Newtown: A Vegetarian Oasis in Brooklyn's East Williamsburg

Newtown Introduce

An Introduction to Newtown

Tucked away in the vibrant East Williamsburg industrial park, Newtown is a true hidden gem and a haven for vegetarians, vegans, and anyone looking for a fresh, flavorful, and healthy meal. This small, cozy Israeli restaurant specializes in vegetarian and vegan Middle Eastern cuisine, earning a reputation for its vibrant flavors and thoughtful dishes. Newtown operates on the philosophy of "good, clean, everyday food for the people," and it delivers on that promise with a menu that is both satisfying and guilt-free.

The restaurant's atmosphere is casual and trendy, making it a popular spot for a quick bite or a relaxed meal. It’s particularly a hit with college students and solo diners. Despite some mixed feedback on service and portion sizes, the general consensus is that the food is a standout. Reviewers praise the quality and freshness of ingredients and the artful presentation of each dish. Staples like their flavorful hummus plates, the perfectly cooked Shakshuka Skillet, and a variety of unique sandwiches have garnered a loyal following. It is a place that celebrates the richness of plant-based cooking and proves that vegetarian food can be both hearty and exciting.

Beyond the main dishes, Newtown also offers a variety of small plates and side dishes that allow you to customize your meal and explore a wide range of flavors, from classic Falafel to their house-made Seitan Shawarma.

Location and Accessibility

Newtown is conveniently located at 55 Waterbury St, Brooklyn, NY 11206, USA. Its location in East Williamsburg makes it an accessible spot for many, nestled in a neighborhood known for its artistic and industrial character. The restaurant is a great find for those exploring the area and looking for a healthy and delicious meal.

The restaurant is committed to accessibility, with a wheelchair accessible restroom and seating. This ensures that a wide range of patrons can dine comfortably. For those driving, there is free street parking available, which is a definite plus in this busy New York City neighborhood. While the establishment is small, it offers both indoor and outdoor seating, with picnic tables outside for a charming, open-air dining experience.

Services Offered

Dine-in: Enjoy a meal in the casual and trendy atmosphere of the restaurant. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis, as they do not accept reservations.
Takeout: For those on the go, Newtown offers a convenient takeout service. Orders are packed for a quick and easy pickup.
Delivery: The restaurant provides delivery services, bringing its healthy and delicious food right to your doorstep, making it a great option for a night in.
Catering: Newtown also offers catering services, allowing you to bring their popular vegetarian and vegan dishes to your next event or gathering.

Features & Highlights

Diverse Menu with Vegan Options: Newtown's menu is a vegetarian's dream, featuring an impressive selection of sandwiches, hummus plates, and entrées. It’s also very vegan-friendly, with many dishes, including the popular Vegan Majadara Plate and Seitan Shawarma, made entirely without animal products.
Specialty Hummus Plates: The hummus plates are a must-try. Guests can choose from a variety of unique toppings, such as Sabih Hummus (with roasted eggplant and boiled egg) or Masabaha Hummus (with warm chickpeas and lemon), all served with warm pita.
Signature Sandwiches: The sandwiches are a major highlight. The Falafel Sandwich is a classic, while the Halloumi Sandwich and Seitan Chorizo Sandwich are popular for their creative and satisfying fillings. Each sandwich is a meal in itself.
Hearty and Healthy Entrées: For a more substantial meal, the entrées are a fantastic choice. The Mezze Platter offers a great sampling of various small plates, and the Shakshuka Skillet is a perfect, savory meal for any time of day.
Great Beverages and Coffee: Beyond the food, Newtown offers a selection of unique beverages, including a variety of iced coffees, kombuchas, and sparkling teas, catering to those who appreciate a good drink with their meal.

Contact Information

Address: 55 Waterbury St, Brooklyn, NY 11206, USA
Phone: (347) 984-6215

What is Worth Choosing

Choosing Newtown is about selecting a restaurant that is dedicated to providing high-quality, delicious, and healthy vegetarian and vegan food. While some minor inconsistencies in service or food portions have been mentioned, the overall consensus from a large number of patrons is that the food itself is excellent. The restaurant's core value lies in its honest and flavorful approach to Middle Eastern cuisine. It stands out in a crowded market by focusing on fresh ingredients and authentic recipes that make plant-based eating an adventure.

