"Very good food, nice vibe, and great service. The food was very fresh, the flavors intense and complex. The portions are on the smaller side, but the final bill was okay. I would skip the sweet potatoes (batata) because it was too plain, but in the other hand the cabbage was an unexpected hit: tender, charred and delicious. The waitress was very attentive, friendly, and service was quick. Very cozy interior."

"Bustan is, unfortunately, overrated. We came in with high expectations, but left underwhelmed. The food was just okay, and definitely overpriced for the portions and quality. We tried the chicken schnitzel, lamb kebab, spicy feta, and Zaatar bread—none of them stood out, and the flavors felt average at best. Even the olives were basic—not the kind you’d expect from a restaurant at this price point. Service felt rushed. We were served quickly, but it came across more like they wanted us to eat fast and clear the table to make room for the next group. Not exactly the relaxed dining experience you’d hope for. And a quick note for IPA lovers: don’t bother ordering beer here. The options are extremely limited and you’ll likely be disappointed. Overall, it’s not terrible but it’s nowhere near the hype or the price tag. Plenty of better Mediterranean options out there."

"The entire experience here was absolutely outstanding. The staff was wonderful overall, but Gabby, our waitress, was especially attentive and amazing. The food was delicious and included a mix of complex and unique flavors. The ambiance was homey and cozy but also upscale and very much sophisticated as per its Upper West Side location. I came in with 4 friends on a Monday night and the place did not disappoint. The drinks were also well-made and just strong enough. Ultimately, we had an amazing time catching up and I highly recommend this restaurant for your next outing."

"Lovely restaurant providing really flavorful Israeli and North African food. One of the few places that serves a moist falafel, the food is very attentive to bursting flavors that make you want to eat one more bite. That's a hallmark of actual, careful, well-made Mediterranean food. I came here for the Moroccan fish and was not disappointed. The fish is very moist with a sauce that is really flavorful. THe tomatoes and the tahini really worked well together to provide a creamy, sweet, acidic sauce. I also recommend heavily the labneh. Get the labneh, it is so creamy and tangy. Love love love. Goes with either bread; I think they're both fantastic. Portion-wise understand that this is Mediterranean. They are big portions. Honestly for a couple I'd split a first, a second, and a third and call it a dinner. Highly highly highly recommend, lovely place, will go back for date nights or as default answers for what to eat for dinner. Walk-ins seem to be supported really well; there were no available reservations but half the tables were available."

"This place is amazing!!! The service was great and food was even better. Some of the best falafel I’ve ever had. The 700° cabbage was phenomenal, and the taboon bread dipped in the spicy feta was to die for. The mini artichokes were also so good. I will definitely be back!! 10/10 (pictured is cabbage)"