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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Hillcrest's best

Authentic salad

Authentic salads are hard to come by, but they make all the difference.

Based on 542 Opinions
+539
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Updated May 2026
01
Maisa formerly Aladdin Hillcrest image 1
Maisa formerly Aladdin Hillcrest image 2
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Mediterranean restaurant

Large indoor space with quaint decor and a pleasant, low-key atmosphere creates a cozy, cafe-like vibe. Outdoor patio surrounded by beautiful palm trees offers a nice setting for dining. The place draws those seeking authentic Middle Eastern flavors in a relaxed environment.

Salads here come in fresh and plentiful varieties like the Greek salad and Mediterranean chicken salad. The fatoush salad stands out as a favorite, and the chicken salad is consistently fresh and delicious.

Middle Eastern dishes come with fresh ingredients and authentic flavors. The food stays true to traditional recipes and tastes.

People are saying

"I found the chicken salad to be very fresh and delicious."

"I had the best falafel and hummus I've ever had."

"I found the food here to be fresh and authentic."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers both indoor and outdoor seating options.

2

Parking is available nearby for customers.

3

Expect smaller portion sizes than typical for the prices charged.

02
Alexi's Greek Cafe image 1
Greek restaurant

Mysterious blue lights and vintage decor create a cozy, nostalgic atmosphere with a family diner vibe. The space feels unpretentious and welcoming, focusing on hearty, authentic Greek food at affordable prices. Generous portions and a no-frills setting make it a rare gem for casual dining.

Salads come super fresh and incredibly delicious here, often served alongside soup and main dishes. Greek salad appears regularly as a side with meals like chicken kabob and pita sandwich combos.

Greek dishes taste very authentic and affordable. The staff adds an authentic vibe that feels like an immigrant's straightforward style.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be great and affordable."

"I found the salad to be super fresh and delicious."

"The Greek food here is authentic and a great value."

Good to know

1

Lunch specials make meals affordable, typically around $10-11.

2

Happy hour offers excellent deals on drinks and appetizers.

3

Dinner specials include a cup of soup, salad, and an entrรฉe for $12.

03
Parma Cucina Italiana image 1
Italian restaurant

Cozy Italian restaurant with intimate seating and a warm, family-friendly vibe. Small indoor space complements a dog-friendly outdoor patio. Staff create a welcoming atmosphere with authentic Italian charm.

Salads feature fresh, ripe tomatoes and tender burrata with balanced seasoning. The octopus salad offers bright, fresh flavors and tender texture.

Offers truly authentic homemade Italian dishes with exceptionally delicious flavors. Service is very good and complements the authentic menu well.

People are saying

"The pasta here is amazing, truly the best I've ever had."

"The food here is so authentic and delicious."

"I found the Italian food here to be delicious and authentic."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended during busy dinner hours to secure a table.

2

On Wednesdays, enjoy 30% off a bottle of wine with dinner.

3

The Tuesday date night menu offers great value for couples.

04
Bronx Pizza image 1
Pizza restaurant

Classic New York-style pizzeria with old boxing photos and subway-themed decor creates an authentic, old-school family business atmosphere. Space includes takeout window and modest dine-in seating, with a lively, no-frills energy. Cash-only policy and a small step at the entrance are notable features.

Side salads come fresh and taste good. Portions pair well with other items for a perfect size meal.

Offers authentic New York-style pizza with a thin crust and classic flavors. Captures a genuine New York City atmosphere in both food and service.

People are saying

"I found the New York style pizza to be authentic and amazing."

"It's the most authentic New York-style pizza I've had."

"I thought the pizza was amazing."

Good to know

1

Bronx Pizza only accepts cash payments; an ATM is available inside.

2

The entrance has a half-step, which may be challenging for those with mobility issues.

3

Parking is limited, so plan accordingly when visiting.

05
Dumplings N More image 1
Chinese restaurant

Small, cozy space with wooden tables and chairs and a quiet, warm atmosphere. Guests watch dumplings being handmade through a window, adding a hands-on feel to the experience. The place offers vegetarian-friendly options and feels like home cooking.

Crunchy, fresh smashed cucumber salad comes with a drinkable sauce. It pairs well with spicy dishes and is a popular starter.

Authentic Chinese dumplings stand out here, including XiaoLongBao and wontons. The food delivers a genuine Chinese experience whether dining in or taking out.

People are saying

"I found the dumplings here to be authentically delicious."

"I found the dumplings to be authentic and delicious."

"The smashed cucumber salad was so crunchy and fresh."

Good to know

1

Parking can be tough around the restaurant, so plan accordingly.

2

Lunch specials offer great deals for budget-conscious diners.

3

The restaurant is family-run and known for handmade dumplings.

06
White Elephant Asian Kitchen image 1

Quaint restaurant with decor that resembles a wine shop offers a serene and tranquil atmosphere with soft background music. The vibe stays relaxed and quiet, making it suitable for casual meals. It stands out for its inviting ambiance and chilled setting.

Crispy rice salad stands out with its full flavor and crunch. Crying Tiger rib eye salad features a sauce to die for. Vegetables and other salads are consistently delicious.

Flavors stay true to authentic Thai spices and freshness. Some dishes like drunken noodle lean less authentic, and spice levels skew more American than traditional.

People are saying

"The salads here are so fresh and full of flavor."

"This Thai food's noodle soup has a super chewy noodle and flavorful broth."

"The food here is authentic and full of Thai spices."

Good to know

1

Parking can be difficult, so consider arriving early.

2

Seating is limited, especially during peak hours.

3

The patio is dog-friendly, making it a great spot for pet owners.

07
HiroNori Craft Ramen image 1
Ramen restaurant

Small space with wood style design feels cozy but can get crowded quickly. Atmosphere stays calming and intimate, attracting those who appreciate quiet dining. Seating is limited and uncomfortable, contributing to a packed yet popular vibe.

Broth stands out as authentic and flavorful, though it can be quite salty. Food quality matches traditional Japanese ramen closely, offering a high-quality and genuine experience.

People are saying

"The Tonkotsu Ramen broth is rich, silky, and well-balanced."

"I loved the rich and creamy broth."

"I found the ramen here to be authentic and flavorful."

Good to know

1

The place fills up quickly, and they do not take reservations.

2

Expect wait times of over an hour on Friday evenings.

3

Parking can be inconvenient due to nearby construction.

08
NOLA on 5th image 1
American restaurant

Older building with New Orleans vibe and tiny interior creates a cozy, lively atmosphere. Loud music and bar energy fill the space, especially near the bar area. Outdoor dog-friendly patio offers a relaxed spot for lunch or watching games on multiple TVs.

Salads feature beet and Caesar options with solid flavors. Blackened shrimp adds protein to one salad, and vegetarian choices are limited to two salads priced at $14 each.

Food shows a mix of authentic New Orleans flavor and some dishes that miss the mark. Shrimp ร‰touffรฉe leans toward plain rice and lacks the expected traditional seasoning.

People are saying

"The jambalaya and poboy here are top notch."

"The Caesar salad with added shrimp was delicious."

"I found the food to be delicious and authentic."

Good to know

1

Happy Hour at NOLA on 5th is from 3 to 6 pm.

2

The food price range is from $8 to $26.

3

NOLA on 5th offers limited vegetarian options, mainly two salads at $14 each.

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