Israeli Star Chef Eyal Shani’s Latest Hit Is New York’s Port Sa’id

Port Sa’id is the newest culinary stomping ground from the Israeli sensation chef Eyal Shani and debuted last week in Lower Manhattan. It is set to become a go-to destination for New Yorkers and visitors seeking a unique cultural and dining experience at any hour.

With Port Sa’id, Shani expands his restaurant empire in Manhattan to a total of 8 restaurants, joining HaSalon, North Miznon, Shmone, Naked Tomato and three Miznon locations.

The original Port Sa’id opened in Tel Aviv in 2012 through a creative collaboration between Shani and his partner Shahar Segal and Teder, a prominent online radio station and cultural hub. Just like in Tel Aviv, music will take center stage at Port Sa’id in New York. Guest DJs will treat guests to hand-picked vinyl music, all played on an exceptional analog sound system for optimal enjoyment.

The music will be overseen by In Sheep’s Clothing, a Los Angeles-based music collective known for its innovative forward-thinking approach.

“New York is an ideal place for Port Sa’id’s love of food and love of music to come together,” said Zack Bar, co-founder of Teder. “Port Sa’id will be more than merely a restaurant but a place where folks can eat good food, listen to good music and enjoy a truly memorable vibe.”

The name was derived with the goal of bringing people together. “A port is a place since the old days where people, goods and culture collide,” said Bar. “Sa’id was chosen as we wanted to spice up the name with a local flavor. The sweet spot where East meets West. Port Sa’id is a very important port in the Nile in Egypt. Historically until today, another aspect we love – clash between heritage and contemporary, timeless.”

Located in the vibrant Hudson Square neighborhood, New York’s Port Sa’id is expansive and has soaring ceilings.

It’s divided into distinct zones including a central dining area, a dedicated bar and listening station and a separate retail space for In Sheep’s Clothing. Come the evening, the restaurant transforms into a lively and energetic space, characteristic of many of Shani’s restaurants.

An inspiring music program elevates every aspect of Port Sa’id’s experience in New York while the food menu stick to Shani’s culinary vision, which has won him his many fans The menu feature the freshest fish, like branzino and grouper, meats, produce and vegetables sourced from local purveyors.

Guests can look forward to indulging in eggplant swirled in tahini, charred beetroot carpaccio, lamb kebab (a faint memory from the alleys of Jerusalem), rib eye roast beef, bread salad, roasted green chickpeas pods and a pile of tomatoes (a Shani signature dish). The diverse array of dishes are meant for sharing, much like the overall experience of the visit itself.

Port Sa’id’s new location at 350 Hudson Street is open Monday through Saturday from 5pm until late.