Food Network

"From the crunchy falafel to the crispy chicken schnitzel sandwich, Iron Chef Alex Guarnaschelli loves the modern Israeli food at Shaya. The falafel sandwich is such a complete harmony of taste and textures that Alex says, “you’re going to want to eat for days".”

Alton Brown

"In New Orleans, Shaya offers authentic Israeli falafel in house-made pitas."

Bon Appétit Magazine

"The more the merrier when it comes to the array of meze offered throughout the day at this airy Magazine Street spot: watermelon with Bulgarian feta and an exemplary falafel sandwich."

Carole Kotkin

"I have eaten my share of falafel (vegetarian fritters) around the world, but I didn’t expect to find such an excellent version of this Israeli “fast food” here."

Brett Anderson

"New Orleans is having a Falafel Moment, and it is difficult to ignore. Great new and newish versions of the Middle Eastern street food staple are found all over town, from the street-punky to the primped and exquisite Uptown Israeli restaurant Shaya."

Merrill Shindler

"It was wonderful, probably the best Israeli food I’ve ever had, either in America or in Israel: falafel with red chiles and more."

Nora McGunnigle

"Though there's plenty of meat for carniverous dining partners, Shaya's emphasis on Israeli and Mediterranean ingredients and flavors means that this is where to get high end falafel."

Lindsay Fullerton

"The falafel was our favorite variety, crispy and bright green from the high herb content, and they were each clearly fried to order."

Ian Taylor

"The best falafel on this side of the Atlantic."