clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Where To Find NYC’s Top Middle Eastern Food

Memorable mezze, unparalleled falafel, and much more

View as Map

There’s no shortage of delectable Middle Eastern and Mediterranean meals to be had in NYC, for the most part scattered around the city rather than clustered into cultural enclaves. Whether it’s a big, boisterous group dinner where shareable plates reign supreme or a quick but truly satisfying take-out scenario, there’s an impressive roster of top notch destinations for exceptional food from Lebanon, Persia, Turkey, Israel, Morocco, Tunisia, and more.

Some spots stick to faithfully concocted, authentic recipes passed down generations, while others explore multiple geographic areas’ cuisines on one menu — or even take a fusion approach, nodding at different culinary traditions in a single dish. Find reliable standbys like hummus and falafel executed in slightly different, nuanced ways at a number of the places outlined ahead, as well as harder-to-find dishes that are worth seeking out. Ahead, 19 great places in NYC to eat the best pita, kebabs, spreads, and much more.

Note: This map is arranged geographically, south through Manhattan and north through Brooklyn and Queens.

Read More
Eater maps are curated by editors and aim to reflect a diversity of neighborhoods, cuisines, and prices. Learn more about our editorial process. If you buy something or book a reservation from an Eater link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics policy.

Ravagh Persian Grill

Copy Link

This Iranian-run Persian chainlet has five locations throughout the New York metropolitan area, three of which are in the NYC proper, all on the east side. Feast on delicious skewers of meat here: The barg kababs, featuring chunks of beef tenderloin, and jujeh kebabs, comprised of cornish hen marinated in lemon and saffron, come highly recommended. Nicely charred tomato and onion accompany the protein-rich entrees, and a range of soups, dips, stews, and noteworthy desserts are on offer as well. Further south, the original digs are in the Nomad area, while another outpost is in the East Village.

Ravagh Persian Grill via Facebook

Gazala's Place

Copy Link

Head here for a top-notch Druze menu — owner and chef Gazala Halabi is a member of the ancient Middle Eastern religious and cultural group that traces back to Roman times. Uniquely massive and incredibly thin pitas, cooked on top of a domed griddle, are a point of distinction for the cuisine. Juicy, herb-flecked ground beef and lamb sausage orbs served on fresh tomato sauce and sprinkled with pine nuts, called kafta, are a highlight, as are the borekas and various hummus iterations. Bonus: The place is BYOB.

Gazala’s Place Gazala’s Place via Yelp

Sip Sak

Copy Link

This Turkish spot in Turtle Bay turns out delicious cacik, a garlicky yogurt sauce akin to tzatziki, and a worthwhile fried eggplant cubes dish. Entrees include kebabs, richly flavorful casserole-like dishes, and rice pilaf. Other highlights include hot yogurt soup and the thick yet airy bread for slathering with everything.

Bigger and glitzier than most of this city’s excellent Middle Eastern establishments, Ilili serves memorable Lebanese dishes that more or less justify the steep prices. The Brussels sprouts with grapes, fig jam, walnuts, and mint yogurt, as well as the mekanek-spiced lamb sausages, are a must. The stellar ultra-smooth steak tartare, called kibbeh naye eeirutieh, should be ordered with the additional crudites of onions, jalapeño, and mint for an extra buck. Don’t miss the addictive Phoenician fries, blanketed with sumac and parsley and ready to dip in a potent garlic whip served on the side. A handful of dishes, like a kafta-filled Beiruti Taco, labne with crudite, and mini falafel, are available for relatively cheaper alongside a marked-down cocktail list during happy hour Monday through Friday.

Opened in 2017 by Moroccan-Israeli chef Meir Adoni and business partner Gadi Peleg, an owner of Breads Bakery, this clean-lined Gramercy restaurant serves up a modern mishmash of Middle Eastern dishes. Offerings include giant ovaline Jerusalem bagels with za’atar spices and lima bean messbaha, a Tunisian-inflected sandwich containing veal brain, and beef tartare with smoked eggplant cream, sheep’s yogurt, raw tahini, and baby artichokes. Peruse the Israel-heavy wine list, with unique offerings from the West Bank and beyond.

