Balaboosta Nyc Reviews

The menu and food are excellent but our server was Sooo disappointed that we ordered light after a hot day and a huge brunch. It is always the prerogative of the diner to order as they choose. It should be the servers responsibility to serve regardless of the order. We will return after this first visit, the food is that good!

You can't go wrong with this joint. We showed up about 45 minutes late because of a subway issue, but they kindly found a seat for us quickly on this Saturday night. It's a pretty limited menu but the small plates are terrific. We ended up splitting 5 of them and a bottle of wine between the two of us and that was a perfectly sized meal with lots of variety. The pita bread melts in your mouth - get it with the hummus. My wife is a vegetarian and there were plenty of veggie-friendly small plates (not so among the larger plates). Seems like it would be a romantic and cozy room in any weather, but I think it would be a struggle to accommodate a table bigger than 6.

The food was very good, but my main impression of this place was how loud it was! Small dining room with brick walls and a wood ceiling. Unpleasant time.

We were very lucky to get a table on a short notice and were extremely happy that we did try this restaurant out. Got great fried olives and hummus to start with and the main courses were delicious. The place was packed which created a nice atmosphere.

My family and I had a wonderful time here. There appetizers are delicious and quite expensive. But hello, you're in SOHO. The appetizers were good enough as meals. The main dishes are untouchable if you're on a budget. There are not much selections in the menu. There's quite a long waiting list and reservation in tight because it's a small space

One of the best! Excellent wine, service, and foods. Very creative cooking. Everything is top-notch. What a delight.

I love Mediterranean food but everywhere I go, may it be Lebanese, Turkish, Persian, they all seem to be the same type of food. There's hardly any difference in the menu. I'm so glad I tried Balaboosta for lunch. (It's actually an Israeli restaurant). We ordered the crispy cauliflower and oh my god it's delicious! The waitress suggested we also get the cabbage salad and I didn't expect much from it since who can get excited about a cabbage salad but it turned out really delicious. It actually is more like an Asian style salad than Mediterranean. And the street style chicken on a pita was amazing! The taste is something I haven't had in any Mediterranean restaurant. I wish I didn't share it though and I'm still mad that the server told us what we ordered was enough. I could've had the pita sandwich in my own since it was small. But since we were going to a special dinner that night I didn't pig out. I will go back again for sure when I go back to NYC. This is hands down the best I've had. I want to try their dinner too and next time I'll order more.

Balaboosta has relocated from its closed location on Mulberry Street to Hudson Street in the West Village. The menu brought over a few favorites, but there are new modern Israeli treats as well. We started with Three Good Things, a trio of spreads featuring a smoky red eggplant dip and labneh with a zippy zaatar seasoning; a green salad with avocado and plums; and fried cauliflower with currants and pine nuts. For main courses, the whole roasted fish, stuffed with lemon, garlic, rosemary and thyme, and topped with fresh herbs, was delicious. Urfa mushrooms, with meaty abalone and king trumpet mushrooms, wasn't memorable. We concluded with a light creme brulee adorned with halvah threads. An excellent experience!

We got there pretty late for brunch but the hostess and waiters were very welcoming and helpful - amazing service! The interior is very simple and cute - little tables with Vienna chairs, grey concrete flooring, nice bar (I even liked their poster hanging in a restroom). Food - scrambled eggs with fresh herbs were really good but it was Mediterranean sampler with Za'atar pita with hummus, labne and matbucha that blew my mind!! Next time I want to go there for dinner - totally recommend it!!

Refreshing and creative cocktails, delicious food in a small space with a cool vibe. Shared Brussel sprout special - amazing; crispy cauliflower - a signature dish according to the server; hummus and pita - the best ever; kale and octopus. All wonderful. Small plates, appetizers and entrees. Also desserts. We were too full to try dessert, but the cheesecake with phyllo dough crust sounds to die for .....

I chose this restaurant because I had seen the chef-owner (Einat Admony) on a cooking competition show. It was a good choice and I highly recommend it. First, the service is impeccable as the staff is attentive without hovering. Second, the food was a clear demonstration of why this chef was in a cooking competition. We started with fried olives and the Yemenite soup dumplings as appetizers. I had brick chicken as my entree and my husband had lamb neck. I've had brick chicken in other Middle Eastern restaurants, and this was the best I've ever had. Not only was it moist and flavorful, it wasn't "flattened" the way brick chicken sometimes is. My husband thoroughly enjoyed his entree also. For dessert, I'd recommend the malawah churros - they are addictive!!

Need a place near NYU, reasonably priced and cold handle a crowd of 8. Balaboosta fit the bill. And Middle Eastern (not Russian like I expected. But didn't dissuade us from having the best meal. Our crowd had a variety of dietary restrictions and everyone found something to eat and everyone was pleased with their selection and the meal itself.

We have eaten here likely 6 times and will return again. Sequestered down on Mulberry Street with a small bar and a very small waiting area, and a cozy, small dining room. It is always warm and inviting, which you notice by watching the people coming in to try to get a table. Unfortunately, it is getting harder to get a table. Make the effort. Service has been a little spotty, but recently they have been right on. The menu is a blend of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern, but all of the dishes are fresh, presented wonderfully, and tasteful. Lots of Middle Eastern spices. We love the cauliflower, the hummus is unbelievable, and the octopus is always perfect. Pitas are the best. Daily ceviche is never a disappointment. Entrees are sizable and can be shared a little. Chicken, fish, and lamb are really wonderful. I particularly like the pappardelle with tender lamb and sundries tomatoes. The wine list is eclectic, with several Israeli offerings. Prices are quite good for what you get. Ask for advice if you're unsure. Cocktails are good with some unique items. The desserts are served family style. Bread pudding is awesome. Make the trip.

When we were in NY in april we wanted to eat here but it was fully booked for all the time we stayed in NY. This time i made a reservation The moment we arived in NY and i am glad we did... We had The burata and The steak and i eat out a lot, also been to 3 star restaurants but this steak we had was The best piece of meat full of flavor and tender ever. My hat off for The chef! Staf was also extremely friendly and proffesional.

I have been 5 times, with my husband, with family, my son (7yrs) and friends, and every single time the food was incredible and the service excellent. The hummus is perfect. Is always noisy and cool. Don’t miss the sangria and the chicken.

Balaboosta provides relief to the veggie-deprived NYC visitor. So said my out-of-town guests after a couple of days of getting by on pizza and diners. If you're in the Nolita area and can get a reservation, Balaboosta is healthy choice. The dishes here are inventive but not show-offy or outlandish. Just enough to keep your palate happy with a range of nice flavors and comfort-food warmth. Many guests recommend the crispy cauliflower. Take their advice. It's tasty. The hummus is delicious but serving it in a mortar and pestle combo was more awkward than necessary. Pricing is in keeping with neighborhood standards. We ordered 3 or 4 small dishes and a glass of wine for a total of about $90. If you're looking for cheaper, faster eats, step down to the corner to visit Taim, which is owned by the same (female!) chef. They serve up several varieties of falafel and many side salads. (I like the carrot and raisin salad.) We also really appreciated the charm of the evening's host...I think his name is Antonio. Very welcoming and professional. The service staff was also friendly but could use just a bit morning training to match the host's natural sense of hospitality.

fantastic chummus and other apps. great fish. a place where there is something for everyone. make a reservation. it is a small place.

Excellent Mediterranean restaurant in/near SoHo in Manhattan. Service was stellar, bartender made great drinks (the "Lucinda", or maybe "Lucia", was quite good), and the food was wonderful. The cauliflower dish in particular was divine. Definitely worth checking out if you want Mediterranean fare.

