Nish Nush in Tribeca; Home to the Best Falafel in Downtown NYC

Man walking on NYC streets passed Nish Nush in Tribeca, a Middle Eastern restaurant. The exterior is all squared windows, with dark brown frames

Ok, we admit it: we're no experts in the falafel field. Sure, we could reel off a list for you in a heartbeat of NYC's best cookies, best doughnuts, best pizza, best burgers, cupcakes, fish tacos, bagels, barbecue, ramen… but for whatever reason–perhaps too many bad experiences?–that other great NYC staple, the falafel, has never become part of our repertoire.

Taim has tempted us with their cute logo, handy Nolita and West Village locations, and universal raves, but it had been a few years since our last taste of this sort of street-eat Middle Eastern restaurant fare when we entered the newish Nish Nush in Tribeca last week. And: whoa. We were totally blown away. THIS place–and its falafel–is definitely going into our regular rotation.  

The Falafel Trio platter available at Nish Nush restaurant in Tribeca, all the food is kosher and includes the best falafel in nyc

Nish Nush's Quality Customer Service and Atmosphere

The Nish Nush room itself is sunny and airy, and the owner told us it will be open to the street if Spring ever actually arrives. We liked the chickpeas-under-glass effect of the counters and tables, and the industrial-chic touches fits in well with the neighborhood. The counter staff (and, when we went, the owner) were all friendly and helpful, patient with our questions about the menu. The servings are generous, the ingredients fresh and kosher, and the prices are fantastically low here at Nish Nush, with most everything comfortably in the single digits. You know how sometimes you enter a restaurant for the first time, and even before you have a single bite of anything you already feel good about your decision? That's Nish Nush.      

A hefty serving of creamy, kosher humus available at Nish Nush Middle Easter restaurant in NYC

Best Falafel in NYC; A Sampling of What Nish Nush Has to Offer

We went all in at Nish Nush and ordered the most expensive thing on the menu, the $11 Falafel Trio platter. Here, on one vast, compartmentalized china plate is a wonderful sampling of what Nish Nush has to offer. You get all three kinds of Nish Nush falafel: the Classic Forever, which is a deep green from all the parsley, crispy on the outside, surprisingly moist within; the Red Hot Chili, which is not TOO spicy, but with a noticeable kick; and finally the Popeye's Delight, which adds spinach and mushrooms to the mix. All three were terrific, the flavors standing up nicely to the thick tahini sauce and the fiery, totally addictive schug, a kind of Middle Eastern salsa that we liberally spooned over everything. You also get a hefty serving of creamy, lively humus, several kinds of citrusy slaws and salads, fluffy housemade pita, and plenty of sweet pickles when you want that bright, acidic hit. And for dessert, not that we needed it after our feast (but what the heck why not), both the pistachio and almond variety of baklava were sweet, chewy delights. Nish Nush is a must-try neighborhood spot for downtown Glenwood residents, and for anyone else wandering the Battery Park City/FiDi area. 

Interior of Nish Nush in Tribecca. This Middle Eastern restaurant is filled with patrons getting their fill of these kosher and best falafels of NYC

Nish Nush; Middle Eastern Restaurant in Tribeca

Nish Nush is located on the corner of Reade and Church Streets and is open Monday to Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., and on Sunday until 9:00 p.m. For more information and a look at the complete Nish Nush kosher menu, visit them online!

Nish Nush on Urbanspoon

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