Taste of Persia

Copy Link

Traditional soups and stews ladled from massive pots into takeout containers can be found at this hidden gem, which started at the Union Square holiday market and is now situated inside a nondescript slice joint called Pizza Paradise. Taste Of Persia’s owner Saeed Pourkay updates daily specials on the operation’s Facebook page. Options can include abgoosht, a lamb soup; gheimeh bademjan, an eggplant stew; and ghormeh sabzi, a mix of dark greens, kidney beans, and pieces of beef.

Taste of Persia Taste of Persia via Facebook

Bar Bolonat

Copy Link

This West Village restaurant from chef Einat Admony, the force behind Taïm as well as Nolita’s Balaboosta, offers brightly spiced, elegantly-plated riffs on Israeli cuisine. In lieu of the falafels that have made Taïm such a hit, Bar Bolonat serves an eclectic range of more traditional dishes, like airy, sesame seed-blanketed Jerusalem bagels, fatush salad, and kibbeh, as well as less-expected offerings like fluke ceviche, Japanese eggplant, and shrimp in Yemenite curry.

Au Za'atar

Copy Link

Opt for a full mezze spread to start off at this cozy Arabian-French bistro in the East Village, where chef Tarik Fallous and his mother Salwa Fallous have served up a mostly Lebanese menu since 2014. The wide slew of vegetarian mezze dishes can be cobbled together to create a satisfying meal; highlights include the mujadara (rice with lentils and caramelized onions) and both fried cauliflower apps — the arnabeet mekle marinated florets, as well as the arnabeet bi tarator, served with a parsley tahini sauce and toasted pine nuts. There’s also a range of kebabs and grilled meat entrees. For a truly carnivorous feast, the restaurant recently started offering tableside shawarma. Ample sidewalk seating makes for great people watching on nice nights.

Cafe Mogador

Copy Link

The venerable Moroccan spot has been around since 1983 and is particularly hopping at brunch, slinging mezze small plates, substantially sized salads, and interesting twists on traditional a.m. offerings, like eggs with halloumi cheese. Its stellar tagines are a hit at all hours of the day. The Saint Marks Place stalwart has a sizeable outdoor patio for enjoying in warmer weather, and there’s also an equally popular Williamsburg outpost that opened six years ago.

Mamoun's

Copy Link

The iconic NYC spot dates back to 1971, when the first location opened up on MacDougal Street and helped introduce the falafel to the city as a a filling, cheap, and vegetarian option. These days, a sandwich runs $4, and can be procured really late at night. There’s also grilled chicken and lamb served three ways: as a kafta patty, in seasoned shish kebab chunks, and thinly-sliced as shawarma.

mamouns falafel Mamoun’s via Facebook

This Eastern Mediterranean spot, which occupies the former Hundred Acres space, comes courtesy of downtown duo Vicki Freeman and Marc Meyer, the team behind Vic’s, Rosie’s, and Cookshop. Indonesian-Italian chef Ayesha Nurdjaja is helming the kitchen, turning out an amalgam of Tunisian, Moroccan, and Italian influences. Dishes include whipped feta with pistachio, fried artichokes, cod shakshuka, and brunch options like chocolate babka french toast and and lentils with poached eggs.

Chef Einat Admony’s exceptional vegetarian fast-casual Israeli outfit, named after the Hebrew word for tasty and delicious, has topnotch falafels. Crunchy and greaseless, they’re available in a traditional green-hued parsley, cilantro, and mint version, a mildly spicy Tunisian-inflected option packed with harissa, and a kalamata olive iteration. Other highlights include salads that can be topped with falafel, plus expertly-seasoned mezzes like Moroccan carrots or marinated beets. Freshly made smoothies are on the menu, too. There’s also a West Village outpost on Waverly Place and a food truck that makes the rounds in warmer weather.

Falafel platter with hummus, Israeli salad, tabbouleh, and pita Photo: Taim

Le Sajj

Copy Link

For over a decade, this Middle Eastern restaurant in Bay Ridge has been dishing out a solid, primarily Lebanese menu. Highlights include the homoos Beiruti, mixed with minced vegetables and pickles; shish barak, comprised of small lamb-filled dumplings similar to Turkish manti; the pumpkin kibbe; and a raw beef dish called habrah nayeh. There’s also a selection of kebabs on offer, and the Sajj combination deluxe eliminates the decision-making process entirely.

Tripoli Restaurant

Copy Link

An Atlantic Avenue stalwart that relocated a few times since opening in the early 1970s, Tripoli is currently located in a quirky but cozy subterranean space that was once the restaurant’s party room, which explains the dramatic lighting and banquet hall vibe. Specialties include kibbee nayeh, a raw ground lamb dish, and ajhi b’ziat, an herbed Lebanese omelet, with or without ground lamb, and a range of stewed dishes, many featuring okra or eggplant.

