Al Diwan

Restaurant/hookah bars are always a suspicious proposition, especially those located in younger neighborhoods that cater to college kids who think the hookah tobaccy is…whacky. Al Diwan does offer a tableside hookah at the end of the meal, but it’s the cuisine that stands out. Lebanese staples, like hummus and creamy labneh, compliment the more left field beef tartar starter. Kabobs of beef, marinated chicken and lamb sausage arrive tender. A range of seafood—Chilean sea bass to snapper—are also available. Close the meal with Al Diwan’s version of baklava, an unusual spin on the classic Greek pastry—think less syrup-soaked dough, add pistachios.

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East Village restaurants, New York restaurants, Lebanese restaurants, Middle eastern restaurants