Israeli shawarma spot makes NYT’s ‘Best New Restaurants’ list

Spice Brothers, a Mediterranean restaurant operated by Israeli chef Lior Lev Sercarz, has earned a spot on The New York Times's "New York's 14 Best New Restaurants of 2024" list.

Sercarz, born in northern Israel, met David Malbequi, the restaurant's former co-owner, while working together for renowned chef Daniel Boulud. They opened Spice Brothers in September 2023, but the two eventually parted ways and Lev Sercarz remained to manage the restaurant.

The restaurant, located at St. Marks Place, focuses on street food such as shawarma, falafel and fries, accompanied by "smoky and thick harissa," according to New York Times restaurant critic Pete Wells. Wells recently dubbed chef Sercarz a "spice virtuoso," further praising the establishment's tahini sauce: "stone-ground in Israel to Mr. Lev Sercarz's specifications, [it] tastes as if the sesame seeds had been toasted right in front of you."

Spice Brothers is among an exciting group of restaurants featured on the New York Times's prestigious list, which also highlights culinary spots like Borgo, an Italian-inspired restaurant with a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients, and Le Veau d'Or, a long-anticipated revival of a classic New York institution. Other standout newcomers include Café Carmellini, offering sophisticated American fare, and Carnitas Ramírez, a vibrant spot for authentic Mexican street food.