The Best Halal Palestinian Restaurants in NYC & Long Island

4.8

The Olive Bistro Little Falls

4.8

Tanoreen

If someone tells you to drive to Jersey for proper Levantine food, send them to Tanoreen instead. Run by a Palestinian-American mother-daughter duo in Bay Ridge, this laid-back spot serves some of NYC's best Palestinian and Lebanese cooking. Start with the extra-lemony baba ghanoush—tart enough to make you pucker—then zero in on the fetti: short-grain rice, vermicelli, and sumac-spiced lamb crowned with tahini-yogurt sauce, crispy pita chips, and slivered almonds. But save room for knafeh, their signature dessert baked to order for 20 minutes. Gooey nabulsi cheese, crispy kataifi top, pistachios. Everything here begs to be shared, making it perfect for groups or anyone craving food that tastes like home.

4.6

Ayat - BAY RIDGE

Ayat on Third Avenue in Bay Ridge does Palestinian food the right way—no unnecessary flourishes, just solid, flavorful plates that keep people coming back. The musakhan arrives with properly charred chicken, sitting in a pool of sumac and caramelized onions over soft taboon bread. Their maqluba has that theatrical upside-down flip moment, and if you're adventurous, the falafel pizza is a genuinely clever take on tradition. Get the mix shawarma platter if you're indecisive between lamb and chicken, and don't sleep on the fattoush salad with its crispy pita chips. The vibe is casually family-friendly—groups linger, solo diners grab takeout, no one feels weird either way. For these prices and a 4.6 rating, this is your new regular spot. Finish with knafeh.

4.6

al Badawi

If you're after genuinely delicious Palestinian food in Brooklyn Heights, al Badawi is mandatory. The ouzi lamb—crowned with fragrant rice, almonds, peas, and herbs—is the kind of dish that justifies why people get so passionate about Palestinian cuisine. The pistachio flatbreads are dangerously good (in the best way), perfect for snacking while you're deciding what else to tackle. There's also bamia thick with pleasantly bitter okra, plus hummus that actually tastes like something special. Everything here feels intentional, from the jarrah water glasses to the Palestinian-sourced ingredients. It's BYOB (bring wine, obviously), casual enough for big groups, and reasonably priced. This is the kind of spot where you'll actually want to linger.

4.5

King Of Falafel & Shawarma Cart

This Midtown cart has earned its cult status for good reason. The falafel arrives with an impossibly crunchy exterior and that steamy, flavor-packed interior with hints of fennel and anise—you'll understand why people hunt for this cart specifically. But the real move? The Shawfel, a pita absolutely jam-packed with both falafel and juicy shawarma. The chicken comes fresh off the spit, perfectly seasoned with their white sauce (pro tip: get extra) and a hot sauce that adds just the right kick. The staff are genuinely nice, often tossing you a free falafel while you're deciding what to order. Prices are stupid-cheap for Midtown, and the whole operation radiates a cleanliness that sets it apart from other carts in the area. This is your quick lunch move when you actually want something that tastes good.

4.4

Kan Zamaan Restaurant

4.3

King of Falafel & Shawarma

If you're hunting for legitimately good Palestinian food that doesn't waste time, King of Falafel & Shawarma is your spot on Ditmars Boulevard. This place gets it: crispy falafel that's golden and fluffy inside, shawarma that's shaved thin and piled generously into pita with their white garlic sauce—the kind that lingers on your hands in the best way possible. Get the chicken or beef shawarma if you're torn, but honestly, the mixed is where it's at. Chicken over rice is another solid move if you want something more substantial. It's quick service, it's no-frills, and it's the kind of Astoria go-to that pulls a solid 4.3 for a reason. Perfect for a late-night bite or when you need Palestinian food fast without sacrificing flavor.

4.3

Ruzana Middle Eastern Restaurant - Arabic Shawarma & Falafel

If you're hunting for authentic Palestinian food in Bay Ridge, Ruzana is exactly what you're looking for. Their chicken shawarma is the real deal—perfectly spiced meat that hits different when you pile it into warm pita with stellar hummus and baba ghanoush. The falafel is crispy outside, fluffy inside, tasting like someone's grandmother's recipe (the best way possible). Order kibbeh, grape leaves, and their vibrant tabouli—a lemony side dish that elevates everything else on your plate. The vibe is family-friendly and casual, hitting hard for takeout or the outdoor seating when weather allows. It won't break the bank, and the baklava is the perfect sweet ending. This is your go-to Middle Eastern spot in Brooklyn, whether you're grabbing it quick or settling in for a proper meal.