The Best Halal Yemeni Restaurants in NYC & Long Island

4.9

Kemo's Hot Kitchen Bites

If you're hunting for shawarma that actually tastes like it should—fresh, properly spiced, with that perfect char—Kemo's Hot Kitchen Bites in Brooklyn delivers. The chicken shawarma pita arrives loaded with tender meat and crispy vegetables wrapped in pillowy warm pita that doesn't fall apart mid-bite. Their falafel is legitimately some of the best in the city, and the baklava hits that sweet spot between flaky and not-too-heavy. The hummus is creamy without being pretentious, and the lamb shawarma is equally stellar. It's fast casual done right: affordable, clean, friendly staff, huge portions. Perfect for a quick lunch or family dinner. This is the kind of spot where you'll find yourself coming back constantly because everything is just...good.

4.8

Qahwah House - Astoria Queens

If the trendy coffee spots around the city have you burnt out, Qahwah House is your reset button—and it happens to be in Astoria. This is where the Yemeni coffee wave you've been seeing everywhere actually started, and walking in, you'll get why immediately. The air itself hits different—that warm, complex aroma of cardamom, cinnamon, and ginger mixing with fresh-brewed coffee. Order the Sana'ani if you want medium roast simplicity with cardamom, or go Jubani for something more adventurous: light roast with coffee husks, ginger, and cinnamon that tastes like nothing else you've had. The Adeni Chai—spiced Yemeni black tea with cardamom, nutmeg, and milk—is basically liquid comfort. Pair whatever you get with a Khaliat Alnahl pastry, sink into the genuinely cozy booth seating, and realize this is what coffee was always supposed to taste like.

4.7

Qahwah House W Village

Forget your Starbucks order—if you're serious about coffee, Qahwah House in the West Village is where the real stuff happens. The Yemeni Latte hits different, aromatic and spiced in a way that makes you rethink what coffee should taste like. The Adeni Chai brings that perfect cardamom-and-milk warmth, while the Jubani Coffee (featuring actual coffee husks with ginger and cinnamon) is for anyone brave enough to go adventurous. Keep it simple with the Mofawar—medium roast with cardamom and cream—and pair it with one of their pastries like the Sabaya or almond croissant. The space is cozy without being precious, trendy without trying too hard. This place literally started the Yemeni coffee revolution, and they haven't lost the plot yet.

4.7

Qahwah House Clifton

4.7

Moka & Co

You've probably had a thousand coffees that all taste the same. Moka & Co in Astoria isn't one of them. This Yemeni specialty café celebrates actual coffee-culture heritage with hand-crafted drinks that feel transportive—in a good way, not in a pretentious way. The Adeni Chai brings saffron and premium black tea together in a way that'll confuse your palate in the best way. The Pistachio Latte is borderline excessive. Go for the Yemeni Chai if you want cardamom and cloves doing the heavy lifting. Grab a kunafa or baklava, keep it moving. It's family-friendly, efficient, and feels like something real—rare enough in Astoria these days.

4.7

Matari Coffee Co

Matari Coffee Co is a must-visit Yemeni coffee shop in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, serving authentic Middle Eastern beverages and baked goods. You'll find yourself immersed in a casual, cultural coffeehouse where the aroma of cardamom and spices fills the air. Order the Yemeni Adeni Chai—a warming blend that's genuinely on point—or try the Cardamom Coffee and Sana'ani Mix for an authentic taste of Yemeni coffee culture. Pair your drink with their buttery croissants or traditional baklava. The vegetarian-friendly café boasts a 4.7 rating and friendly staff in a clean, welcoming space. It's the perfect spot in Brooklyn when you want to slow down and savor an expertly crafted coffee surrounded by authentic Middle Eastern vibes.

4.7

Qamaria Yemeni Coffee Co.

