Balaboosta - New York

We went in without a reservation, but they were very accommodating to inform us the options they had, what was perfect for us. service was friendly, attentive and helpful. service can make a place or break, and I know that this is not always the case for nyc restaurants, but it really came out and I will get out of my way to recommend this restaurant because we had such a positive experience. we eat ordered blow feta, tahdig, calamari and rock steak. whipped feta was amazing. the green rusty, roasted kiefernüssen and light syrup worked very well together. this dish is so nuanced and takes someone who really understands the aromes and textures to get it right. the next favorite dish was the foolish. here too, the aromen worked together so well. creamy, with hints of saffron and cardamon balanced perfectly these two flavors can easily overpower but they have it right. steak and calamari were also really delicious. less complex then the first two but perfect with the meal. we had the deep-fried ice and churros for dessert. again, delicious. if they have to choose one; go with the deep fried egg in filo. light but great aromas and a perfect end to a complex meal. I would definitely come back here. ambiente is warm and cozy not sure whether working for large groups, but they have outdoor seating. prices are very appropriate for the quality of food they serve.

Add this to your list of West Village spots to try some new flavors. The eggplant was amazing and the whipped feta with date syrup is the absolute star it was gone before I could take a picture ! Staff was very attentive

Very delicious food, warm, accommodating staff and a choice of seating indoor, outdoor cabin or tables or at the bar . Drinks were delicious! I rarely ever drink alcohol but my bf encouraged me to try his yalla and it was SO delicious! The ginger and lemon tasted super fresh. Definitely get the hummus and whipped feta to start Chicken entrée was our favorite perfectly cooked and seasoned. Cauliflower side was also delicious. The table next to us was eating stuffed cabbage it looked incredible so will be back for that! My brother really enjoyed his shrimp app picture is so blurry bc he was too eager to eat it! It was my mom's birthday so they brought a delicious Israeli Tiramisu over with a candle for dessert, which was very sweet of the Balaboosta staff to do. The bite I snuck of the birthday tiramisu was delicious and refreshing it was frozen! Almost like an ice cream cake :D

I came here a while ago with family without a reservation and the check in person at the front seemed very adamant that he couldn't seat us because he had lots of people with reservations coming. This would have been 100 understandable normally, but it was weird because the restaurant was nearly empty inside. I would expect if a restaurant had lots of reservations, there would be people already there, and some people coming, some people leaving, etc. It kind of seemed like for whatever reason, he didn't want to seat us. Anyways, he seated us outside at 2 separate tables but they wouldn't let us pull up 2 chairs to one of the tables because the waiters had to walk by. This would have made sense if it was crowded, but there was DEFINITELY enough space for 2 more chairs and the waiters could have still easily walked by! To make matters worse, THE FOOD SUCKED. We got hummus, cucumber salad, whipped feta, cauliflower, and brick chicken and it was all OVERPRICED AND VERY LOW QUALITY! Seriously, you can get better Mediterranean food at your local supermarket!! Not coming back here again!

Balaboosta is giving me COVID RECOVERED vibes! It was a perennial favorite pre 2020 and is bringing the fiyah with its hummus and eggplant offerings. This lamb neck shawarma is all the things. Can't wait til next time!!!