Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Ayat

    4.1 (162 reviews)
    Open • 11:00 am - 10:00 pm

    Order Ayat Takeout or Delivery

    Ayat Photos

    Business Info

    AYAT ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Dogs allowed

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - Ayat

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Pizzawarma
    Kyle W.

    We stopped at Ayat on the Lower East Side for my first Palestinian restaurant experience, and it was a really great one. We started with the Mezze Filistini, which comes with six different dips, and the portions were great for sharing with a group. Every dip was really good, but the muhammara was definitely my favorite, and the fresh pita they brought out with it was a great touch. The Pizzawarma completely stole the show. It's basically a shawarma sandwich meets a calzone, and the meat and flavor were out of this world. I honestly can't say enough about how tasty it was. We walked in without a reservation, our waitress was friendly and efficient, and the modern decor was really nice and clean.

    Platter, falafel & hibiscus mocktail.
    DeVora A.

    I can't wait to come back here. The food and service was REALLY good. I don't remember the name of the dish we had but it was like a sample platter that came with bread. The spices were blended perfectly. The bread was freshly made. We also ordered falafel and I had a hibiacus mocktail. There is indoor & outdoor seating.

    Menu explaining the foundation of Palestine
    Sadia H.

    One word: serene. Beautiful and spacious interior. This is not a grab-and-go eatery. This is where you sit and enjoy delicious food amid gentle music. Everything is prepared with love and pride. The complimentary bread basket served with zaatar and green olives is divine. So are the mocktails. We ordered fried haloumi. We also ordered the large chicken kebab platter. Supremely good. Prices are reasonable and service is on point.

    Fried Halloumi Cheese
    Jenny X.

    Came here after an Airbnb experience. Good: - I really liked the pita bread and it was free! - Super nice staff, they are like a family run business - Lots of seating inside - I liked the hallumi cheese and salad - the cheese was so savory and better than any one I've had before Bad: - The service took forever, though they gave us a baklava in exchange for waiting over 30-45 min for our food - The price is a bit high for the food Overall, this was a nice place to go on a rainy day!

    Lentil soup, Salata Filistini, Fattoush, Kousa Mahshi
    April M.

    First off, we were sat pretty quickly! Our table came with olives/ oil and zaa'tar, and man was the bread good. I mean like, seriously super darn tasty, pillowy soft and warm. They play Arabic music and the overall design at this location is super pretty!!!!!!! I love the brick arch deal they've got going on as well as the mural which gave it such an authentic feel. I got the Salata Filistini, which is like an Arabic cucumber salad. Super refreshing, and more so when you add extra lemon and some salt to it. My sister enjoyed the Koosa Mahshi and the lentil soup was tasty with a good portion. This place does their portions so well. Speaking of portions, don't be scared of the price of their rice platters. This mansaf, a dish that is the pride and joy of the Levant, was GINORMOUS. Probably enough to eat three meals out of, and I'm already a big portion consumer. It came with extra Jameed soup to pour over and the rice and almonds, as well as the meat, were worth every dollar and moment waiting for it. This is a place that feels like home and I'll be thinking about it until I come back.

    Inside - pretty cool
    Peter C.

    Ayat is a Palestinian cuisine restaurant located in the East Village. It was my first time trying this cuisine and as I was curious. I got chicken shawarma platter which can also be served as a sandwich. The sauce was good, but the chicken was dry. Given how busy they were service was attentive.

    Lamb Kebab Lg
    Jason D.

    In NYC for 48 hours and I was invited to Ayat. This place phenomenal the ambiance is very calming to be in the heart of NYC. This was my very first time trying Palestinian food so I entered with an open mind and empty stomach. The food was magical! The lamb was tender, the halloumi was savory and slightly sweet at the same time. This meal was a perfect 10/10 for me. The staff, the time is took for our food to come out, the flavors all a 10. I'll be thinking about this place until I'm able to get back to their tables.

    Appetizer mix
    Itzak H.

    Absolutely amazing Palestinian food with something for everyone. The restaurant gets busy for dinner so make sure to call ahead. The kitchen was surpassingly quick for how full the place was and the food did not disappoint. The only regret I have was not coming hungrier for all the amazing food we ordered. The place is nice and intimate with the tables pretty close together. And the wait staff is accommodating and kind to everyone. I highly recommend trying everything you can and maybe going for the platters if you're a large group. Do beware the portions are large and you can easily get full in just the appetizers. Just make sure to leave room for the knefe at the end!

    Chicken Shaw Platter
    Alyssa H.

    The food is incredible, the vibe is nice but casual, and the service was good too. I went for my birthday and was looking for something inexpensive and casual but nice enough to be celebratory. This was the perfect spot.

    Caroline W.

    Really enjoyed the dips Unfortunately got the meat platter and it was dry so would not get that Salad was decent and had good flavor to it Lots of seating options and staff were nice

    Kelsey C.

    We were lucky to walk in here on a Friday evening and be seated within minutes without a reservation! We were recommended this spot by a bartender a few doors down, and I'm glad he put this restaurant on our radar! Important to note: the portions are huge. You can easily order a few things and split them at the table, or prepare to have a lot of leftovers. We ordered the beef shawarma plate, falafel appetizer, and chicken shawarma wrap. Two of us could easily have split an entree because of the large portions. The pricing is very fair and competitive for the quantity. Our food took roughly 30 minutes, which is expected on a busy Friday night at prime dinner hours. Both of the entrees were great, but I would pass on the falafel appetizer if I were to go back. I personally normally love falafel, but I did not like this one at all, so I couldn't finish it. Service was nice, even though it was a bit crowded. If given the option, I would suggest sitting outside as the inside was a bit crowded and the tables are close to one another.

    Michael C.