If you're tired of the same old coffee shop rotation and actually want something that tastes like it came from somewhere—this is it. Qamaria's Midtown spot specializes in single-origin Yemeni coffee beans from the Haraz region, sourced directly from farms and roasted specifically to highlight what makes them special. You can get your coffee prepared the traditional Yemeni way or go the espresso route, but the real draw is the specialty drinks: the Adeni Chai Latte comes crowned with a layer of steamed whole milk, the Mufawaar blends cardamom and evaporated milk into creamy medium roast, and if you're feeling adventurous, try the Qishr—a tangy, fruit-forward coffee husk blend that's perfect for evening. Pair it with a baklava or honeycomb pastry and you've got a legitimate reason to ditch your usual spot. Casual, cultural, and 100% worth the trip up 9th Ave.

4.7

Qahwah House

If you're done with the Starbucks grind, Qahwah House in Williamsburg is where you'll find yourself actually excited about coffee again. This is ground zero of the Yemeni coffee revolution sweeping the city. Order the Sana'ani—a cardamom-forward medium roast that hits different—or get adventurous with the Jubani, a light roast blended with coffee husks and warming spices like ginger and cinnamon. The Qishr is for the real ones, all cascara and spice. The cozy space actually feels designed for humans, not just Instagram clout, and the Yemeni pastries and desserts are legitimately worth lingering over. Whether you're camping out with friends or stealing a quiet morning moment before the day gets loud, this is the real deal. No pretension, just excellent coffee doing what excellent coffee should do.

4.7

Qahwah Valley Cafe

Skip the chain coffee shops. Qahwah Valley Cafe brings the real deal to 1st Ave—premium organic Yemeni coffee sourced directly from Yemen, where coffee's whole global story started. Order the Sana'ani and taste cardamom and history in one cup. The Mofawar is creamy, aromatic perfection, while the Adeni Chai (Yemeni black tea with cardamom and nutmeg) is nothing like the chai you've had before. Their specialty lattes—Valley, Pistachio, Spanish—actually taste like something instead of just hot milk. The vibe is casual, cultural, and unpretentious; it's the kind of coffeehouse where lingering actually feels right. Whether you're grabbing something before work or settling in for an afternoon, you're getting authentic coffee tradition filtered through a Manhattan lens. This is what happens when you stop settling.

4.7

MOKAFÉ

If you're hunting for a coffee spot that actually feels like a travel destination, MOKAFÉ in Astoria is the move. This cozy Yemeni and Middle Eastern cafe serves coffee the way it's supposed to taste—try their Yemeni coffee if you've been settling for basic drip, or go Turkish if you want something with more kick. The pastries here are the real deal: flaky pistachio and Nutella croissants, a knafa brownie that slaps, and baklava that tells you people here actually care. There's hummus toast and avocado toast to keep things balanced, and everything moves fast. The vibe is traditional Middle Eastern charm meeting contemporary cafe coziness, which means you can duck in for quick coffee or settle in for hours. This is what it looks like when someone brings Yemen's coffee legacy straight to Queens.

4.7

Yemen Cafe & Restaurant

Yemen Cafe on Staten Island's Hylan Boulevard is your halal destination if you want the real thing. This casual, family-friendly spot does the work that other places skip—we're talking lamb haneeth that's slow-roasted for hours in a sealed vessel, emerging fall-off-the-bone tender and swimming in its own spiced broth. Start with the hummus brushed with paprika and lamb, hit the silky baba ghanoush, then watch those hubcap-sized Yemeni flatbreads arrive exactly when you need them. The charcoal-grilled chicken and lamb kabsa are solid, the maraq is pure lamb essence in a cup, and somehow it all costs almost nothing. It's the kind of no-frills neighborhood spot where families linger over platters and servers move with purpose. Go hungry, leave satisfied, come back soon.

4.6

Yemenat

If you're looking for proper Yemeni food in Brooklyn, Yemenat is exactly what you need—but show up without a reservation and you're leaving disappointed. The lamb haneeth alone is worth the advance booking; it's slow-cooked until it's basically butter. Then there's the Kebdah—tender shredded lamb liver over hummus that'll make you forget every other liver dish you've had. The charbroiled chicken tastes like actual chicken, the rashoosh bread is dangerously good, and portions are built for sharing. The owner genuinely works the room, the energy is chaotic and warm, and you'll leave thinking about it for days. This is family dinner, elevated. Come hungry.