This restaurant is a great find. We ordered small plates and appetizers. Everything was wonderful ,spectacular really. We had a pasta plate that was so different with radishes and onions and ricotta. Yummy!

We loved Balaboosta. Had dinner and brunch there (we were lucky enough to be staying a couple of blocks down Mulberry). Great atmosphere, mostly very friendly service and fantastic food. Our friends bought the cookbook and we'll be lucky enough to have a meal cooked by them 'Balaboosta' style next weekend. Will take us back to the holiday!

Made reservations and got a lovely table. Staff was very attentive and courteous. Loved the cozy lighting and casual ambience. We ordered the crispy cauliflower, burrata and Israeli Street fair as appetizers!!! Each one was so flavorful and delicious! Especially the cauliflower- never had it cooked this way before. Finished with Seared Red Snapper and Boneless Chicken 'under a brick'. Both were super tasty!!! Fish was a tad bit salty but overall very good! The chicken was just amazing!!!! Had no room left for dessert😜 Loved it! Will definitely go again!!!

We had a very nice dinner. All of the apps and small plates were very tasty. Service was very good too. Only problem is what other reviewers have mentioned. You might walk out hungry. Portions are quite small. Even the entrees for sharing. We spent a lot of money for dinner and found myself not ordering anymore because I knew the notice was getting high. Good thing there’s an ample hills ice cream parlor two blocks away

Everything was delicious, if a little heavy on the salt, but the prices were high: $28 for three little bundles of ceviche, $16 for a modest serving of hummus, $32 for two small pieces of grilled octopus, $18 for two pieces of eggplant, and $20 for a plate of cauliflower. Servers were most solicitous when our wines by the glass were running low, but they were also generally friendly in a relaxed way.

Excellent service, friendly staff, clean restaurant and restrooms. Food is always delicious. Their hummus is like none other I've ever tried. My friend and I always go there when she's visiting NYC. Everything we've ever tried is fresh and flavorful. Their sangria is on point! Try it out this summer! The only reason I gave it four stars is because it gets deafeningly loud in there. Last time my friend and I were yelling at each other to speak, I left with a really sore throat and headache, but everything else is as close to perfect as can be. Service and food trump noise level for me.

Creative cooking with Israeli roots but worldly Nolita -and beyond- reach. Balaboosta shows you can be at once cool and healthily casual. Great vibe in a busy room, vibrancy in the mixing of sweet, Middle Eastern and more mainstream flavors. Fantastic hummus with a tender zatar-enhanced pita, a plus; unremarkable ceviche a minus.

I'd wanted to check this restaurant out on a trip to NYC last year, and was so happy to accidentally stumble upon it this year. We had lunch (I had Israeli-style hummus and my friend had a vegetable sandwich and chocolate mousse for dessert) and everything was so good. The service was outstanding and the space is welcoming and relaxed. On my next trip I will definitely go there for dinner.

It was recommended to me, and I am so happy that I went there. Super food & great service. Focusing on simple things but so tasty.

Food was excellent although I'm not sure I would call this a middle eastern restaurant. Yes there was a smattering of such cuisine but the menu seemed all over the place. The atmosphere is quite noisy. The service was outstanding.

Had the fried olives and mozzarella burrata with sourdough covered in kale pesto which was more than enough for a small jet-lagged dinner. All the other choices on the menu looked interesting too. The food was great, the place is cozy and the people are nice. There was not one negative point, only that I wish I'd hadn't been there alone. It's really a great place to have lunch or dinner with friends or family. Next time :-)

Dark, atmospheric, fantastic hummus, juicy lamb-chops and very moreish carafes of cotes-du-rhone. Friendly and attentive service too.

We liked the restaurant but 3 out of the 4 of us ordered Langoustines. There was no meat to eat in this dish. We told the waitress but she did nothing. We also ordered 4 appetizers and drinks. Dinner cost almost $300 for the 4 of us and we left hungry.

Love chef Einat - she is a food network star. Had dinner with a friend - we both missed our favorite food from Tel Aviv ( we have visited there), Balaboosta reminded us of Israel but showcased very elegant offerings. Loved the special ceviche, cauliflower, and hummus to start. Then we each chose fish - both were 5 star! (Branzino and snapper). Very flavorful and not drowned in oil. Packed up part of the entree to take home so we could split Knafeh - the best version of this treat I have had. Service was attentive but not intrusive - we got help in making our order - greatly appreciated. Hope to get back here again - lots of vegetarian choices for my husband.

great place for lunch, not too fancy, but not your typical brunch menu either. If you are looking for eggs, bacon and hash browns and toast, this isn't the place for you. ( although you can have that) it offers more of a middle eastern menu with herbs etc, special dishes. You can have french toast and drinks as well.

Juts great from beginning to end. Super service!! I had almost given up having good service in NYC :)). The complementary yucca chips were just OK... Everything else was Super Yummy. The pita was thick and delicious. The fried olives exceptional, the grilled octopus with a charred orange glaze was my favorite. The burrata with toast and pesto was excellent, as well. I had the barramundi which was perfectly prepared. I sampled the bricked chicken and may have been the best entree... what a surprise! The wine selection excellent, as well and reasonably priced. I had the french white Bordeaux by the glass.. very nice. Service was superb, as well... helpful, discrete, and well informed I'll be back.

Ok, so that was a total surprise! Last night of a five day stay in the City and we decided to head back to where we spent our first morning, and took a chance on dinner with something that sounded a bit different. The whole evening and experience was something else. Our waiter, Mark, was so helpful in helping us choose from a menu when we could literally have eaten anything. We ended up choosing, amongst other things, lamb and calamari. Yes you read that right. It was stunning. The hummus was like none we had ever had. So smooth with condiments to enhance it and spice it up. Moroccan carrots - well everyone surely know they will be amazing. Skirt steak and short rib finished the feast and all three of us agreed that it was absolutely knock out. It comes at a price, but in an expensive city spending a bit more than average to get something way beyond average was worth every penny. A truly memorable meal, and when I think of New York, I will think of this. Thank you 🙏 I

Our fourth visit and first for brunch. Loved the Sephardic cholent and could have enjoyed any if several other entrees. We have loved the food here every time we have come. Truly always on our agenda every time we visit. Good service and lively but pleasant room near great NoLiTa shopping.

We went there with high expectation, and were very happy to find a warm and nice restaurant. The shocking was when we received the meal. For example - The Humus was from the supermarket, the Labane had taste of cream. The after tastes of the oil, wasn't left us for couple of hours. Very high prices for terrible food .

Really nice and warm restaurant in SOHO Very good food and lovely service. Suggested for brunch but perfect any time you prefer.

An especially good restaurant if you're vegan or vegetarian. Middle Eastern food par excellence. Small and intimate. Good for conversation.

Wow! First time here, won't be the last! Absolutely loved everything. Just kept ordering off the menu because it was so delicious. So many vegetarian options to choose from! Tried an eggplant special appetizer so delicious. Had the cauliflower, hummus and whipped feta. The atmosphere is gorgeous. Service friendly and amazing. They have a full bar. Will be back!

The food that I loved, some fried olives that are out of the world, the service is so kind I didn't want to leave from there and desert was fabulous. I went for lunch and it was delicious and for diner. It has a home atmosphere that makes one very comfortable. The falafel is the best!

Great hummus, za'atar pita, patatas, kale and broccoli, cauliflower and eggplant. I did prefer the menu at the sister restauarant Bar Bolonat, but both are highly recommended.