For anyone in New York City looking to explore new flavors or simply enjoy a satisfying vegetarian meal, Newtown offers a compelling experience. It’s a place where you can feel good about what you’re eating, knowing that the ingredients are fresh and the dishes are prepared with care. The diverse menu ensures that there is always something new to try, from a quick sandwich to a full-on mezze platter. For a healthy, cozy, and flavorful meal, Newtown is a destination that is well worth seeking out.

Newtown Food & drink

Majadra
Vegan Majadra Plate $15.00
Lentil rice w/seitan shawarma, hummus, spiced carrots, pickles & greens.
Majadra Plate $15.00
Lentil rice w/two fried eggs, labneh, pickles & greens.

Sides
Side Of Falafel $4.00
Three baked falafel balls, served with tahini.
Side Of Veggies $3.50
Mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumber, pickles.
Side Of Harissa $1.00
Side Of Seitan Chorizo $4.00
Two slices of house-made seitan chorizo.
Side Of Seitan Shawarma $4.00
Two slices of house-made seitan shawarma.
Side Of Halloumi $5.00
Two slices of pan-fried halloumi cheese.
Side Of S'hug $1.00
Side S'hug
Side Amba $1.00
Side Tahini $1.00

Soup
Soup Of The Day $8.50
Soup served with bread.

Side
Side Tahini $0.75
Israeli Pickles & Olives $4.50
Vegan.
Tabouleh $5.50
Vegan.
Hummus W/ Pita & Harissa $5.50
Baba Ghanoush W/ Pita $6.00
Side Amba $0.75
Labne W/ Pita & Harissa $6.50
Side S'chug $0.75
Side Veggies $3.50
Side Harissa $0.75
Grape Leaves $5.50
Vegan.

Salads
Mixed Greens Salad $8.00
Vegan with herbs & lemon vinaigrette
Bulgarian Salad $15.00
Mixed greens, cucumber, red pepper, radish, fresh mint, za’atar, bulgarian feta.
Chopped Salad $15.00
Mixed greens, kale, tomato, cucumber, red onion, boiled egg, za'atar, tahini dressing.

Bread
Semolina Ciabatta $3.50
Vegan.
Za'atar Bread With Bulgarian Feta $6.50
Pita $2.50
Vegan.
Za'atar Bread $3.50
Vegan.

Beverages
Variety Iced Coffee $5.00
Bottle.
Matay $4.00
Sweet Yerba Mate Tea. Cold. 12 oz bottle.
Spring Mango Nectar $2.00
Can.
Red Hat Oat Latte $5.00
8 oz can.
Pilot Kombucha $6.00
16 oz certified organic kombucha.
White Label Mate $4.00
Bottle.
Mexican Coke $3.50
Bottle.
Natalie's Orange Juice $3.00
8 oz bottle.
San Pellegrino Aranciata $3.00
12 oz can.
Spring Peach Nectar $2.00
Can.
Seltzer Can $2.00
12 oz can.
Bottled Water $1.50
12 oz Poland springs natural spring water.
Minna Sparkling Iced Tea $3.00
12 oz can.

Hummus Plates
Matbuha Hummus $15.00
Vegan chilled tomato & pepper stew.
Tahini Hummus $13.00
Vegan.
Mushroom $14.00
Sauteed Mushrooms, Onions & Herbs
Hummus Hot $15.00
Bulgarian feta cheese, serrano peppers, harissa, and s'hug (green hot sauce).
Masabaha Hummus $14.00
Vegan warm chickpeas, lemon, s'hug
Sabih Hummus $17.00
Roasted eggplant, boiled egg, amba.
Falafel Hummus $15.00
Vegan baked falafel, tahini.

Hummus
Falafel Hummus $13.00
Hummus, baked falafel, tahini, olive oil, za'atar, 2 pita or 1 pita, and veggies.
Sabih Hummus $13.00
Hummus, roasted eggplant, boiled egg, amba, 2 pita or 1 pita, and veggies.