4.6

Arth Aljanatain

If you're looking for Yemeni food that's worlds away from the typical Middle Eastern strip, Arth Aljanatain in the Bronx delivers the real deal. The Lamb Haneeth here hits different—tender meat slow-cooked until it practically falls apart, served over fragrant basmati rice that's soaked up all those smoky, spiced drippings. The Zorbian's a more complex cousin, layering yogurt-marinated meat with caramelized onions and warming spices that feel both familiar and distinctly Yemeni. The Fahsa stew and Kabseh chicken round out a menu that's comforting without being fussy. It's cozy and family-friendly, the kind of place where halal means something, and stopping in for a quick bite often turns into lingering longer than you planned. At 4.6 stars, locals know this spot's the real thing.

4.6

Al Sultan Mediterranean Cuisine

If you're making the pilgrimage to Lackawanna and craving some serious Middle Eastern comfort food, Al Sultan is your answer. This family-owned spot serves up authentic Yemeni and Lebanese dishes that taste like they came straight from someone's grandmother's kitchen—in the best way possible. The lamb haneeth, slow-cooked until it practically falls apart, paired with fluffy basmati rice, is worth the drive alone. You'll also find stellar shish kabob, crispy fattoush salads, and those stuffed grape leaves that make you question why you don't eat them more often. The vibe is warm and unpretentious, with friendly staff who actually want to help you navigate the menu. Plus, it's cheap. Really cheap. Grab a spot at outdoor seating or take it home—either way, you're in for some legit food.

4.6

Yemen Café & Restaurant

Yemen Café has been the Downtown Brooklyn spot for legitimately great Yemeni food for decades—the kind of place where your bill won't make you reconsider your life choices. The Lamb Haneeth shows up slow-cooked and practically falling apart on the plate, hitting that sweet spot between comfort and actually interesting. The Saltah (their national dish, a spicy lamb stew with genuine layers) gets better with each spoonful. Go for the charcoal-grilled chicken if you want that crust that actually cracks when you bite into it. The room is chaos in the best way—family-friendly, group-friendly, communal—just people eating the same few perfect dishes over and over again. Affordable, generous, and there's nothing precious about any of it. This is just food that works.

4.5

Zatar Cafe & Bistro

Zatar Cafe & Bistro in Williamsburg is exactly the kind of spot where you'll order one thing and immediately regret not ordering two. The chicken shawarma? Oversized in the best way. The Yemeni kabobs are tender enough that you'll forget you're eating meat at a casual halal spot on Myrtle Avenue. Falafel done right—crispy shell, fluffy inside—which is harder than it sounds. The vibe is refreshingly unpretentious: family-friendly, fast-casual, and staffed by people who actually seem to enjoy what they do. Everything arrives fresh and won't drain your account. Whether you're grabbing breakfast, lunch, or casual dinner, this is the kind of neighborhood place that makes you wonder why you don't go more often.

4.5

Yemen Café & Restaurant

If you haven't sat down at a wobbly table under fluorescent lights at Yemen Café and absolutely demolished a five-hour slow-cooked lamb haneeth, you're missing out on one of Brooklyn's best-kept secrets. This place has been feeding the neighborhood since the '80s, and it hasn't changed—which is exactly why we love it. Every meal arrives with complimentary flatbread, herb salad, and marag, a lamb broth that'll make your entire dining room smell incredible. The lamb itself is so tender a fork cuts through like butter, with warming spices and the faintest hint of rose. The vibe is pure old-school diner: fluorescent lights, a fish tank in the corner, scenic paintings, and tables full of families lingering over small cups of tea. Lunch specials start at $15.95. This is community food, the kind that sticks around for a reason.

