Yes, it's cozy , and you get to spend time in a romantic bunker (space is below ground), but the great food & cocktails are worth coming back for; try the Chicken saffron briouates & the date tart !

Descend down the steps and be transported into another world - candlelight , running water, bricks and wrought iron. Saturday slow-roasted lamb special is fabulous. The fettoush salad is huge, good

The best authentic place in NYC.The cute rose pedals stairs lead your to the cellar with cosy little rooms, ambiance and a (real!)waterfall.The owner&bartender are fantastic. Mediterranean cuisine .

Hidden gem on the UWS. Best thing about this restaurant is definitely the ambiance, which is admittedly very cool. They have a secret waterfall????. Food is a mixture of Moroccan, Portuguese & Italian

This Upper West Side date spot embodies the epitome of romance. Rose petals, candlelight and cushions for canoodling spell a winner for twosomes looking to kindle some quality time. Read more

Love Shalel, the staff is super nice. The place itself is so unique and the food is delicious. The lamb burgers are a must.

Fantastic date spot or relaxed intimate setting for close group of friends. Hummus and crudités are fantastic but the bacon wrapped dates are a must order! The best I've had.

Beyond the Upper West Side's Gin Mills and Jake's Dilemmas lies this red-hot underground date spot , with melodic Middle Eastern music , piped-in incense, alcove seating and sultry lighting. Read more

Such cool atmosphere! Dark and lit by candlelight . There is also a really cool waterfall in the back. The food is awesome as well . I had the meatballs , fatoush and baba ganoush .

Come here for a romantic date night . Love the underground aspect and the atmosphere. Valentine's Day prix fix was nice, albeit slow service

Still one of the best hidden date places in the city . The bacon wrapped dates and lamb meatballs are delicious!

Acted on another tip to have the chicken safron briouates (awesome!). Also had the Mediterranean spread and the chopped Israeli salad . Everything was phenomenal!

Cozy intimate place. Great for dates and tapas

Super romantic atmosphere . Great cocktails and very decent food. Tastes to the mediterranean sea and spain!!!

Great for small plates like the gambas al ajillo and the eggplant . The risotto was also excellent and perfect for two. Overall great date spot

The best bacon wrapped dates I've ever had. Don't leave without trying them.

Delicious, thoughtful cocktails in a great atmosphere of exposed brick and candles. If you're hungry get the lamb cigars and wrapped dates.

Nice hidden gem ! Food and service were great. ????

Off the beaten path-down steps and down the hall-dark, cozy and very Moroccan. Conspicuous location. Mazza on the menu. Interesting drinks. Good place for two or twelve

I had the dates and the sea bass and they were delicious. The atmosphere is great for an intimate date or drinks with a few friends.

This is one of our most favorite (and hidden) and exotic lounges in Manhattan. It’s a great place for a romantic interlude over wine and hummus .

I am a regular here, I recommend the Lychee Martinis , Chicken Cigars , Lamb Meatballs , Shepard Salad , and the Hummus . This is a great authentic Moroccan underground restaurant .

Simply put, this place is sexy and romantic , perfect for all you lovers out there. Grab a couple cocktails and split the bacon wrapped dates . Your night just got better.

Though the drink menu does much to satisfy variety, Shahel’s Lamb Meatballs and Bacon Wrapped specialties are just two of the many delicious options available here.

Cozy spot with great, inventive cocktails . I've been living in this neighborhood for 24 years and I had no idea this place existed…

Sexy and romantic as hell!Cocktails & lamb meatballs with piping hot pita bread . Greek and Israeli salad are great too!

Such a romantic spot and cozy lighting. The food isn't bad either! Not super traditional Moroccan but still good!

This place is beautiful ! Highly recommend to bring your loved ones here if you want to have a perfect romantic evening ! The food is so yummy !

Come here on a week night... The ambiance is hard to beat, and the staff is very friendly ! The Greek Bruscetta is to die for.

Great intimate date place with lots of nooks and crannies, great lighting and atmosphere

Romantic , underground. I saw a tip saying "blink and walk by the entrance" and it's true. Delicious drinks-got Keylime martini , Desert rose

Awesome place ! Awesome drinks ! Awesome service !

The food is delicious and reasonably priced. Just beware of the waiter/bartender when he is on his period as he can be a little cranky. Won't ruin your experience though. Awwwesome cozy little place!!

Amazing ambience with delicious food. Great place for dates.

Perfect for dates. Slow service. Decent chicken kebab , good lebneh & great music .

JDates around every corner.

Delicious cocktails and mezze in a lounge atmosphere

Bacon wrapped dates and cocktails are amazing

Romantic spot for a date. Have a cocktail by the waterfall

Romantic , cozy place with great food and mediocre cocktails .

Very romantic space. The staff is very friendly .

Great for dates. Mixed drinks are on the very sweet side.

This is an underground bar and restaurant . The food is mediocre, however the drinks are strong. This is the perfect spot for a 3rd date, romatic and private. Read more

The romantic spot in NYC.

Cozy , intimate atmosphere for date night .

Beautiful, romantic and private. Love!

Great date spot . Sit on the couches that are too small and order girly named cocktails .

The Baby lamb is really good.

Shalel does not do any advertising. They only get business via word of mouth. So consider yourself "cool" if you've been there and if you're reading this, go there if you wanna be with the "in" crowd

Amazing space. Feels like a cave .