The Scene
Mediterranean cuisine is built around generosity — dishes meant for sharing, bold flavors layered with freshness, and meals designed to unfold slowly. At Skëwr in NoMad, that philosophy shapes every part of the experience, from the live-fire cooking to the steady flow of plates across the table.
The restaurant pulses with energy the moment you step inside.
Designed by Shaila Rizvi, the dining room captures Mediterranean warmth with its lime-plaster walls, whitewashed finishes, and sun-warmed wood floors. Ribbed ceramic sconces cast soft, flattering light across the space. Terracotta planters filled with greenery weave throughout oak tables and sage-green upholstered seating, lending an organic, coastal feel.
The open kitchen draws immediate attention, where skewers rotate over glowing coals and flames flicker behind the grill. The scent of charred meats, herbs, and freshly baked bread drifts through the room, setting the tone before the first bite arrives.
The Food
Skëwr interprets Levantine and broader Mediterranean dining traditions through a contemporary lens, combining time-honored techniques with ingredient-focused preparations and modern presentations.
The menu encourages guests to order widely and share, moving easily between mezze, flatbreads, skewers, and larger fire-grilled mains.Executive Chef Austin Torsiello, formerly of Junoon and Masa,conceived the lineup and looks to his fine-dining roots to shape the restaurant’s precise, fire-driven cooking.
The mezze selection offers a strong introduction to the kitchen’s style. The Chili Whip Feta balances creamy richness with subtle heat, brightened by mint yogurt and tomato. The Muhamara and Mutabel are a hit of deep roasted flavors, particularly when paired with flame-seared beef, creating layered bites that highlight the kitchen’s use of smoke and spice.
The pides — Anatolian flatbreads baked using two-day fermented sourdough — quickly become a focal point of the table. The braised lamb variation arrives blistered and golden, with a crust that gives way to an airy interior. It’s a plate I can’t wait to order again.
Skewers- no surprise here- showcase the restaurant’s live-fire identity. The Kebab Kerez pairs lamb with sour cherries, creating a balanced sweet-and-savory flavor profile that feels both classic and distinctive, and the Adana Kebab brings to life assertive spice and a satisfying char.
Larger plates- a tender lamb shank and beautifully grilled whole branzino with a confetti of herbs- arrive designed for the center of the table, reinforcing the restaurant’s communal dining approach. Despite the emphasis on fire and richness, the dishes maintain brightness and balance. The result is food that feels satisfying yet clean.
The Drinks
The beverage program mirrors the menu’s regional inspiration, weaving Mediterranean pantry staples into approachable, well-balanced cocktails. Citrus, herbs, honey, olive oil, and stone fruit appear throughout the drink list.
Callouts go to the Cucumber Garden, a crisp, refreshing mix of cucumber, vodka, citrus, and elderflower, and the Stonefruit Reserve, which blends whiskey, ripe peach, and sweet vermouth for a richer, fruit-forward sip.
Top-shelf tequilas, vodkas, and other premium spirits are also readily available, alongside a thoughtful wine list that spans both Old World classics and standout New World labels
Final Thoughts
Skëwr stands out for its confident focus on Mediterranean cuisine and live-fire cooking. The menu encourages exploration, the cocktails reinforce the regional theme, and the lively atmosphere makes it easy to settle in for a long, leisurely meal.
For diners looking for shareable, fire-driven Mediterranean cuisine in the city, and at affordable prices to boot, Skëwr delivers flavor, energy, and more.
Fast Facts
Location: NoMad, NYC
Cuisine: Contemporary Mediterranean / Levantine
Price Point: $$$
Takes Reservations: Yes — Resy
The Vibe: Lively, stylish, and communal
Our Favorite Thing on the Menu: Adana (lamb) kebab with mint and yogurt, whole branzino with fresh herbs, and house-made pides
The Attire: Smart casual
Hours: Tuesday – Sunday, 5 p.m. – 11 p.m.
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