Tripoli Restaurant — Restaurant in New York

After posting the review below, the restaurant felt necessary to post a rebuttal. That's fair. But sadly they chose to also question my integrity. So before you go on reading, know that my late grandparents were Palestinian, so I know middle eastern cuisine well. I also worked myself in the restaurant business years ago. One of the rules I learned is that it doesn't matter if you successfully served a community for decades (as the folks in Tripoli pride themselves). What matters is who's cooking tonight. Lastly, please don't take my word for it. NYC has plenty of middle eastern joints. Have hummus at Naya, or spinach pie at Souk El Shater, or fresh hot-from-the-oven pita at any bakery, and so on, and then visit Tripoli. Then please fill your own rating.. And now, the original review -

Only for those who don't know what middle eastern cuisine should taste like

Following the reviews on this site, we ordered the Mezze for two. What a mistake. Basically, most of the tasty items were those that came from outside the kitchen - olives, feta cheese, labneh cheese, pickled turnip. But what involved the kitchen was somewhere between mediocre to bad - from the hummus, through the spinach pie to the kafta. The falafel deserves a special mention - I haven't had such bad falafel in a long time. Was it made from the commercial mix that comes in packets? And what's with the toasted pita bread? You can still tell the bread was not fresh.

Bottomline: Very friendly service, but it doesn't make up for the food. Should have tried one of the other middle eastern restaurants in the neighborhood.

P.S. Please leave an air freshener in the...

The food is amazing & service is great, the atmosphere not so much as it’s in a basement, that’s why I always have my food to go because everything they make is delish , definitely would recommend the sheesh barak, comes as steamy hot dumplings 🥟 filled with lamb & cooked in a savory yoghurt sauce. One time I ordered it with pick (with tabbouleh of course yum 😋) & couldn’t wait to get home, started eating at the tables outside the cafe because it smelled so good, couldn’t resist, Thai place looks like a landmark, they have their own olive 🫒 oil brand imported from Lebanon 🇱🇧 called Ancient Tree 🌲 the aroma of their olive oil is distinct, takes me to to Tripoli or Beirut. If you want really good Middle Eastern food, this is the place no doubt, I hope this is iconic spot on Atlantic Ave stays open. It’s special. Very very few places make sheesh barak because it’s a special homemade delicacy, if you never have tried the dish, I recommend...

I was at this restaurant last night with my husband, teenage sons and friend. The food arrived in a timely manner and was tasty and fresh. Our glasses were filled and refilled. The sounds were exotic, our waiter was absolutely lovely and we were all better for having spent time there. We even left with a bottle of olive oil. If you are looking for authentic Middle Eastern food, this is the place. But I want to add this: Their location is spacious but below ground, and as a result, not seen at street level. They need our business. I am not in any way related to this team of food professionals; I was just a customer. That said, the power of a review and of many reviews can make a difference. We all know this. So go, enjoy and post good reviews. It would be a shame for the neighborhood to...