New Amsterdam

Hoping the right eyes see this review for Arabian Grill, the rebranded New Amsterdam. Went in today for the second time. My first visit, I ordered the beef shawarma to go. The portion was more than fair. Flavor-wise, my food was perfect. Seasoning on shawarma was just right and the cook on the meat was exactly how I like it; juicy with hints of crunch that kept the taste buds busy. I knew I would have to come back to try something else.Today I went in and decided to try the cheeseburger combo. I heard from a couple of my neighbors that it was good, so I had to taste it for myself. Walked in and placed my order with the awesome human behind the counter (we will discuss Jordana in a little bit). Sat down and it couldn't have been 10 minutes that passed, but my food was brought to my table. I don't know what they season their patties with, but it was a party for my palate. The fries were cut and cooked to perfection. My plates were cleaned off within minutes.Embarrassingly, Jordana came around to check on me, but I had already obliterated my meal. She must've read my mind, because after complimenting the food, she suggested trying the baklava. I'm never going to say "no" to baklava. I don't know if I've been eating baklava from the wrong places, but this stuff hit different! I learned that they make their own pastries and you can really taste the difference.The food is awesome and like other reviews say, the service is top tier. Jordana is very friendly and was very patient with my indecisiveness. Her smile is warm and welcoming; everything you would want in a neighborhood restaurant! If you like delicious food and elite service, I highly recommend this place.

Randomly found this place after a hike for a friend's birthday lunch. There's metered parking on the side. I think they are doing some sort of remodel.We ordered the eggplant dip to share as well as the beet salad. Both were delish and a good portion size.The (3) avocado smoothies were light and you can definitely taste the honey. My friend has the latte and I'm guessing it was good. No complaints. Three of us had the steak kabobs which were juicy and cooked perfectly. I do wish they had a falafel platter for my vegetarian friend as she just had to order a starter as a meal.The pistachio cake was interesting. Light but nutty. The baklava was so good and sweet. A bite of heaven.Service was great as was the food. Definitely a must try.

Friend of my asked me to try this restaurant, it's 30 minutes drive from my home. It's worth everything. Amazing food amazing service I definitely recommend this restaurant . It's The best Mediterranean food I ever ate outside my home. The quality of food and service was excellent. They're clean and smell fresh. I will be eating again more often. Thank you. good bless you

First time here. We were greeted with a smile upon arrival, and the service was great. The appetizer platter was decent, the chicken shawarma was dry, and the rice was okay. The highlight? The Turkish coffee at the end--I'd return just for that!

Tried them out for the first time. Excellent! Nice selection of menu items.Service is very friendly and the food came out quickly. Had the Beet Ceasar and Fish+Chips. Nicely done. Be aware that you order inside at the counter and pay your bill up front.I would highly recommend based on this visit.

The neighbors of the East Village Arts District are so excited to have a new restaurant in town! Located on the corner of 1st St and Linden, when you walk in to New Amsterdam, you'll immediately be greeted with warm smiles and shortbread bites. There's also a lovely outdoor patio that's shaded for warmer days and even a pair of small fountains to make your dining experience more pleasant :)My friend and I came for opening night and had front row seating next to the musicians (whom I sincerely hope will be back because they played some of my jazz favorites). We ordered at the counter: beets caesar salad for my friend and lamb loin for me, which I was told by staff was very good. It's hands down the best lamb I've had from the Mediterranean spots I've tried in Long Beach - crispy seared edges and melt-in-your-mouth meat served over fresh veggies and potato in a roasted eggplant sauce. A hard act to follow for sure, but they did it with the desserts! I had the rosewater milk pudding, a light refreshment that's not too sweet and balanced with the crushed pistachio, shredded coconut, and sliced almonds. I have it on my friend's good authority that the chocolate pistachio cake was similarly delicious.Needless to say, I can't wait to come back to try their breakfast menu and believe me, it will be soon!

Came here to grab some food that wasn't the usual spot of ours. I got the chicken shawarma, my partner got a beet salad and a side of hummus. Oh and a pistachio chocolate piece of cake for dessert. Food was really good. Chicken was seasoned really well. Hummus was good just wished the pita was warm. Cake was also very good. My partner really likes the salad as well. So no complains in the food department. Staff was friendly but seemed frazzled. The girl that took our order was doing great and then another lady came behind her and was telling her what to do while she was already doing it. Thought it would have been nice to let her finish taking care of us since she was already doing what the lady was telling her to do as well. Ambience was ok we chose the patio since it was nice out and it gives you more of a neighborhood vibe. Would I come back here again... Yes I would. It's a fresh of breath air when there's a new restaurant that isn't Mexican food since there are so many of them.

My prediction: As soon as word gets out about the incredible food, you will have to wait for a table! The hummus is to die for. We split the beet salad, Mendi rice & chicken kabob appetizer and hummus. It was plenty. The service was so friendly and attentive and there were pooches everywhere at opening night on the patio! You're gonna love New Amsterdam

New Amsterdam in East Village had their soft opening tonight and we were there.We arrived about 5pm, a few seats were open so we grabbed a table for 2 inside. You order first then grab a seat. They had live music outside on the patio which was nice. Inside was really hopping inside, busy, busy, busy. Being their soft opening they were doing well, not too crazy. Their opening consisted of a small part of the restaurant, I believe the entire location will be open when they have the main opening.Food: we started with the Beets Caesar - tender beets, charred avocado, lettuce and cotija. Very refreshing, I could've made a meal out of the salad.Fish & Chips - fish, fries, seasoned cabbage, tarter sauce & homemade hot sauce. This was my meal. The fish was buttery, flakes and melted in my mouth. The batter on the fish was one of the best I've had. Flavorful, crisp, not greasy or oily at all. The hot sauce had a kick and very tasty.Summer Cookout - steak, corn pudding, summer veg, chimichuri. My wife had this one. Small tender piece of steak, vegetables were cooked nicely. Would have liked a larger portion but it was cooked very well.Falafel - tahini. Our appetizer, 6 pieces, good size, filling and tasty but could have used a sauce.They had several amazing looking desserts but we were to stuffed to try any but we got the photos. I ordered ice tea to drink but they did not have any, they actually took the time to make some for me. The service was good. When you take into consideration it was a soft opening, there will always be mistakes but we personally didn't witness any. Everyone was very nice, welcoming and really seemed to enjoy their jobs. We will definitely be back. WELCOME TO EAST VILLAGE!!!

Tried their breakfast and had to come back the next day for dinner! The food is absolutely delicious and healthy. Would recommend the Shashuka. The coffee was the right amount of sweet. Also enjoyed the kebabs, the spice mix was excellent. Staff was also super friendly. And, there's a nice outdoor seating area.