4.5

Almandi Restaurant

If you're hunting for legitimately exceptional Yemeni halal, Almandi in Buffalo is the spot where you'll want to become a regular. This cozy gem specializes in meat-forward dishes that justify dedicating an entire refrigerator to—think impossibly tender lamb haneeth, kibda (lamb liver) that allegedly beats out both Palestinian and Egyptian versions, and a spiced maraq broth that'll make you forget hot chocolate exists. You can watch your food get prepared in the open kitchen, where everyone clearly cares about what hits your plate. There's a separate family section for peace and quiet, plus an adjacent juice kiosk slinging creative smoothies (the araisi loaded with mango yogurt is a game-changer). Prices are dirt cheap. Open your eyes and get here.

4.5

Zatar Cafe & Bistro

Tucked into South Slope, Zatar Cafe & Bistro is where you go when you want authentic Middle Eastern and Yemeni food without the pretension or price tag. The chicken shawarma arrives overstuffed and absolutely worth every bite—each one blending smoky spice with impossibly tender meat. The lamb chops are genuinely superb, and if you've never had falafel that's crispy outside and creamily soft inside, their version will ruin you for every other spot in the city. The interior's draped in ornate Middle Eastern art and furnishings that feel warm rather than touristy. Staff knows their stuff, fresh food made from scratch, and you can bring your own wine. Come for breakfast, stay for dinner.

4.4

Dar Al Yemen مطعم دار اليمن

If you're hunting for authentic Yemeni in South Ozone Park, Dar Al Yemen is exactly what you need. This casual spot does the classics right—Mandi chicken and lamb that falls off the bone after a slow-cook in the clay oven, Saltah (a deeply savory stew), and Tandoor fish if you're feeling it. The portions are legitimately huge, the spices hit right, and nobody's trying to impress you with plating here, just feed you well. Grab their Yemeni bread, maybe a Masoub (a warm date and ghee dessert) for after, and you've found that spot that feels like an actual neighborhood gem. Perfect for groups, works great for takeout, and costs basically nothing. This is what halal food should be.

4.4

Crave King Mediterranean Food

Walking into Crave King, you're immediately hit with that hole-in-the-wall authenticity that actually means something—dark lighting, zero pretense, just pure, honest Yemeni and Middle Eastern food. The slow-roasted Lamb Haneeth is the star, tender and spiced perfectly, but don't sleep on the Chicken Shawarma or the Lamb Ghallaba, which pack serious flavor despite the fast-casual format. Portions are generous for the price, and you'll get sweetened spiced tea as a closing gift. There's usually a wait, but that's because word has gotten out: this is the real thing. If you want authentic Mediterranean and Middle Eastern food in a space that looks like your aunt's kitchen in the best way possible, this is your spot.

4.2

Oasis Mediterranean Restaurant

If you're hunting for authentic Yemeni food in the Bronx, Oasis Mediterranean is your spot. The haneez—slow-cooked lamb with spices over rice—literally falls off the bone, and their hummus situation is legitimately next-level: we're talking a just-baked pita the size of a large pizza with complimentary lamb soup to boot. The vibe is casual and warm, with plenty of space and outdoor seating that works whether you're bringing the whole family for a Wednesday dinner or celebrating something special. The seasoning on everything is incredible, the service actually cares, and at this price point, you'll find yourself coming back consistently. This is real food made with real care.

4.1

Hadramout Restaurant

If you're searching for 3 AM lamb haneeth or planning a proper feast with the crew, Hadramout is your 24/7 answer in Cobble Hill. This casual Yemeni spot dishes out generous portions of genuinely authentic food—homemade hummus glossed with quality EVOO, fahsa lamb stews that beg to be soaked up with their massive, pillowy flatbread, and an aqda chicken that arrives steaming in its own clay pot. The lamb ghallaba is practically a heavyweight in caramelized onions and Yemeni spices, while the mulikhia stew and fassoulia prove vegetarians eat well here too. It's warm, unpretentious, the staff actually cares, and whether you're ordering for two or feeding a table of friends, everyone leaves full and happy.