Chef Ayal Shani Brings Kosher Melka to New York YeahThatsKosher

“Malka, which opened in 2018 in Tel Aviv’s business district, was Eyal Shanis’ first kosher restaurant. Malka brought exciting new flavors to Shani’s eclectic culinary DNA and will continue to do so in New York City. – via the Malka NYC website

Celebrity chef Eyal Shani has made his name as the mastermind behind several kosher and non-kosher restaurants, including Malka (kosher) in Tel Aviv and HaSalon, Miznon, and Shmone (all non-kosher) elsewhere in Tel Aviv and Manhattan. Tongues have fallen. which recently received a Michelin star.

Shani will open another Malka branch on the Upper West Side, replacing the non-kosher Northern Miznon, which was also owned by the chef. Malka NYC will be Chef Eyal Shani’s first kosher restaurant outside of Tel Aviv.

Outside of the menu, you can expect to see fare similar to the original Tel Aviv location. The menu features Middle Eastern highlights, along with other fresh influences, including Malka Shani’s famous schnitzel, several hummus and vegetable dishes, grouper shawarma and other fish options, chicken ramen, skirt steak, rack of lamb, and more. The dessert menu is similarly inspired, featuring mulabi, pistachio cake, mousse and brownies.

>>> Click here to view the restaurant menu
>>> Click here for the wine menu

Since temporarily closing earlier this year, Miznon’s Upper West Side North space has been redesigned and the second floor converted into a private dining room designed to host private events.

According to ilovetheupperwestside.com: “A former Charlotte-based food blogger with little restaurant experience, Jess Massanotti will take over as executive chef at Malka. Massanotti was hired as a line cook at Northern Maison in 2020.