NAYA Union Square: Fresh and Flavorful Middle Eastern Fare

NAYA Union Square Introduce

For New Yorkers seeking a delicious, quick, and healthy meal, NAYA Union Square stands out as a premier destination for modern Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine. Located in the bustling Union Square neighborhood, this restaurant offers a fresh and convenient approach to classic flavors. Stepping inside, you're greeted by a welcoming and chic design that makes you feel comfortable whether you're grabbing a quick bite or sitting down for a more relaxed meal. The open windows and bar tables provide a great spot to enjoy the vibrant street views, making it a perfect urban oasis.

NAYA's concept is built around customization, similar to a "build-your-own" model, which puts you in control of your meal. The main offerings—the NAYA Bowl, NAYA Roll, and NAYA Salad—allow you to choose your base, protein, and an array of unlimited fresh vegetable toppings and house-made sauces. This flexibility ensures that every dish is tailored to your taste and dietary needs, whether you're craving a hearty meal or a lighter, healthier option. The quality of the ingredients is evident, with popular choices like the flavorful Chicken Shawarma and tender Beef, which patrons consistently praise for being warm and well-seasoned.

The menu goes beyond just the main courses, featuring a variety of hot and cold appetizers that are perfect for sharing or enjoying on their own. You can savor the creamy Hummus Dip, the smoky Baba Ghannouj, or the refreshing Cucumber Yogurt Dip. For hot bites, the crispy Falafel and the savory Kibbe are must-tries. The option to buy appetizers by the piece is a great way to sample a variety of dishes without over-ordering. They also offer a range of sweet treats, including traditional Pistachio and Cashew Baklava, as well as a new Namoura Coconut Cake, perfect for capping off your meal.

NAYA Union Square has created an atmosphere that is both casual and trendy, appealing to a diverse crowd. It's a spot that's popular for lunch, dinner, and even solo dining. The space is clean and well-organized, with a variety of seating options, including a community table, high-top seating, and lower seating, catering to different group sizes and preferences. The friendly and efficient staff also contribute to the positive experience, ensuring that your food is prepared quickly and accurately. Their commitment to excellent service is often highlighted in customer reviews, with many mentioning the welcoming nature of the staff.

The restaurant's focus on providing a modern and accessible take on Middle Eastern cuisine has made it a favorite among New Yorkers. Its convenient location and build-your-own model make it an ideal choice for the busy city lifestyle, allowing for a satisfying and nutritious meal that doesn't sacrifice flavor for speed. Whether you are a regular looking for a consistent and delicious meal or a first-timer eager to explore new flavors, NAYA Union Square delivers a solid and fulfilling experience.

Location and Accessibility

NAYA Union Square is perfectly situated at 83 University Pl, New York, NY 10003. This prime location places it just steps away from the bustling Union Square Park and public transportation hubs, making it easily accessible from all parts of the city. For those who enjoy the outdoors, the restaurant offers outdoor seating where you can enjoy your meal while taking in the neighborhood's lively energy. The establishment is also designed to be inclusive and welcoming, with a casual atmosphere that makes it a comfortable spot for everyone, including families, LGBTQ+ individuals, and tourists. Dogs are also permitted in the outdoor seating area.

Services Offered

Dine-in: Enjoy your meal in a comfortable and clean setting with various seating options.
Delivery: Have your favorite dishes brought right to your door with convenient delivery service.
Takeout: Order online or in-store for a quick and easy pickup.
Catering: NAYA offers catering services, perfect for feeding groups with their Ultimate Appetizer Bundle and other offerings.
Counter Service: The fast-casual, counter-service model allows for a speedy and efficient ordering process.
Seating: Provides a variety of indoor and outdoor seating to accommodate different dining preferences.

Features and Highlights

"Create Your Own" Menu: A customizable menu allows you to build your own NAYA Bowl, Roll, or Salad with your choice of base, protein, and unlimited toppings.
Healthy Options: The menu is rich in healthy options, with fresh vegetables, quinoa, and lean proteins.
Quick Bite: The fast-casual model is perfect for a satisfying and quick meal during lunch or dinner.
Diverse Offerings: A wide selection of vegetarian options and other dishes, including cold appetizers, hot appetizers, and desserts.
Casual and Trendy Vibe: The inviting atmosphere is great for a relaxed meal or a social gathering.
Inclusive Space: Known as a welcoming and safe space for various communities, including LGBTQ+ and transgender individuals.