Came here for lunch. The place is nice and the food is fresh. Nothing sophisticated. Interesting mix. Service is excellent. Pay a visit while you visit Soho. You will enjoy it. Avoid the dessert. 10 dollars you can spend somewhere else

We went for dinner with our cousins because we were told the food was mediterranean and fabulous. Not so much.... My cousin had the lamburger - meh. His wife had the street fare- very disappointing. Small portions of what was considered hummus, felafel and something else unrecognizable. The name of the restaurant promised more but delivered less.

Surprised and delighted! My daughter wanted to try this place and the food was excellent. Our party had the short rib and burrata; fried olives and the skirt steak,and I had the hummus and whole branzino. We will go there again. Price may be a little high, but it is NYC.

With so many choices in the area...... I would expect every restaurant to do all they can. This place has quite a way to go. We were greeted by a very unfriendly host (yes, we had a reservation) who really wasn’t interested in seating us. The place was empty, we asked for a table away from the door (cold and snowy), and that nearly put him over the edge. The menu was relatively basic and prices higher than they should be. When the food was delivered it looked great but again was underwhelming. The restrooms were antiquated and dirty. We were very disappointed in this restaurant and will not be back.

I went to Balaboosta with a friend of mine for dinner. We both love middle eastern food but were not as pleased with this restaurant. The food is good but in my honest opinion, is not worth the price on the menu.

Cool place and nice service. Becomes too noisy if a table >6 persons is booked at the time you eat. Food is as if we were at home, simple and made with excellent ingredients.

Monday night's probably the best night to eat out in this part of the city, as it was a calm night with maybe 50% covers, and even with that it thinned out by 8.30 (we were booked for a 7.30 slot).. The name of the restaurant derives from the Jewish word meaning roughly, a homely woman; a good housewife; homemaker. This place opened after the owners started out with a hole in the wall affair, "Taib" which dished out hummous. Taib is still operating 50 yards down the road, and this more upscale place is typical of the decor you're likely to find in what used to be "Little Italy" with its brick-bare walls and old imagery of 'back home' as well as a well-stocked wine cellar with prices starting around $30 and rapidly heading north. I'm more of a fan of the coarser type of hummous - the kinds served here is a much smoother paste. Really, it's pretty basic fare that's been gussied up to make it look and sound fancier than it basically is. Staff are bustling around and do their job in a perfunctory way. A Latino guy explains what it is he's just served you (in case you forgot what you read on the menu). An open kitchen at one end lets you observe the preparation of the dishes (if you wish). Useful in the area, but not, in my opinion worth a detour.

This was our first visit to Balaboosta. We had a reservation for 12:45pm. The place was completely full during our entire visit. Mostly young, hip crowd enjoying a relaxed brunch. The dining room is nice sized and the tables actually have a bit of space between them, so you don't feel cramped as you do in many NYC restaurants. My husband and I decided to split the crispy cauliflower and the lamb burger. We were not disappointed. Both dishes were really delicious. The crispy cauliflower was full of complex flavor and texture. I found myself sitting there trying to deconstruct the dish and figure out where the flavors were coming from. The lamb burger was thick, juicy and filling. Super soft bun, carmelized onions, and a za'atar flavored goat cheese which really went well with the lamb. The burger is served with a side of roasted potatoes/garlic aioli, a bit of shredded beet salad, as well as some thin, yummy pickle slices. We were impressed with all of the flavors. I would love to try some more things on the menu, but truth be told, when we return we will probably order the exact same thing!!

This was a wonderful meal. Our group of five sampled many appetizers and small plates and then split two entrees. The humus is so creamy and flavorful and is served with delicious pita that is artisanal in it's taste and appearance. Fried olives were salty and tasty. Everyone else loved the fried cauliflower but I felt it was not well seasoned although it had a pleasant texture. The best starter we sampled was the device - tuna, eggplant, red pepper and seasonings made this a delicious choice! We enjoyed sea bass that was flaky and moist and short ribs. Desserts were tempting and we indulged - a fruit crumble with fresh whipped cream was excellent and the chocolate mousse was devine. Don't forget to try the sangria which is not too sweet and very, very good. We really enjoyed this meal in all ways - the wait staff was terrific as well!

I was second time with my wife in this wonderful restaurant! Super food and super customer service. With unique dishes and so tasty food, coming back again! The Team can be proud of themselves!

Sous Chef south of Boston. Love visiting NYC every opportunity my girlfriend and I are able to. So many restaurants! We had been planning on eating here for a few weeks now. Unbelievable food! Flavor profile is spot on, everything cooked to perfection, MAJOR attention to detail, and gorgeous plate presentation. Thanks guys!

We spotted this place as we walked down Mulberry Street, and thought it looked promising. Then someone recommended it, so we booked. Not nearly as good as we expected, the service was amateur, the sweet young waitress out of her depth. She was the only one working, while other (male) staff members stood around chatting. How can Balaboosta afford to pay staff for simply lounging around? By the time the waitress had brought all our food (there were 7 of us), some of the dishes were almost cold. If the other staff had helped, this could have been avoided. The portions were very small for New York. I ordered an espresso with hot milk, and she brought the coffee in the traditional small cup, the milk in a huge jug! What did she imagine I was going to do with the milk? To people accustomed to middle Eastern food, the fare was unremarkable. Not cheap, tepid and not very good.

Great authentic Israeli food. Brunch menu was hard to choose from. We had the Burekas and the Shakshuka and both were amazing. Mediterranean sampler was a good starter. Cocktails were amazing (try the Hafuch if you like coffee-based drinks) and service was caring and inviting. MAKE RESERVATIONS.

We showed up for a Sun. brunch, after a 20 min cab ride from the upper west side . We were eager to get inside a warm cozy restaurant escaping the cold Nov. morning, only to realize the site is under construction and there will be no brunch. It took another 30 min of research to realized the Balaboosta is alive and clicking at: 611 Hudson St New York, NY 10014 Not as listed on Trip Advisory- Mulberry St. I guess they really don’t care.

We came across this restaurant, by accident and as it was getting rather late popped inside, the fare is fairly simple but well cooked and individually prepared. I had the Lamburger, which was very tasty, it was listed under sandwiches, fortunately we had been in New York for a few days and had come to realise that "sandwiches" did not necessarily mean the same as we understood in the UK. Service was friendly and efficient, on the whole it was good value for money.

Three gals out on Sunday(one taking the other two for birthdays) early eve. It was President's weekend so kind of mellow at the earliest hour to dine 530. Need reservation though. We ordered a bunch of appetizers mostly vegetarian. hummus served in a mortar and pestle, fried cauliflower etc. The complimentary pita chips are divine but one would need several helpings of them to tide you over. I can't understand why a middle eastern place charges $1. for extra PITA? Are you kidding? Attentive wait staff . Try the house quartinos in lieu of bottles; however small but interesting wine menu featuring several Israeli unknown choices to me. Main dish to have (at least that's what everyone raves about) is the chicken under brick. Two of us had it and said it was good. One had the pappardelle with lamb ragu (that was certainly not a good portion nor worthwhile). In general all the food would make me return, but if you are craving a normal portion this is not the place for you. We did not have dessert.

The food here is to die for, and the service is superb. No matter what entree you get, be sure to have the crispy cauliflower as an appetizer. The addition of currants and pine nuts sounds unusual, but it is wonderful. Also be sure to have the chocolate hazelnut mousse for dessert, even if you share it. We were all oohing and aahing over how delicious it was!!

