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The signature fig martini, like Casa La Femme North, is sexy, exotic, and liable to make you swoon. It’s just one of many passionate potions (think apricot, mango, tamarind) available at the restaurant’s Midtown incarnation (it lost the lease on its previous Wooster Street digs), of which a tanned, bejeweled, and mostly middle-aged clientele knocks back more than its fair share. Add to that a curvy belly dancer provocatively shimmying past diners, castanets tinkling, as well as a handful of tented tables in the breezy dining room, and you’re in for a boisterous night at the Casbah. The prix-fixe menu is required for a floor seat in one of the semi-private tents, and if you stick with the basics you’ll eat well, including flavorful grilled fish and meats that arrive well-salted and crispy. Meanwhile, the meze like humus and babaganoush are so silky and luxurious you could be dining on caviar; but unfortunately, fava beans arrive in a gluey mash reminiscent of refried beans. Unless you’re a limber couple looking to romantically recline, reserve a table in the midst of the throng: You’ll still enjoy much of the same atmosphere and friendly, if forced service—and an à la carte menu will allow you to skip some mediocre appetizers and a throwaway course of bland, lukewarm soup. Plus, you won’t be rushed to make way for the next round of seating. — Carla Spartos

Five courses, $55

Belly Dancing
Sun.–Thu., 9:15 p.m.; Fri.–Sat., 9:15 p.m. and 12:15 a.m.

Babaganoush, $6.95; filet mignon, $27.95; lamb chops, $21.95

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New York Magazine Reviews

• Hal Rubenstein's Full Review (7/12/04)