Al-Aqsa Bakery & Restaurant

"At lower prices and with a lunch counter atmosphere, Al Aqsa specializes in pita or laffa sandwiches, tucked or rolled, respectively, and filled with chicken shawarma, falafel, or lamb shish kebab, slathered with a strong toum, a garlicky white sauce. Kofta, bread dips, pies in several variations, and even schnitzels round out the menu." - Robert Sietsema

"This counter-service spot has everything from foul mudammas and kebab platters, to manakish covered in za’atar, and our go-to: Palestinian-style shawarma. You can get the shawarma inside a fluffy pita, but we prefer the laffa wrap, with juicy, tender meat and crunchy pickles neatly packed inside. There are only a couple of cramped tables, which are usually occupied, but the wrap is easy to eat on the go if you feel like window shopping for gold jewelry and Islamic fashion along 5th Ave. " - neha talreja

"This counter-service spot in Bay Ridge has everything from foul mudammas and manakish covered in za’atar to kabab platters and, our go-to, Palestinian-style shawarma. You can get the shawarma inside a fluffy pita, but we prefer the laffa wrap with juicy, tender meat and crunchy pickles neatly packed inside. There are only a couple cramped tables inside that are usually occupied by regulars, but the wrap is easy to eat on the go if you feel like window shopping for Middle Eastern goods along 5th. The hummus is less portable, but grab some to take home anyway. It comes topped with bright green shatta and olive oil, and it looks like a gorgeous, mossy pond." - neha talreja, hannah albertine, matt tervooren

"This counter-service spot in Bay Ridge has everything from foul mudammas and manakish covered in za’atar to kabab platters and, our go-to, Palestinian-style shawarma. You can get the shawarma inside a fluffy pita, but we prefer the laffa wrap with juicy, tender meat and crunchy pickles neatly packed inside. There are only a couple cramped tables inside that are usually occupied by regulars, but the wrap is easy to eat on the go if you feel like window shopping for Middle Eastern goods along 5th. The hummus is less portable, but grab some to take home anyway. It comes topped with bright green shatta and olive oil, and it looks like a gorgeous, mossy pond." - Neha Talreja

"Twin shawarmas twirl in the window of this casual cafe — named after a mosque in Jerusalem — available freshly carved in a choice of sandwich formats. Some consider it one of the best shawarmas in town — don’t hesitate to go for a combination of the meats currently available, which may be chicken, beef, lamb, or a lamb-beef combination. Kofta kebab platter, fava bean stew, and a range of hand pies that runs to spinach, chicken, or hot dogs, round out the menu, and schnitzels are also available." - Robert Sietsema