Sawa

- 75 5th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11217

Discovering a true culinary gem in New York City is always a treat, and for those seeking authentic, modern Lebanese cuisine paired with genuine, warm hospitality, look no further than Sawa in Brooklyn's vibrant Park Slope neighborhood. Sawa, a Lebanese restaurant and a true local favorite, is more than just a place to eat—it's an experience built on the intense and welcoming culture of Beirut, where every shared meal represents care, connection, and togetherness. In fact, 'Sawa' itself is the Arabic word for 'together,' a philosophy you'll feel the moment you walk through the door.

Opened by siblings Samaya Boueri Ziade and George Boueri, Sawa has quickly become an essential stop for New Yorkers. It is recognized for elevating classic Lebanese dishes with a contemporary touch, utilizing fresh ingredients, including high-quality Australian lamb, and a deep appreciation for the region's spices and flavors. The restaurant's popularity is a testament to its convivial ambiance and the standout Middle Eastern food, often resulting in a line forming even before the doors are unlocked.

Sawa is a women-owned establishment that aims to share the deep knowledge and love for Lebanese cuisine with the Brooklyn community. Whether you are a long-time fan of Lebanese food or new to the cuisine, Sawa offers a dining experience that feels both cozy and trendy, making it an ideal destination for a variety of occasions, from an intimate date night to a lively group dinner.

A centerpiece of the dining room that perfectly encapsulates the restaurant's commitment to quality is the visible bread oven. Here, fresh sourdough pita rounds are rolled out and baked continuously, filling the space with the comforting, inviting aroma of warm bread—a smell typical of Beirut's bustling streets. This fresh, airy pita is the perfect vehicle for Sawa's exceptional dips and small plates.

The menu is intentionally kept focused, moving beyond the familiar to introduce patrons to the richness of Lebanese flavors with a contemporary spin. The focus is on shareable dining, encouraging guests to try a variety of dishes. From creative mezze to generously portioned, smoky, savory entrees, the cuisine at Sawa is balanced, nuanced, and exceptionally executed by a talented culinary team. It's a true New York interpretation of Lebanese tradition—savvy, delicious, and utterly satisfying.

This delightful venue perfectly captures the essence of a warm, happy gathering, inviting the community to linger and support one another over a beautiful meal.

***

Location and Accessibility

Sawa is conveniently situated in Park Slope, Brooklyn, making it a prime destination for locals and visitors across the New York area. Its location is easily accessible, ensuring that planning a night out is simple and stress-free.

The restaurant's full address is:

75 5th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11217, USA

The hours of operation are focused on dinner service, perfect for after-work dining or weekend gatherings:

Wednesday — Saturday: 5:00 PM — 10:00 PM

Sunday: 5:00 PM — 9:30 PM

For guests traveling by car, both free and paid street parking options are available nearby. Accessibility is a priority at Sawa, as it offers a fully inclusive dining experience:

• Wheelchair Accessible Entrance
• Wheelchair Accessible Restroom
• Wheelchair Accessible Seating

***

Services Offered

Sawa provides a comprehensive and comfortable dining experience, suitable for a variety of guests and occasions. Their services are designed to enhance the feeling of community and shared enjoyment that the restaurant is built upon. Dinner reservations are recommended, especially for groups or weekend visits, to ensure you secure a table at this popular establishment.

• Outdoor Seating: Sawa features a beautiful backyard patio space, complete with string lights. This large, well-designed garden area is perfect for summer evenings and can comfortably seat 40-45 people, creating a lovely ambiance for intimate or large-group dinners.
• Dine-In Table Service: Enjoy a cozy and trendy indoor dining atmosphere with full table service.
• Reservations: Accepts reservations to help you plan your visit in advance.
• Beverage Program: A full bar is available, offering a selection of beer, hard liquor, and an interesting wine list that includes unique selections from Lebanon and Morocco, alongside house-made cocktails and mocktails.
• Payment Options: Accepts major credit cards and debit cards.
• Group and Family-Friendly Environment: Welcomes families and groups, is good for kids, and fosters an atmosphere that is LGBTQ+ friendly and a Transgender safespace, inviting a diverse local crowd.
• Special Menu Offerings: Provides a wide range of options including Healthy options, Organic dishes, Vegan options, and Vegetarian options.