We have been to Balaboosta many, many times as it is one of our favorite destinations in the city. This trip we brought our 5 kids for my oldest daughter's 14th birthday. We pretty much ordered one of everything on the menu, including both specials - a fluke ceviche and a grilled king mushroom escabeche. Everything was delicious and the kids all cleared their plates which is pretty awesome considering their young ages. I had a lamb pappardelle which was delicious and I would recommend it highly. We even ordered one of each of the 3 desserts and if you are having trouble deciding let me help you buy suggesting the chocolate hazelnut moose pictured below with a birthday candle.

Small restaurant in meat packing district. Delicious food, the salmon perfectly cooked, everything tasteful and fresh. A relief to enjoy a delicious meal in a relaxed atmosphere. One of the best dinner experience in meatpacking where we were for 4 days

After a long day of site seeing we stumbled over this restaurant and decided to go in. We were made to feel very welcome by the staff. The decor and atmosphere of the place is lovely. Knowledge of the staff and there enthusiasm for the restaurant is excellent. The food was excellent and really tasty. I would highly recommend this restaurant and we'll worth going. Thank you for a lovely meal and time.

We stopped at Balaboosta as everything else in the are was packed and were lucky enough to get two seats. The food was amazing and the portions huge - though they might be normal for American standards. The service was excellent and the atmosphere and ambience were absolutely brilliant. The hummus starter was outstanding.

Love this place! Great cocktails, delicious food and caring service. We had a bunch of great appetizers and specials followed by two entrees between four of us and it was just perfect. Can't wait to come back.

Smallish menu of Lebanese/Middle Eastern small plates and mains. Everything was outstanding--try the cauliflower app, the hummus with beef app, the mushroom pasta. Limited wine list of mostly eastern Mediterranean wines but our various glasses were all great.

It's not calm, it's not intimate, it's not cheap but it's delicious. The service is perfect and the food is tasty and original. Choice of wine could be discussed and is over priced. The Israeli food is amazing, the hummus is probably the most delicate ever tested. The crispy cauliflower are original and so tasteful. Definitely an address to try

Friends of ours recommended Balaboosta to us. We were extremely impressed right from the minute we walked in. It is a lively local restaurant. The focus on Israeli cuisine was fantastic. Not having a lot of experience with this was what intrigued us to try it out. We ordered a bottle of Israeli red wine and were extremely impressed. The food was Mediterranean style with some great appetizers and meat and fish dishes. We shared a few appetizers and 1 main, which was the perfect amount of food. The food was prepared to perfection and our favourite dish was the Hummus Basar, but this is a tough cal as all the food was fantastic. I would highly recommend this restaurant for anyone travelling to NYC or looking for a great restaurant.

What a wonderful find! Fabulous food, intriguing dishes beautifully prepared and presented, and superb, welcoming service in a lovely, cozy atmosphere. We happened by on a busy Saturday night without a reservation but were nonetheless welcomed to the bar, where we had a superb evening with Nicolai attending to us as though we were family. He guided us through a delightful, perfectly paced dining experience - beginning with the ceviche special, deliciously fresh and different; a special watermelon salad for another set of crisp cool but intriguing tastes, sweet, tart, crunchy (yes, cruch from hazelnuts and amazing wafer thin strips of house - pickled cucumber); the Israeli street fair, great good fun with the world's best sweet potato fries and delectable pickled veggies accompanying a delicious chicken pita - street food, indeed :); the hangar steak and the branzino, each memorable dishes deserving of their reputations; and finishing with a light and satisfying chocolate mousse to bring the meal and the evening, reluctantly, to an end. What a perfectly enjoyable experience, all the more so for being unplanned. There's no shortage of extraordinary dining in NYC, but this will be in our plans from now on.

Had lunch here and could not have been more pleased. If you like ground lamb, the lamb burger here is nonpareil. Cooked as requested and accompanied by tasty patatas brava. A nice cold brew and excellent service made for a perfect meal.

And the place is noisy Don't waste your money here. The menu is interesting. We ordered three dishes for two people. None were good There are so many good restaurants in the area. Try another one

After nearly years, I made my way to NYC. Lots has changed. My trip was pretty much to catch up everyone that I had not seen in years. So my beautiful and smart friend decide to take me to Balboosta. According to the website, "A Yiddish term meaning the perfect housewife, homemaker, wonderful mother, cook & gracious hostess". And truly it was awesome. I arrived a bit early and sat at the bar where the barman made an amazing cocktail that the right zing and zest in it. Sitting down for dinner I figured sharing would be a great idea to spread the menu and hit most of the food. Now who would ever resist burrata? It was a ginormous burrata. Grilled octopus was amazing. Right grill and the way it was served was spot on. We had the Israeli street fair which was just mouth watering. Go again? Absolutely and by the service was amazing.

The space is energetic but not overly noisy. The service is very friendly and the atmosphere extremely casual as befits an Israeli restaurant. The wine list is somewhat discombobulated but it has some interesting choices (and good overall value for New York). We found the food good but somewhat disappointing. The Hummus was not as lush as in other great places, The Israeli couscous was average at best and the street fair dish lacked seasoning. The one outstanding dish we had was the Japanese eggplant special: it packed the burst of taste that you would typically expect from this type of cuisine. It is still a place we recommend because the atmosphere is just right and the service so friendly.

A small place where we met foodie friends for dinner. The restaurant is cozy and warm with a nice combination of tapas and entrees. The crispy cauliflower is excellent as are the patatas bravas. There are a good selection of main dishes that are excellent but they change so you may have different options (check the menu online). If you have room, definitely try the hazelnut mousse but be sure to check the bottom because there is a whole layer of pistachio brittle that we almost missed. While it is popular with foodies, it is not at all pretentious.

Balaboosta presents inventive food sparked by a passion for and deep knowledge of Israeli, Middle Eastern, and Mediterranean tradition—earthy, satisfying food with creative twists that increase the interest. We recommend the eponymous Balaboosta cookbook for its dedication to cooking for the people you love. The restaurant captures this spirit in its simplicity and informality. Perhaps one is present at a warm and raucous family reunion, headed by someone who just happens to have a genius for turning out wonderful food. At our recent visit we were reminded of the potential downsides of this connection. Noise levels were very high. Service was somewhat disorganized, seeming less professional than in the past. The food, however, was still both deep and subtle.

Had a lovely dinner at Balaboosta tonight. Every single dish was good. The hummus, cauliflower, eggplant, pappardelle, steak, and branzino (the star of the show). And we had many great cocktails! But. This place is VERY, VERY overpriced. I’m not opposed to paying a lot for a meal - I’ve done plenty of 3 Michelin star dinners. But these prices were just wild for what it was, for the most part. $18 for 3 small slices of eggplant? $34 for a single long tentacle of octopus? $18 for the baklava ice cream? It’s wild. You’ll have a fantastic meal with good service. But the prices are just too elevated to go back. I don’t recall the OG Balaboosta or Bar Bolonat being like this. Maybe their rent is too high?

This was a culinary delight!! This way exceeded our expectations. The two best were the humus with beef and the Japanese eggplant. I have never had dishes this good! And the pita was outstanding. Will return!

Nice food, fairly delicious, and setting is very comfortable, enjoyed the services as well. Recommend the cauliflower appetizer.

If you're in the mood for basic Israeli-Mediterranean food, bevakasha! The shakshuka was perfect - not too tomato-ey tart and the eggs were oozy (not uzi!!). The sandwich Tunisai was good but I prefer the old-school way. Balaboosta mixes the egg, tuna, potato, mayo and harissa and shmears it on the bread. I like my ingredients with their identity intact. Layer the potato, tuna, egg - you get the picture. I would come back again to try more dinner items. Btw, the bartender was quite helpful with his advice on break-ups and social media. A tip well-earned!

This place has outstanding food. We had the chicken dishes and the beef dishes and Humous and a salad and they were all outstanding. The service was great and the place feels nice and easy. Would certainly come back.

We ended up at Balaboosta as a second choice; our first had a three-hour wait. This was a stunning and pleasant surprise. Yes, you can make reservations, not as jammed at least on a Friday night, as its competitors. But no complaints here at all: we WON by getting a table for six with a 30-minute wait. A fascinating menu, great service, excellently prepared food. The spectrum of food is quite broad: Israeli, Mediterranean, wonderful vegetables, very special appetizers. If you are in the NOLITA portion (north of LIttle Italy) of Manhattan or can get there, this is a very highly recommended restaurant, no reservations on our part. Please give it a try.

This place is always great and I always make sure I visit when in New York. They we heavily booked so we sat at the bar and Nikolay looked after us with the highest regard for his profession as a bar/wait person. The menu was explained in depth and every question answered with a smile. Besides the great service the food is always fresh, inventive and wonderful. I just love this place.

We had lunch with wine and mimosas. Finally a place in NYC with individual style and flavor. For that quality of food it’s absolutely not pricey compared to others in NYC Pros: - good and kind service - a lot of flavor in the food!! - things in the menu that you probably never tasted before, go ahead for it. Cons: - for Americans it’s maybe to little food on the plate. Have another one with new fantastic flavor. Hint: - try the mimosa with ginger even if you don’t like ginger.

Smallish bistro in (the former) Little Italy. Freindly staff. The lamb burgers are non-pareil. The patatas bravas need a bit more brava-tude. We booked for a summer weekend brunch but could have walked in.

Our friends gave us a perfect gift for our honeymoon in NYC: a dinner in Balaboosta restaurant. The place is perfect for a romantic night, but also for experimenting good dishes. The atmposphere is relaxing and there is an attentive and thoughtful staff. We ate as small plates Fried Olives, as appetizer we chose:Grilled Octopus and Shrimp Kataif. As Entrèes: Scottish salmon and Grilled Branzino. finally: a great dessert!

Terrific staff and welcoming atmosphere. Virgin Bloody Mary were delicious and the food was outstanding. Great variety, delicious middle eastern bent to the menu and the egg dishes were outstanding. We would go back to this restaurant in a second. Great spot.

Pretty good, though if I could give 3 1/2 stars, that would be closer to our actual experience. The two tables on offer for our party of 2 were either across from the glaring lights of the kitchen or next to a dark wall...ambience, they said, though it felt a bit cramped, especially when the restaurant filled up and got very, very loud. Drinks took forever to arrive but were solid when they did. Nice and tart, though a little light on the hard stuff. Octopus appetizer aioli was lovely but the octopus itself was poorly cooked. Overcooked on the outside so it was a bit slimy, undercooked in the interior so it was too firm and difficult to chew. Potatoes were also quite toothsome, not something I imagine chef Einat was looking for (although she did happen to be there). We ordered hummus and whipped feta, both of which were excellent, and we told the staff several times that we wanted to hold onto them but we were ready for our next course. I suppose we confused them by not wolfing down the pita on first sight (which was excellent, although we prefer the version at Taim, but we wanted to hold onto some for the meal), but they DID encourage us to get both and indicated that they felt they were good side dish choices. We were going with that in mind, but did not anticipate the full 30 minute wait that would cause before we finally flagged someone down and explained we really couldn't wait any longer or we would be late for an 8 o'clock show. Main dishes were lamb shank (good flavor, but disappointing porting. almost all bone) and the whole fish (perfectly cooked branzino, the highlight of the night). Would have loved to have tried dessert had there been enough time but the snafu of the service delay made that impossible. Would I try again? Possibly. The fish alone was a real showstopper. I think they need a bit more variety on the menu. When I go to restaurant I really want to return to, I'm struggling to decide between the many choices. I didn't feel that way here. Everything seemed kind of heavy in the description or just not quite what we were hoping. Maybe if they expand the menu a bit we'll have more to go for another day.

I was not impressed with this restaurant, starting with, although of lesser importance than the food, the appearance of the restaurant. Two hours after leaving the restaurant, the only thing that I remember about the dining room was that it was dark, it had two or three large windows, giving street views, and it had a candle on each table. I started the meal off with the frequently praised on this site Crispy Cauliflower. I thought that there was nothing special about it, it was just okay. For my main course I had the Short Ribs. I thought that if they took the time to heat it to the proper degree I would be praising it, but instead, it was sent out not hot enough, so I can only say that it did not reach the high level it was capable of. The portion of Short Rib was large. It came with a tiny bit of creamed cauliflower and a tiny amount of vegetables, I do mean tiny.

The chicken under a brick was tasty and the Israeli hostess was great. The rest of the dinner was average. Cosy small casual place.

This was good, not great. Food was quite salty and while I like that, not everyone does. The street fair pita, crispy cauliflower, lamb burger and red snapper were standouts. Hummus was bland, chicken was salty. But the atmosphere was loud and fun for a Thursday night. Service was great!

My wife and I had dinner here with our son and his friend. The service is good and prompt. We had the market salad, which we went which was a beet salad, that I wife and I shared, and we thoroughly enjoyed. I also had the octopus and pita, and both were excellent. My wife had the Lemon Cardamon Pappardelle and liked her meal too. Everything seemed very fresh and tasty. It should be noted though that even though our e-mail reservation confirmation indicated there was a parking lot next door, it is not one that the public can use. Luckily we found parking on the street right in front of the restaurant.

Visited as was recommended for GF options, which there were if limited. Food was of high quality and in a lovely setting. My only comment was the price vs value for money. Oh and $9 for a bottle of water is daylight robbery.

We were staying in an AirBnB above Balaboosta so pre-booked a table. We were so glad we did, as the restaurant was heaving. Started with a Brooklyn Gin and tonic. They were great, we then had the fried olives which were as good as every other review says. I then wanted the octopus salad as a starter, but they didn't have it, so went for the shrimp deep fried in angel hair pasta, very moreish. For mains my partner had pappardelle and I went for the short rib. Blimey they were good, but really big portions. We couldn't finish them, so they wrapped them remains up and we took them upstairs !! We didn't make dessert, but the next morning, we wished we had. A great great restaurant and easy sits well on Mullberry Street with all the other superb eateries.

We booked for Brunch after searching online and were so glad that we did. Food was imaginative and really good quality, portion sizes were just right (I often find American portions way too large), service was fast and friendly and the atmosphere was great, good layout and decor and not too crowded and noisy - so we could talk without having to yell! Definitely a big plus for our trip.

I came here today for the first time, had a terrific lunch and the service was excellent. The food is a mix of Israeli and Mediterranean. I will go back.

The food here is delicious. The middle eastern flavours are savory and unique. Be sure to get the lamb added to the shakshuka- it adds another level to the dish. The meat is perfectly spiced. The brioche French toast is stuffed with ricotta and delicious.

Our second time here for lunch over the past two years and we'll go back again. Service has slipped a little as our waiter was out to lunch (but not with us). Nice drink menu too. My favorite hummus, crispy cabbage salad, lamb burger. Worth a visit.

Stumbled on this place while walking through NYC. Great lamb burger and fries. Fiancé had a salad which was really tasty as well. Nice atmosphere , I'd recommend this place.

