Plenty of restaurants promise a “culinary journey” and only deliver a one-way trip to the land of disappointment. At Sifr, you actually get one—whisked away to far-flung places, one small plate at a time. A 2024 Bib Gourmand recipient, the restaurant reimagines Middle Eastern flavors through wood-fired techniques, courtesy of chefs Sujan Sarkar and Sahil Sethi. The shareable menu hits all the right notes—from mezze (hummus, falafel, borek) and grilled kebabs to larger plates like the tasty, if labor-intensive, chicken fesenjan.
The experience unfolds in a modern, sun-drenched dining room with earthy tones, warm woods, and exposed-brick walls that balance out the massive windows. The centerpiece? An open kitchen where all the smoky, wood-fired magic happens.
The vibe: I watched the once-sparse dining room go from quiet at opening (5pm) to buzzing within the hour—on a weeknight, no less. Couples on dates, lively groups, and the happy hour spillover crowd all added to the buzzy energy.
The food: I’ll make a bold claim: the chicken kebab might be the juiciest piece of chicken I’ve ever tasted. Even with the sauce on the side (blame my picky toddler for the deconstruction), it was a straightforward classic done incredibly well.
The drinks: You won’t recognize any of the cocktails, and that’s a good thing. The Mediterranean-inspired drink menu leans on traditional ingredients for something truly original. Sip the Sitta if you’re into mezcal: served straight up, it blends the agave spirit with Aperol, sake, and citrus for a surprisingly refreshing sip. When you’re ready to switch it up, ask your server for a wine rec—they won’t steer you wrong.
Time Out tip: You might be tempted by the tasting menu, but the mezze platter is the move, featuring a showstopping tower of greatest hits in small portions. We opted for the vegetarian option and couldn’t get enough of the falafel, served over harissa tahini, and the smoked labneh sprinkled with sumac. The maitake mushroom on yellow pepper emulsion was a sleeper hit—meaty, rich and layered with flavor.