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Ian Hunter's Guide to New York's Best Restaurants, Bars, and Gourmet Markets
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MIDDLE EAST/ AFRICAN
 
Epices du Traiteur: Tunisian. 103 W 70th @ Columbus; 21/16/$42; 579-5904; Mediterranean influenced; Unique and different types of food selections; Popular spot; Garden. Wondrous fish;

Taboon: Middle Eastern. 773 10th Av @ 52nd; 25/20/$48; 713-0271; Middle Eastern; Flat out awesome place; To die for Fresh bread; Festive atmosphere; Oasis; Relaxed setting. Stone oven prepared foods; Tsatsiki & hummus unreal.  

 

Gazala Place: Middle East. 709 9th Av @ 48-9th; 24/10/$22; 245-0709; Druse style cooking; Homemade Pitas- best in city; Amazing Hummas platters; BYO; Storefront setting- more like a diner; Lamb & Chicken Kabab platters.

 

Meskerem: Ethiopian. 468 47th @ 9-10th Av;  20/12/23;  664-0520;  Flat Breads and incredible Stews; Eat with your hands; Authentic African. Perfectly Spiced. Also located- 124 MacDougal @ Bleecker.

 
Queen of Sheba: Ethiopian. 650 10th Av @ 45-6th; 23/16/$28;  397-0610; Great portions of flavorful dishes to share of the classic Ethiopian bread; Iffy service made up for by top quality cuisine; Trendy scene.

 

Mamoun’s Falafel: Middle East. 119 MacDougal @ Minetta; 24/8/$17; 674-8685; The best damn falafel in the city; Known as a late-night haunt; Perfect for lunch or walking with on the street; Tasty beyond belief.

 

Nomad: African. 78 2nd Av @ 4th St; 21/17/$33; 253-5410;  Cool, almost spiritual décor inside; North African, French cuisine; Great spices; Tasty – unique food to try. Bargain- try couscous royale entrée.


Zerza: Moroccan. 304 E 6th @ 1-2nd Av; 22/20/$38; 529-8250; Authentic food, attentive service; Meticulous care put into the cuisine & served beautifully. Lamb & chicken tanginess.  Belly Dancers on Saturday; Small plates of Moroccan food.

 

Awash: Ethiopian. 338 E 6th @ 1st-2nd Av; 22/12/$24; 982-9589; Tasty platters of flavorful food combined with the traditional Bread; Eat with your hands; Extremely cheap and a great experience. Easily the best genre of African food and they nail it here.  Great to share. Food richly spiced.

 
Kafana: Serbian. 116 Ave C @ 7th-8th; 20/15/$29; 353-8000; Tasty regional pork dishes stand out; One of only a few Serbian places in area; Try 2-person mixed grill; Balkan cuisine has arrived at last.

 
Cafe Mogador: Moroccan. 101 St. Mark’s @ Av A-1st; 22/17/$27; 677-2226; Neighborhood mainstay; Young, hip scene; Garlic-laded entrees; Mussels with shallots & olive oil; Dirt cheap as well.  

 
Bamiyan: Afgan; 358 3rd Av @ 26th; 19/18/$38; 481-3232; Best you’ll get in this cuisine; Chicken dishes are excellent; Pumpkin turnovers; Inspired rice dishes; Classic fare from part of the world few of us know.  

 

Ilili: Lebanese. 236 5th Ave @ 27th; 25/21/$42; 683-2322;  One of the better restaurants of its genre offering small and large plates best designed for sharing; Date-friendly, sexy décor; Lounge feel; Huge menu of truly authentic preparations; Prix-fixe available for lunch or dinner; Lamb Makloubeh and Duck Shawarma are a must as are Brussels Sprouts.

 

Barbes: Moroccan. 21 E 36th @ 5th Av-Madison; 21/18/$43; 684-0215; French-inspired Moroccan fair (both cuisines on menu); Complicated dishes that show care and effort- and great flavor; Coolio date scene- sexy décor;