Tripoli Restaurant Tripoli Restaurant via Facebook

Yemen Café

Copy Link

This well-liked Yemeni place has been around since 1986. Opt for sauteed bean-based apps like fassoulia and foul, and a delicious mound of minced chicken with onions, tomatoes, and ample spicing on a bed of hummus. Entree standouts include saltah, a hearty root vegetable stew topped with whipped fenugreek, and slow-roasted lamb haneeth. Disks of fluffy bread, fresh from the clay oven, are frequently replenished. Entrees come with gratis lamb soup, called marag, a tangy cup of broth further enhanced by a squeeze of the accompanying lemon wedge, as well as complimentary salad and sweet, spice-spiked hot tea served throughout the meal. Another outpost is located in Bay Ridge.

Damascus Bread & Pastry Shop

Copy Link

Perfect for easily sourcing a lazy dinner’s worth of spreads, salads, and breads or an enticing on-the-go alternative to a slice, Damascus is always bustling, for good reason. Triangular pies with fillings like lemony spinach or pulled chicken akin to Mexican chicken tinga are deeply satisfying, as are the samboosak, deep-fried phyllo dough cones containing tangy cheese or ground beef with pine nuts. Choose from variety of honey- and nut-saturated Syrian desserts. It’s worth perusing a wide range of spreads and salads, like babaganoush, toum, a pungent garlic whip, and beet salad.

Damascus Bread & Pastry Shop Damascus Break & Pastry Shop via Yelp

La Goulette

Copy Link

This Tunisian place, opened four years ago by brothers Anis and Karim Khemiri, features a wide selection of Middle Eastern-leaning spreads and dips as well as North African salads. Proteins come in the form of familiar kebabs, shawarma, and kefta, as well as a Tunisian favorite, merguez sausage, that’s made in-house. The airy, herbaceous falafels are worth ordering, too.

Wafa's Express

Copy Link

Find an excellent Lebanese menu at this East Williamsburg restaurant which debuted a little over a year ago, filled with chef Wafa Chami’s fifth-generation family recipes. Here, takeout is the focus, though there are a few tables for dishes that include an Arab iteration of moussaka, flavorful chicken and lamb shawarma, and sandwiches on ultra-thin pita that are made punchy with pink pickled turnips.

Kabab Cafe

Copy Link

Located in Astoria’s Little Egypt stretch, chef Ali El Sayed dishes up Egyptian fare in eccentric, pint-sized digs. Since 1989, he’s been serving delicious stews, baked dishes, and excellent meze on the frequently-changing menu. Also on offer: more unusual offal choices, like sweetbreads and lamb testicles.

Kabab Cafe Kabab Cafe via Yelp

Loading comments...

Ravagh Persian Grill

This Iranian-run Persian chainlet has five locations throughout the New York metropolitan area, three of which are in the NYC proper, all on the east side. Feast on delicious skewers of meat here: The barg kababs, featuring chunks of beef tenderloin, and jujeh kebabs, comprised of cornish hen marinated in lemon and saffron, come highly recommended. Nicely charred tomato and onion accompany the protein-rich entrees, and a range of soups, dips, stews, and noteworthy desserts are on offer as well. Further south, the original digs are in the Nomad area, while another outpost is in the East Village.

Ravagh Persian Grill via Facebook

Gazala's Place

Head here for a top-notch Druze menu — owner and chef Gazala Halabi is a member of the ancient Middle Eastern religious and cultural group that traces back to Roman times. Uniquely massive and incredibly thin pitas, cooked on top of a domed griddle, are a point of distinction for the cuisine. Juicy, herb-flecked ground beef and lamb sausage orbs served on fresh tomato sauce and sprinkled with pine nuts, called kafta, are a highlight, as are the borekas and various hummus iterations. Bonus: The place is BYOB.

Gazala’s Place Gazala’s Place via Yelp

Sip Sak

This Turkish spot in Turtle Bay turns out delicious cacik, a garlicky yogurt sauce akin to tzatziki, and a worthwhile fried eggplant cubes dish. Entrees include kebabs, richly flavorful casserole-like dishes, and rice pilaf. Other highlights include hot yogurt soup and the thick yet airy bread for slathering with everything.

