Dear Margo
New York
At a glance
Dear Margo is an Eastern Mediterranean restaurant located on Lexington Avenue in the Upper East Side of New York. This eatery focuses on the rich culinary traditions of the Levant, offering a selection of dishes meant to evoke the flavors and textures of the region. The menu includes fresh laffa bread, house-made spreads, vibrant salads, and flavorful skewers, each crafted with care to provide a genuine taste experience. The restaurant emphasizes quality and attention to detail, both in its ingredients and its preparation.
Within a cozy urban setting, Dear Margo manages to bridge the bustling atmosphere of Manhattan with its Mediterranean culinary influences, making it a suitable destination for those seeking a taste of the Levant. Its intimate space, complemented by a focus on authentic dishes, attracts diners who appreciate the intricacies of Eastern Mediterranean cuisine. The restaurant's commitment to offering fresh and quality meals makes it an appealing choice for both local residents and visitors exploring this historic neighborhood.
Dear Margo invites guests to enjoy its offerings in a relaxed yet refined setting, complete with the option of outdoor seating when available. This venue caters well to families and small groups who enjoy sharing flavorful dishes. It is an ideal spot for anyone wanting to experience a blend of Mediterranean and Manhattan culinary influences.
Reviews
We had heard this restaurant tends to rush diners, and unfortunately that was our experience. We waited almost 15 minutes before a server came to our table. While waiting, we decided to order a bottle of wine first and then order our food in stages, hoping for a more relaxed meal. It didn’t make a difference. Exactly 45 minutes after taking our first order, they brought us the check without us ever asking for it. The other surprise was that they don’t serve coffee or espresso. When we asked for one after dinner, we were told to go across the street, which was an odd way to end the meal. That said, the food was excellent. The spreads, filet mignon skewer, ribeye shawarma bao buns, and the Cline Cabernet were all outstanding. I’d definitely come back for the food, but I wish the focus was a little more on the dining experience than turning tables.
Dear Margo was fantastic! The food was so good and the portions were very generous. I especially loved the branzino, fingerling potatoes, and the salmon skewers, everything was delicious and perfectly prepared. The frozen yogurt at the end was such a great touch and so good! On top of that, the staff was incredibly friendly, which made the experience even better. I will definitely be back!
This is a lovely establishment with yummy eats. I liked that the restaurant has seating options that satisfy a desire for being inside and outside -- all at once. The mushrooms (not pictured) are a must. The artichoke (also not pictured) is okay. For the mezze, get the beets and the yogurt. Delicious.
I had such a great experience at Dear Margo. The food was outstanding from start to finish. The chicken sandwich was definitely my favorite — full of flavor and perfectly cooked. The beet dip was amazing, super fresh and delicious. I also loved the Branzino (I didn’t even get a picture because I was too excited to eat it!). The mushrooms were incredible as well. Everything felt well thought out and beautifully presented. I’ll definitely be coming back.
Dear Margo is truly a standout dining experience in Manhattan. From the moment you walk in, the atmosphere sets the tone ,the décor is elegant yet warm, with a modern aesthetic that feels both stylish and inviting. The food is simply exceptional. Every dish is crafted with precision and high-quality ingredients, but the steak is undoubtedly the highlight. Perfectly cooked, incredibly tender, and full of rich flavor, it’s easily one of the best steaks I’ve had in the city. The service is equally impressive. The staff is attentive, professional, and genuinely welcoming, making sure every detail of the dining experience is seamless without ever feeling intrusive. Overall, Dear Margo delivers on every level outstanding food, top-tier service, and a beautiful setting. It’s a place I would highly recommend and will definitely return to.
