(Unfortunately, this place is NOW CLOSED by the City) I've been to Ayat several times since they opened in Bay Ridge. But this is the first two times that I've gone to their "NEW" sit down location' across from the original. The decor is really pretty and it pays homage to Palestine. The staff is great. I've gotten the Hibiscus Margarita (non-alcoholic - so good, you honestly don't miss alcohol); Got Muradad: rice/lentil/caramelized onions n some kinda yogurt; Chicken Shawarma salad; the measl comes with pita bread, olives in oil and another seasoned oil dish read more

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Tip: if buying takeout, please make sure u got all your sauces (yogurt/hot sauce) in the bag! I bought take out from here. I ordered the kefta and it wouldve probably tasted better if they gave us yogurt and hot sauce! Without it, the whole plate was dry. There was still some flavor on the rice and meat, but its not satisfying without the sauces. I didnt notice we were missing the sauce until i got home and i was not driving 20 minutes back over there to get sauce read more

Currently checked Google and apparently they are temporarily closed down by health inspection... Yikes hopefully they fix whatever issues they have! This review is for when I dined in back in October. Portions were huge. Staff were extreme friendly, professional and very helpful with everything. Ordered the fried eggplant and didn't really enjoy it, the eggplant skin was not pleasant to eat with the way they fried it. I wouldn't order that again. Also ordered the mansaf since I saw it had good reviews and it looked good. I would give it a 3.5/5 though. The meat was not as tender as I would have liked it to be, I had to eat it with the sauce with every bite. It was definitely a large portion, should be shared. The best tasting dish was the chicken shawarma. 4/5 read more

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Known for its delicious Palestinian food and very friendly service, I walked into Ayat with high expectations and they delivered. I went at around 7pm on a Tuesday and the restaurant was dimly lit, busy, but with tables to spare. We ordered babaganoush and kibbeh as appetizers and my date got a mint lemonade. The mint lemonade was a little sweet but had great mint and fresh lemon flavor. The babaganoush was served with warm pita and had the perfect balance of eggplant, tahini, olive oil, and spices. The kibbeh were crisp, warm, and flavorful. For entrees, my date got the mixed grill, and I got the beef shawarma sandwich. I thought my sandwich was supposed to come with fries (based upon the menu), but unfortunately it didn't come out with any. The mixed grill had wonderful chunks of tender beef, chicken, and lamb. Both entrees could have benefited from garlic/toum sauce. We did end up getting some toum sauce to-go which really elevated the leftovers. Overall great pick for authentic Palestinian food. Just remember to ask for your fries and garlic sauce! read more

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Review: Ayat East Village - A Flavor-Packed Feast with Heart and Heat Every now and then, a restaurant surprises you--not with fanfare, but with flavor so generous and vibrant it makes you pause mid-bite and rethink everything you thought you knew about lunch. Ayat East Village, a Palestinian restaurant tucked into one of downtown's busiest corners, is one of those rare gems. We came hungry and curious, and quickly found ourselves worshiping at the altar of the mixed grill platter--a dish so loaded with marinated, fire-kissed meats it could easily be mistaken for a celebration in and of itself. Lamb, chicken, kefta--all seasoned differently, all cooked to perfection. It wasn't just variety for the sake of it; each bite brought something new, from smoky to spiced to downright crave-worthy. Three of us ate like royalty and still had leftovers. Not an exaggeration, just facts. We did order one additional dish (because restraint is for weekdays), but honestly? The mixed grill alone could've carried the entire meal. It's the kind of offering that feels like a love letter to abundance--both in portion and in spirit--and the price point made it feel almost like we were getting away with something. The restaurant itself is beautifully decorated, with a warm, welcoming design that blends modern flair with cultural roots. You can tell Ayat is proud of its heritage--and wants you to feel at home in it, too. The location in the East Village makes it perfect for a casual weekend lunch or a more intentional dinner stop, and the energy inside walks the line between cozy and effortlessly cool. In short: Ayat East Village is more than just a place to eat--it's an experience that feeds you in every sense. Flavorful, filling, and thoughtfully designed, it's the kind of spot that reminds you lunch doesn't have to be complicated to be unforgettable. read more

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Came here for dinner with my girlfriend on a Thursday night. Ordered the fried eggplant, chicken over rice and lamb mansaf. The fried eggplant was interesting, the skin becomes kind of hard to chew, but flavors were good. The lamb mansaf came on a big platter and a side of yogurt sauce. Personally, I did not like this dish because it was really gamey and I found that the pairing with the yogurt sauce was ehh. My favorite thing was the chicken over rice. The chicken was tender, well seasoned and flavors were just spot on. Overall a decent meal, good service with nice interior decor. Would come back to try other dishes. read more