Small Plates
Coleslaw $5.50
Vegan.
Tabouleh $5.50
Vegan.
Grape Leaves $5.50
Vegan.
Baba Ghanoush $6.50
Vegan. With pita.
Moroccan Beets With Feta $6.50
Potato & Parsley Salad $5.50
Vegan.
Hummus $6.50
Vegan. Come with pita & harissa.
Labne $6.50
Comes with pita & harissa.
Spiced Carrots With Feta $6.50
Majadra $6.50
Vegan. Cumin lentil rice.
Moroccan Beets With Tahini $5.50
Vegan.
Israeli Pickles & Olives $4.50
Vegan.
Baba Ghanoush $6.50
Vegan. With za'atar bread.
Spiced Carrots With Tahini $5.50
Vegan.
Side Muhammara With Pita $6.50
Contains walnuts

Entrées
Shakshuka Skillet $17.00
Two eggs poached in spicy tomato & pepper stew with pita, pickles & olives.
Vegan Majadara Plate $17.00
Vegan lentil rice w/ seitan shawarma, hummus, spiced carrots, pickles & greens.
Couscous & Squash Stew $17.00
Vegan butternut squash & sweet potato stew served over couscous.
Majadara Plate $17.00
Lentil rice with two fried eggs, labne, pickles & greens.
Mezze Platter $17.00
Vegan hummus, moroccan beets, spiced carrots, baba ghanoush, grape leaves, pickles, greens, Pita at extra cost.
Labne Plate $17.00
Labne, muhammara, grape leaves, greens, cucumber, pickles, olives, semolina ciabatta. Contains walnuts.

Sandwiches
Sabih Sandwich $14.00
Boiled egg, hummus, roasted eggplant, potatoes, tabouleh, amba, tahini in a Pita w/side pickles.
Seitan Chorizo Sandwich $15.00
House-made vegan seitan chorizo, coleslaw, pickled cucumber, vegan mayo served on semolina ciabatta, w/side mixed green.
Seitan Shawarma $14.00
House-made vegan seitan shawarma, coleslaw, hummus, tahini, tabouleh in a Pita.
Shakshuka Sandwich $13.00
Tomato & pepper stew, fried egg, hummus in a Pita w/side pickles.
Egg And Cheese Sandwich $13.00
Melted cheddar cheese, tomato, herbed omelette on semolina ciabatta, w/side mixed greens.
Halloumi Sandwich $17.00
Pan-fried halloumi cheese, roasted eggplant, tomato, herbed cream cheese on semolina ciabatta with side mixed greens.
Falafel Sandwich $13.00
Vegan baked falafel, hummus, tabouleh, tahini, in a Pita w/side pickles.
Labne Sandwich $13.00
Labne, fried egg, cucumber, greens, za’atar, harissa in a Pita w/side pickles.

Beverages
BKE Kombucha $6.00
Rotating Flavors
Bottled Water $1.50
12 oz Poland springs natural spring water.
White Label Yerba Matte Soda $5.00
Sweet Yerba Mate Tea. Cold. 12 oz bottle
Mexican Coke $3.50
Bottle.
San Pellegrino Aranciata $3.00
12 oz can.
Spindrift $3.50
Rotating Flavors
Seltzer Can $2.00
12 oz can.

Sandwiches
Halloumi Sandwich $15.00
Pan-fried halloumi cheese, roasted eggplant, tomato, herbed cream cheese on semolina ciabatta with side mixed greens.
Seitan Shawarma $11.00
Seitan, coleslaw, hummus, tabouleh, tahini in a pita w/ side pickles.
Sabih Sandwich $11.00
Boiled egg, roasted eggplant, potatoes, tabouleh, hummus, amba, tahini in a pita w/ side pickles.
Seitan Chorizo Sandwich $13.00
House-made vegan seitan chorizo, coleslaw, pickled cucumber, vegan mayo served on semolina ciabatta, w/side mixed green.
Falafel Sandwich $11.00
Baked falafel, hummus, tabouleh, tahini in a pita w/ side mixed greens & pickles.

Salad
Mixed Greens $6.50
W/herbs & lemon vinaigrette.

Newtown Details

Service options
Outdoor seating
Delivery
Takeout
Dine-in

Highlights
Fast service
Great tea selection

Popular for
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining

Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible restroom
Wheelchair accessible seating
Wheelchair accessible parking lot

Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Coffee
Comfort food
Healthy options
Quick bite
Small plates
Vegan options
Vegetarian options
Wine

Dining options
Breakfast
Brunch
Lunch
Dinner
Catering
Dessert
Seating
Table service

Amenities
Restroom

Atmosphere
Casual
Cozy
Trendy

Crowd
College students

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards

Children
Good for kids
High chairs

Parking
Free street parking

Newtown Photos

Newtown Location

Newtown

New York Kings County East Williamsburg Waterbury Street

55 Waterbury St, Brooklyn, NY 11206, USA

Newtown Reviews

An average rating of ★4.6 from 326 user reviews.

