we’ve been living in new orleans for 2 month now, and we’re slowly trying out new restaurants, and creating my list of favorite spots in the city (a little bit like my turks & caicos guide). shaya is definitely on top of the list to take friends and family visiting. you would’ve never guessed but this new favorite of mine, featuring modern israeli cuisine, is not really what you’d think to find in new orleans.

chef alon shaya has won the james beard award for 2014, and shaya, the restaurant, won the best new restaurant in america by esquire – no wonder everyone in new orleans talks about it.

lucky me, it is located only a few blocks from home, and the restaurant is casual enough that i can bring julia for lunch. we ordered a few things to share and a hot moroccan green tea flavored with mint and honey to drink as we sat outside in their patio, it was one of those sunny chilli days. the freshly baked pita bread, baked in their wood fired pizza oven, was constantly being ‘refilled’ popping hot, and delicious.

we had the most incredible meal –

wood roasted brussels sprouts, red beets and baba ganoush

falafel, cabbage salad and cucumber tzatziki

lamb kebab, tomatoes, pine nuts, tahini, cilantro

hummus with lamb ragu and crispy chickpeas

everything was amazing and so good, but that lamb ragu was definitely the highlight of our meal. the service was  very friendly, polite and professional and our meal was simply unforgettable, and hopefully one to repeat.

we’ve made it for lunch but will make it a point to go back for the decadent looking lamb that is only on the dinner menu. it can be tricky to get a table, but they serve dinner as early as 4 o’clock, so if you haven’t planned in advance this could be your best option.

all pictures by myseastory, except second picture from here