Paprika, Great Neck
I’ve been a big fan of Paprika for a number of years now. When they opened up on 34th St. in Midtown Manhattan in 2017, they had a unique offering that included Israeli, North African, and Mediterranean dishes, sandwiches, and drinks that really brought me back to some of my favorite Jewish, Israeli and Sephardic dishes.
Even though it was a 15-minute walk from my office each way, I made sure to head there at least once a week for a great meal. COVID completely interrupted their Manhattan business, as it did for so many others reliant on business lunches, which ultimately forced them to leave the city. Luckily, for those of us on Long Island, they reopened in Great Neck in early 2023 with a slightly different concept, but still a fantastic kosher culinary experience.
Bringing in the same owner and chef duo, the Zakens – who have Israeli/North African backgrounds – bring their love of food and hospitality to their slightly more upscale Paprika restaurant in the heart of this North Shore, mostly Jewish, town.
When you dine at Paprika, it’s important to make a reservation. The restaurant is consistently busy for dinners and would be difficult oftentimes for walk-ins of groups larger than two. When I’ve dined there in the last two years, the place had a party vibe with Israeli music blasting, and since October 7th, Israeli flags flying, and the occasional guest jumping out of their seat to enjoy the energy.
Paprika is not your standard Israeli pizza joint for grabbing falafel or Shawarma or schnitzel, although you could order most of those dishes as well. You’re going here to enjoy a plate with bassar, delicious salads, kebabs, Moroccan tagines, lots of homemade salatim & dips with their taboon-made bread, roasted cauliflower, braised meats with couscous, arayes, Moroccan cigars, and so much more.
Make sure to get their Sfing donuts if they’re on the menu, although they may be seasonal.
The dishes are presented beautifully, the vibe and service are fun and friendly, and you’ll leave having had a great time.
Restaurant Address: 8 Bond St, Great Neck, NY 11021
Kashrut: VHQ
Dani Klein founded YeahThatsKosher in 2008 as a global kosher restaurant & travel resource for the Jewish community. He is passionate about traveling the world, good kosher food / restaurants, social media, and the web. In 2011 he cofounded the KosherNearMe app, which lets you easily search for local Kosher establishments throughout the world.
Download the KosherNearMe app: YeahThatsKosher.com/app
