Azuri Cafe
“Sambusak (savory meat pastry) is also okay, but it's the falafel plate that shines brightly here.”
“Some people say on here that the service was bad, but Ezra (the owner) was hilarious and funny, and kept us entertained.”
“I found this place through the Midtown Food on Foot Tour.”
Azuri Cafe
Delivery: Yes
Take-out: Yes
Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
Caters: Yes
Price range.
$ Price range Under $10
8 reviews
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Randomly stumbled across this restaurant while in the neighborhood. We asked for what was good, and were not disappointed. I got falafel, and it was so yummy. Also, we tried the tea concoction, which was kind of like a detox drink but a little yummier. The baklava was also super good. Some people say on here that the service was bad, but Ezra (the owner) was hilarious and funny, and kept us entertained.
I was a bit confused on how to order. The Mexican, not being racist – just descriptive, who made my food, casually asked what I wanted. I was waiting for the guy that seemed like the owner/ cashier to place my order – he tried to leave a good impression toward the end with a small talk.
I ordered the small falafel salad plate; I loved the salad plate but not so much the falafels, which is the main reason why I came here. They were extremely deep fried – it was so crunchy that there was barely anything in the middle and to top it, it was salty. The plate comes with a warm fluffy pita!
My friend wanted to split the bakalava and so we did. Ehh, I was hoping for some flaky action but it wasn't. Besides the flaky fail, the flavor was missing.
The service was not slow. There's not much seating space. The bathroom is clean.
uuuum, how did i not know about this place before?
Seating is very, very limited, and service is very, very slow. But the food is so worth it. The "small" falafel platter is not small at all. It has so many different sides and pastes, every bite i took was a different experience. We finished the food in like, record time.
Like the other reviews mention, don't be fooled by the gruff exterior of the owner of this place. He's sweet once he starts talking to you.
Since Kashkaval closed their take out deli (boo hoo) and Taïm was a little too far, my party of three satisfied our falafel craving by going to Azuri Cafe. For lunch, each of us ordered the small (but very filling and gas producing) falafel plate ($9.75) which came with lots of tasty sides: grilled peppers, tabbouleh, babaganush, fried eggplant, rice, hummus, lettuce and a nice fluffy pita. The eating area is limited and tiny, but doable. As mentioned on their brochure, the owner, Ezra Cohen, is indeed gruff (think Soup Nazi on Seinfeld), but he gives you what you order and the food is very good. Speaking of Seinfeld, there is a photo on display of Jerry Seinfeld and Ezra. Although there are only 3 falafels with the small plate, the numerous sides make for a full meal deal.
There was a mice in the restaurant running across the whole place. The owner saw it and didn't do anything! I told him and he ignored me. All the people were lifting their feet because of the freakin mouse doing whatever he wanted.
AWFUL PLACE, AWFUL PEOPLE, and the food of course AWFUL!
A hole in the wall in the best sense of the word, like, I'm in NYC and found this hidden gem no-one knows about (except the 152 Yelpers who have already posted reviews). Azuri serves falafel plates and other Israeli dishes with all the trimmings, extremely fresh and tasty food, a haven for vegetarians and others. The small falafel plate includes 3 falafels and an assortment of tasty salads. The chocolate nut cookie is a sweet treat and the Turkish coffee is rich.
I wasn't crowded in the small, spotless space because I was the only customer. The chef owner was super fine and friendly the night I was there. To ensure this, I recommend something as simple as saying Shalom before you place your order. Anyway, it can't hurt.
In preparation for your visit, you might want to check the Azuri website and read some of the owner's musings about life, cuisine, and other matters of great import. It will enhance your visit.
These falafels are real and its all about business. Don't let the lack of smiles intimidate or turn you off – the owner is actually friendly. The plates are great – healthy, flavorful, and lots of variety in one. I've been here at least 6 times and keep coming back for more. The bread they give is authentic and fresh. Everything I've had here is good, and the service is efficient. Its the best – you go in, you eat, you pay, you leave. Done and done.
The rumors are true – Azuri is a solid candidate for very tasty, very overlooked falafel in New York City. The place is small and intimate, and the staff are friendly and really take an interest in their customers. Always a positive. Naturally, I ordered the falafel on whole wheat pita with all the toppings. What a fresh, but filling meal. The falafel were crunchy, nutty, and flavorful, unlike most falafel you'd order from the street carts. (A dark green tint is always a good sign.) The hummus was creamy, the Israeli salad crisp, and pita actually tasted like whole wheat – rarer than you'd think! This will definitely be one of my go-tos for 'noms before a Terminal 5 show, or any time I'm on the UWS.