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Arabesque Reviews List
Arabesque
Building on the success of New York City’s acclaimed Barbès Restaurant, Omar Balouma & Abdellah Ksiyer introduce Arabesque, named for the art form defined by a complex ornamental design of intertwined flowing lines & geometric figures originally found in Moorish decoration. Arabesque Restaurant resonates this in its architecture, décor and menu with a modern Moorish dining room, a traditional Moroccan lounge and a menu that carefully intertwines North African, Middle Eastern & Mediterranean cuisines.
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54 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4
/
5
Rating Breakdown 54 reviews
5 stars
(15)
4 stars
(29)
3 stars
(7)
2 stars
(2)
1 star
(1)
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- good for groups(27)
- fit for foodies(24)
- neighborhood gem(24)
- romantic(24)
- special occasion(14)
- great for lunch(11)
Arabesque Reviews List
Review 1 for Arabesque
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The chicken cigars for appetizer were amazing! Wild mushroom ricotta really tasty. The friends I dined with had the tuna, and they LOVED it. Friendly staff. Music was a bit loud, but the staff turned it down the second that we asked."
Dined on 5/22/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, vibrant bar scene, late-night find, neighborhood gem
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Review 2 for Arabesque
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Fabulous!!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"This little gem was a true find! The food was delicious & the service was outstanding. Went there for lunch with friends & we were shocked how quiet & not crowded it was. Midtown is missing out! I can't say enough about the attentiveness of the wait staff. Can't wait to go again."
Dined on 5/10/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, romantic, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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Review 3 for Arabesque
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
A slice of Morocco in mid town
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"For lunch it was really low key and quite. Must be a lot busier for dinner.
Food was very tasty. Many middle estaern and moroccan dishes.
If going with a group then share several small plates. the small plates are not that small by the way.
serive was very friendly!"
Food was very tasty. Many middle estaern and moroccan dishes.
If going with a group then share several small plates. the small plates are not that small by the way.
serive was very friendly!"
Dined on 5/01/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for lunch
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Review 4 for Arabesque
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Fun and Unique
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Fun and unique spot for drinks and small plates. Would not recommend for dinner since it has a ver limited menu for full course entrees. Decor was very dark, middle eastern and exotic. They had Arabic dancing periodically which made it a fun and lively bar scene."
Dined on 5/01/2013
Special Features: good for groups, romantic
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Review 5 for Arabesque
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
A wondeful evening
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"This was our first time to Arabesque. We couldn't have been happier or enjoyed it any more. The service and staff was very attentive and made sure our dining experience was a good one. The food was outstanding, and staff was right on target with their descriptions and recommendations for both appetizers as well as our entrée. Our evening was very enjoyable. We will definitely return-- and we will be sure to recommend to others.
Kudos to the staff for a wonderful evening!"
Dined on 4/30/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 6 for Arabesque
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Delicious food and great service.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Delicious food and great service. Ordered the leg of lamb and it was both tender and deliciously seasoned. I also had the good luck of dining on a Wednesday evening which coincided with a free belly dancing class. I would definitely return again."
Dined on 04/24/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, late-night find, neighborhood gem, romantic
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Review 7 for Arabesque
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
terrific food. Fantastic
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"terrific food. Fantastic service!"
Dined on 04/12/2013
2007
Special Features: good for groups, romantic
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Review 8 for Arabesque
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
I suspect folks go here for
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I suspect folks go here for other reasons beyond the food. While it is uniquely decorated it was almost too dark in the back room where we sat. The meal had high and average points. Their traditional offerings were good. The meat dishes are great. Not sure why it was #6. I would put it in the middle of the pack."
Dined on 04/19/2013
2009
Special Features: romantic
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Review 9 for Arabesque
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Friendly and accommodating with foo
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"This was a pleasant restaurant and the manager and staff were friendly and attentive. Food was good but not spectacular. I am daughter of a Turkish chef, so know middle eastern food very well and am quite picky about it. Wished they had couscous and they told me that when I made a reservation next time, I should ask for couscous and they would provide it.....Generally a good experience, noise was moderate (a big plus) and ambience might be called romantic"
Dined on 04/11/2013
2009
Special Features: neighborhood gem, romantic, great for lunch
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Review 10 for Arabesque
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Fabulous food, ambience and
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Fabulous food, ambience and waiters. Chicken cigars were delicious. Would highly recommend this restaurant!"
Dined on 04/06/2013
2011
Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 11 for Arabesque
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
This is a gem in an area that
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"This is a gem in an area that isn't known for great restaurants. Loud music in the back room, a trade-off for extra ambiance, but we could still have a conversation without shouting. We had the lamb special, nicely spicy and tender lamb kabobs over white beans with a green salad. Reasonably priced. Worth a visit if you're in the area. Nice place to meet for drinks and small plates after work. We definitely would go back."
