Shaya

Satisfying Israeli cuisine in the Crescent City

When thinking of New Orleans, Israeli food is not the first thing to come to mind, but it should be.  Snugly situated on the heartbeat of Magazine Street, Shaya is more than a restaurant. It is an experience.

Favorites include the Chicken Leg & Thigh with pistachio, tangy tzatziki and fragrant rice; fresh, herbaceous Heirloom Tomatoes with sumac; the Lamb Burger with crumby, salty feta and harissa mayo.  But the showstopper is the hummus and pita.  This is the best hummus in the country.  Seriously.  There are five varieties of specialty hummus on the menu.  All are amazing, but the simple, Tahini hummus is so perfectly prepared.  The pita is prepared from scratch and baked in a wood fired oven, right in the dining area.  Simple is hard, but simple is hard to beat when done correctly.

The white façade and blue lanterns transform guests to the most welcoming yet clean and fashionable spot in the Big Easy.  Winning Best New Restaurant in 2016 confirms what everyone realizes deep down.  That James Beard Foundation knows what’s up.