Nusr-Et Steakhouse New York is where culinary theater and surprisingly solid steaks collide in Midtown. This is, of course, the restaurant from Salt Bae (Nusret Gökçe), who rocketed to internet fame with his flamboyant salt-sprinkling technique. While many dismiss it as a tourist trap or influencer haunt, there’s more to this place than social media fodder.

The steaks themselves are genuinely high-quality cuts, cooked with precision over wood fire that imparts a wonderful smoky char. The tableside carving and seasoning ritual might seem gimmicky, but it’s undeniably entertaining, and the staff performs with practiced enthusiasm. Their signature tomahawk and the butter-soft baklava steak are particular standouts worthy of their price tags.

The atmosphere buzzes with energy – a mix of curious tourists, business dinners, and celebratory groups. The space itself is sleek and dark, with Turkish accents that nod to the chef’s heritage. Yes, it’s extravagantly priced, even by New York steakhouse standards, and you’re partially paying for the experience and bragging rights.

The truth is, Nusr-Et isn’t trying to be a traditional New York steakhouse. It’s selling a specific experience – part dinner, part performance. If you approach it with the right expectations and don’t mind splurging for some theatrical dining, you’ll leave entertained and, somewhat surprisingly, well-fed.