In Manhattan, a bright new arrival is bringing a taste of the Levant to NoHo’s ever-evolving food scene. Shifka, the latest project from the team behind Lower East Side favourite Sami & Susu, is an all-day pita shop that captures the spirit of Mediterranean street food with the buoyancy of downtown New York.
Set behind a blue-tiled façade with expansive windows that open out to the sidewalk, Shifka delights with fresh pita sandwiches, small plates and natural wine. Inside, a 30 seat dining room designed by Brooklyn-based Studio Fauve pairs light wood and textured surfaces with bursts of Shifka’s signature blue and yellow tones. Branding by Polonsky & Friends adds a playful, contemporary touch that complements the venue’s laid-back vibe.
At the heart of Shifka’s offering are its signature pita sandwiches, inventive takes on regional classics. Diners can choose from Cauliflower Shawarma with zhough and red cabbage; Sabich with eggplant, soft egg and amba; Schnitzel with zhoug, red cabbage and shabazi; Harissa Chicken with sumac onions, yoghurt and parsley; Shrimp with tzatziki, red cabbage and roasted red pepper; and Lamb Kebab with amba, grilled red peppers and onions. Each is served with pickles, chopped salad, tahini and the shop’s namesake shifka peppers, a clever nod to the fiery heart of the menu.
The kitchen also turns out a considered selection of small plates, think Crispy Eggplant with shabazi and lemon-garlic aioli, Tempura Cauliflower drizzled in harissa-honey, Lamb Meatballs with tzatziki, and salads featuring cucumber, tomato, cabbage and feta. Classic dips — Muhamarra, Babaganoush, Labneh and Matbucha — arrive with warm pita for sharing. For dessert, soft-serve fans will find Tahini-Vanilla and Amba-White Chocolate, swirled or solo.
A concise beverage list of natural wines, beer and soft drinks rounds out the offering. With partners Amir Nathan and chef Jordan Anderson joined by Aly Bandali and Daniel Turtel, Shifka channels the warmth and informality of Mediterranean dining into a distinctly New York experience; and it’s already shaping up to be NoHo’s next essential neighbourhood stop.
@shifka_nyc
@studiofauve
@polonskyandfriends
Shifka Pita Shop New York Photography, Rana Düzyol / @nohonyc.
