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Welcome to Balaboosta

Balaboosta, nestled in the heart of New York’s Greenwich Village, invites you to experience Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavors in a trendy, romantic setting. The term "Balaboosta," meaning "wonderful homemaker," embodies their commitment to fresh ingredients and vibrant spices, offering a menu filled with delightful small plates, including their signature hummus and whipped feta. Guests rave about the lively atmosphere and attentive service, making each visit memorable. Whether enjoying a delectable vegetarian meal or sipping on handcrafted cocktails, Balaboosta promises an unforgettable dining journey that captures the essence of authentic Israeli cuisine.

Balaboosta: Reviews & Ratings

Lynn O.
Lynn O.

My friend and I were walking around the west village and we came across this bustling restaurant. We liked the menu, the staff were friendly, and we decided to sit at an outdoor table to people watch while we dined. The cauliflower and eggplant dishes were both great, as were the cocktails. I will definitely return!

Sarah B.
Sarah B.

The Balaboosta experience starts with friendly staff at the door and behind the bar. Then comes the flavorful and fresh food, focusing on spices and herbs. Excellent wine list, cocktails, and mocktails. Lively atmosphere and modern ambiance.

Mila T.
Mila T.

Great first impression when we were greeted by Meredith and later when she came by to speak with us again the deal was sealed. A very lively vibe, great playlist, delicious food and cocktails, excellent service by Michael. We are coming back and bringing more friends.

Nivi R.
Nivi R.

Was able to grab reservations for a Saturday evening the day before, which was nuts to me. We got a table in the wine cellar, which was a regular room with a wall of wines haha, nothing cellar like. I perhaps will take a star away for their hostess, who just was spaced out and wasn't the nicest. The food and the wait staff were amazing - between the two of us we shared a bottle of wine, hummus, whipped feta, fried olives and cauliflower. We didn't intend for it to be a vegetarian meal, but that's what it ended being. The bread that came along with the dips was amazing! Can't wait to come back!

Elizabeth L.
Elizabeth L.

Amazing Israeli food experience! My friend and I came here for a casual lunch. We couldn't choose what we wanted so had to get a few plates to share and try all the goodness! Let's start with the whipped feta with honey - an absolute must!! I've tried many whipped fetas before but this was has been a favorite! The hummus with meat was delicious and I would definitely recommend getting that as well! We split the chicken shawarma for our main - I loved the presentation and that it was already served in a pita. I'm not big on sweets, but I did find the challah French toast to be yummy service was great!!

Nicole K.
Nicole K.

Went here for brunch and it was good! We ordered the hummus pitriyot to share, eggplant shakshuka, pastrami, and quinoa latkes. For cocktails, we got the matos, yalla, and shamir. The server was attentive and friendly. It was also easy to get a reservation. The restaurant was also cute and cozy.

Victoria X.
Victoria X.

There are mostly tables of 2 or 4 here which makes this place a great spot for groups of 2 or 4. The ambiance here is great for dates or a nice dinner out with friends. The food here is full of herbs given that it is an Israeli restaurant. The service here is attentive and friendly. We came at 6:30 without a reservation and was given a table (we just had to leave by 8pm).

Charles B.
Charles B.

If you look the perfect brunch spot up in the dictionary Balaboosta should come up! Everything is immaculate from the service to the food. I made a reservation for brunch at Balaboosta (highly recommended) and when my group arrived at the restaurant we were sat immediately. Once sat, the server came over quickly to greet us and took our drink order, all the cocktails/champagne were perfection! From there we placed our food order and here is what we had: To Share: - Hummus (must try! The warm chickpeas make this dish) - Whipped Feta (I have no words! But the date molasses was so good) - Pappas Bravas (if you like a good aioli this is your dish) Main Course: - Eggplant Shashuka (I love traditional Shashuka, but with eggplant this was truly elite; so much flavor) - Pastrami (never seen a dish like this, but the puff pastry and vegetables all go together in harmony!) The server continually checked in on our table and was warm and friendly; whenever she saw that our champagne glasses were running low she would ensure a new one was on the way. The vibes are super laidback with a touch of elegance. I love the fact that they use Aesop's soap in the bathroom. I cannot stop talking about how wonderful Balaboosta is and cannot wait to come back for dinner!

Location

  • Balaboosta
    611 Hudson St, New York, NY 10014 Hotline: (212) 390-1545

Discover a culinary gem nestled in the heart of New York's West Village—welcome to Balaboosta. This Mediterranean and Middle Eastern oasis at 611 Hudson St offers a vibrant dining experience that whets the appetite and nourishes the soul. Known for its chic ambiance and trendy atmosphere, Balaboosta seamlessly combines classy surroundings with a lively vibe, making it perfect for everything from romantic dinners to casual get-togethers with friends.

With options to reserve a table, enjoy delivery, or grab takeout, Balaboosta caters to every dining preference, including a variety of vegan and vegetarian dishes. Patrons can relish their meals while soaking up the outdoor seating area, perfect for people-watching on a sunny day.

  • Small Plates: Dive into an array of expertly crafted small plates like the classic Hummus Tahina—smooth and rich in flavor, topped with warm chickpeas and served with fresh pita. The Papas Bravas are a delightful twist on a favorite, featuring crispy fried potatoes paired with a spicy harissa aioli.
  • Desserts: For those with a sweet tooth, the Coconut Malabi provides a vegan twist on a traditional dessert, serving a delicious coconut custard adorned with berry compote and toasted coconut flakes. Don't miss the Malawah Churros paired with a luscious hazelnut chocolate dip, an indulgence that wraps up your meal beautifully.
  • Brunch Delights: The brunch menu is equally entrancing, featuring creative options like Tahini French Toast and a customizable Omelette, making it an inviting spot for a leisurely weekend meal.

Balaboosta excels not just in its culinary offerings but also in its customer service. Guests consistently rave about the friendly and attentive staff who elevate the dining experience. Many reviews echo a sense of warmth and hospitality, ensuring every diner feels welcomed, whether they're grabbing a casual lunch or enjoying an evening of fine dining.

Whether you’re sharing plates with friends or treating yourself to a fine meal, Balaboosta captures the essence of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavors in a modern setting. From its carefully crafted dishes to its vibrant atmosphere, every visit promises a feast for the senses. If you haven’t yet experienced Balaboosta, it’s time to embark on this culinary journey.