Taste the moment
Welcome to 12 Chairs Cafe
Welcome to 12 Chairs Cafe, a charming culinary gem nestled in SoHo, known for its vibrant Middle Eastern and Israeli fare. With a menu that showcases an array of flavorful dishes—from the addictively tasty baba ghanoush to the fluffy, warm pita—the cafe invites guests to indulge in a delightful dining experience. Renowned for its superb brunch offerings like the crispy borek and the satisfying lamb burger infused with Middle Eastern spices, every dish is crafted with fresh, high-quality ingredients. With excellent service and an inviting atmosphere, 12 Chairs Cafe is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s brunch, date night, or a celebration.
Taste the best
Discover Menu
HUMMUS
SMOKED SALMON SCRUMBLED
VEGETARIAN COUSCOUS
HOT BORSCHT SOUP
About the Place
12 Chairs Cafe
Welcome to 12 Chairs Cafe, a culinary gem nestled in the vibrant heart of SoHo. This inviting eatery is renowned for its exceptional Middle Eastern and Israeli cuisine, masterfully prepared to transport your taste buds on a delightful journey.
One of the standout features of 12 Chairs Cafe is the freshness of its ingredients. According to customers, the orange juice is always fresh and invigorating, while the pita is consistently hot, soft, and chewy. Reviewers rave about the baba ghanoush—its light, creamy texture bursting with savory flavors is simply irresistible. The spicy platter, too, has garnered praise for its addictively tasty and comforting profile, making it a must-try.
Another highlight is the hummus, described by patrons as one of the best they've ever had—thick, flavorful, and paired perfectly with fluffy pitas. Those seeking a more robust meal can indulge in the lamb burger, recognized for its bold Middle Eastern spices that elevate the classic burger experience to new heights. A diner noted, "Finally, a burger with flavor!" and indeed, 12 Chairs delivers on this promise.
The menu goes beyond small plates, boasting hearty options like the Moroccan fish, which diners have described as homey and healthy, as well as the chicken skewers that have received accolades for their excellent taste. For those with dietary restrictions, the attentive staff is more than equipped to recommend delicious gluten-free alternatives, ensuring everyone feels welcome.
Not only does the food shine at 12 Chairs Cafe, but the service is equally commendable. Patrons recount their experiences with friendly, knowledgeable waitstaff who go above and beyond to ensure a pleasant dining experience. This is a place where you can celebrate milestones, relive cherished meals with friends, or simply treat yourself to a delightful brunch featuring perfectly crispy borek or a hearty Israeli breakfast.
Overall, whether you're a local or just passing through, 12 Chairs Cafe is a destination worth visiting. With its authentic offerings, welcoming ambiance, and delightful service, it promises a memorable meal that will linger on your palate long after your visit. So, gather your friends and family and dive into the extraordinary flavors that await you at this beloved cafe!
Stories & Reviews
Guestbook
“ The food here was delicious! The orange juice was fresh and delicious, the pita was hot, soft, and chewy, and the baba ghanoush was light, creamy, and savory. The spicy platter was addictively tasty and hot. The cucumber tomato salad was SO good -- I ate almost two bowls of it. Overall the appetizer-type items were very excellent. I got the smoked salmon and scrambled egg. The egg was extremely creamy and a bit cheesy, and paired well with the not-too-salty salmon. I would've enjoyed this more if I wasn't so stuffed from the apps! We also got a special chickpea dish which was like a chunky hummus -- very interesting! I'd definitely come back! The salad and apps alone are worth the visit. ”
“ Every dish we got stood out!! I’m a big babaganoush fan for example but the one here was extra flavorful. Hummus was perfect. Pitas were super fluffy and soft. Moroccan fish was my favorite though - tasted so homey and healthy and delicious. Also appreciated our waitress took a lot of care to explain gluten free options and was careful about warning us which would have gluten and alternatives! Her recs were so good. Just a tad loud even at lunch but the food was amazing, would def come back. ”
“ Finally, a burger with flavor! Growing up, I loved burgers with seasoned patties, and I've often been underwhelmed by the blandness of American burger meat. So, when I saw the **12 Chairs Lamb Burger** on the menu, described as mixed with Middle Eastern spices, I was immediately sold. And it absolutely delivered! It was huge, incredibly delicious, and exactly what I'd hoped for. The real unexpected delight, though, were the **fries**—perfectly cut and crispy like chips, but with that satisfying potato taste of fries. Their freshly squeezed **grapefruit juice** completed the meal perfectly. I'm thoroughly satisfied and definitely coming back! ”
“ Amazing food Amazing service I love 12 chairs. My go to for brunch, birthday celebrations, date nights, you name it! For brunch today I had my go to borek- which is so amazing here pefectly crispy w potato and runny egg. Upgraded to an Israeli breakfast so it came with an OJ, coffee, delicious Israeli salad and bread and dips. I love how fresh the produce is! The labneh and tuna are my favorite dips but they are all amazing! My friend had the SMOKED SALMON SCRAMBLED- Soft-scrambled eggs over toasted challah bread, served with smoked salmon and capers with tea and grapefruit juice and really enjoyed it as well. She said the lox was very high quality and the eggs were perfectly cooked. We were not rushed at all and enjoyed a lazy, laid back brunch. We ended the meal with a chocolate pistachio halva mousse to celebrate her birthday that was exquisite. 12 chairs you will see me again! ”
“ I assume this restaurant is named after a very funny 1970s Mel Brooks movie. Middle Eastern or Israeli restaurant. I liked the food. Chicken skewers were excellent and so was the Israeli salad. Chicken schnitzel was a little dry but good. Loved the pickles but they were a little on the spicy side. I would go back again without any hesitation. ”