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YUM - everything we got here was delish! We made reservations for a group of 6 for a Mother's Day lunch on a nice day, so they opened their space, which made it bright and comfortable. We started with their Fried Calamari, which was good, but a bit crispier than I'd like. The Mezze Filistini app was DELISH and plentiful. We had to get a few refills of pita, which were free! It was also perfect to pair the spreads with the rest of our meal, which made it worth it. For entrees, we split several dishes - Chicken Kebab and Kefta Mashawy dishes, which came with a perfect white sauce. Then, we also shared the Fattat Jaj and Lamb Ouzi Royale Traditional dishes. The Fattat Jaj was my FAVE!! It's topped with crispy pita and sliced almonds, which gave the dish a nice crunch. Staff were very attentive and kind. They helped pack our leftovers and gave us their lovely reusable takeaway bag to carry it all home. Would definitely come back with a large group again! read more

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First review of 2025. Not only is Ayat's ambiance beautifully decored, the food is amazing. The single portions were huge and could've easily fed 2 people. Or maybe it was just us. We're glad we ordered small plates but we still had to take the rest to go which I didnt mind leftovers at all. Their chicken shawarma and roasted cauliflower appetizer were my favorite. Would like to also point out that their fresh made pitas and kefta were just as tasty. Lastly, you know this place good cos they have a separate location directly across the street just for take out only! read more

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The food in general was really good. The place by itself was quite full and busy during dinner. The service was still good and efficient. The server did a great job explaining some of their dishes which we hadn't tried before. I highly recommend the lamb Zaahra dish, I have had this before at another place. But this was really good. Yogurt based creamy based lamb curry, the quantity of the lamb meat in the dish was quite a lot. And the meat was really tender juicy and fall off bone. The place had a nice setting inside with good decoration, bright with a tree in the middle and great architecture. read more

Great food and great service. Everything was delicious and fresh. The server was very attentive and the restaurant is very cozy. Not very big but it also didn't get very crowded on a Monday evening which was nice and intimate for my anniversary dinner. Would recommend! read more

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I have been trying to visit Ayat for a very long time, and finally took the leap. I had saved their location in Bay Ridge when I discovered them, but they have quite a few locations now so if this is far from you, don't be intimidated! They didn't have any reservations available online when I went, but we didn't have an issue being seated. FYI - they have a take out location across the street, so if you pull up and see there is no seating just know you're on the wrong side! This spot has a beautiful interior, I think it's great for a date night (and some ig pics..). They do not have any alcoholic beverages, but offer a ton of interesting mocktails. I got the mint lemonade and wish I had two. DELISH. They also give you some free bread with olives/olive oil/za'atar seasoning which is always a good sign. Their food menu is expansive, it can be hard to decide on a few items. You can't go wrong with the Mansaf or their Shawarma platter. This was my first time trying Palestinian food, and I'll definitely be trying more going forward. The Mansaf was even better than I expected because of the side soup. We ended up dousing the rice and lamb with it. What I enjoyed most about the mixed shawarma platter was the meat:rice ratio. The way the beef is seasoned, it almost tastes like lamb. The side salad adds a nice dimension as well, I wish the Mansaf had something similar for a few vegetables. Fries were perfectly crispy as well. I was really anticipating the dessert menu and was not disappointed. I have eyed Kunefe on many menus and hadn't ordered it in a restaurant until this day. I have no regrets, it is in my top 5 desserts (in competition with tres leche, tiramisu, a good cookie, amongst others). I'm still thinking about the sweetness balanced with crunch and cheesy flavors.... Overall, I had a great experience at Ayat. This location is close to the Dyker Heights christmas lights, so you can walk off your meal. My only complaint was it took forever to get the bill and the food got cold a bit quicker than I anticipated. read more

