Safta — Restaurant in New York

We ordered tahina and cucumber salad as starters. The tahina Is up there with the best I have ever tasted. It tasted just like being in Israel and having the freshest tahina. It is made on premises, as is everything, they serve according to our waiter. The thick pita bread was served at room temp. I asked the waiter to have it warmed up. It should always be served warm.

The cucumber salad wasn’t cucumber salad. It was a pickle salad and super sour. Too sour for me, and when I said so, the waiter kindly took it back. Management should update the menu to reflect what it actually is. The women dining at the table next to us had exactly the same reaction to the ‘cucumber’ salad.

For main dishes, my boyfriend and I each ordered the schnitzel plate. It comes piled high with a huge schnitzel, which though fried is not at all greasy, Delicious French fries served hot and lightly salted just like in Israel are also on the plate, As well as what they call Safta aïoli, which is also delicious. I couldn’t finish my food and our waiter kindly brought over take-home containers.

Safta owner: please serve the schnitzel with a steak knife. The butter knife that’s part of the table setting just isn’t sharp enough to cut it easily.

For drinks, I ordered the limonana, Which came with a pretty garnish of spearmint and lemon slice, But didn’t taste much like mint in the drink. Limonana is my favorite beverage in Israel and it’s usually mint blended with lemonade. Would be great if they did that here too. My boyfriend ordered their pineapple “gazoz,” which was a real disappointment. It was just Seltzer over pineapple syrup, with none of the accompaniments that come with Gazozs ordered in Levinský market in Tel Aviv, like fruit and herbs. Served as just pineapple flavored seltzer, it didn’t seem worth $10.

The decor is really lovely. Modern and sleek But still somehow homey feeling, As a restaurant named Safta - Grandmother - should.

I hope to go back sometime soon for brunch, To taste their jachnun and malawach, which I miss having!

On the whole I give this restaurant a solid four stars. Worth patronizing, And with a few tweaks it...

A True Gem for Middle Eastern Cuisine

Dining at safta Middle Eastern Food was an experience that completely exceeded my expectations. From the moment I walked in, the aroma of freshly grilled meats and warm spices set the tone for an authentic meal. The menu offers a wide variety of traditional dishes, and everything I tried tasted homemade and full of flavor.

The hummus was velvety and rich, perfectly paired with warm, fluffy pita bread. Their cauliflower was outstanding — golden and crunchy on the outside, yet soft and flavorful on the inside. I also ordered the kebabs, which were tender, juicy, and seasoned just right. The rice was fragrant and light, complementing the meats beautifully. Even the side salads were crisp, fresh, and full of vibrant flavor.

What stood out most to me was the balance of flavors — you could taste the freshness of the ingredients and the care that went into preparing each dish. Nothing was too salty or oily; everything felt wholesome yet indulgent.

The service was just as excellent as the food. The staff was attentive, warm, and knowledgeable about the menu, making thoughtful recommendations that didn’t disappoint. The restaurant itself has a welcoming, cozy atmosphere that makes you feel at home — whether you’re there for a quick lunch, a family dinner, or even celebrating a special occasion. is the kind of place that you’ll want to return to again and again. It’s rare to find a restaurant that delivers authenticity, quality, and hospitality all in one, but this place truly does. Highly recommended for anyone who loves Middle Eastern cuisine or wants to try it for...

Safta is hands down my new favorite spot! From the moment you walk in, the energy is electric—modern, warm, and full of life. The food? Absolutely next level. Every bite bursts with authentic Mediterranean-Israeli flavors—fresh, vibrant, and perfectly balanced.

The spreads are creamy and addictive, the grilled meats are juicy and seasoned to perfection, and the small plates are the kind of dishes you want to order “just one more” of again and again. On top of that, the cocktails and wine selection pair beautifully with the food.

But what really sets Safta apart is the vibe—it’s not just dinner, it’s an experience. The team is welcoming, the space is buzzing, and you can feel the passion behind everything they do.

If you’re looking for a place that nails both food and atmosphere, Safta is it. This is where Mediterranean soul meets modern style. Go now before everyone else finds out—you’ll...