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  4. Manhattan
  5. Lincoln Square
Shalel, New York, NY

Shalel

4.6
4.6
46 Reviews
$50 and over
Mediterranean
Shalel has served New Yorkers since 2000 and is dedicated to the variety and excellency of Mediterranean cooking. Shalel draws its inspiration from dishes and design of the coastal Mediterranean: Morocco, Palestine, Israel, Turkey, Greece, Italy, the Côte d’Azur, and Spain. Shalel's unique underground space is a relaxed, candlelit setting where highlights include Shalel’s namesake waterfall, indoor plants, fresh cut flowers, and an “alimentari” market of various Mediterranean products. Walk down the rose petal covered stairs to this underground restaurant.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 p.m.


Booked 18 times today

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style

    Casual Elegant

  • Cuisines

    Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, Moroccan

  • Hours of Operation

    Bar Mon–Wed 4:30 pm–10:00 pm Thu–Sat 4:30 pm–11:00 pm Dinner Mon–Wed 4:30 pm–8:45 pm Thu–Sat 4:30 pm–9:45 pm

  • Phone number

    (212) 873-2300

  • Payment Options

    AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Dress Code

    Casual Dress

  • Owned/operated by

    Latinx or Hispanic, LGBTQ, Middle Eastern, Women

  • Catering

    We offer a weekly Shabbat menu and are open to catering inquiries.

  • Private party facilities

    We have several private rooms appropriate for special events - please inquire by phone at 212-873-2300.

  • Neighbourhood

    Lincoln Square

  • Cross Street

    Just east of the corner of Columbus Ave & W. 70th Street.

  • Parking Details

    Street Parking

  • Public Transit

    Bus Station Columbus Ave & W 69th (M11 - M7) and Central Pk West & W 70th (M10 - M72) Subway Central Pk West & 72 St. (A/C/E), Subway 72 St. and Broadway (1/2/3)

  • Additional

    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Delivery, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Vegan, Wine

What 46 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.6
4.6 based on recent ratings
  • 4.5Food
  • 4.5Service
  • 4.7Ambience
  • 4.3Value

NoiseModerate

Sort by

  1. IrynaS

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing place. Very cool design. Service was excellent and food was very flavorful and prepared perfectly.
  2. MercyL

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    the waitress was great, may me feel comfortable and like I'm home, all her suggestions for food and wine were perfect
  3. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 15, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    Awesome vibe very unique ambience, food was fantastic, will be back
  4. Klig

    New York Area

    12 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on May 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Most romantic restaurant in the city! The bacon wrapped date appetizer is an absolute must!
  5. James

    Washington DC

    4 reviews

    2.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on May 12, 2023

    overall2food3service3ambience2
    This restaurant is located in the basement of a West Side brownstone. It has all of the features of a New York City basement, including the bugs!!! Had the venue been a moderately priced restaurant, then you overlook certain things. But at $30+ entrees and $18 glasses of wine, I would expect a much higher level of service, cleanliness, and cuisine.
  6. Attony

    New York Area

    28 reviews

    5.0

    28 reviews

    Dined on May 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Unique setting, excellent service and very good food. Great place near Lincoln Center; we will return.
  7. OpenTable Diner

    Orlando

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Everything about this restaurant is special. The service was outstanding, the food was delicious and the atmosphere was lovely, Great find!
  8. RobertM

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 6, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I've been going to Shalel occasionally for several years, as the ambience is unmatched and the food was always pretty good. I don't know if they have a new chef or what, but the food on this last visit was outstanding, definitely improved over last year and the ambience remains unequaled. I will be eating here more frequently than before
  9. Pinkthinker

    New York Area

    16 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    16 reviews

    Dined on May 6, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Best date place! Very unusual, cool physical space, great food, warm, caring service, noise level wonderful to actually talk! Yes!
  10. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Super nice staff, surprisingly good food, a bit dark but cozy. Good value too!
  11. OpenTable Diner

