Miriam Upper West Side — Restaurant in New York

I can VERY CONFIDENTLY say this was some of the best food I have had in a while. Everything about this experience was something I will now use as the measuring stick for what 5 stars is. My friend and I came here on a Tuesday night and it was not super busy - we got sat immediately.

We chose to sit outside since it's warm for November. The lights in the little front enclosed patio area are so cute. We started by splitting a half carafe of Pinot Noir - perfect for the two of us. Then we got the hummus... I think I actually almost fell out of my chair. I am not kidding this has to be the best hummus I have ever evvvvveeerrrrr had. It was magic. On the menu the pita is called "fluffy pita" and rightfully so.

Also on the menu we saw "Grilled Plant-Based Steak" - as a vegetarian I am always drawn to the plant-based options (naturally) but was wowed for a moment because I have never seen a vegan steak option. Impossible burgers, yes... but vegan steak? This is new. So my friend and I were talking about it, and talking about it loudly it seems as all of a sudden the chef comes up and strikes up conversation about it. It's something he is very confident we will like, and he also tells us another special he's working on now. The chef's name is Alon - he is incredible and so fun to talk to.

Some time passes and he drops off one of the specials for us to try, a gesture we were so thankful for. It is an absolutely unbelievable butternut squash in labneh. I will dream of it forever.

So then we get the "steak." Oh my GOD. I have not had steak in about 8 years and I cannot even begin to tell you how insane this was. You should be RUNNNNINNNGGG to Miriam right now as you read this to get this plant-based steak for yourself. I want every single person I have ever known to try this. I will include a photo of the inside of it too, you can see it has the consistency and graining of a short rib or a real piece of steak.

Long story short, I would give Miriam and their all-star servers and chef Alon 100...

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Miriam, a remarkable Israeli restaurant that left a lasting impression. From the moment I stepped inside, I knew I was in for a culinary adventure. The food at Miriam was nothing short of exceptional, delivering a delightful array of Israeli flavors that tantalized the taste buds.

The menu boasted a wide selection of dishes, each expertly prepared to capture the essence of Israeli cuisine. The flavors were rich, vibrant, and truly authentic. One highlight was the delectable variety of dips, which accompanied the freshly baked assortment of breads. The combination of flavors and textures was simply divine, making each bite a moment to savor.

To complement the fantastic cuisine, Miriam offered a range of cocktails that were equally impressive. The mixologists crafted delightful concoctions that perfectly balanced creativity and taste, enhancing the overall dining experience.

The attentive and gracious staff at Miriam truly elevated the experience. The waiters and waitresses were kind, providing us with ample time to enjoy our meal without feeling rushed. The spacious layout of the restaurant ensured that conversations could flow easily, as we could hear everyone clearly. Additionally, the well-maintained bathrooms added a touch of comfort to the overall dining ambiance.

In summary, Miriam is a gem of an Israeli restaurant that successfully captures the vibrant flavors of the region. The delicious cuisine, wonderful variety of dips, and freshly baked breads create a delightful dining experience. The skillfully crafted cocktails and the attentive service further contribute to the restaurant's appeal. Whether you're seeking a flavorful journey or simply a memorable dining experience, Miriam is a fantastic choice that will leave you with a newfound appreciation for...

Tasteless Food, Homeless Man Begging in Restaurant, Surprise Charges on Bill, Poor Service....I expect more for more than $300 for 4 People!

We ordered a three dip appetizer of labne, tahini and tomato. The labne and tahini had no taste and the tomato had a bite suggesting that it may have been rotten. We had the Tunisian salad, hummus, brussels sprouts falafel, spicy vegetables and two branzinos. The branzino was buried in tahini and it was impossible to taste the fish (awful). The salad and hummus had no taste and the brussel sprouts were pretty good. All told, the food was really lame.

The server was hard to find when we needed him. I had to waive him down for drinks, missing napkins and for water. He may have been hanging out in the kitchen.

During the meal a homeless person came to our table to ask us for money. He got right up to us and leaned over our table and food with his dirty clothing. I asked the server to have removed. He told me he could not have him removed. The homeless person went from table to table leaning over other guests’ food while begging for money. He was in the restaurant begging for about five minutes.

When the check came, there was an additional $6.99 charge for use of a credit card. When I asked the server about it, he told that it was listed somewhere on the menu. I couldn't find it on the menu.

I love middle eastern food. It’s very difficult to find bad middle eastern food in New York City, but I certainly discovered a place where it is readily available plus the added bonus of smelly homeless people, absent service and an extra surprise $6.99 charge for use of a credit (a charge which is on the bill before asking a customer if they are actually going to use a...