Chef at Shukette, whose culinary style is referenced as being on the same wavelength as the new Or'Esh restaurant.
Insights
ThaiLevantineVegan-friendlyUpscaleDinnerCasualCocktail Bar
Last updated: 5/11/2026, 8:18:33 AM
Key Information
Shukette is a lively Middle Eastern restaurant located in Chelsea, New York City. It is known for its seasonal Levantine specialties designed for sharing, prepared by Chef Ayesha Nurdjaja. The restaurant features a bustling open kitchen, a vibrant and energetic ambiance, and offers outdoor dining, making it a popular spot for special occasions or a fun night out.
Customer Perception
Customers consistently praise Shukette for its flavorful, fresh, and beautifully presented food, often describing every bite as 'wow' and 'outstanding'. The service is frequently highlighted as warm, friendly, and professional. The atmosphere is described as vibrant, lively, and welcoming, with the open kitchen providing an interactive and immersive dining experience. Many reviewers recommend it for special occasions due to its memorable experience and thoughtful gestures from the staff.
Additional Details
Shukette is part of the restaurant group behind other notable New York City establishments such as Cookshop, Rosie's, Vic's, and Shuka. It is located at 230 9th Ave in New York, NY 10001, near the subway.
The restaurant is very popular, so it is highly recommended to make reservations in advance, especially for dinner. Arriving right around peak dining time without a reservation may result in a wait.
Loved the food here (and attentive service to boot).
The middle eastern spices made the food so delicious. The dips were so creamy and tasty on the Frena (or any of their breads).
The chicken wings were our favourite. Can’t fault the crispy squash blossoms, Adana (lamb & beef) on tzatziki & baby artichokes. The small (2) selection of desserts were also good.
Overall a great dining experience.
Will be trying their other sister restaurants.
I knew this restaurant was going to be good, but wow, every dish was outstanding. The beet dip was to die for, so flavorful, and the labneh with strawberries was impossible to stop eating. Everyone at the table kept going back for more. The frena was incredibly fluffy with the perfect crispy bottom. The pea dip was also delicious. Peas are not usually my favorite, but this dish completely changed my mind.
The asparagus with the green goddess sauce had the perfect texture, and I could honestly eat that as a side dish with every meal. The grilled fish was the best I have had so far in New York City, and the jeweled rice was the perfect complement to it.
The steak kebab had amazing flavor and was the favorite dish for everyone else at the table, but for me, the chicken completely stole the show. It was so juicy, tender, aromatic, and flavorful. Paired with the garlic fluff, I was honestly speechless.
The service was just as incredible as the food. I do not remember our server’s name, but she was so attentive and friendly, always making sure we had enough water and that we were enjoying everything.
I completely understand why this restaurant made the list of the top 100 best restaurants in New York City in 2025, and I am 100% sure it will continue to deserve its spot.
5
We had the BEST experience at Shukette. The ambiance was impeccable (loved the music). Service was welcoming and friendly and so generous. We sat at the counter which was absolutely perfect for watching the amazing chefs do their thing and chatting with other guests. We were given small plates of food from the chef to try that were on the house and we shared with the people next to us so everyone could try. Things we probably would’ve never ordered on our own, but WOW— it was worth it when the chef said “just trust me”. We tried half of the menu and each dish was better then the next. Our favorites were the dips, breads, cherries and the wings. I will be dreaming about this meal until the next time we are in NYC. I’d truly come to the city just to dine here. We had the best time and left so happy!
5
The dining experience was amazing. The food is incredible and the service was great.
Plenty of vegetarian options but all the mains are fish or meat. We ordered the fish in a cafe and it was cooked perfectly. Since it was “whole fish” there was still some bones on the edges, so be prepared.
My favorites were the frena, fries, hummus, fish, and butter beans. Least favorite was crispy shrimp that reminded me more of fried calamari than shrimp.
Recommended.
5
Definitely worth all the stars! We went a couple minutes before it opens and were able to be seated at the counter. When we left there was a line, so either grab a reservation or go early. There are plenty of counter seats.
Every dish is fantastic.
* The Frena is MUST. It’s fully and soft like cloud with crispy bottom.
* Hummus was the best I’ve ever had.
* Squash had this great contrasting texture between the caramelized full-of-fiber skin and the soft, sweet, juicy inside.
* Beef kebab was juicy and tender
* Fish was marinated with lemon and some herb so it’s lightweight tender and refreshing
* we had the ice cream with apple and tahini twist together. I’d prefer it to be all tahini.
