We’ve been craving a casual restaurant with a casual Mediterranean -Middle Eastern inspired menu in our Lakeview neighborhood of New Orleans- somewhere that we could have a healthy nosh and plenty of options. Naturally we were delighted when Safta’s Table opened in March at 120 Allen Toussant Blvd. Safta’s Table is the newest member of Alon and Emily Shaya’s Pomegranate Hospitality family of restaurants which also include Saba and Miss River both in New Orleans and Safta in Denver.
The food is an homage both family and heritage. Alon Shaya told us that “Safta” is Hebrew for “grandmother.” Safta’s Table offers dishes that Alon Shaya remembers his own Israeli grandmother cooking for him as a young boy. The focus is on fresh and sustainable ingredients with Israeli Mediterranean flavors, from classic mezze like hummus, babaganoush and labneh to hearty plates of slow-cooked lamb, chicken schnitzel, roasted chicken with harissa glaze and big green falafel with tahini.
Safta’s Table offers all-day service, breakfast through early dinner and is family friendly. At the entrance you pick up your menus and place your orders at the counter. Take your number stand and grab a table inside or outside. Servers will bring your food over. While you are waiting your kid can color the menus with crayons or play with toys, all available at the entrance.
Alon and Emily Shaya Photo: Christian Harder
“We’ve structured the menu at Safta’s Table around flexibility, allowing our guests to mix and match with sauces and shareable items, and add on things like a crispy potato latke or baharat snickerdoodle to round out their meal. We’ll also expand upon our to-go options with grab-and-go casseroles, family-style entrées, and catering options designed with ease in mind,” says Alon Shaya.
We have already visited Safta twice. The first time was in the middle of a Friday lunch rush with a line of patient customers perusing their menus. Alon Shaya was busy working at the wood burning oven cooking pita bread and turned around to greet us. Despite being busy, there was ample seating both inside and outside, and the line moved quickly. Our second visit was on a Saturday around 4 p.m. after a day of parade watching. It was quieter with families enjoying plates of mezze outside on the patio. This is a dining spot that makes eating out relaxing, delicious and uncomplicated. Isn’t that what your grandmother would want for you?
We have not been to Safta’s Table for breakfast yet. So, here’s what we tried and recommend for lunch, dinner or a snack off hours (when it is quiet). Photos below were taken us.
Chicken schnitzel sandwich in pita with pickle, lemon and sesame- a sure hit!
Roasted lamb sandwich with tzatziki and marinated peppers, red onion and arugula- succulent!
Bright – and big- green falafel plate with tahini and a side of fennel tzatziki slaw- generous; we took some home
Spinach and feta borek displayed in counter case. The boreka are shareable as a snack or enjoy as a light meal with salad or side.
Crispy Mushroom cigars with green goddess dressing; a phyllo style crust encased a melange of mushrooms and cheese
Ginger Basil Spritz
Safta’s Table offered a small selection of cocktails. beers, wines, spritzes, coffees and other alcohol-free beverages. Both times ordered I ordered the refreshing ginger basil spritz with mint,
Safta’s Table is located at 120 Allen Toussaint Blvd. And there is plenty of free parking. Hours are Sunday-Thursday 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Friday -Saturday 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Breakfast (separate menu) and then an all-day menu. www.saftastable.com