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My friends weren't lying when they mentioned that the portions were huge. You'll definitely get a bang for your buck. For my mom's birthday, I reserved a table for 5. When we first got there, we were confused because the address was to the takeout-only space and not the actual restaurant which is across the street. Even so, we were kindly redirected and seated immediately. The restaurant wasn't super busy and the vibe was casual but hip. Service was inconsistent with our main waitress (doubling as a hostess) lounging around the empty bar on her phone. The busboy, on the other hand, took care of us and made sure we had everything we needed such as water and bread refills. The food was the best part and came out in monstrous platters. The mixed grill platter and the mezze filistini are a great way to taste all the proteins and spreads that ayat has to offer. I particularly enjoyed the labneh and salata spreads and the pita was delicious and freshly baked on the spot for consumption. The crown jewel of the feast was the mansaf served with juicy morsels of lamb atop a heap of seasoned rice. The lamb was so tender that it fell off the bone and the rice with the almonds and fermented yogurt were just *chef's kiss* . Our family of 5 were happily full and glad to take home the leftovers. We'll be back to get another mansaf and maybe next time we'll leave space to try their baklava. read more

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We've all been to a Halal cart or two but, Ayat takes it to the next level offering a fresh take on classic Arab and Mediterranean dishes. Their menu features unique twists like Shawarma pizza and Tahini ice cream, which are both delightful and innovative. Like I said, I've been to my fair share of Araby spots so was pleasantly surprised to find some traditional favorites that are often hard to come by, like Bamia, Fasoulia, and even Mansaf. It's a win for anyone who appreciates authentic Arabic cuisine and wants a Halal/Zabiha friendly option. The location is also perfect--centrally situated in NYC, making it convenient to stop by while exploring the city. Unfortunately, my food did arrive a bit cold since I ordered it to my hotel in Manhattan during a work trip. But, the food was impressive enough that I'd be interested in visiting in person next visit! read more

Ayat NYC - Shawarma Minaish - Arabic Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

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Went back with friends and it was just as good as the first time! Fresh delicious food and great service! BYOB was awesome as well read more

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Palestinian food. Small restaurant, nice selection of foods. Everything made from scratch and very good quality. Lots of delicious lamb dishes, and vegetarian. Nice selection of mezzes. It's Palestinian and there is clear anti occupation, anti Israel messaging here so if you're Jewish (as am I) you might be offended. You definitely don't want to advertise it. But the food was good and very good portions. read more

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One of the best Middle Eastern restaurants I have ever been too!! Service was amazing, the decor was so pretty and the food was even better! There was not a single thing on the menu that I didn't like. Everything was better than the last. The hummus was the best I have ever had and the wings were to die for! Without a doubt, the best wings I have ever had in my life. There's just something special about a wood fire oven that makes everything taste so much better. What a wonderful experience. I will definitely be coming back in the future! read more

The food is always delicious. Generous size portions. The appetizers almost feels bottomless. Pita bread is made fresh, on site, and I can not get enough. They do not have alcoholic drinks BUT their mocktails are everything. Service is great and it's literally service with a smile. The ambiance is warm and the resturant is always clean. For the record, I just love it here. No, I do not know the owners/workers, nor am I friends with any or them--this review is actually just based on my own experiences. read more

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My friend and I come to Ayat NYC pretty often--it's one of our favorite go-to spots! The food is consistently amazing, full of bold, authentic flavors. Whether it's the biryani, kebabs, or their rich curries, everything is made with care and tastes super fresh. The vibe here is just as good as the food. The atmosphere is cozy, stylish, and welcoming--perfect for catching up over a great meal. The staff is friendly and the service is always on point. If you're looking for flavorful Pakistani food in a nice setting, Ayat is 100% worth the visit. Highly recommend! read more

Ayat NYC - Dining area. - Arabic Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

Every time I come to Bayridge I will visit Ayat! I went to its old location first not knowing the old location was turned into a takeout/delivery store. I was told by the very nice lady running the register on that side that they opened a sit down restaurant across the street! When I entered I was blown away by the decor. I ordered the half chicken with rice and humus. The chicken was cooked to perfection and well seasoned, the humus was delicious. This restaurant is top 3 in the area for me not only because of its outstanding food but the kind staff as well! I'm proud of them for being brave during a time of uncertainty and embracing their heritage and culture which translates to delightful meals in the area. This is a must if you are in the area. read more

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Beautiful spot, there was even a tree in the middle of the restaurant. We were actually led to its takeout spot at first, but the vibrant store was just right across the street. It was hard to visualize without pictures, and I forgot to look at Yelp reviews, but I went safe with a Mix Shawarma Platter ($16.64). Something was off about the meat to me. Maybe I wasn't a fan of the texture of the beef. But the small Fattat Jaj ($22.88) was an absolute surprise. From the description alone, the food sounded amazing. You really can't go wrong with yogurt in a savory dish, especially with chicken, rice, and chickpeas. There was so much flavors! It wasn't even my dish, but I would happily trade for it. I didn't realize Ayat has been a bit of a chain in NYC! The prices were up there, but I would go back to try more food. read more