ILILI

Bigger and glitzier than most of this city’s excellent Middle Eastern establishments, Ilili serves memorable Lebanese dishes that more or less justify the steep prices. The Brussels sprouts with grapes, fig jam, walnuts, and mint yogurt, as well as the mekanek-spiced lamb sausages, are a must. The stellar ultra-smooth steak tartare, called kibbeh naye eeirutieh, should be ordered with the additional crudites of onions, jalapeño, and mint for an extra buck. Don’t miss the addictive Phoenician fries, blanketed with sumac and parsley and ready to dip in a potent garlic whip served on the side. A handful of dishes, like a kafta-filled Beiruti Taco, labne with crudite, and mini falafel, are available for relatively cheaper alongside a marked-down cocktail list during happy hour Monday through Friday.

Nur

Opened in 2017 by Moroccan-Israeli chef Meir Adoni and business partner Gadi Peleg, an owner of Breads Bakery, this clean-lined Gramercy restaurant serves up a modern mishmash of Middle Eastern dishes. Offerings include giant ovaline Jerusalem bagels with za’atar spices and lima bean messbaha, a Tunisian-inflected sandwich containing veal brain, and beef tartare with smoked eggplant cream, sheep’s yogurt, raw tahini, and baby artichokes. Peruse the Israel-heavy wine list, with unique offerings from the West Bank and beyond.

Taste of Persia

Traditional soups and stews ladled from massive pots into takeout containers can be found at this hidden gem, which started at the Union Square holiday market and is now situated inside a nondescript slice joint called Pizza Paradise. Taste Of Persia’s owner Saeed Pourkay updates daily specials on the operation’s Facebook page. Options can include abgoosht, a lamb soup; gheimeh bademjan, an eggplant stew; and ghormeh sabzi, a mix of dark greens, kidney beans, and pieces of beef.

Taste of Persia Taste of Persia via Facebook

Bar Bolonat

This West Village restaurant from chef Einat Admony, the force behind Taïm as well as Nolita’s Balaboosta, offers brightly spiced, elegantly-plated riffs on Israeli cuisine. In lieu of the falafels that have made Taïm such a hit, Bar Bolonat serves an eclectic range of more traditional dishes, like airy, sesame seed-blanketed Jerusalem bagels, fatush salad, and kibbeh, as well as less-expected offerings like fluke ceviche, Japanese eggplant, and shrimp in Yemenite curry.

Au Za'atar

Opt for a full mezze spread to start off at this cozy Arabian-French bistro in the East Village, where chef Tarik Fallous and his mother Salwa Fallous have served up a mostly Lebanese menu since 2014. The wide slew of vegetarian mezze dishes can be cobbled together to create a satisfying meal; highlights include the mujadara (rice with lentils and caramelized onions) and both fried cauliflower apps — the arnabeet mekle marinated florets, as well as the arnabeet bi tarator, served with a parsley tahini sauce and toasted pine nuts. There’s also a range of kebabs and grilled meat entrees. For a truly carnivorous feast, the restaurant recently started offering tableside shawarma. Ample sidewalk seating makes for great people watching on nice nights.

Cafe Mogador

The venerable Moroccan spot has been around since 1983 and is particularly hopping at brunch, slinging mezze small plates, substantially sized salads, and interesting twists on traditional a.m. offerings, like eggs with halloumi cheese. Its stellar tagines are a hit at all hours of the day. The Saint Marks Place stalwart has a sizeable outdoor patio for enjoying in warmer weather, and there’s also an equally popular Williamsburg outpost that opened six years ago.

Mamoun's

The iconic NYC spot dates back to 1971, when the first location opened up on MacDougal Street and helped introduce the falafel to the city as a a filling, cheap, and vegetarian option. These days, a sandwich runs $4, and can be procured really late at night. There’s also grilled chicken and lamb served three ways: as a kafta patty, in seasoned shish kebab chunks, and thinly-sliced as shawarma.

mamouns falafel Mamoun’s via Facebook

Shuka

This Eastern Mediterranean spot, which occupies the former Hundred Acres space, comes courtesy of downtown duo Vicki Freeman and Marc Meyer, the team behind Vic’s, Rosie’s, and Cookshop. Indonesian-Italian chef Ayesha Nurdjaja is helming the kitchen, turning out an amalgam of Tunisian, Moroccan, and Italian influences. Dishes include whipped feta with pistachio, fried artichokes, cod shakshuka, and brunch options like chocolate babka french toast and and lentils with poached eggs.