    Baltimore

    6 reviews

    4.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on May 3, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    Quiet dining located in basement grotto atmosphere. Owner is Greek. The eggplant appetizer was delicious. Shrimp appetizer tasty. Service was courteous and efficient. Overall a very positive experience.
  12. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on May 1, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience5
    Cozy spot a few blocks from the Beacon Theatre. Nice for a date night or with a group of friends. Food was great, loved the baked dates and mixed grill. A bit pricey for a bottle of wine (we got the Crianza blend which was quite good) though I’m used to BYOB in NJ. Service was friendly and attentive. Would go again.
  13. JoeDoc

    New York Area

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on April 29, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had our waiter Andrew pick out 2 Moroccan apps and main courses for us. He made great picks and we thoroughly enjoyed our meal!!
  14. Hannah

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 29, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    great place for a first date! It wasn't loud, so I was able to hear my guest well and we had a great time!
  15. LarryB

    New York Area

    12 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on April 28, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The atmosphere was outstanding, matched only by the food and service. Just a wonderful place to get away to another world without travelling very far at all.
  16. Hotdog12

    West Palm Beach

    88 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    88 reviews

    Dined on April 25, 2023

    overall3food5service3ambience1
    The physical surroundings are a turnoff. All dark, very old, like catacombs. Wait staff nice. Food mediocre.
  17. kevins

    New York Area

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on April 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Love this place. Atmosphere, service, food all excellent. Only downside is the $18 shot of gin which seems excessive, but I realize it’s the reality of NYC restaurants these days. Outside of that hiccup, love, love this place.
  18. SarahH

    Washington DC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We absolutely loved our dinner here! I had a reservation for 6 and we ended up in a very private booth. All of the food was exceptional, the staff was so kind, and the environment was unmatched. :)
  19. KatieB

    San Francisco

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on April 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    As others have said in their reviews, the ambiance is fabulous. It doesn't matter that you can barely see the menu as the tables are lit with candles. You can always use the flashlight on your phone. The prices are very reasonable and the Lamb Kofta was delicious. Perhaps the big winner is the date tart for dessert. I never knew that I liked dates!!
  20. Susan

    New York Area

    4 reviews

    3.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on April 10, 2023

    overall3food4service2ambience2
    Too dark and musty. Service rushed though the restaurant wasn’t busy. Food is tasty, but the basement atmosphere is too claustrophobic for me.
  21. joer

    New York Area

    50 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    50 reviews

    Dined on April 8, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    great staff and service. very caring towards to staff neighborhood gem goid food nice and varied
  22. MaryH

    New York Area

    21 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    21 reviews

    Dined on April 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Extra-ordinary in every regard. Absolutely unique!
  23. OpenTable Diner

    New Orleans

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing. The service food and ambiance were all incredible. Will definitely go back.
  24. RandyB

    New York Area

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on April 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Once again we had an amazing dining experience at Shalel. Time and time again the wait staff is incredibly skilled and personable. Everything we've eaten and every cocktail we have had has been top-notch.
  25. GuntherG

    Seattle

    10 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on April 1, 2023

    overall4food5service4ambience3
    Great food, great team but some rooms are too dark. Walked into a chair at one point.
  26. CarolG

    New York Area

    25 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    25 reviews

    Dined on March 30, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience5
    The restaurant is in a basement and without a street access isn’t for people who can’t negotiate stairs. The atmosphere is dark, cozy, romantic and you might feel like you’re in Morocco…The food is excellent and the staff are friendly, helpful and efficient. It’s a neighborhood gem
  27. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 26, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I had such a unique and quaint experience dining at Shalel with my boyfriend. I am a local to the upper west side, and tried this restaurant out for the first time. I really can not recommend this enough for a romantic date out or with a good friend. The space was calming and the ambiance was dimly lit and immaculate. They sat us at a private table facing an indoor mini water stream off a rock, which was the perfect. Our waitress was lovely and the food was 10/10. Portions weren’t overly stuffing and was just right with two apps and a salad to share, and our own entrees. Try out shalel!
  28. RandyB

