Ruzana Middle Eastern Restaurant - Arabic Shawarma & Falafel

"If you’d rather sit down somewhere with your shawarma, head to Ruzana. You’ll also order at a counter here, but they have cushioned seating inside, and a covered outdoor dining structure. Behind the counter, you can see a chef in the corner kneading dough, stuffing grape leaves, and making fresh batches of hummus, whipped to airy perfection. Take a friend so you can also order a mansaf platter with fluffy rice and tangy yogurt-covered lamb, or some freshly fried falafels with still-crispy crusts. " - neha talreja

"At this Palestinian restaurant in Bay Ridge, your shawarma might take longer to come out than you’d expect from a casual counter spot. That’s because Ruzana takes great pains to make food that feels truly handmade. You can see a chef in the corner kneading dough, stuffing grape leaves, and making fresh batches of hummus, whipped to airy perfection. We love to take the juicy chicken shawarma wraps to-go, but if you have time to dig into a mansaf platter, grab a spot on a cushioned bench or in the outdoor dining structure. Enjoy some freshly fried falafels while their crusts are still crisp, too. Palestinian pride is strong here: there are keffiyehs draped over the chairs, and the stone counter extends into a structure that resembles stone homes in the region, with a thatched roof and fake wooden doors. photo credit: Kate Previte Food Rundown photo credit: Kate Previte Chicken Shawarma Sandwich The chicken is juicy, and you can smell the garlic—both in the marinade and in the white sauce—throughout the store. Mansaf Platter The thin, fermented yogurt sauce that clings to the lamb in this dish is incredibly salty and tangy, like goat cheese that’s maximized its potential. The dish is traditionally served on a platter topped with a flatbread, but Ruzana will sometimes skip the flatbread unless you ask for it. (Ask for it.) Falafel Platter Their handmade falafels are light, crispy, and extremely moist on the inside. Get them in a sandwich or on the falafel platter, which comes with creamy hummus, tahini salad, and your choice of fluffy rice or lightly spiced fries." - Neha Talreja