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★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

It was my first time going. Got the hummus and pita. My walk home was short, but the platter wasn’t properly secured and the spilled hummus caused the bag to rip. As you can see, the food ended up on the ground.I called the store, and no answer. After calling again, the phone rang once and went straight to voicemail.I have no idea whether the food was any good.
June 24 · Geo Morales
The food is fresh but the portions are too small and the staff isn’t the nicest. Basic. Nothing dramatic against them, just not too nice.
July 05 · Ed A AR
Hidden Gem for Delicious Vegetarian EatsThis small, hard-to-find spot is truly a hidden gem! The signage isn’t very prominent, so it took us a bit to locate it, but we were attending an event nearby and happened to find it right across the street. The best part? It’s fully vegetarian—an absolute godsend for me!We were super hungry and ordered the labne and falafel sandwich, along with some soup. Everything was absolutely delicious! The soup, especially, was hot, flavorful, and comforting—just the way I like it. For me, piping hot food is the ultimate comfort.The only downside is that it’s a bit of a trip to get here, but if you’re in the neighborhood, it’s definitely worth a visit. I only rated based on the food, which was fantastic. However, we sat outside, and the area could use a bit of cleaning—it looked a little dingy. A bit more upkeep would really enhance the dining experience.Overall: Great food, hidden location, and a little room for improvement in cleanliness. Would definitely recommend for the delicious flavors!
March 30 · DK
On my day off, I love go wandering and find my next new favorite eatery..I was craving a sabich and this place popped up in my search. For those taking the train it's about a five minute walk from the Meserole station on L train. When I arrivedI looked over the menu and immediately knew that I was ordering the sabich, but I also ordered a side of grape leaves, and an iced coffee. I paid and sat inside, they do have outdoor seating as well. The area is pretty industrial...one of the few that has not been glammed up.The server/counter person brought my order to the table...and at first glance I knew that it was going to be delicious.I had the grape leaves first they were very good, nice flavor and nice portion.But the star was the sabich. It was filled with the usual sliced boiled egg, eggplant, diced Mediterranean type salad, tahini, and pickles but with this they added a vinegar based potato salad, and an amba sauce that was fresh...and all stuffed within a fluffy warm pita...absolutely deeeeeelish!!! As always I was full..but I really wanted to take one to go..Service was ok... Once The server brought me my order, that was it.(you pay in advance)It would be nice if they checked on me at least once...🤔But overall great food and I definitely intend to return and will likely just take out..
August 25 · Deborah A.
This is an intimate, all vegetarian/vegan Middle Eastern restaurant serving affordable, flavorful, and delicious food in a quiet, industrial area of Brooklyn's East Williamsburg. There's limited interior seating space and some outdoor seating, but when we went on a weeknight for dinner, it was pretty empty. The inside had interesting vibes-- dim lighting, indie decor, and folk/indie/rock instrumental music playing in the background.You seat yourself and order at the front counter. The night menu is less expansive than the day menu (which ends at 4pm), but it still offered a diverse and delicious selection.I tried the following items:- Pan-fried Halloumi Sandwich: A really flavorful, tasty, and filling sandwich! The bread was so perfectly toasted-- crispy, yet fluffy. The filling had a great mixture of textures: soft roasted eggplant paired with a firmer pan-fried halloumi cheese block.- Masabacha Hummus with 2 pita pockets: All the ingredients in this dish-- tahini, chickpeas, spices, and s'hug-- provided such a delicious combination of textures and flavors when mixed together: earthy flavors combined with creamy and gritty textures. The pita pockets were also warm and soft. Super filling and tasty!My friends ordered the Seitan Chorizo and Vegan Majadra Plate. Both really enjoyed them! The seitan was very flavorful and delicious and the lentil/rice in the Majadra plate had a great flavor and spice profile. The price was also good, especially for how filling and satiating the food is: sandwiches were between $10-14, plates are ~$14, and hummus is ~$12.I'd love to come back sometime to try their other sandwiches and plates!
December 01 · Mona