Middle Eastern Pioneer Balaboosta Will Soon Shutter in Nolita

Middle Eastern neighborhood restaurant Balaboosta from chef-owner Einat Admony is closing in May after eight years in Nolita. Admony says she and husband-business partner Stefan Nafziger are actively looking for a new location for the restaurant.

The announcement of the closure cites an increase in operational costs and recent changes in the neighborhood as the causes, noting that the restaurant will shutter officially at the end of May. Balaboosta opened in 2010 to immediate praise to the tune of a two-star review in New York magazine and one star from the Times. At brunch, Balaboosta’s shakshuka was a centerpiece, and the restaurant also became known for its gluten-free inclusiveness, offering a special menu just for gluten-free diners.

Admony has been a pioneer in the modern Middle Eastern food boom in NYC, which since Balaboosta’s opening has exploded all over the city with restaurants like Nur, Miss Ada, Timna, and more. Admony is also behind fast-casual falafel hit Taim, which is set to add three new locations, as well as Bar Bolonat in the West Village. She is close to opening couscous restaurant Kish-Kash later this spring in the West Village.

Stay tuned for more on Balaboosta’s potential reopening.

• All Coverage of Balaboosta [ENY]