Contact Information

Address: 83 University Pl, New York, NY 10003, USA

Phone: (646) 844-2173

What Is Worth Choosing

NAYA Union Square is a fantastic choice for New Yorkers for its unique combination of quality, convenience, and value. The "build-your-own" model is a major draw, allowing you to create a personalized meal that is both healthy and incredibly satisfying. The ability to load up on a variety of fresh, warm toppings without extra charge is a significant benefit that sets it apart from other fast-casual eateries. The food is consistently praised for being hot, fresh, and full of flavor, with standouts like the Chicken Shawarma and the variety of dips like the creamy Hummus and Toum Garlic Whip.

The overall experience is elevated by the friendly and efficient staff, and the clean, well-designed space. Whether you're a student, a professional on a lunch break, or a tourist exploring the city, NAYA provides a reliable and enjoyable dining experience. It offers the perfect solution for a hearty, fulfilling meal that doesn't compromise on taste or quality, making it a staple in the Union Square area. Its commitment to providing a welcoming atmosphere for all, along with its delicious and healthy food, makes NAYA Union Square a truly worthwhile destination.

NAYA Union Square Menu

NEW | featured salad
Roasted Lemon Chicken Salad $16.95
Tender chicken marinated in spices and New York Shuk Preserved Lemon, roasted to perfection and served over seasonal mixed greens with tomatoes, cucumbers, yogurt cucumber sauce, crumbled feta, SIMPLi Kalamata olives, lemon wedge and tangy sumac onions. Paired with pomegranate tahini on the side for a bright, flavorful finish.

Ultimate appetizer bundle
Ultimate Appetizer Bundle $115.00
Serves 6-8 | Includes 1 dozen hot appetizers, 1 cold appetizer tray served with pita chips or pita bread, and 1 dozen pita pockets – all the favorites in one bundle!

Create Your Own
NAYA Bowl $13.99
Build-Your-Own: Vermicelli rice or Quinoa rice with your choice of protein, toppings, and homemade sauces.
NAYA Roll $12.59
Build-Your-Own: Daily baked pita bread with your choice of protein, toppings and homemade sauces.
NAYA Salad $13.99
Build-Your-Own: Romaine lettuce or Spinach, Arugula & Cabbage mix with your choice of protein, toppings and homemade sauces

Cold Appetizers
Hummus Dip $5.29
Chickpea puree, imported tahini and lemon
Spicy Hummus Dip $5.29
Chickpea puree, imported tahini and jalapeno
Baba Ghannouj Dip $5.29
Roasted eggplant puree, imported tahini and lemon
Grape Leaves $6.29
Stuffed with parsley, onion, tomato and rice
Labne Dip $5.29
Strained yogurt dip
Cucumber Yogurt Dip $5.29
Diced cucumber yogurt and dry mint
Cabbage Slaw Salad $4.29
Cabbage salad, dry mint, lemon, olive oil
Toum Garlic Whip $5.29
Our Toum (garlic whip) is a creamy, bold spread that adds a punch of flavor to any roll, bowl, or salad.
Tabboule $5.29
Half portion. Parsley, mint, bulgur, tomato, onion, lemon and olive oil

Hot Appetizers
Falafel Pcs $1.10
Fried chickpea croquette, herbs, spices (1 pc)
Kibbe $2.30
Fried beef dumplings stuffed with minced beef and pine nuts (1 pc)
Rekakat $2.30
Blend of three Mediterranean cheeses, wrapped in phyllo and deep fried (1 pc)
Fatayer $1.80
Mini pie with spinach, lemon and sumac (1 pc)

Extras
Vermicelli Rice $3.29
white, medium grain with vermicelli
Tri-Color Quinoa $3.29
Fluffy and earthy white, red, and black quinoa grains
Pita Chips $4.29
White & whole wheat chips with zaatar, sumac
Toum (Garlic Whip) $0.69
Spicy Red Pepper Sauce $0.69
Smoky spice blend.
Zesty Jalapeño Sauce $0.69
Jalapeño base
Lemon Tahini $0.69
Sesame base
Side Of Protein
Pita Bread $1.29
NEW! Pomegranate Tahini $0.69
A delicious blend of tahini and pomegranate molasses, offering a rich, nutty base with a sweet-tart finish.

