Halloumi, with its distinctively tangy flavor and pleasantly chewy texture, has captivated palates and culinary aficionados across the globe. In New York City, this Cypriot cheese has found its way into diverse dishes and has been embraced by a myriad of eateries. Below is a curated list of ten notable spots where one can savor this delectable delight, along with essential details for each location.
1. Casa Nueva
Address: 32-33 Astoria Blvd, Astoria, NY 11103
Contact: (718) 726-5210
Website: casanuevanyc.com
Casa Nueva, nestled in Astoria, offers a delightful Mediterranean-inspired menu. Their grilled halloumi is served with a medley of seasonal vegetables, highlighting the cheese’s rich, gooey texture and the vibrant tastes of the East Mediterranean. The ambiance complements the food, creating an inviting space for gatherings.
2. Cafe Mogador
Address: 101 St Marks Pl, New York, NY 10009
Contact: (212) 473-2020
Website: cafemogador.com
This acclaimed eatery in the East Village is celebrated for its Moroccan-infused menu. The halloumi, often featured in their signature salads, is a hit among patrons. The café exudes vibrant energy, making it a perfect spot for brunch or a casual dinner, highlighting the social aspect of enjoying good food together.
3. Ilili
Address: 236 W 27th St, New York, NY 10001
Contact: (212) 337-0088
Website: ilili.com
Ilili brings Lebanese flavors to the forefront, and the grilled halloumi served here is an exemplary representation of their dedication to Middle Eastern cuisine. Pairing it with figs or pomegranate seeds is not only a treat to the palate but also an enlightening experience of cultural fusion throughout their menu.
4. The Grilled Cheese Grill
Address: 23-31 31st Dr, Astoria, NY 11106
Contact: (718) 409-4800
Website: thegrilledcheesegri.com
While primarily known for their stellar grilled cheese sandwiches, this restaurant smartly incorporates halloumi into their gourmet toasties. The textural contrast of crispy bread and melting cheese creates a mouthwatering experience. Flavors are accentuated in delightful combinations, appealing to both traditionalists and modernists alike.
5. The Halal Guys
Address: 6th Ave & W 53rd St, New York, NY 10019
Contact: (347) 250-3683
Website: thehalalguys.com
Easily recognizable by their food truck origins, The Halal Guys have successfully integrated halloumi into their diverse offerings. With the juxtaposition of aromatic spices and fresh vegetables, the halloumi adds a unique richness to their famous platters, elevating street food fare into something globally appreciated.
6. Zizi’s Cafe
Address: 50 E 1st St, New York, NY 10003
Contact: (212) 995-2910
Website: ziziscafe.com
Zizi’s Cafe encapsulates the essence of communal eating. Their halloumi dish is often paired with homemade bread and fresh herbs. This establishment serves as a testament to the culinary landscape of New York, where diverse ethnicities converge to create a tapestry of flavors while emphasizing the social nature of dining.
7. Mizi’s
Address: 164 N 8th St, Brooklyn, NY 11211
Contact: (347) 689-0180
Website: mizis.com
Mizi’s embraces a unique blend of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern dishes. Their halloumi bruschetta bursts with flavors, becoming a popular starter among locals. The restaurant’s vibe encourages sharing plates, cultivating a sense of community through food creativity.
8. Café Mogador Williamsburg
Address: 133 Wythe Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11249
Contact: (718) 387-0500
Website: cafemogador.com
A sister location of the original East Village gem, this café embodies rustic charm and serves vibrant, garden-fresh halloumi dishes. Their dedication to local ingredients ensures that every bite bursts with freshness and quality, mirroring the ethos of the surrounding community.
9. Mamatest Kitchen
Address: 57 E 1st St, New York, NY 10003
Contact: (212) 533-8685
Website: mamatestkitchen.com
Mamatest Kitchen offers a fusion of various cuisines, where halloumi is revelled in its simplest form, grilled and served alongside zesty sauces. This eatery prides itself on home-cooked vibes, reminding patrons of family gatherings and shared meals, thus creating a sense of nostalgia with modern versatility.
10. Kismet
Address: 298 Bleecker St, New York, NY 10014
Contact: (212) 242-1922
Website: kismetnyc.com
Kismet redefines Mediterranean dining, artfully using halloumi in inventive dishes that challenge conventional offerings. Their emphasis on seasonal produce complements the cheese’s flavor perfectly, showcasing how culinary innovation can coexist with tradition in the ever-evolving NYC food scene.
Exploring these eateries reveals much about the rich tapestry of New York’s dining culture. Each restaurant not only serves halloumi but also conveys a story—of tradition, innovation, and a seamless blend of cultural influences. The fascination with this cheese is rooted in its unique ability to bring people together, tethering the past to the present through shared culinary experiences.
