"This mezze-filled window inside Montana Badlands is a good bet for those who want a mellow pit stop after visiting a packed tourist trap. The beef-stuffed hawawshi drizzled with Egyptian chili oil has a satisfying crunch, pieces of deep-fried halloumi are as light as marshmallows, and everything involving eggplant is a winner." - aimee rizzo, kayla sager riley, gabe guarente
The Best New Restaurants in the Seattle Area, March 2025
"Back in September, chef Taylor Cheney of Yalla opened her new Arab cuisine window seemingly overnight, then dropped the news on Seattle once it was all set up. Inside Montana Badlands on Lower Queen Anne, Hayati has a larger kitchen than Yalla does, allowing Cheney and her team to expand on their saj-based menu on the Hill. Hayati is doing mostly mezze, like raheb (charred eggplant dip with herbs and pomegranate pips) and ujjit zahara (dill-and-chili–battered fried cauliflower with garlicky toum and fermented chili paste), and even luscious desserts like Palestinian kunafa. Hayati means “my life” in Arabic, used as a pet name, and accordingly, these dishes are designed for sharing with all your besties." - Harry Cheadle
Hayati - Review - Queen Anne - Seattle - The Infatuation
"This mezze-filled window inside dive bar Montana Badlands is a good bet for Kraken fans or concert-goers before heading to Climate Pledge Arena. The beef-stuffed hawawshi drizzled with Egyptian chili oil has a satisfying crunch, pieces of deep-fried halloumi are somehow as light as marshmallows, and everything involving eggplant is a winner. The only bummer is that each $3 pita slice is not nearly enough to soak up all the tasty side sauces available (nor is the pita extraordinary on its own). But you can always skip that next shot of Jameson and pay for a dipping frenzy instead." - Gabe Guarente
Seattle's 11 Most Exciting Fall Restaurant Openings
"Opening: September 18
A second Montana location takes over the former La Dive space on Queen Anne. You can expect picklebacks, whiskey sours on tap, and all the usual drinks Montana is known for. The menu has Middle Eastern dishes like fava bean falafel, herby Lebanese fried potatoes, and manoushe with rotating toppings. " - kayla sager riley
"Hayati (“my life” in Arabic, used as a pet name) operates out of a window inside Montana Badlands in Lower Queen Anne. This quick-serve spot, from the owner of Yalla on Capitol Hill, serves Arab cuisine until midnight daily. With a much larger kitchen, chef Taylor Cheney has the elbow room here to expand on her Levantine repertoire with truly gorgeous mezze, such as batata harra (spicy Lebanese-style fried potatoes with garlicky toum for dipping) and batersh (charred eggplant dip topped with ground lamb, fried pine nuts, and pomegranate pips). Desserts like mint lemonade sorbet and Palestinian kunafa (shredded phyllo with nabulsi cheese, pistachios, and orange blossom syrup) are super shareable." - Eater Staff
So the first time I got food here I was blown away. My favorite dish was the Hawashi, and I was so disappointed when I got it again a couple days later. Instead of being perfectly cooked it was straight up burnt, changing the dish entirely and making it much less enjoyable. I included photos, it’s obvious just by looking at it how burnt it was. They’re pricey for two people as well.
guadalupe R.
Google
I hope this pairing and partnership never dies. The patatas harra and hawashi were 10/10. The patatas are the most perfectly cooked/ fried potatoes accompanied with incredible whipped garlic. The hawashi is perfectly cooked beef in pita with a tangy fermented tasting chili oil. We mixed the whipped and the chili to make a secret sauce and it SLAPS. We washed our mezzes down with Rachel’s ginger beer Moscow mules as one should. Highly recommend to come for the food and stay for a chill laid back ambience and solid drinks. Picture is proof we ate the delicious food so fast.
Caitlin M.
Google
The food here is AMAZING!!! The service was fast and everything I ate was so delicious! I had the hummus it’s the best you will have, the lamb meatballs are off the hook! Egyptian chili oil is so tasty, if you like spicy, GET IT! I’ve been here multiple times and every time I get something different. Every time I’ve been impressed. I’m a chef and this is where I come on my days off.
Jess M.
Google
Coming from the owners of Yalla, I knew this place was going to be good, but I underestimated how good! Hands down the best fried potatoes and homemade pita I’ve ever had. Both the hot and cold mezze were delicious, and the sauce sides were incredible. I’m already creating excuses to make my way back over to Queen Anne just to come here.
Kiersten B.
Google
I went here for dessert and drinks and it did not disappoint!!! I had the Palestinian Kunafa and it was delicious. It was a perfect blend of savory and sweet. We got to talking to one of the guys that works there and learned they are often donating to a cause! Super chill place!
Grandview S.
Google
The food here is just so amazing. The raheb is the best I've ever had. There is not one single item on this menu that won't blow your mind. If kunafa is available on the specials board, you absolutely must try it! It's sooooooo good!
Mo Y
Google
Delicious food and great service. The freshly baked pita bread is amazing. The Halloumi cheese plate is so delicious.
Amrood
Google
Amazing falafel and dessert. 🙏❤️
Scott M.
Yelp
This is the best food in Seattle! Just incredible! Badlands bar is also very fun, and the atmosphere is awesome.
Caroline C.
Yelp
The food was excellent! We had the falafel plate and the fattoush salad with chicken. So so good. Will absolutely be back!
Diana C.
Yelp
The food was pretty good. The only downside is that we order from the bar next door and they took a really long time to get it to us because they lost our order. I wish there would have been more pita too. Can't speak to ambiance but I love that you can cross order.
Mo Y.
Yelp
Delicious food and friendly service. Nice place too and I can see how clean the place is. The potato dish and the fresh baked pita bread are the best. I only wish they have beef or lamb shawarma wraps.
Caitlin M.
Yelp
The food here is AMAZING!!! The service was fast and everything I ate was so delicious! I had the hummus it's the best you will have, the lamb meatballs are off the hook! Egyptian chili oil is so tasty, if you like spicy, GET IT! I've been here multiple times and every time I get something different. Every time I've been impressed. I'm a chef and this is where I come on my days off.
Kaitlin B.
Yelp
So the first time I got food here I was blown away. My favorite dish was the Hawashi, and I was so disappointed when I got it again a couple days later. Instead of being perfectly cooked it was straight up burnt, changing the dish entirely and making it much less enjoyable. I included photos, it's obvious just by looking at it how burnt it was. They're pricey for two people so I really expected better.
Vaishali B.
Yelp
I really wanted to like this place but ended up quite disappointed in the food overall. The hummus was served fridge-cold but it somewhat tasty. The falafel was freshly fried but the interior was kind of raw. The pickled vegetables that came with the falafel were not pickled enough and tasted very raw again. I liked the batata hara, the pita and the tahini dip. Service was friendly. Ambiance - lighting is too dim and I couldn't see the food. Music was a bit too loud for my taste.