NY Post Names UWS Eatery 'Best New NYC Restaurant' Of Pandemic

UPPER WEST SIDE, NY — Score one for the Upper West Side restaurant scene. The New York Post recently named Dagon, a new Israeli eatery in the neighborhood, as the city's best new restaurant.

Dagon, located on 2454 Broadway at West 91st Street, opened its doors in February after it planned to first welcome customers in March 2020 — before the coronavirus pandemic pushed back plans.

"Dagon is the city's best new restaurant to arise out of the pandemic and my favorite new Upper West Side place since the millennium," wrote Steve Cuozzo of the New York Post.

The cuisine theme is "somewhere in the Mediterranean," and the menu features such favorites as Short Rib Tagine, Charred Eggplant, Pan Roasted Scallops, and much more.

Dagon is owned by Simon Oren, who manages a dozen successful Manhattan joints, including Barbounia, Cafe d'Alsace, and neighborhood favorites Nice Matin and Five Napkin Burger.

The head chef is Ari Bokovza, who inspired by his Tunisian and Israeli family heritage looks to celebrate the "rich flavors of the Mediterranean while maintaining a respect for individual ingredients."

Without COVID-19 protocols, the UWS restaurant can seat 135 people, with a main dining room for 100, and two semi-private rooms on an upper floor. Dagon also has an outdoor seating area for around 30 people.

You can find out more about Dagon on its website.