An elevated fast-casual Mediterranean eatery is preparing to open a second location just 10 months after its debut.
Shifka, co-owned by Aly Bandali, Amir Nathan, Jordan Anderson and Daniel Turtel, will join the lineup at The Market Hall at Manhattan West. The team also owns Sami & Susu, a Michelin Guide-recognized restaurant.
The 34,000-square-foot hall will feature 12 casual dining concepts, including Shifka, along with an independent full-service restaurant, a full-service indoor bar, a rooftop terrace bar and retail offerings.
Other announced concepts include Alfalfa, BKLYN Larder, Matter, Springbone Kitchen, Super Burrito and Sushi Counter.
“We’re excited about being in another market that’s different from our current one. Being in Manhattan West, being near Hudson Yards, being near Moynihan—there’s just a lot of activity over there. It’s very high energy,” Bandali told Whatnow New York City.
Bandali said the area is also highly corporate, and when he worked in the corporate world, he would have appreciated a more unique mix of food options. Now, he’s “excited to deliver food to the demographic.”
The kitchen at The Market Hall will operate on a larger scale than Shifka’s flagship location, while still prioritizing quality fare.
“We might make a couple of tweaks here and there, but I would say it’s probably going to be the same. The kitchen will be a little more hi-tech, so we’re excited about the space,” Bandali said.
Shifka is known for its falafel, schnitzel and lamb kebab, along with signature pitas including pickles, chopped salad and tahini; harissa chicken with sumac onions, yogurt and parsley; and shrimp with tzatziki, red cabbage and roasted red peppers.
“We own a wine bar, and the pitas, the dips, the sauces—all that preparation comes from that root, that culinary DNA. We prep everything fresh. We present and garnish things more elevated, more intentional,” he said.
Shifka is expected to open this fall alongside The Market Hall’s debut. Visit the website and follow along on Instagram for the latest updates.