Dined on 03/28/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem
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Review 12 for Arabesque
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Avoid - there's better in NYC
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Poor)
1
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Poor quality food. Bland and oily. Nice server"
Dined on 03/28/2013
2010
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Review 13 for Arabesque
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Went mid-week in march. Intimate
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Went mid-week in march. Intimate tables upfront which are fine. The adventure begins in the lounge in the back which is like stepping onto the set of a Bond movie. A very large, really cool room with a tented ceiling very typical of a morracan hooka lounge. Low, sexy lighting and an attentive staff makes you feel like you're not just watching the movie....you're in it! It was sparsely occupied with more diners up front where a.more traditional dining room looks very nice. But trust me, eat in the lounge...you will wish you were wearing you're white dinner jacket, though totally unnecessary. Btw, when I was there, there were just 3 couples smoking hookas and the flowery scent was really nice...adding to the atmosphere. I despise cigarretes"
Dined on 03/27/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, romantic
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Review 14 for Arabesque
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Arabesque was a great place
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Arabesque was a great place to eat. The waiters were very attentive and the food came out fashionably slow so as to enjoy each small plate before the large plates arrived. The food was delicious, and, although the short ribs were delicious also, they did not have a Moroccan flavor to them... more of an french style. The one complaint I have its that is was very dark in the restaurant making it hard to see the menus and food. Very minor complaint though."
Dined on 03/21/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, romantic
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Review 15 for Arabesque
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
Special Features: fit for foodies, vibrant bar scene, romantic, special occasion
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Review 16 for Arabesque
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Arabesque had great service
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Arabesque had great service and a nice selection on the menu. The small plate portions were quite small and a bit pricey but very nice ambiance, worth the price."
Dined on 03/12/2013
2013
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Review 17 for Arabesque
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Arabesque is a lovely, moderately
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Arabesque is a lovely, moderately priced place for a good dinner. The service was extraordinary and the Turkish food was excellent. We had a very good time there."
Dined on 03/04/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic
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Review 18 for Arabesque
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Nice restaurant
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I thought the food was good, but nothing to write home about. Service was great as well. If I'm ever in the neighborhood and looking for a place to eat, definitely a place I would consider coming to again, but probably wouldn't schlep down from the UWS if I was craving Mediterranean/middle-eastern food."
Dined on 02/25/2013
2005
Special Features: good for groups
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Review 19 for Arabesque
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
I just love this restaurant!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"I just love this restaurant! I have been bringing customers for lunch for a couple of years the food NEVER disappoints. I will see you soon!"
Dined on 02/25/2013
2007
Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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Review 20 for Arabesque
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Atmosphere vs. Food
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The decor and atmosphere of Arabesque were outstanding, as was the fabulous and engaging belly-dancer there the evening my friends and I dined at Arabesque. The only comment I would have would be that I was disappointed that the food was not more traditionally Moroccan. While good, it's spicing and style of presentation was really watered-down Moroccan. Other than that, great service and energy there and a really fun time out!"
Dined on 02/23/2013
2008
Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem
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Review 21 for Arabesque
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great service. Delicious courses.Ve
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Great service. Delicious courses.Very good ambiance and music."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 22 for Arabesque
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great food!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"My first time with Moroccan cuisine and I really enjoyed it. Tried the beef carpaccio, tuna steak and the cigarette and all were very tasty. I recommend!"
Dined on 02/21/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, romantic, special occasion
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Review 23 for Arabesque
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Diversify menu to include
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Diversify menu to include more relevant Meditteranean food. Hookah and wine prices are very expensive. Otherwise, very nice atmosphere."
Dined on 01/29/2013
2011
Special Features: good for groups
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Review 24 for Arabesque
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Overall good atmosphere. Hookah
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Overall good atmosphere. Hookah and wine are overpriced. You may want to diversify the menu and make it more 'Arabesque' :)"
Dined on 01/28/2013
2011
Special Features: good for groups
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Review 25 for Arabesque
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
I have dined at Arabesque
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"I have dined at Arabesque several times and the food is very good. this time we did not like one of the dishe and told the waiter but was disappointed that it was still on the check when clearly we did not eat it. I would still go back but they need to consider a little better customer service."
Dined on 01/28/2013
2007
Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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Review 26 for Arabesque
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great food and atmosphere
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We loved the lamb skewers and mussels. Everything was delicious. The service was terrific and prices were very reasonable. Loved the decor. We did not stay for the entertainment but hope to for future visits. We really enjoyed Arabesque!"
Dined on 01/25/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic
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Ratings-Only Reviews for Arabesque
Based on the average of (28) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Very Good)
4
/
5
1 out of 1 recommend this product
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
3.9
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic