The space here has a quality that draws you in. The quality stands out immediately. Costs more than expected, though the atmosphere is nice. Fundamentally, their customer attention stands out. Your visit brings complete satisfaction.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 4
Phat Phat
They have very good food!!!
Jermaine Smith
Great food and better environment
Jeremy Jones
Great food I had tacos
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Luis Nava
Amazingly serviced by the chef/owner, a very charming gentleman. Every dish is very well prepared, deliciously seasoned, and abundant enough to properly fill you up.
Every plate deserves 5 stars. If you like Mediterranean cuisine, you must include this restaurant in your must-go list.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
daniel G
El Toum in New York is truly a special place. From the moment you walk in, the décor and atmosphere immediately transport you to the Middle East, with an authentic and welcoming vibe that makes the experience even better.
The restaurant is run and attended by its owner, who is very friendly and takes the time to give recommendations. That personal touch really makes a difference.
I ordered a chicken shawarma with hummus, but they served me a lamb shawarma with hummus instead. Normally, I never eat lamb and in the past I’ve never really liked it. But I decided to try it, and it was a complete surprise — absolutely spectacular. The lamb was tender and full of flavor, the salad was fresh, and the hummus was outstanding, definitely some of the best I’ve had.
This is without a doubt a great spot if you’re looking to enjoy an excellent hummus and a flavorful shawarma. A place worth visiting and repeating.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Joyce Ma
Cute little spot for brunch or lunch. I enjoyed the falafels and Lebanese tea.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Melanie Mouzalas
I’ve had good Lebanese/Mediterranean cuisine, and it is not at this place.
I had tried El Toum a few times shortly after they opened and wasn’t impressed — the food wasn’t good and the interior felt a bit grimey. I never understood all the rave reviews this place seemed to get. Since I live down the block and the restaurant is always bustling (and constantly written up by sites like Gothamist and Eater), I decided to give it another try.
We asked to sit outside and were told menus would be brought over. After about ten minutes of waiting, my husband had to go in and ask for them. The staff apologized, but it wasn’t a great start.
We ordered the artichoke appetizer, hummus with cauliflower, and the chicken mushrooms. The artichoke dish was disappointing — it seemed like jarred artichoke hearts tossed with walnuts and golden raisins, microwaved, and served with a thin, over-toasted pita. The hummus was creamy and the roasted cauliflower and tomatoes on top were nicely seasoned, but again, served with that same unpleasant pita. Of the three dishes, this was the best, but not enough to make me want to return.
The chicken mushrooms entrée was underwhelming. The chicken lacked seasoning, the balsamic tasted harsh rather than smooth, and the sweet potatoes were just dry, unseasoned chunks on the plate. The zucchini and carrots were fine, but nothing memorable.
On top of that, the wine glass I was given had dried food crusted on it, the interior still feels skeevy, and even the table we sat at was sticky.
Overall, I can’t understand the hype. While the hummus was solid, the rest of the food, atmosphere, and attention to detail fell short — again.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 2
Service: 1
Jim S. (Chai Bhai)
Sammy is wonderful and the food he makes is delicious. The Kefta kebab and humus must be on your next order.
Owner was super friendly, service was great. Tastiest, crunchiest falafel I’ve had in NY!! I had the lamb kebab which was also great!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
S Ahmed
Not halal guys. People are spreading misinformation claiming this place is halal…..
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Ilana R
Some of the best middle eastern food I've had. Deliciously spiced with a hearty dose of garlic. Incredibly tasty. Friendly, fast and personal. service. A real find!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Lamb Shawarma
Kinga Malisz
Anyone who says the food is less than 10/10 is lying to you 😂 easily the best falafel in NYC. Incredible service and wonderful atmosphere. We come back at least once a week. Exceptional in every way.
The space here has a quality that draws you in. The quality stands out immediately. Costs more than expected, though the atmosphere is nice. Fundamentally, their customer attention stands out. Your visit brings complete satisfaction.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 4
They have very good food!!!
Great food and better environment
Great food I had tacos
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Amazingly serviced by the chef/owner, a very charming gentleman. Every dish is very well prepared, deliciously seasoned, and abundant enough to properly fill you up.
Every plate deserves 5 stars. If you like Mediterranean cuisine, you must include this restaurant in your must-go list.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
El Toum in New York is truly a special place. From the moment you walk in, the décor and atmosphere immediately transport you to the Middle East, with an authentic and welcoming vibe that makes the experience even better.
The restaurant is run and attended by its owner, who is very friendly and takes the time to give recommendations. That personal touch really makes a difference.
I ordered a chicken shawarma with hummus, but they served me a lamb shawarma with hummus instead. Normally, I never eat lamb and in the past I’ve never really liked it. But I decided to try it, and it was a complete surprise — absolutely spectacular. The lamb was tender and full of flavor, the salad was fresh, and the hummus was outstanding, definitely some of the best I’ve had.
This is without a doubt a great spot if you’re looking to enjoy an excellent hummus and a flavorful shawarma. A place worth visiting and repeating.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Cute little spot for brunch or lunch. I enjoyed the falafels and Lebanese tea.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I’ve had good Lebanese/Mediterranean cuisine, and it is not at this place.
I had tried El Toum a few times shortly after they opened and wasn’t impressed — the food wasn’t good and the interior felt a bit grimey. I never understood all the rave reviews this place seemed to get. Since I live down the block and the restaurant is always bustling (and constantly written up by sites like Gothamist and Eater), I decided to give it another try.
We asked to sit outside and were told menus would be brought over. After about ten minutes of waiting, my husband had to go in and ask for them. The staff apologized, but it wasn’t a great start.
We ordered the artichoke appetizer, hummus with cauliflower, and the chicken mushrooms. The artichoke dish was disappointing — it seemed like jarred artichoke hearts tossed with walnuts and golden raisins, microwaved, and served with a thin, over-toasted pita. The hummus was creamy and the roasted cauliflower and tomatoes on top were nicely seasoned, but again, served with that same unpleasant pita. Of the three dishes, this was the best, but not enough to make me want to return.
The chicken mushrooms entrée was underwhelming. The chicken lacked seasoning, the balsamic tasted harsh rather than smooth, and the sweet potatoes were just dry, unseasoned chunks on the plate. The zucchini and carrots were fine, but nothing memorable.
On top of that, the wine glass I was given had dried food crusted on it, the interior still feels skeevy, and even the table we sat at was sticky.
Overall, I can’t understand the hype. While the hummus was solid, the rest of the food, atmosphere, and attention to detail fell short — again.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 2
Service: 1
Sammy is wonderful and the food he makes is delicious. The Kefta kebab and humus must be on your next order.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I bought uncooked food for $78 😒
Restaurantji Recommends
Owner was super friendly, service was great. Tastiest, crunchiest falafel I’ve had in NY!! I had the lamb kebab which was also great!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
Not halal guys. People are spreading misinformation claiming this place is halal…..
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Some of the best middle eastern food I've had. Deliciously spiced with a hearty dose of garlic. Incredibly tasty. Friendly, fast and personal. service. A real find!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Lamb Shawarma
Anyone who says the food is less than 10/10 is lying to you 😂 easily the best falafel in NYC. Incredible service and wonderful atmosphere. We come back at least once a week. Exceptional in every way.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Just go.
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