $46 between 5-6pm and 9:45-11pm. You don’t have to tell them that you’re, in fact, not seeing Wicked." - hannah albertine, bryan kim, matt tervooren

"Taboon’s namesake brick-walled, wood-fired oven provides a heartwarming welcome and bakes an incredible plank of bread. Bring a group and graze on zesty mezes like wild mushroom bread pudding with creamy taleggio and romesco. Vegetables aren’t spared the flames either, as evident in a luscious and healthy pile of roasted broccolini splashed with orange oil." - Sophie Friedman

"From 4pm to 9pm every day, this Meditteranean spot is delivering wines, mezze, hummus bowls, and fresh pita made in their wood-burning oven. We recommend taking advantage of this." - Hannah Albertine, Nikko Duren, Bryan Kim, Arden Shore, Matt Tervooren

"Bring friends because this midtown marvel's menu is best enjoyed by grazing the list of zesty meze like house-made scallop and crab sausage shakshuka with poached quail egg, or a wild mushroom bread pudding with creamy taleggio and romesco." - The MICHELIN Guide