Salma — Restaurant in New York

While the food was good, and everyone I was with enjoyed it, my meal and birthday dinner was unfortunately ruined by the unprofessional customer service. The manager, yes, the MANAGER, was all around not pleasant to deal with from start to finish.

I called up the restaurant multiple times after booking a large party to then be told the day before that my $100 deposit wasn’t in the system.… I was told I’d be called back to which I never was (I had to call back myself).

We all arrived at our reservation time, however, had to wait 40 minutes to be sat… there’s isn’t a designated waiting area either so all 12 of us were forced to be crammed in the middle of a busy sidewalk.

I also told the manager that I have a severe peanut allergy, and to which she confirmed there was a dish with peanuts (it was a family style prefix menu). While the food was coming out, I politely asked the manager which dish had peanuts, and was outright ignored. My friend then asked again for me and got a rude dismissive response. I ended up never being told which dish… my friend basically had to figure it out for me by trying each one. I was insanely shocked at how careless the MANAGER acted towards something this serious?

The cherry on top was receiving the bill, which didn’t have my deposit deducted from it (this was told to be the case upon booking a reservation). I was first told it was deducted already (it was not), then the manager confirmed it was the correct amount because “the chef made food for 13 people”…. I explained there was only 12 of us at the table? She goes “the reservation was booked for 13”. I then explained I had a last minute cancellation, and even then why would it be an additional $100+ charge when the prefix was $55 per person? Literally none of it made sense, and after going back and forth on this, it was eventually deducted, although the manager was insanely rude about the entire thing.

I would highly suggest NOT hosting a large party or dinner here, or even giving your business to an establishment with zero respect for...

Salma is an East Village hidden gem.

The food was great and a decent-sized portion. We ordered Tabbouleh for starters. It was a shareable size; serving of 4-ish, by my guessed-imation. It tasted so refreshing, especially since it was so hot and muggy outside. My best friend ordered the Kaftah Kebab Platter, and she thoroughly enjoyed it. I had a bite from her plate, and it was very good. I would recommend it. Normally, I don't eat sweets and/or desserts, but the Knafeh with an order of iced coffee was too die for--I am not exaggerating. Knafeh was nice and light, and it wasn't overly sweet.

I ordered the chicken platter, which was brought out on a hot skillet-like thingamajig, kind of like fajitas. The order came with a side of rice. I loved the rice, but the chicken platter was okay. It was a tad on the dry side, and I sort of wished I ordered the lamb platter instead.

Service was a little slow. Not so much the food but our drinks; it took a minute for us to get water and then our iced coffee. I'm more lenient on the iced coffee, even though I low-key watched our server behind the bar making it--making 2 cups of iced coffee isn't exactly chemistry. Typically, most establishments make the coffee beforehand and refrigerate it a couple hours or more. However, the fact that it took us a Texas-minute to get water and then got like 1 refill the entire night was just not a good look.

The space is small and cramped or small and intimate. It really depends on one's preferences whether that's a good or bad thing. Overall I did enjoy my experience. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a solid Lebanese restaurant in the city, who doesn't want to break the bank. The menu is small and concise, and you won't feel so overwhelmed...

My husband and I had the pleasure of dining here last night and had the most wonderful experience. First off, the kitchen was closed and the owner Abu Yosef so kindly still allowed us to dine there. He did not rush us and went over the menu with attention to detail. The menu is as good as it gets and offers something for everyone. I have severe food allergies and the kitchen accommodated without hesitation or fuss. This is much appreciated as other restaurants in the city would not be able to accommodate me. These guys are experts and each plate came out with love and authenticity. Being from the Middle East and having mom's food, I usually don't come across true authentic middle eastern food. But Salma delivers! It's exactly how my mom cooks and the real deal. They pour flavors and innovative dishes out there for us to enjoy. Each dish from the fattoush to the mixed platter had a story to tell-and was a true culinary celebration of staple Lebanese dishes with a tint of modernism. Fresh ingredients, master chefs and the most perfect Owner-we feel we hit the lottery stumbling across Salma. I could eat here every week-and I hope I do. It's healthy, absolutely delish and affordable--what are you waiting for! Stop by for a bite or stay for a feast. You will leave with a happy face and tummy! Thank you Abu Yosef for sharing your kitchen and recipes with us! Lucky to have amazing restaurants to...