At his Uptown hangout, named by Esquire magazine as the Best New Restaurant in America for 2015, Israeli Chef Alon Shaya pulls from modern Middle Eastern, Turkish, North African and Greek flavors. Diners pack the blue-and-white space outfit with cushy leather seats, ring chandeliers and a back patio to share dishes like kebabs, baba ganoush and tabbouleh, creamy hummus kicked up with curry-fried cauliflower, and falafel -- all accompanied by wood-fired pita bread. Shaya’s menu reflects the ongoing evolution of Israeli food and Louisiana’s abundance, incorporating seasonal and locally-sourced ingredients, the result of Alon’s close relationships with local farmers fostered through his ongoing work with the Crescent City Farmer’s Market. No wonder the restaurant was named the country's Best New Restaurant at the 2016 James Beard Awards. Reservations are definitely recommended for lunch and dinner, especially for larger groups.