We would gladly take the trek, which includes two subways and walking, that it took for us to get to Bustan on the Upper West Side to score more of their delicious food. The trendy restaurant serves world class Mediterranean fare brought to you by Executive Chef Efi Nahon, who incorporates flavors and techniques from his native Israel. The long, slender restaurant is beautiful and sleek, with dark orange backlit portholes glowing on one side, with light blues and photos on the other. The restaurant opens up in the back to an outdoor garden, which allows diners to enjoy their cuisine outdoors during the warm months of Spring and Summer.
The staff, helmed by proprietor Tuvia Feldman and general manager Guy Goldstein, make you feel as if you’re old friends and are ready with plenty of recommendations. The menu is comprised of many small plates, an array of hummus selections, flatbreads, salads and entrees. Come hungry because not only are you in for a treat, but you will also want to try as much as you can fit on your plate! Starting with hummus is a must, and it comes with a variety of different toppings — we opted for tabouli and chickpeas. The hummus is served with delicious flatbread, making it difficult to put down. We also got our hands on one of their small plates, the Whole Heirloom Cauliflower, which is taboon baked with nazareth tahini, pine nuts and green harissa. It was a surprise standout.
If you’re hankering for a flatbread, they have quite a few options, including Mushroom, Ground Lamb and Smoked Salmon Pastrami. The bread makes it incredible.
Entrees also provide you with a dilemma…what to order? If, like us, meat is your middle name, you will devour the Taboon Grilled Prime Hangar Steak, which is served alongside yukon gold potato purée, split bone marrow, shallot jam and smoked sea salt and shishito pepper.
Bustan not only excels at preparing food, but also at preparing drinks. In addition to their 20 by-the-glass and 60 wine bottle options, the bar also has seven signature cocktails that pair well with their Mediterranean cuisine. We loved the Fig Lemonade, which was served in a fun mug and made with Figenza Vodka, St. Germain and ginger beer. Additionally, Bustan also serves both imported and local beers.
If you can manage it, dessert is worth the impending 5 lb. weight gain. Here, you can order something traditional, like their Moroccan Doughnuts, served with a selection of dipping sauces, or something more unique, such as their Silan, a dessert that includes ice cream, halva, drizzled honey, and rice krispies. It’s definitely worth trying!
Bustan also serves brunch and we are salivating just thinking about trying it. Bustan, without a doubt, gets two thumbs up!
Bustan is located at 487 Amsterdam Avenue.
Twisted Talk: Have you been to Bustan? Share your thoughts with us below!
Pingback: Middleterranean Could Be Our New Favorite Fusion