    New York Area

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on March 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had a wonderful experience, great food, great service, and we will be back again soon!
  29. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 24, 2023

    overall3food3service3ambience5
    It’s a nice place to go dine but didn’t like the seating cos it was right next to a connecting way to another room and opposite the service area. It also seemed understaffed cos I only saw two servers and they pretty much had their hands full all night
  30. RMAA

    New York Area

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 24, 2023

    overall1food1service1ambience1
    Drinks, appetizers, main course, more drinks, dessert, and then ask to leave because we had “been there too long”. Ruined a romantic night. Ok. We live four blocks away. Never again. Good luck. Greed sucks.
  31. OpenTable Diner

    Philadelphia

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on March 4, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food was absolutely phenomenal! Wish it wasn't as tight as far as the seating goes. But overall we love the restaurant!
  32. HHughes

    New England

    5 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on March 2, 2023

    overall2food2service2ambience5
    The server was so awkward, made everything so difficult repeatedly. My friend had met me there for drinks before and really wanted to get dinner, so we went back. By the end, he was so ready to leave. Bad experience.
  33. Hande

    Los Angeles

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 26, 2023

    overall4food5service3ambience5
    Thank you, we love the place. Wanna be back. Food is great
  34. ErinB

    San Francisco

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 26, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Lovely, unique and romantic space. Food and drinks are excellent and service staff is considerate and friendly (despite being very busy). Definitely make a reservation.
  35. HarrisH

    New York Area

    18 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    18 reviews

    Dined on February 25, 2023

    overall4food5service3ambience5
    Superior good. Great setting. Very different than other restaurants. However, kept to a straight time limit and rushed our party out.
  36. SettlingIn

    New York Area

    6 reviews

    3.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on February 24, 2023

    overall3food4service3ambience3
    Too dark. Understaffed, next table had to get up to ask to order, overall a losing experience. Not recommended.
  37. Leaozinho

    Baltimore

    31 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    31 reviews

    Dined on February 24, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    We were ambivalent about the seating- in a corner room where it wasn’t always easy To get a hold of staff-otherwise a very nice experience, will definitely go back!
  38. Benjamin

    San Diego

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on February 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Delicious food in a very romantic setting. We had a great time!
  39. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Charming and thoroughly enjoyable experience — including for our Moroccan colleagues.
  40. JFlynn

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on February 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The best kept secret in the UWS. Food was incredible (especially the mezze and spanikopita) and the ambience was chill, cozy, and romantic. Our waitress Jamie was amazing. First time here, but most certainly not the last!

FAQs

You can order delivery directly from Shalel using the Order Online button. Shalel also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (212) 873-2300.

Shalel is rated 4.6 stars by 46 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 p.m.


Booked 18 times today
Google Map for Shalel

65 W 70th St, New York, NY 10023

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Cross Street

    Just east of the corner of Columbus Ave & W. 70th Street.

  • Neighbourhood

    Lincoln Square

  • Hours of Operation

    Bar Mon–Wed 4:30 pm–10:00 pm Thu–Sat 4:30 pm–11:00 pm Dinner Mon–Wed 4:30 pm–8:45 pm Thu–Sat 4:30 pm–9:45 pm

  • Cuisines

    Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, Moroccan

  • Dining style

    Casual Elegant

  • Dress Code

    Casual Dress

  • Parking Details

    Street Parking

  • Public Transit

    Bus Station Columbus Ave & W 69th (M11 - M7) and Central Pk West & W 70th (M10 - M72) Subway Central Pk West & 72 St. (A/C/E), Subway 72 St. and Broadway (1/2/3)

  • Payment Options

    AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Owned/operated by

    Latinx or Hispanic, LGBTQ, Middle Eastern, Women

  • Additional

    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Delivery, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Vegan, Wine

  • Phone number

    (212) 873-2300

  • Catering

    We offer a weekly Shabbat menu and are open to catering inquiries.

  • Private party facilities

    We have several private rooms appropriate for special events - please inquire by phone at 212-873-2300.

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  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Cookie Preferences
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