Almayass

“Cole Mezze
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Hummus: A+
This could very well be one of the best hummus I've ever had, hands down.”

“In addition to these dishes the traditional mantee was an AMAZING and authentic little piece of Armenia – hands down a must try!”

“The Mouhammara was a sassy blend of crushed walnut, red pepper paste, and pomegranate molasses.”

Almayass

Takes Reservations: Yes
Delivery: Yes
Take-out: Yes
Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
Good for Kids: Yes
Good for Groups: Yes
Waiter Service: Yes
Caters: Yes

Price range.

$$$ Price range $31-60

8 reviews

  1. Lots of powerful flavors and a wonderful, relaxed environment Lebanese restaurant. Wasn't sure what to expect but started with a lentil soup that was exquisite, almost intoxicating with subtle flavors. Easily could have ordered a second bowl it was that good. Didn't go overboard with lots of dishes but had the couscous (irrestible and delicious with vegetables: carrots, broccoli) and spinach mantee ("oven-baked artisan made boat shape dough stuffed with spinach") which were small but tasty, a bit crispy with a side dish of yogurt. Portion ran on small side for $22. Service was wonderful and I'd like to go back and order lots more but what I think I'll do is go there for lunch which is economical (2 appetizer and entree for $27) which will allow me to really grasp more of the menu. Highly pleased and want to go back soon for more.

  2. I came here on a Sunday and it was very quiet, so the dishes came out quickly.

    Hummus with Cauliflower: it's delicious with the fried cauliflower. I like the creamy hummus mixed with the crunchy cauliflower.

    Moutabbal Almayass: mashed beetroot, fresh lemon, sesame paste, garlic. It's very citrusy, the lemon juice seems to overpower the sweetness of the beetroot.

    Spicy Potatoes: fried potato cubes, fresh garlic, cilantro. The potatoes had a nice flavor from the fried garlic.

    Garlic Paste: it's has the texture of a buttery garlic puree. It's quite sour, like it has a lot of lemon juice in it.

    I enjoyed the hummus and the potatoes contrasting to the tangy flavors of the moutabbal and the garlic paste. The dining room is beautiful, it has a classic decor and ambiance.

  3. This place was the best Lebanese/Armenian food I've ever had. We came here for girls night, and the family style ordering was perfect for the four of us. We ordered the Armenian salad, Dolma, meat Mantee, Subereg, and the cube filet minion with rice. Portions are on the smaller side, but we ordered enough to be satisfied. They also have a relatively extensive wine and cocktail menu, so each of us enjoyed a glass. We paid about $50 a person for the meal. Definitely an expensive venture, but well worth it.

    Service was decent. The wait staff was attentive at first, but we got sort of neglected towards the end. Our waiter did give some suggestions though, and they were all helpful. The decor is beautiful with a ton of authentic Armenian paintings around.

    Overall a great place if you're willing to break the bank and craving some authentic Middle Eastern cuisine in Flat Iron area.

  4. Holy caffeine Batman! This Armenian coffee tastes just like Greek coffee or Turkish. There's really no better way in my mind to top off a fantastic Mediterranean/Middle Eastern meal than with the traditional boiled ground coffee bean concoction. But first…  

    Almayass is absolutely my favorite restaurant in Manhattan. They are going to be huge. You are going to be amazed. I tell you it's terrific. I know food. Nobody eats food better than me (sorry just finished watching the Sunday morning political shows). But seriously.

    Everything that we ordered was in itself an exemplary culinary experience. Perhaps the best lamb chops I've ever had and they were even enjoyed by my guests who aren't lamb meat lovers. The list of things we ordered includes over two-thirds of the appetizers so I'm not going to list them.  For the main we begrudgingly (because we were so full) consumed the mixed grill. Ultra highlights of the mixed grill were the lamb chops and the chicken.

    They entertained all my absurdities. For instance, I insisted they bring me a whole lemon and they did: on a plate with a knife to cut it myself–precisely as I had demanded. They are going to become really sick of me!

  5. Visited this place for a Christmas Dinner with my lovely sister.

    I like to start the review by saying what I liked. I was extremely satisfied with the service. All the staffs were really nice, and welcoming. After my friends and I finished our dinner, the owner walked up to us and said, "Thank you ladies, your presence is very much appreciated." The tiny thing that he did made us feel very special.  I also loved the ambiance. The lighting was nice, and the decorations were very impressive. I also loved how clean& big the restroom was.

    With regards to food, I couldn't really detect something that "stood out." Hummus was okay. The quail egg was great. Our entree, which was a meat combination (can't think of the name of our entrée, but contained  chicken, lamb, beef, and was served with rice) was good too. However, it was way over price compared to how "ordinary" the food was. If I tasted/experienced something "different," I would have given 4-5 stars, but.. because there were nothing that made this restaurant stand out from others, I am only giving 3 stars.

  6. Excellent service. Sirloin was perfectly cooked – medium-rare. The "old-fashioned"s were also very nicely and sincerely made :). I only wish the restaurant showed a bit more Armenian charm.

  7. This place is beautiful. From the colorful and funky shapes hanging in front of the mirror when you walk in, to the varied and gorgeous sculptures and fixtures around the room, it's stunning. The service is also impeccable, and the food is quite tasty.

    (Can you feel the 'but' coming on?)

    But $27 is quite pricey for the lunch special offered. It works out to about $35 per person (assuming you don't drink), and that's a solid expense for what is offered.

    Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed my meal. The lunch special offers a choice of two starters and a main. I went with Armenian salad (the same as Israeli salad, if you've had that), Moutabbal (a baba ghanouj clone), and the meat mantee (tiny bits of dough stuffed with meat and served in a clay dish). All were quite satisfying, although the mantee needs an accompaniment, and paired with fresh pita it is more than enough food for anyone.

    However, and maybe I ordered poorly (I guess you should always go for the filet mignon if it's offered), I've gotten very similar and equally satisfying (sometimes more enjoyable) meals at falafel counters for around $6. Granted, the setting wasn't nearly as nice, but I'm not wealthy enough to pay this markup on a regular basis.

  8. Really outstanding service, just ok food.

    Every interaction with each employee at this restaurant made me feel welcomed, comfortable, and cared for. It reminded me of what hospitality is meant to be. The decor is sleek and would make you think the restaurant is pricer than it is. ($50 for food equivalent to an entree + 1 cocktail + tip)

    But the food was just ok. There was nothing that tasted bad or was poorly prepared, I simply don't find any of it to be crave-able. We shared several small plates and the only one that stood out was the spinach mantee. I would order that again! Everything else? Take it or leave it.

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East 21st Street 24
New York 10010 NY US
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Monday, 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Tuesday, 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Wednesday, 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Thursday, 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Friday, 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Saturday, 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Sunday, 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm