The Citiblog

Zou Zou's Makes a Splash at Manhattan West
November 17, 2021, 4:11.13 pm ET

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Zou Zou's, Manhattan West, NYC, Dining Room
Photo: Melissa Hom

Zou Zou’s is a vibrant new restaurant located in the up and coming Manhattan West. The space designed by AvroKO seats 75 and celebrates Levantine architecture with vibrant blue and green tiles, dark woods, and soaring arched ceilings that feature detailed wood paneling. An open-air kitchen and wood-fired oven runs along one side of the space, with an elegant bar with glass arch on the other. Lush greenery also provides additional warmth.

Photo: Melissa Hom

The space reflects the flavors presented by chef Madeline Sperling, previously of Gramercy Tavern and The NoMad. Chef Sperling is joined in the kitchen by Executive Sous Chef Juliana Latif. Together, the duo is offering a menu celebrating the cuisines of the Eastern Mediterranean region with influences from Lebanon, Israel, Turkey, Egypt, Syria, and Jordan, among others.

Zou Zou's, Manhattan West, NYC, Dips
Photo: Noah Fecks

Look for shareable plates centered around the expansive wood fired grill beginning with a selection of Breads such as Grilled Bazlama, Fresh-Baked Talami, and Honey Butter Kubaneh. There are dips like Green Tahini with aquafaba and cilantro, Ember-Roasted Eggplant topped with harissa honey and roasted red peppers; and Whipped Ricotta topped with fragrant saffron apricots.

Zou Zou's, Manhattan West, NYC, food
Photo: Noah Fecks

Larger plates include Lobster Tagine with kumquats and parsnips; Grape Leaf Black Sea Bass with a spicy and savory tomato vinaigrette; Zou Zou’s Duck Borek made with flaky pastry, and topped with an orange glaze and pistachios; Moroccan Fried Chicken served with lemon labneh and harissa honey; and Fire Roasted Leg of Lamb carved tableside, and served with sourdough laffa, cucumber yogurt, mango hot sauce, and fresh herbs. Desserts bring Charred Pineapple with rum syrup and lime, and Kataifi Cheesecake with candied walnuts.

Zou Zou's, Manhattan West, NYC, Cocktail
Photo: Noah Fecks

Zou Zou’s cocktail menu, crafted by Beverage Director Bryan Schneider, includes a light and refreshing Sumac Spritz with prosecco, grapefruit, and sumac bitters; Road to Jericho with vodka, pomegranate molasses, fig syrup, and orange blossom; and Desert Fix with tequila, poblano soda, salted ice, and an aleppo pepper dusted rim. The wine list also showcases the diversity of the Mediterranean wine regions, ranging from the powerful reds of the Canary Islands, through the mineral-driven wines of Sardinia and Sicily, to the ancient birthplace of wine grapes in Central Europe and Southwestern Asia.

Zou Zou’s is located at 385 Ninth Ave (33rd St), New York, NY

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