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Ayat NYC is is a beautiful space. We stumbled upon this location late on a Friday night after one of our reservations fell through at another venue. It was crowded around 8 PM, but our server found us a space at the bar and we were able to watch the bread being made from our seat. Music was lowkey so we could have conversation without screaming over each other. The food was really delicious and satisfying. Everything was freshly made and I left full. We're glad our other plans fell through because we will definitely be back to this place. read more

Ayat NYC - Arabic Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

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I'm so glad I got to try authentic Palestinian food! Their Mix Shawarma Platter was a huge amount of food and was really yummy. The beef and chicken were both moist and had lots of flavor. It was served with a bed of rice, a side salad, and hummus and baba ganoush. They also gave a side of pita. I called ahead to order takeout and my food was ready quite quick! I definitely plan to stop by and dine inside as they have a nice space for groups to sit and eat. read more

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I was impressed with the service and food here. They are very welcoming the atmosphere was calming the staff very friendly. I'll definitely be returning thank you so much. read more

Ayat NYC - Chicken shawarma pltr - Arabic Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

Wanted to give this place a try. Talk about bad energy. . . If you want angry and hateful politics with your food this is your place. Even their take out bags scream rage and negativity. I'd prefer some calm positivity with my take out order, thanks. read more

Ayat NYC - Takeout bag from Ayat with angry propaganda. - Arabic Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

My friends and I ordered 2 vegan platters, Kousa Mahshi, Cheese Manaqish, and Beitenjan to share! The vegan platter had lots of food in it and was super delicious! Everything was tasty but my favorite was probably the beitenjan - the sauce on top was delicious! Definitely recommend stopping by - they also opened a location in East village recently if you don't wanna make the trek into Brooklyn! read more

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[Note: this review is for the food only. There has been some controversy around this restaurant due to its political views (which many may agree with and many others may not). If that is something that could affect your willingness to dine at an establishment, then you'll want to do a little research and this restaurant may not be for you.] Though a bit of a trek from most parts of NYC, Ayat is worth it because the food here is fantastic. My favorite is the baba ghanoush. It's smoky, garlicky, tangy, creamy - really everything that a baba ghanoush should be. I don't think I've had better baba ghanoush anywhere else in the US. It also goes so well with their oven baked pitas, which arrive piping hot to the table, having just been removed from their wood fired oven just moments earlier. They're also known for their grilled meats, many of which can be ordered as a platter with rice, salad and pickles. I normally don't like to order chicken at restaurants but do not skip out on the chicken shawarma here. The platters are generously portioned too (and very reasonably priced) so they are great for sharing. My recommendation would be to order a few platters and round out with mezzes and sides. It would be the perfect meal for a large group. read more

Wow! Loved this place. Affordable and cute for lunch. I ordered the "Pizza" which admittedly, took a long time, about 15 minutes after. my friend got her food. (which came out very fast.) But wow, this pizza, was not a pizza. It was more like a sandwich, huge, delicious, and would absolutely order again. read more

Ayat NYC - Arabic Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

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Food: We ordered roasted chicken which was very fresh and not overly spicy, which is what we like. It was served over rice with crispy roasted almonds. The dish was served with small salad and thinly sliced pickles, which was nice. We also got babaganush with another salad (cucumbers with tomatoes with tahini sauce on the side). Service: Great service, and polite waitstaff. Ambiance: The music is nice, the chairs are comfortable and the way the space is situated is also pleasing. We recommend to try this restaurant. On a side note, if I was the owner, I would invest into the bathroom looking more plush, and put some napkins there instead of a fan to dry hands. Details like a nice rose aroma sticks would also add to the experience of comfort. read more

Aesthetically pleasing restaurant with lively music and friendly service. The menu offers something for everyone with dietary restrictions. For food we got a large Chicken Kebab Platter with rice and salad, Chicken Shwarma Pita, and a sideFalafel Everything is made fresh. read more

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The food is fantastic and the service is excellent. Highly recommended! A must try in Bay Ridge

