Salam Restaurant

My friend recommended this place as she said it was pretty good the last time she went. The time we went together? Not so much. It's a pretty cute place! Very cozy with not too many tables. The service was pretty bad and the food was just okay. We made reservations for 8:00 PM on Friday and it wasn't needed. There were only a few tables with customers. I arrived 10 minutes before our reservation and was seated immediately. Although it took 15 minutes to get a menu and water. After we got our menus it took about another 20-25 minutes to place our order. We decided to order everything at once because of how long it was taking. I would totally understand if the place was full of people but for being pretty empty, it was surprising. We ordered hummus, chicken curry and a spinach appetizer that I am forgetting the name of now. We got our appetizers in a decent time and the hummus was actually really good. I ordered the pomegranate sangria and I'm almost positive it was just a random red wine with ice cubes. It had no pomegranate flavor at all and didn't taste like it was made in house. My friend said her lemonade tasted store bought even though it says freshly squeezed. The time kept going though, we thought about cancelling our entrees because of how long it was taking and since we weren't getting checked on we didn't really know what the status was. Once we got our food, it wasn't terrible but it also wasn't memorable. We were also just full from so much bread. By this time it was about 9:20 PM. So over an hour to get our food while everyone around us seemed to get theirs. I wouldn't go back again but hey, great hummus.

We got the mezza for two and it was fine but I can name a dozen restaurants with better within ten blocks. The service was disintrested but generally pleasant. Cute space and you can sit there forever which is nice if your primary objective is to hang with friends rather than get the very best food in a place that needs to turn over tables.

This cozy restaurant was completely Unpacked on a recent Saturday PM. I was anticipating the usual wait-and-see so I made a reservation for a party of 4 the day before. [Soon to be realized, this was unnecessary]. We were seated on a central location in the main dining room, and I immediately chose to seat among all the pillows and sofa setting against the wall. The lighting is also ideal for a date night, friends or otherwise. My party came as friends (means some wine and time). For appetizers we ordered the yogurt and cucumber salad, and house made hummus. The dishes are unique and a great source for conversation. Our server came immediately with pita bread and house olives, and H2O. [For non NYers, always ask for tap water; it's the secret to NY pizza and bagels -and always, always free]. The apps we ordered, and the pita, while top-notch , set us up for an amazing main course. Not so. My husband ordered the lamb curry and his assessment was 'unmemorable'. My friends and I ordered some variation of a salmon dish. Must be noted ,there are three variations on the menu, but they are all cooked the same way, semi-grilled, plus whatever sides (I had spinach and basmati rich , I could do this at home if I had the patience). Service: it seemed as if our waitress, perhaps either the owner or just being at this establishment for too long - seemed utterly bored. In the end, not too much traffic and my party was able to be the first in and the last out, without having to yell to make a conversation. This is notable for a Chelsea restaurant!

I can understand why this cozy restaurant is completely packed! The menu is simple and concise, the food is delicious and the service is warm and welcoming. I had the chicken platter and since I am trying to eat healthy I requested a salad in the side instead of fries. The server was so lovely and accommodating and the salad was simple and divine. I certainly ate every last bite!The serving was so generous I had to take half of it home ! I've had a lot of Lebanese food in my time - made by Lebanese grandma's and this is pretty close to it! Highly recommend coming here! You will beWelcomed and fed

I came yesterday for dinner with 4 friends. We ordered 5 dishes to share. I really liked the babaganoush and another dish that had curry. The rest were average. There was a dish that had grilled shrimps that tasted amazing but the lamb sausage was was too strong for me. The service was slow but really friendly and patient which is great for covid times. We had a couple of beautiful Moroccan tables on the side walk. The street has a lot of cars and ambulances passing by but not a lot of people walking so that's good. In terms of drinks, we all agreed that none of the alcoholic drinks that had mint really tasted minty. My mango mojito didn't taste like a mojito at all. It was like mango juice with rum and a few mint leaves. So I would improve the drinks. We shared baklava for dessert which was delicious but a bit oily. We ended up spending around $30 per person which I think is pretty good for NYC. It was a nice experience.

I'm a tough critic when it comes with middle eastern food since I grew up there. This place is a little hidden, super cute and authentic. The food is alright. I mean, lacks flavor. The tabouli was 80% bulgur which shouldn't be the case. Ouzi lacked flavor as well. My favorite thing was the grape leaves. Absolutely amazing!! They saved the review.

Love this place. It's a small staff and intimate ambiance. Such good food, and you must order a bottle of the Kasara red. Tiny one or two table outdoor seating is available, but plenty of indoor space. Good baba and hummus, warm pita, and such a fresh garden salad. We are often dining here. It's a go to!

As a Syrian, I'm ashamed that this place claims to be anything close to middleastern food. It's probably the worst restaurant I've ever been to in my entire life, and I've been to some shady places before. All microwaved a few min after your order. Rude waitress.Ambiance is ok but I still don't recommend coming here. Save yourself an hour and DO NOT COME HERE

I've been coming to Salam for years . I love the fact that it is housed in a brownstone with a cozy , intimate and inviting Moroccan style ambience and tasteful , not blaring music . The food is very tasty with your typical exotic middle eastern dishes and the best sesame falafels I've ever had . And the shrimp or chicken Ouzi is to die for . A lovely and unique experience . And I tasted their peach home made ice cream which is the best I've ever had , as well .

Really liked this place. Service was a little slow...they only had one waitress. But, I would not hold that against them. Their menu was unique and we all liked our meals. Definitely recommend it.