Ayat Bay Ridge

NYC Restaurant Ayat Serves Great Palestinian Food in Brooklyn | Eater NY

"As the culinary heartbeat of New York City’s Palestinian community, this Bay Ridge original founded by co-owners Abdul Elenani and Ayat Masoud in 2020 still feels like the brand’s soul. The team shows care from the start: I’m greeted with olives in olive oil, za’atar, and pita—dip the bread into the oil, then the spices—and the dining room’s huge fake tree lends an alfresco vibe. The menu includes some Arabic translation, overflows with halal dishes, and offers no alcohol; portions are huge, so come with a big group or plan to bring home leftovers in a proudly Palestinian takeout bag. For food, the hummus is absolutely silky (mix in the pool of olive oil), the muhammara is nutty and zesty with hints of spice and a touch of sweetness from pomegranate molasses, and the chicken shawarma platter is the move: a huge plate of big chunks of tender, juicy shredded chicken drizzled with white sauce over turmeric rice with an oil-drenched salad—use the dips to make little filled pita bites. For dessert, get the knafeh—truly, cheese-based desserts are too good. Take note: the Bay Ridge restaurant moved across the street from its original address in 2024, so don’t make the same mistake I did and try to sit down at the now takeout-only space. Insider tip: If you pay with cash, there’s a three percent discount." - Nadia Chaudhury