Naya Mezze & Grill

08/27/10

NAYA = amazing food, great ambience, fabulous service!

by myaB at Citysearch

We (group of 4 ladies) went to Naya yesterday, and OMG, what a gem! I was really craving some mezze (or middle eastern "tapas") and was looking for a place with a good assortment of vegetarian and meat options. Naya was perfect.

The food is incredible - we got the labne, shankleesh, halloumi, falafel, batata harra (seasoned potatoes), muhamarra (I'm sure I butchered that spelling but it's basically a red pepper dip), spicy shrimp (not spicy at all but SO succulent!), and the chicken shish taouk. They also have this great "spicy" green sauce, yum and their garlic whip known as toum, SO SO good. You won't even care about your breath. Honestly, the food was GREAT and prices reasonable.

The restaurant is long and narrow but it makes for great seating arrangements - you'll see what I mean. And whoever descrive the decor as Miami lounge was totally spot on. There's also a separate area in the back for a large group. The ambience there is also pretty nice; it almost screamed "rehearsal dinner space".

Our waiters were super friendly and (I think it was) the manager, was super attentive to our needs. This restaurant also has a lunch-time location (Naya Express on 3rd ave and 43rd street) which I go to for lunch.

Great find. I'm already planning my return.

05/08/10

The Best Lebanese Food in the City

by Sri Raja at Citysearch

Delicious Delicious Delicious!!! We love going to Naya. Naya has got to be the best middle eastern restaurant in Nyc. The staff is polite and helpful, the food is delicious and the ambience is really nice and cool. Its a must for everyone who loves a good Falafel.

• Pros: Great Ambience, Fabulous Service and Delicious Food
• Cons: NA

01/31/10

Neighborhood Gem

by montanaraid at Citysearch

"If you want to have outstanding food, energetic and courteous service then this is the restaurant for you. Cozy banquettes insure that your conversation is private. The beef kebabs contain the most delicious beef tenderloin we have ever tasted. The baked striped bass with tahini sauce runs a strong second place. Don't skip the appetizers- the muhammara dip with pita is a must! Be sure to try one of the Lebanese wines-super delicious. Leave room for dessert and order the essmalia and experience the most amazing pastry ever. This is a definite once a week destination. Each time we come here we are greeted like old friends-in such a rough town it is refreshing to be treated with such warmth and hospitality. One of the waiters, Henry, will help you with your selections on the menu and provide added humor and positive energy to your meal."

• Pros: Henry-the best waiter in NYC
• Cons: none

03/04/09

BEST MEZZA IN TOWN

by humuslover at Citysearch

NAYA IS A RARE BREED IN LEBANESE HOSPITALITY AND FRESH MADE TO ORDER SALADS TABOULE AND FATTOUCH , MEZZA IS TO DIE FOR THE KIBBE NAYA ,BATATA HARRA ,ARAYESS MEAT AND CHEESE ,TRY THE LAMB SAUSAGE (MAKANEK) THE BEST OUTSIDE BEIRUT. THE SPECIALTY OF THE HOUSE ARE THE SHAWARMA CHICKEN AND BEEF WITH THE GARLIC SAUCE I ALWAYS ASK FOR MORE ,SERVICE IS VERY ATTENTIVE AND PROFESSIONAL AND THE HOST IS GRACIOUS AND ACCOMMODATING . PLEASE KEEP UP THE GOOD WORKS .

BY THE WAY THE KENAFE IS DIVINE

• Pros: FOOD SERVICE AFFORDABLE

03/03/09

BEST LEBANESE RESTAURANT

by isaac212 at Citysearch

Guys you deserve all the great write up you got! the place is fabolous. Service was very attentive. As for the food, Beirut landed at NAYA. ultra traditional and fresh food. The kebab and lamb chops are so well executed. 2 thumbs up for the appetizers as well. the crowd is so nice and byu the way i loved your music!

• Pros: All of the above
• Cons: none