Sweets
NEW! Namoura Coconut Cake $4.30
A classic Middle Eastern dessert made with farina, soaked in a fragrant rose water and orange blossom syrup. Moist, sweet, and delicately flavored with hints of almond and coconut.
NEW! Pistachio Baklava $5.30
A crispy sweet pastry made of layers of phyllo filled with pistachio and hints of lemon, rose water, and orange blossom.
NEW! Cashew Baklava $4.30
Crispy, rolled phyllo fingers filled with cashews and hints of lemon, rose water, and orange blossom.

Pantry
Pomegranate Molasses $11.00
Infuse your marinades and salads with a burst of sweet, tangy richness. Drizzle over NAYA's seasonal greens or even your favorite ice cream for a bold, new twist.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil $11.00
From Koura, Lebanon, our unfiltered, unrefined extra virgin olive oil offers natural richness with a peppery finish. Ideal for drizzling over NAYA hummus, baba ghannouj or labne.
Za'atar Mix $7.00
Meet za’atar, a Lebanese classic. Oregano, sumac and toasted sesame seeds bring an aromatic touch to dips, marinades or rubs. Try a dash over NAYA’s Labne, or combined with olive oil for pita bread dippin’.
Spicy Red Pepper Seasoning $7.00
This vibrant blend of red pepper, paprika, cumin, coriander and basil brings Lebanese flavors to any dish. Add a zesty kick to your roasted potatoes, kabobs or sprinkle it over NAYA hummus.
Mixed Nuts $7.00
Snack time just got better with our mixed nuts. Enjoy a savory mix of Lebanese-style peanuts, salted almonds, cashews, chickpeas, corn, hazelnuts, pumpkin seeds and more.

Beverages
Canned Soda $3.10
Spindrift Orange Mango $3.60
Spindrift Grapefruit $3.60
Spindrift Raspberry Lime $3.60
Gold Peak Ice Tea $4.10
Open Water Sparkling $3.60
Open Still Water $3.60

NAYA Union Square Details

Service options
Outdoor seating
Delivery
Takeout
Dine-in

Popular for
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining

Accessibility
Assistive hearing loop
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Wheelchair accessible restroom
Wheelchair accessible seating

Offerings
Comfort food
Healthy options
Quick bite
Vegetarian options

Dining options
Lunch
Dinner
Catering
Counter service
Seating
Table service

Amenities
Restroom

Atmosphere
Casual
Trendy

Crowd
Family-friendly
LGBTQ+ friendly
Tourists
Transgender safespace

Planning
Accepts reservations

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards

Children
Good for kids
High chairs

Parking
Parking

Pets
Dogs allowed outside

NAYA Union Square Photos

NAYA Union Square Location

NAYA Union Square

New York New York County New York University Place

83 University Pl, New York, NY 10003, USA

NAYA Union Square Reviews

An average rating of ★4.2 from 199 user reviews.

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★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

NAYA by union square area has very welcoming and chic design. The windows are open for the summer, you can sit by the bar table and enjoy the street views.Great middle eastern food for lunch or dinner. You pick a base (rice, salad), a protein (chicken, beef, lamb, veggie) and toppings. A bowl is ~$13. Food is warm. Chicken shawarma has great flavor. Very fulfilling.The staff are very friendly and efficient. I will suggest to sign up the membership to get points. Overall a solid spot for a quick meal.
May 19 · Sharon H.
I was looking for a healthier option for lunch and decided to go to the NAYA near 14th street. I really appreciated the amount of seating that was in this NAYA. There was a community table, high top seating and lower seating. The space was really clean.All of the food was hot which I appreciated. I was got a split bowl with a base of rice and seasonal greens as well as split protein (chicken breast and beef). Everything was around $14 which is not bad for unlimited vegetable toppings.
January 25 · Ayana Austin-Depay
A spacious Mediterranean salad bowl joint. Everything is fast paced here, if you are hungry and want your food right away, this is the place for you, and it's a good replacement candidate for Cava. The food is delicious here, and I love the protein option and rice option for the bowls. Staff were efficient and courteous, no issue here?
February 15 · Libinski 0G
Chris is an awesome GM! I love this new location of Naya. As expected the food is consistent to brand standards, but the sit-down nature of this Naya feels akin to a Starbucks ‘reserve.’ The spacious interior matched with modern styling is an inviting place to make your fast-casual meal feel more upscale, and has definitely retained this customer.
December 24 · Florian Krentzel
The place sits where tourists naturally find it, but the service is what makes them stay. Speedy assistance and friendly interactions. This place goes above and beyond. The kitchen delivers good flavors. This place fills up quickly during popular hours.
June 18 · Jennie Rivera