Great casual restaurant for delicious Palestinian food recommended by my friend and the food did not disappoint! We came here on Valentine's evening and it was quite busy with no available tables after we sat down. Once seated, a waitress handed us menus and were told to order at the register in the back. We ordered the large beef kebab mashawy, a large mix shawarma platter, and an order of falafel. The highlight had to be the beef kebab (filet mignon), I could taste the quality of beef that they used which was seasoned very well. A few pieces were a little tougher than the others, but that's expected if they're not the same size and on different parts of the grill. The hummus and baba ganoush gave the perfect creaminess that the platter otherwise lacked, and added a great textural difference too. Similarly, the mixed shawarma platter was good as well, but I like having more of a bite to my meat so I preferred the mashawy more. I loved eating a little bit of everything with the fresh complimentary bread! Lastly, the falafel was very good in flavor but was a bit drier than I would've liked. It probably tastes better if eaten with something not as dry but I'll probably pass on it next time. With that said, Ayat is a bit pricier than expected because it almost feels like a self-service restaurant. They also don't serve water, which would've helped a lot with the dryness of certain foods - I had to chug a large cup of water as soon as I got home. However, the food is still very good and the ambiance is nice so I'd still recommend Ayat to others wanting some good middle eastern food! read more

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This is one of my favorite places to eat in Brooklyn. The food is always fresh and delicious. The staff is friendly, and the atmosphere is cozy. I always get the eggplant and cauliflower, so tasty! read more

Ayat NYC - Mezo-something - Arabic Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

I have been craving their food, it is so delicious! Loved the Mural they have and the atmosphere there. Very nice staff and they greet everyone with a smile I definitely recommend this place and would love to visit them again and have their delicious food again read more

Ayat NYC - Fattat Lahma - Arabic Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

Authentic, Flavorful, and Welcoming! Ayat in Bay Ridge is hands down one of the best Middle Eastern restaurants I've been to in NYC. From the moment you walk in, the atmosphere is warm and inviting, with beautiful decor that makes you feel like you've stepped into a cozy spot in the Levant. The food? Absolutely incredible. Every dish is packed with flavor and clearly made with love and tradition. The hummus was silky smooth, the falafel perfectly crispy, and the musakhan--unreal! You can taste the authenticity in every bite. Portions are generous, and the presentation is on point. The service was friendly and attentive without being overbearing. The staff made us feel right at home and were happy to make recommendations. If you're looking for a spot with soul, culture, and mouthwatering dishes, Ayat in Bay Ridge is a must-visit. Can't wait to come back! read more

Overall would recommend. Really nice place with cute homey decor. The staff is very nice and attentive. They have lots of options on the menu. I got the pressed araby beef sandwich, which was good overall especially with the tahini sauce, but the beef did have a stronger meaty taste and those who prefer strong flavors would likely consider it to be not very flavorful. I loved the presentation of the food and portion sizes. friend got the pizza shawarma fusion, which had a tasty flavor from the cheese although she similarly would've liked a stronger flavor in the beef. Overall would recommend, but probably better suits those who prefer more mild or subtler flavors. read more

Ayat NYC - Araby Beef Shaw - Arabic Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

Street parking, hot inside, outdoor seating Place for friend hang outs Should call ahead to order, food takes 45 mins. Food is great! Huge portion to share! Almost a self serve. read more

Ayat NYC - Maklouba - Arabic Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

Love Middle Eastern food more than anything, however, today I decided to give chicken a rest and order the lamb kabob. Complete gristle. Could not get my teeth through one piece of meat. Ultimately led to spitting each piece into a napkin. Clearly, I tried. It was a $33 dollar meal, for a truly inferior cut of meat. Hope they can turn things around. read more

I was impressed with the authentic Middle Eastern fare. The most tender and juicy chicken kebab I've ever had. Beautiful ambiance and friendly staff. read more

Ayat NYC - Arabic Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

Really good food that has options for both meat eaters and vegetarians. Do check your order before you leave we, ordered the spinach filled pie but it was meat. We liked it but it was for our vegans in the family. The stuffed squash, kibbeh, za'atar manaqish and cheese manaqish, muhammarh, ikras bi lahma, cucumber salad, chicken kabobs, mixed shawarma and falafel plates. Service was good, food was ready when we arrived and we'd definitely order again. Prices were fair and the portions were generous! read more

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Beautiful little Palestinian spot in the heart of Bay Ridge. We were seated under an olive tree, eating the most pillowy soft pita! Mezze platter was perfect. Saw big hype about the cheesy Pizzawarma on TikTok (maybe Bushwick location) but it fell a little short for me. Still a great meal. Service was sparse but great for a leisurely dinner. read more

Ayat NYC - Mezze platter, cheese cigars, stuffed squash - Arabic Near Me - Brooklyn, New York