This Israeli bistro in the heart of Nolita features an intimate, candle-lit ambiance enhanced by an eclectic selection of cool background music. This blends with the natural sounds of table conversation to give the place a sophisticated, but not forced, energy and atmosphere. The service is both friendly and attentive, but not in-your-face. Creative and delicious cocktails along with great wines and beers start the night off on the right foot. The starters are unique as well. We chose the salmon ceviche with cherry tomatoes drizzled with a tasty jalapeño dressing, and tasted great, but the hummus and pizza appetizers also sounded amazing. For entrees, my girlfriend ordered the Israeli street fair, which were marinated chicken street tacos. These were delicious and came with an order of sweet potato fries. I chose the brick chicken with couscous which was quite possibly the most delicious meal I've had all year. The chicken was moist and tender with a mouthwatering seasoning on its skin. At first glance it reminded me of fried chicken but I was pleasantly surprised. Heavenly flavor. And the couscous was sprinkled with grilled onions and just the right amount of spice. Easily the best couscous I've ever tasted. We cut it fairly close, arriving at the restaurant 20 minutes before the kitchen closed due to reading the hours wrong on the website. But our server made a point to not make us feel rushed and she assured us we should not worry about the time. We ordered right away and were so happy we decided to eat here. Best Mediterranean dining experience of my life. Most Mediterranean restaurants I've been to have not placed an emphasis on ambiance, which is what sets Balaboosta apart from the rest. There aren't enough stars on Trip Advisor to give this place the recommendation it deserves. We can't wait to return the next time we visit New York City.

Great Israeli restaurant that makes you feel like your eating authentic cuisine. Get the banana bread for dessert and the shakshouka for brunch. The cabbage salad is always legit. Cant go wrong with this place.

Always interesting to find this type of restaurant at the middle of the French and Italian one. Servi e is fast and food quality excelllente.good choice of wine including wine from Israel

Had a lovely birthday dinner here. The food was outstanding - great flavors, beautiful presentation and good wine selection. The ceviche was excellent as was the cauliflower. We also had the lamb neck and it was excellent as well. Some of the reviews indicate that the restaurant is expensive, but this is Manhattan and the value was good.

We ordered nearly everything on the “sharing” section of the menu. Every dish was amazing. The crispy cauliflower was out of this world.

The setting was comfortable and lively. The service was great. Each of us had different dishes. The presentation was beautiful The food was fantastic. I strongly suggest going there for dinner or brunch

I had dinner at this restaurant for the third time. The place is cozy, the service attentive and the food, delicious. I ordered the spice rubbed skirt steak, which was very nice. The red wine was from Serbia, an atypical origin. The waiter was knowledgeable and gave me information about its features. The dessert was an interesting middle eastern cheese cake. I will always return when in NYC.

Solid food, great seasonings, fresh, with an enthusiastic and loyal following. A solid middle eastern experience. Competent service. We will go again.

had dinner there last night-4 of us. could not get a reservation (booked up) but they indicated that we should come in & put in our names. a table was ready for us when we arrived. very nice little place (not too small) maybe 20 or so tables. our server was very patient and attentive. the food was excellent. many delicious starters (dont miss the roasted cauliflower). I had lamb chops which were terrific. we were there for a couple of hours and were not rushed. fairly priced as well.

My son is a chef in town and recommended that we go to Balaboosta in our recent trip to New York. We didn't have a reservation which was fine and the hostess said she would call our cell when our table was ready. We never received a call. We did however check back after her 9 PM estimate but the table she was going to place us at was still occupied. No problem as this can happen. We called 30 minutes later but no table. We called again after 10 PM and she said "oh yeah, we can stay you now". It was obvious when we returned to the restaurant with several open tables that she either forgot our never intended to call. The rest of our experience was great but this really dampened our enthusiasm. We would go back but it's not worth the hassle with so many other restaurants to choose from.

Balaboosta is a middle eastern themed restaurant with great appetizers and wonderful dinners. My friend and I joined my son and his wife for a terrific dinner there last week. The eggplant and whipped feta were wonderful and the bread heavenly. I had the lamb which was really tasty and the desserts were decadent and delightful! Small and a bit noisy, but worth it!

great service , interesting menu , including the specials - the hummus is outstanding and the fried olives are just out of tis world - rely on the suggestions, you can't go wrong ! a cosy place for cold days !

A group of 5 of us had dinner at Balaboosta this week. The food was good, especially the deserts. The atmosphere was nice as the place was packed. I would not recommend going in a larger group than 4-5 as the acoustics make the place rather noisy and you would struggle to hear each other. Service was friendly and efficient. I would describe the decor as cozy, slightly dark but not memorable. I would be happy to go again, but I would be surprised if this restaurant is differentiated enough to be around in 3 years.

This small place had fantastic food. I had the spinach omelette and a side of the lamb sausage and it was so completely delicious!! Served with a side of grilled bread, it was fantastic!! Coffee was amazing as well. Service was less than optimal. Be prepared for that.

I loved this food! Couldn't drink because I was pregnant when we went there but still thought it was delicious, so that's saying something! The staff was attentive and the food flavorful. What more could I ask for?

Booked Balaboosta for brunch during the busy holiday season without having been there before. It sounded good online and was available! It was a great experience - a great brunch menu with the classics done with a twist. The baked eggs (Turkish style?) were terrific, the hummus and bread were delicious and the mimosas were flowing. Had a great visit with good friends before leaving the city for home. Who could ask for anything more?

This was unanimously our favourite meal in a week in New York. We all shared the Mezze which worked really well. Sublime flavours and some great combinations made everyone happy. Fantastic sweet potato fries, patatas bravas, roasted broccoli and crispy cauliflower - yum! All was delicious and excellent service too.

Great brunch spot. Delicious different Mediterranean food. The Harissa is awesome and you can buy a jar to take with you. And preserved lemons. Very authentic.

Relaxed place for brunch that serves amazing food. I could have simply filled up on the Mediterranean sampler that we ordered first: the labne was fabulous as were the pepper salad and the hummus. The za'atar pita was warm and yummy. I enjoyed the boureka, but it wasn't quite what I remembered from my trips to the Carmel Market in Tel Aviv. Nonetheless, it was delicious.

what a gorgeous little place... Charming and cozy decor... With warm and welcoming staff. The food... I cannot even begin to tell you how delicious everything was... Hands down one of my favorite restaurants in the city. The Israeli street fare is a must try, the grilled octopus, the eggplant bruschetta and the Israeli cheesecake halwa sort of dessert!!!! You are definitely going to go back for more!

Truly nice little address, short menu but good quality and tasty! Bartender with braces was just funny and nice, a real signature personality. The rest of staff was friendly, even if at the end of the evening they ran a bit out of gas. But all in all, I loved it and will definitely return!!! Good !!!!

We went here on the recommendation of a friend and couldn't have been happier with our choice. There were so many delicious options on the menu that we had a very difficult time deciding and, as a result, ordered far more food than we could possibly eat. The tables are very close together. As in, only a few inches apart. This turned out to be a blessing in disguise as we were seated next to a lovely couple who also had midwestern roots! We chatted throughout dinner and even shared a few of our dishes with each other. The service was excellent, attentive, and quite informative. Vibe was fun and casual. We will definitely return. This would be a great place to dine with a large group of friends.

Less selections than it's original location. Chef's new book Shuk was a nice surprise. Limited menu was discouraging, servers not as attentive as before. As long as your expectations are not what they offered in Soho; you'll be very pleased with this restaurant. We set the bar a bit too high from our experiences in Soho, or maybe it was an off night for the Chef and staff. We probably should have returned the overcooked pasta and had more attitude to get the attention from the servers. Either way, we love Balaboosta and we're glad it's a local gem in west village. Mazel Tov to the Chef's for offering Israeli home cooking to the people and visitors of NYC, along within my own kitchen as Balaboosta is my go- to- first- cookbook in our home. - Best Yeminite Ox-Tail Soup Recipe EVER!!!

