12 Chairs Cafe

Not every restaurant succeeds in bringing together food from disparate regions, but this SoHo eatery combines Israeli, Russian and American flavors into a menu that excels on every front. Breakfast, a selection of savory omelets and sweet pancakes, leans primarily American, but Middle Eastern and North African options—think shakshuka and a standard Israeli breakfast—add delicious diversity. Schnitzel and pierogi seamlessly mingle with mini lamb kebabs, vegetarian couscous and baladi eggplant, and there are salad and sandwich choices all served in hearty portions. Open since 1995, the quaint space remains cozy, despite adding many more seats to the 12 chairs that started it all.