***

Features / Highlights

The following highlights showcase what makes Sawa a standout choice among New York's diverse restaurant scene:

• MICHELIN Guide Recognition: Sawa has been recognized by the MICHELIN Guide, highlighting its convivial ambiance and standout Middle Eastern food.
• Famous Fresh Pita Oven: The visual highlight of the restaurant is the open kitchen and wood-fired oven where sourdough pita is rolled out and baked continuously, ensuring every dip is accompanied by warm, fluffy bread.
• Signature Hummus with Wagyu Beef Cheek: A must-try dish, Sawa's creamy hummus is famously enhanced with an optional topping of tender, braised Wagyu beef cheek, cooked with pomegranate molasses for a tangy, decadent twist.
• Outstanding Mezze Selection: The menu encourages sharing a variety of delicious small plates, such as the Kibbeh Nayeh (minced raw lamb akin to tartare), crisp Rakakat (akkawi and halloumi cheese in filo), and the wonderfully textured Akhtabut (braised and seared octopus with couscous pearls).
• Excellent Large Plates: Entrees like the Beiruti Samka Harra (a whole, perfectly cooked dorade fish in a spicy tomato and pepper stew) and the Kastaletta (Australian lamb chops paired with tangy labneh and grilled scallions) are often cited as unforgettable, generous, and reasonably priced.
• Women-Owned Business: The restaurant identifies as women-owned, contributing to the diverse ownership landscape of NYC’s culinary scene.
• Great Cocktails and Wine List: Known for its great cocktails that offer a subtle Lebanese twist on classics, and a curated wine list with unique Lebanese and Moroccan selections.
• Fast Service: Guests frequently highlight the efficient and friendly service.

***

Contact Information

For reservations, inquiries, or to find out more about Sawa, use the following contact details:

• Address: 75 5th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11217, USA
• Phone: (917) 400-6182 or +1 917-400-6182

***

What is Worth Choosing

Sawa is a destination where the communal spirit of Lebanese dining is embraced and celebrated. The experience is designed for savoring and sharing, making many of the appetizers and mezze the essential starting point for any meal. The entire menu is structured to be enjoyable for groups, reflecting the restaurant's name and mission—'Sawa' or 'together.'

To truly experience the best of Sawa, here is a guide to what is absolutely worth choosing, keeping in mind the menu is built for a shared, beautiful meal:

• The Dips and Pita Experience: This is non-negotiable. Start your meal with a selection of dips. The Hummus (13.00), optionally topped with Wagyu Beef Cheek, is a showstopper. Combine it with the tangy Labneh ($13.00) and the smoky Baba Ghannouj ($14.00) or the rich, slightly sweet Muhammara ($13.00), all served with the famously fresh, hot pita from the wood-fired oven.
• Batata Hara ($12.00): These crispy fried potatoes with a bracingly sharp garlic condiment are repeatedly praised by customers as some of the best in New York and are a quintessential mezze item.
• Standout Mezze: The Kibbeh Nayeh ($22.00) offers a modern, sophisticated take on a traditional raw lamb dish. For seafood lovers, the Akhtabut ($24.00), or braised and seared octopus, is a favorite for its perfect texture and flavorful dressing.
• The Whole Fish Entree: The Beiruti Samka Harra ($44.00), a whole chargrilled dorade served in a rich tomato and pepper sauce, is celebrated for its perfectly cooked fish and incredibly moreish sauce—often cited as a hero dish of the entire menu.
• Lamb Dishes: Given the high quality of the Australian lamb used, any lamb entree is highly recommended. The Kastaletta ($48.00), featuring well-seasoned, medium-rare lamb chops, is a sumptuous choice, perfectly complemented by the tangy garlic labneh.
• Cocktails and Wine: Be sure to explore the beverage list, particularly the Lebanese and Moroccan wines or a refreshing arak cocktail, to fully immerse yourself in the regional experience.
• Dessert: Finish with the Nammoura ($14.00), a not-too-sweet semolina cake served with an orange-perfumed custard, providing a light and delightful end to the meal.

Ultimately, Sawa promises an honest, delicious, and satisfying Lebanese dining experience, calibrated with New York savvy and perfect for a night out with family and friends. Its beautiful venue, coupled with food that is both rooted in tradition and creatively modernized, ensures a memorable visit every time.

Sawa

75 5th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11217, USA