Taïm

Chef Einat Admony’s exceptional vegetarian fast-casual Israeli outfit, named after the Hebrew word for tasty and delicious, has topnotch falafels. Crunchy and greaseless, they’re available in a traditional green-hued parsley, cilantro, and mint version, a mildly spicy Tunisian-inflected option packed with harissa, and a kalamata olive iteration. Other highlights include salads that can be topped with falafel, plus expertly-seasoned mezzes like Moroccan carrots or marinated beets. Freshly made smoothies are on the menu, too. There’s also a West Village outpost on Waverly Place and a food truck that makes the rounds in warmer weather.

Falafel platter with hummus, Israeli salad, tabbouleh, and pita Photo: Taim

Le Sajj

For over a decade, this Middle Eastern restaurant in Bay Ridge has been dishing out a solid, primarily Lebanese menu. Highlights include the homoos Beiruti, mixed with minced vegetables and pickles; shish barak, comprised of small lamb-filled dumplings similar to Turkish manti; the pumpkin kibbe; and a raw beef dish called habrah nayeh. There’s also a selection of kebabs on offer, and the Sajj combination deluxe eliminates the decision-making process entirely.

Tripoli Restaurant

An Atlantic Avenue stalwart that relocated a few times since opening in the early 1970s, Tripoli is currently located in a quirky but cozy subterranean space that was once the restaurant’s party room, which explains the dramatic lighting and banquet hall vibe. Specialties include kibbee nayeh, a raw ground lamb dish, and ajhi b’ziat, an herbed Lebanese omelet, with or without ground lamb, and a range of stewed dishes, many featuring okra or eggplant.

Tripoli Restaurant Tripoli Restaurant via Facebook

Yemen Café

This well-liked Yemeni place has been around since 1986. Opt for sauteed bean-based apps like fassoulia and foul, and a delicious mound of minced chicken with onions, tomatoes, and ample spicing on a bed of hummus. Entree standouts include saltah, a hearty root vegetable stew topped with whipped fenugreek, and slow-roasted lamb haneeth. Disks of fluffy bread, fresh from the clay oven, are frequently replenished. Entrees come with gratis lamb soup, called marag, a tangy cup of broth further enhanced by a squeeze of the accompanying lemon wedge, as well as complimentary salad and sweet, spice-spiked hot tea served throughout the meal. Another outpost is located in Bay Ridge.

Related Maps

Damascus Bread & Pastry Shop

Perfect for easily sourcing a lazy dinner’s worth of spreads, salads, and breads or an enticing on-the-go alternative to a slice, Damascus is always bustling, for good reason. Triangular pies with fillings like lemony spinach or pulled chicken akin to Mexican chicken tinga are deeply satisfying, as are the samboosak, deep-fried phyllo dough cones containing tangy cheese or ground beef with pine nuts. Choose from variety of honey- and nut-saturated Syrian desserts. It’s worth perusing a wide range of spreads and salads, like babaganoush, toum, a pungent garlic whip, and beet salad.

Damascus Bread & Pastry Shop Damascus Break & Pastry Shop via Yelp

La Goulette

This Tunisian place, opened four years ago by brothers Anis and Karim Khemiri, features a wide selection of Middle Eastern-leaning spreads and dips as well as North African salads. Proteins come in the form of familiar kebabs, shawarma, and kefta, as well as a Tunisian favorite, merguez sausage, that’s made in-house. The airy, herbaceous falafels are worth ordering, too.

Wafa's Express

Find an excellent Lebanese menu at this East Williamsburg restaurant which debuted a little over a year ago, filled with chef Wafa Chami’s fifth-generation family recipes. Here, takeout is the focus, though there are a few tables for dishes that include an Arab iteration of moussaka, flavorful chicken and lamb shawarma, and sandwiches on ultra-thin pita that are made punchy with pink pickled turnips.

Kabab Cafe

Located in Astoria’s Little Egypt stretch, chef Ali El Sayed dishes up Egyptian fare in eccentric, pint-sized digs. Since 1989, he’s been serving delicious stews, baked dishes, and excellent meze on the frequently-changing menu. Also on offer: more unusual offal choices, like sweetbreads and lamb testicles.

Kabab Cafe Kabab Cafe via Yelp

Related Maps