Noisy tiny place but I really feel happy when I'm there. The flavours are delicious...always. Houmous to start followed by bass and aubergine caponata. Highly recommended.

Nice decoration with a mix of typical brasserie and library shelves. The service is friendly with a mix of real waiter and boss boys dropping plates on the table when ready. The food is good with a strong inspiration of Mediterranean flavors. Cauliflower and hummus are delicious. The main critics are the noise, too loud... And the plates over priced.

Cozy Soho restaurant. Not often that I would consider a steak sandwich for lunch, but it was amazing. Looking forward to returning in October for the same.

This is a modern Middle Easter restaurant. The menu choice is quite different to what you will get elsewhere. The dishes are designed to be shared. Some of the highlight wishes were: crispy cauliflower, burrata, and the roasted butternut squash.All were great as were the deserts. The service was excellent and the ambiance great. Highly recommend this restaurant.

My visits to NYC to visit my daughter have on four occasions included Balaboosta!! What a charming and wonderful place to talk and visit and eat really good food and have really good cocktails!! We love the small plates...I’ve had every appetizer and they all deliver! We love the chicken, of course, but no matter what we order, we are always satisfied. We have been there with just the two of us, with her Dad, with her new “boyfriend “ and on our last visit...with the fiancé and soon to be in-laws. Every visit had its special food, fun and memories.

We discovered this place by accident a few years ago and we were so pleased with our meal that we still talk about it. We had amazing scallops and the best knafe! On my current trip to NY, it's the first place I went to and had some brunch. It was also very nice and service was great, but I think the chef trully shines cooking more creative dishes for dinner.

I love this place. Period. Everything from the service to the drinks was spot on. My to-be wife is allergic to lots of stuff and the waitress was in the know and really made us feel safe. I had the Israeli Street Fair and the short rib (and half of my GF's roasted broccoli). All AMAZING - quite a lot of food though! It was really too much for me (and I'm a big guy) but I just had to finish. Went on to finish my GF's short rib too actually. Service was fast but not too fast. The glasses for my pale ales had been cooled - definitely charmed me :) And the menu offers lots of paleo friendly options.

On a previous visit to Balaboosta, I was impressed with the food but put off by the noise and indifferent service. I was pleased to see that - perhaps because of the early hour - it is possible to enjoy a pleasant dinner there and that there are professional servers. Overall, the cuisine is delicious and imaginative and the wine list has some interesting options.

First night on a visit to NYC. Read excellent reviews on Balaboosta, so we made a reservation (recommended). We weren't disappointed, except none of the desserts were exciting (stopped for gelato walking back). As noted in other reviews, grilled octopus (pictured), eggplant bruschetta and branzino (pictured) were exceptional. Very friendly and attentive service.

We were strolling down Mulberry on the hunt for brunch eats and came across Balaboosta. Such a great experience! I had the lamburger with a side salad, and my friend went for the shakshouka. Both were incredibly flavorful and filling. The cocktails were tasty too! $35/ea for food and booze in Soho, works for me! The restaurant is on the smaller side. We happened to walk in while it was only 60% full and were able to get a seat, else a reservation would have been recommended. Will definitely be back!

We were visiting family in NY and they made reservations there for dinner There were6 of us so we shared a number of appetizers,the hummus with Zatar pita was excellent and the chick pea empanadas were very tasty as was the fresh burratta cheese They main dishes from the whole grilled fish to the skirt steak and brick chicken all delicious and the sides of caramelized root vegetables were perfectly cooked My favorite was the lamb burger which was perfectly done Would visit again Menu selection are limited to about 6 entrees so check before you go

We stopped in for brunch and enjoyed every minute of it. We ordered the hummus with mushroom and onion, eggplant shakshouka and the quinoa latkes (these were our favorite).

Heaven if you like smaller plates like hummus or grilled Octopus with carrot chirchi, cipollini onion salad, black breadcrumbs.Prices of hot dishes testify self-confidence.Despite this, a very sympathetic restaurant in the heart of SOHO

After seeing a documentary in SoHo about Israeli Cuisine we happened upon this gem of a restaurant. Delicious, beautifully plated food, wonderful service and wonderful atmosphere.The wine was great too! Don't miss this fabulous place.

In NYC it's easy to find hundreds of great restaurants that offer a fairly similar palate - Balaboosta breaks that chain by offering a combination of perfectly prepared classics and a set of flavors that even for a well-seasoned foodie are exciting and unique. The biggest standout to me was the hanger steak - and I'm a huge steak lover. I've had different cuts and preparations of steak around the world and everywhere from whole in the wall places with the cows out back to $100 steakhouses dry aged for months, and this one stood out. On top of that prices for food and wine are totally reasonable and the service was absolutely world class.

Nice restaurant in Soho and food was good but portions were not generous. We had a pasta with meat dish as an entree and it was an appetizer sized portion. Make sure you make a reservation, otherwise they'll put you close the entrance, which is not idea on a cold day or night.

Just wrapped up my better half's birthday and I was blown away. I am an avid Taim follower and will regularly go down to to get their party platter to just bring to midtown for my fam and then have the best leftovers. Balaboosta is Taim on steroids. Everything was amazing. The branzino is a must. Roasted eggplant special was ridiculous! Thank you everyone for a great dinner; can't wait to go back!

We were out with four friends hoping for a relaxed dinner, sharing some Mezze and our expectations were more than met. We will defintively come back !

A last minute decision to get a bite brought us to this place. Nice ambiance, rustic and a great date night spot. Service was great, the menu was a little limited. Although my lamb burger was the best I've had in NYC, and cooked to my liking. Crispy culiflower was a real treat. No desert, so I can't help you there. I would go back and refer to others.

All of us enjoyed the choices, the diverse food, and the restaurant. We started with Hummus Tahina, an unusually smooth hummus, although the red s'chug ("the Middle-Eastern version of Tabasco") was too hot for most of us. I had the Brick Chicken, which was certainly good, but my companions raved about their choices: Grilled Branzino, Lamb Shank, and a special salad. Service was fine - there when needed, but not overattentive or neglectful.

Had a weekday lunch here. Had made a reservation but was seated at the end of a rather bleak long table. Better tables were taken or simply not offered and stayed empty throughout our meal. Food was okay, somehow lacking zest. The patatas bravas were somewhat bland. The street fair sandwich actually did seem like street fair fare, which is not quite praise in this context. The za'atar pita was very good. I would not go back and would not recommend it. Not bad, just not really good. So many more interesting options in NYC at all price points.

Like a little brasserie Balaboosta does not stand out with a cosy setup. You go there for the food and you don't regret it. Everything is tastefully and delicious. Who knew that houmous could be delicious. Balaboosta offers an Israeli style menu revisited with French American style. A must try!

Balaboosta is a relatively small restaurant but delivers big on abmiance, service and food. Our party of 7 was one of the larger groups there that evening ...we had a great round table ...love the round table because you can see and hear everyone. The restaurant is not big but seemed very cozy. We tried a lot of the small plates appetizers -- the crispy cauliflower was amazing, the hummus was excellent, the fried olives were very interesting and worth sampling. only appetizer that was not as good was the grilled artichokes ..not much flavor there. I had the grilled lamb chops as did several in my party -- they were good -- flavorful but the meat was a little tough. Overall it was a very nice dining experience!

