Top Hookah Bars: Mamlouk

The Scene
The background music starts the journey, a modal Arabic mix of sitar and tabla. Patrons are guided to tables named "Damascus," "Beirut" and "Jerusalem" by a motherly hostess who addresses them as "baby" or "darling." By the end of the meal--especially if you've been taking pulls from the strawberry tobacco-filled hookahs--you'll be convinced you're in a Paul Bowles novel, ready to wander out into the moonlit desert night.

The Food
Middle Eastern fare that runs the gamut from the familiar to the outre, scoring big in each category. Six courses are served; their composition is left up to the kitchen. Highlights include zatter, a flat, round bread topped in a dark, dried smear of sesame seeds, olive oil and thyme; a brilliant, virtually narcotic vegetarian mousaka; and mjadarra, a strange and wonderful sweet-spice-flecked lentil puree usually served with tender grilled chicken kabobs.

Also by the Owners
Check out Moustache in the East Village.

Know Before You Go
Food is not served a la carte. The $35 prix-fixe menu is the only option.

Great deal, great time, great all around Reviewed on 10/09/2004
Went to Mamlouk for the first time last nite at the recommendation of my boyfriend who had been there before. In a city full of plentiful restaurant offerings, Mamlouk is one of the great finds. We took out of town friends there for dinner who like us, are serious foodies, and everyone was so impressed. The prix fixe menu of $35 is such an amazing value for the amount (go hungry! we rolled outta there) and the quality of the food you get. If you're a foodie and you are looking for a unique dining experience, head to Mamlouk. Just make sure to go hungry! You'll come out stuffed but happily so.

Pros: Good food, great ambiance, good for a group

User Rating: Recommended   Best Middle Eastern Restaurant in NYC! Reviewed on 06/25/2003 Want to have a fabulous dining experience, then try Mamlouk. Price fixed at $30.00 per person is a Bargain for this excellent food, great service and middle eastern atmosphere. You will leave satisfied and wanting to return with more friends, but make sure you reserve as their are only 2 seatings per night. For those who like beer they serve amazing Maroccan Beer from Casablanca, for the wine lovers you will find excellent Lebanese wines on the menu as well. Enjoy! Pros: Food, Price, service Cons: space