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Laziza Brings Funky Middle Eastern Flavors and Cocktails to Bed-Stuy
November 8, 2024, 6:20.04 pm ET

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Photos: Laziza

Bed-Stuy’s newest hotspot, Laziza (306A Malcolm X Blvd, Brooklyn), is a soulful dive into Middle Eastern flavors, brought to life by Chef Jilbert El-Zmetr. With a name that means “good thing” in Arabic, Laziza is all about embracing good food, drinks, and vibes. El-Zmetr’s vision of an intimate bar-restaurant channels his Lebanese heritage through a cocktail and mezze menu that feels vibrant, unexpected, and endlessly shareable.

The cocktails, curated by Nima Jahromi, are nothing short of inspired. The Lavashak, a bourbon-based cocktail with apricot leather and saffron, and the Tedy Old Fashioned, with tahini-washed bourbon and a hint of cardamom, embody Laziza’s imaginative approach. Even the non-alcoholic “Sharbats” bring a twist, with flavors like Sour Cherry accented by saffron and lime. For something adventurous, Eddie’s Milk Punch, featuring Lebanese Arak and clarified whey from house-made labne, delivers a silky, spice-laden punch.

The mezze menu takes familiar Middle Eastern dishes and spins them with flair. Signature pide bread arrives with smoky Maple Smoked Labne, topped with za’atar chili crisp, while Hummus dazzles with its red and green fermented hot sauces. The Mercimek Kofte, a “liar’s kibbeh” made with lentils and pomegranate, and the crispy Potato Tahdig, inspired by Persian rice, show off Laziza’s playful side. Desserts, like the stretchy Booza ice cream from El-Zmetr’s famed Republic of Booza, round out the meal.

The space itself, designed by Ashley Hohmann, is pure retro-funk, with disco ball tiles, velvet banquettes, and El-Zmetr’s personal vinyl spinning soul and funk. Laziza feels like a slice of nostalgia, wrapped in Middle Eastern warmth and flavor. Open for dinner Tuesday to Sunday, Laziza is redefining a “good thing” in Brooklyn, one meal at a time. Reservations available via Resy.



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