Eyal Shani seems to be everywhere with multiple Miznon locations in New York and so many restaurants opening elsewhere it’s almost hard to keep up. His newest in New York, Port Said, has launched with lots of fanfare.
Located in Hudson Square, which is just south of the West Village, in a space with soaring ceilings, Port Said is as much about the ambiance as the cuisine. There are tables along the street outside, but if you aren’t prioritizing conversation with tablemates, eat inside where the action is, including a dj spinning throughout the night.
This is a trendy restaurant with an attractive crowd. The food is good, but not great. The hummus gargarim and 4 spices are very good and the cocktails are adequate. The roast beef carpaccio is bizarre – it is cooked roast beef with schug and the lamb shashlick and kebab are decent. The bread is a bit sparse, so make sure you ask for more. The service is pleasant.
Go to Port Said for a date or with friends interested in a scene. When it is no longer as popular, you might want to try one of Shani’s other restaurants, undoubtedly he will have new ones to choose from soon.
