Shuk

“Shuk! Shuk! Shuk! Skuk your boo…” In this utterly adorable eatery inspired by the street markets of Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, decorated with paintings of vegetables, it’s a bit too much of a tight squeeze to really shake your booty, but that doesn’t stop heady Middle Eastern vibes from emanating out of the kitchen. What should you expect exactly? A collection of colorful mezze to be shared endlessly (the hummus is as silky as can be and by far the best to have ever graced our tongue), a quick pita sandwich (which can be served as a pita bowl, if you prefer), or a real shakshuka flavor bomb. You shouldn’t be too surprised: the Zakens – the Israeli Ika and the American Molly – who share this kitchenette, met at the École Ferrandi in Paris, before traveling around and opening their restaurant Lamalo in 2002. The day we went, we gobbled up all of the following: sweet potato heated up with harissa, plus tahina, yogurt and dukkah; roasted cauliflower drizzled in a delightful date syrup; a sabich, aka a popular Israeli sandwich, stuffed here with eggplant tempura, pickles, hard-boiled egg and tahini; and for anyone with a sweet tooth, an incredible almond tart. // Bobbi Rossi

FEELING THIRSTY? If it’s not homemade, it’s sourced from a reputable producer. Only the best: pomegranate lemonade (€4.50), ginger orange blossom tea (€3.50) or dirty chai lattes (€3.50).
PRICE: Pita €9-14, mezze and salads €8-16, desserts €3-7.