Miriam

The original Miriam is in Park Slope, and if you walk by on a weekend afternoon, you’ll see a line of people out the door. The Upper West Side location is also a zoo at brunch, but you should still stop by for silky hummus, top-notch shakshuka, and dense, flaky burekas. This Israeli restaurant is also open for dinner, and it’s a great option for a nice, casual night out. The space is bright and pleasant, with big windows and some leafy vines scattered throughout, and there’s a bar in the back in case you want to dine solo. Wait times for a table typically aren’t too bad (even at brunch), but you can always make a reservation if you want to play it safe.

photo credit: Luis Chaves