Very enjoyable Sunday lunch. The staff was very attentive, and everyone in our party was happy with their food choices, the lamb burger and the steak sandwich were favorites. The bread the sandwiches were served on was especially good. We will return to try the dinner menu.

Comfortable quiet and small, this had excellent food. We have no idea how they get the cauliflower so crispy, but we recommend you try it. I saw the comments about expense left by others, but I didn’t think this out of line with other restaurants of similar quality.

Thoroughly enjoyed this delicious meal in Soho. Nice setting, great service, delicious food. Everything we tasted was good, so nothing specific to recommend as you can't go wrong.

We had a reservation and were seated promptly and never rushed during dinner. Dining area is a bit tight and not very comfortable. Menu is limited and more like tapas then a traditional dinner menu. Octopus was overcooked but still tasty. Hummus was good and fresh pita was great. Lamb neck was an odd dish. Flank steak was just ok. Tuna special appetizer was great. Fresh artichoke appetizer was good. Service was friendly and professional. Everything had a bit more salt then it needed. I’d you like middle eastern cooking and are ok with tapas and sharing you will enjoy this restaurant.

Is a very good Israeli , restaurant and strange they have very good chilaquiles , so its a good place to ear chilaquiles, the pita is very good out of the oven, an delicious

I visited the restaurant with my friends. It was perfect choice of place, because we wanted to have conversation during the dinner and Balaboosta had perfect atmosphere for that kind of time spending. Food was amazing. Everything we ordered was perfectly cooked and looked great. I really loved the experience.

One of my favorite spots in NYC. Alway superb. The ambiance is cozy and casual, the food is fantastic.

This is an Israeli restaurant but I didn't find it particularly Israeli except for the Israeli couscous and the fried cauliflower. Still, excellent cuisine and a fun atmosphere. Nice wines, great service. Very intimate setting.

We went for brunch; my wife and son and I. There was a slight mix up with my wife's order and without so much as a hesitation they offered her a complimentary salad to mitigate the delay in her order. The salad was just exquisite; the rest of the dishes (in cluding my wife's delayed French toast) were excellent. Contrary to other comments, we left fully satisfied. Service was great.

I’ve been here for solo dinner when I’m in NYC for work and loved it, so took the whole family during vacation. A hit with everyone, 13-50. Great atmosphere- buzzing but intimate and not so loud we couldn’t have a conversation. Friendly, helpful, and efficient service. We shared a number of mostly vegetarian dishes. The biggest hits were the whipped feta and fried olives. The Yemenite soup dumplings were also a hit. Good cocktails.

My husband and I were looking for a great meal while we were visiting NYC and decided on Balaboosta. Food was excellent, especially the Octopus! We ordered 3 different items and shared them all. Save room, because dessert is amazing too. Definitely make a reservation!

Wanted to go here with my cousin and friend. Went last night on the 23rd and had a great night. The place is really cute and quaint in the Bowery. Service is excellent an our waitress was very patient with us as we asked her many questions. The food is great it is a mix of many things but primarily Mediterranean flavors. The crispy cauliflower was great. The market salad was good but very salty. The chili spaghetti was great!

I loved everything about this restaurant - the interior is very cool, with personal pictures and items lining the painted brick walls, It's very comfortable yet very modern at the same time. It's small enough to feel intimate and the food...the food is amazing. I loved the menu, authentic Israeli hummus, served in a mortar and pestle with delicious pita (a must!) and the Israeli street faire was so good, we could have ordered two and called it a night. But we also got the burrata appetizer and the steak as well. So much food, we ate past the point of comfort because it was all so good. Our server was also as nice as can be. This place is a neighborhood gem.

Intimate restaurant. Delicious creative menus. Loved the crispy cauliflower! Need to make reservations as it is quit small. Service was good. Has lovely wines too

I read the advertising abut the place and the chief cook and it was very welcome publicity so i went there with full of expectations It was disappointed the food was average and not Israeli authentic food as the publish I hope the will change in the future

We loved Balaboosta. Einat Admony has a magic touch with modern Israeli cooking. In dish after dish, seasonings exploded off the palate. From a previous visit to Bar Bolonat, Admony’s last restaurant to occupy this space, we recognized some dishes, such as the appetizers, subtly spicy olives, hummus and whipped feta with soft, luscious pita straight out of the oven. We were overpowered and impressed at some dishes that were new to us: crispy cauliflower and ceviche. Japanese eggplant was abundant, delicately spiced and yummy. I had never had ceviche so powerful before. It brought back memories of a visit a few years ago to a “food science” restaurant in Barcelona that I had loved. The dish was preciously balanced between spicy-spicy and citrusy-citrusy, with alternating bursts of flavor in the mouth. The three tiny mounds of perfectly cured fish turned out to be the ideal portion size. As always when fish is super-fresh, there was no fishy smell or taste at all, just silky texture and delicate flavor carrying the bolder citrus and hot pepper tastes into the mouth. I ordered the whole roasted fish for my main course. The fish of the day was branzino, jammed with herbs and super thin, tiny slices of lemon and pepper. Each bite was an adventure. The fish had been roasted at such a high temperature that the herbs and salt outside had formed almost a delicate crust. The flesh inside was moist and tender. It is one of the most successful fish dishes I’ve ever had. Inspired by the other dishes, we decided to try two desserts. We were not sorry. Milky was a creamy delight, a blend of ever-so-light chocolate mousse and whipped-but-not-frothy cream. We liked the “sandwich” even better, especially because the crumbly cookie outsides surrounded a powerful, intense tahini ice cream inside. Vegetarians and fish- and meat-eaters alike agreed, there were no weak spots in this menu. Pricey, yes ($240 for dinner for four before tip, including one glass of wine, one mixed drink and three entrees as well as a bunch of apps and small plates) but in our view worth it. Five great big stars.

We came here for dinner. The short ribs were just ok (nothing special). The tile fish was barely eatable. The lamb burger really "looked" good but tasted just ok (nothing special). We did not order a any chicken dishes but were charged $26 for a chicken dish. When we asked the waiter to remove it he said ok. Once the bill came the chicken dish was still on the bill and the waiter apologized and then had to remove it. We were charged UP CHARGES for "regular" drinks. I have dined all over the world and was NEVER charged any type of UP CHARGES for drinks. I have to give this restaurant credit for trying to CHARGE for items which should not be remotely charged for and try to CHARGE for dishes which we never ordered. Very poor class! SKIP this one and don't even waste your valuable time and money.

Friends and I (party of 3) found this place on a whim. They seated us at the bar while hoping to get a table for no shows. We were lucky and they seated us in 15 minutes. The atmosphere was very nice. Small place as you can hear conversations coming from the next table but it was not really an issue to me. As indicated, a bit pricey. Sangria was good.

Every cocktail and plate that we had was delicious. The cocktails are unusual and delicious. The soup dumplings were very good. The Lamb Neck Shawarma was outstanding! We used the Tahdig Rice to capture all of the shawarma sauce. The fresh mint tea was a fitting way to end the meal. The service was helpful and attentive.

This is a very unique mediterranean restaurant serves exclusive dishes all delicious. Good wine. Good service. Need reservations.

Food was exceptional - hummus, eggplant, and whole fish! Delicious and fresh. Thank you for such a wonderful meal on a cold night!

Atmosphere is friendly with homey fill. Food on time beautiful and so tasty. We kept on ordering more dishes . We didn’t want to miss anything. So good. Love the service and the attention to details . Best of New York. And more .