    This review is based solely on the ambiance, server, and knafeh. WOW to all of them. The knafeh was absolutely delicious and I will be craving it. Staff were super friendly and welcoming. The ambiance was such a nice relaxing vibe. Need to come back soon to try the rest of the menu.

    Mezze Filistini, Pita Bread
    Sylvia T.

    I honestly really liked it. The pita was fluffy and good but nothing crazy but UNLIMITED so ++++++. The mezze platter was great loved the variety and I think recently I've just become a big fan of dips. My favorites were the yogurt dip and the red muhammarah dip. The hummus was also good. Mixed shawarma platter was good as well just kinda like good halal. The flavors were great and textures on the meat were also good. Happy with the variety of protein carbs and veggies. No real complaints. I did try my friends plates and they got the fattat jaj. Next time I would get fattat jaj instead I think it was similar but more unique, cooler dish. I really liked the crunch pita crisps in it and that it could be eaten like a dip. Inside it's decently big lots of seating. Very beautiful interior and decor. Service was also fast and great!

    See all

    3 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 1

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1
    Photo of Do B.
    1
    385
    0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 1

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 7
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 3
    Photo of M D.
    0
    8
    0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 1

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    2 years ago

    Great tasting food in the right prices and amazing serving portions. Would definitely go again

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Kassandra F.
    29
    302
    933

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Maria N.
    5
    105
    62

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    3 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1
    Photo of Maya N.
    425
    244
    1111

    3 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    2 years ago

    Amazing all the way around. I loved the hummus, and maklooba. The bread was fresh as was everything else.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 2

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1
    Photo of John B.
    306
    1
    0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    7 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Talat M.
    778
    23
    2

    2 years ago

    Everything delicious!! Palestinian food is a must try. Highly recommend. Hoping they open another store in the upper east side

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1
    Photo of Li M.
    291
    72
    1

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1
    Photo of Ian M.
    2
    44
    3

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Page 3 of 5

    Ask the Community - Ayat

    You might also consider

    Verify this business for free

    People searched for Middle Eastern 6,640 times last month within 15 miles of this business.

    Verify this business

    Mamoun's Falafel - Falafel

    Mamoun's Falafel

    4.2(2.7k reviews)
    1.2 mi•Greenwich Village
    •$

    I haven't been here since the 1980s. So, I had the traditional falafel with hummus added and a Diet…read moreCoke for $11 -paradise !! Ate in a nice outside area that's in the street and consumed it like it was crack. Everything was fresh-tomatoes, lettuce, onion, tahini, hummus, the falafel was fried beautifully crunchy, but soft on the inside. Beautifully hot. And..get the hot sauce on the side- homemade and incredibly great. I would recommend this 1,000,000% to anyone.

    Opened in 1971 by Syrian immigrant Mamoun Chater, the flagship Greenwich Village location on…read moreMacDougal Street is the oldest falafel shop in New York City. Operating out of a tiny, fast-moving storefront, Mamoun's is a legendary staple of Village food culture, known for serving affordable Middle Eastern classics late into the night. Using their exact menu terminology, here is how the food breaks down: Shawarma Sandwich: Thinly sliced 100% lamb cooked slowly on a vertical spit with signature spices, stuffed into a warm pita pocket with lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and smooth tahineh sauce. The Manhattan: One of their loaded signature sandwiches featuring deep-fried falafel, creamy hummus, smoky baba ganouj, and fresh tabbouleh, all packed into a pita with lettuce, tomatoes, onions, pickles, pickled turnips, olives, and tahineh. Famous Hot Sauce: Made in-house from imported hot pepper spices, this signature crimson sauce is famously potent--just a few drops add a massive kick of heat to any sandwich or plate. Lines often stretch down MacDougal, but the team works with speed to get sandwiches out in seconds. A timeless NYC destination for quick, authentic Middle Eastern food.

    Photos
    Mamoun's Falafel - Inside

    Inside

    Mamoun's Falafel - Beef Shawarma ft my boyfriends big head

    Beef Shawarma ft my boyfriends big head

    Mamoun's Falafel

    See all

    Lava Shawarma - Lamb Chops

    Lava Shawarma

    4.3(73 reviews)
    1.1 mi•Greenwich Village

    This place really stands out for flavorful, authentic Middle Eastern food that tastes fresh and…read morewell-prepared. Their shawarma is honestly some of the best I've had in NYC--juicy, well-seasoned, and wrapped or plated in a way that feels very satisfying without being greasy or heavy. What makes the place even better is the variety on the menu. You're not limited to just wraps; there's a good mix of platters and rice-based dishes too, which makes it easy to go back and try something different each time. The biryani is a pleasant surprise--fragrant, well-spiced, and not overly oily--and the kofta with rice is especially good, really tender and flavorful with a nice balance of spices. Overall, it's a solid go-to for consistently tasty, authentic comfort food.

    Ambience was nice. Service was lax. I enjoyed the baba ganoush so much, I had never had any before…read moreand it was delicious. Whatever spicy paste they put with it was smoky and divine. Also- I don't usually like cauliflower a whole lot... I'll eat it if it's there... but this was the BEST cauliflower I've ever had, roasted so evenly with oil and an amazing texture. Squash, falafel, and jerusalem salad were all great too. The mint leaves in the watermelon salad were not very fresh, and so I think the price for it was steep- $13-but they do give you a lot so that's nice. I really liked the Hawa cola (zero sugar kind) as well.

    Photos
    Lava Shawarma
    Lava Shawarma - Falafel Lava Wrap

    Falafel Lava Wrap

    Lava Shawarma - Mixed shawarma plate (lamb, beef, chicken)

    See all

    Mixed shawarma plate (lamb, beef, chicken)

    Ayat - mideastern - Updated September 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...