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Ayat

107 Loisaida Ave, New York, NY 10009
$$$$
Middle Eastern, Mediterranean

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Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)

Ayat 8.2
Alphabet City
A Palestinian table that shines when you lean into grilled meats, fresh breads, and shareable spreads that reward a family-style order. The room has a lively, communal feel—best for groups who want bold seasoning and a lot of food on the table quickly.
Must-Try Dishes: Chicken shawarma, Kofta kebab, Fresh pita with dips
Scores:
Value: 8.3 Service: 7.2 Consistency: 7.9 Food Quality: 8.6 Atmosphere: 7.8 Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Palestinian comfort food built for big, shareable spreads and grills.
Who should go: Groups who want bold, hearty plates
When to visit: Early dinner for the smoothest pacing
What to order: Chicken shawarma, kofta, pita + dips
Insider tip: Order one grill combo plus 2 spreads—extras can overwhelm the table.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; limited availability and tougher after 6pm—plan to walk or rideshare.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable—jeans and sneakers are common; no need to dress up.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—easy conversation within your group, but not a quiet room.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation during peak hours
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait most days
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple mezze, salads, and vegetable plates make it easy to build a full meal.
Vegan options: Good options—hummus, baba ghanoush, falafel, salads, and several vegetable sides.
Gluten-free options: Somewhat limited—grilled meats and salads work, but most dishes come with pita.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual, low-pressure date than an intimate one—the communal energy and sharing format are more social than romantic.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, especially on weeknights or early evenings, but expect a short wait on busy weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—portions are generous, flavors are approachable, and sharing plates work well for families with kids.
Best For
Better for: Hearty Palestinian comfort food, big portions, and fast-moving family-style meals that satisfy groups.
Skip if: You want a quiet, polished dining room or a tightly paced date-night experience—choose a calmer Mediterranean spot instead.
Ayat 8.2
Alphabet City
A Palestinian spot that shines when you lean into grilled meats, fresh breads, and shareable spreads that reward a family-style approach. The room runs lively and can feel fast-paced, so the best outcome comes from a tight order: one grill combo, two dips, and one bright side to cut the richness.
Must-Try Dishes: Grill combo, Muhammara, Pita + hummus
Scores:
Value: 8.3 Service: 7.6 Consistency: 8.1 Food Quality: 8.6 Atmosphere: 7.5 Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Bold Palestinian spreads and grills that reward family-style ordering.
Who should go: Groups craving hearty, shareable plates
When to visit: Early dinner for smoother pacing
What to order: Grill combo, muhammara, pita + hummus
Insider tip: One grill combo + two spreads is the sweet spot—extras overwhelm.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; limited availability and tough after 6pm—rideshare or public transit is recommended.
Dress code: Casual to smart-casual; jeans and sneakers are fine, but expect a lively, dinner-forward crowd.
Noise level: Lively to loud during peak hours—conversation is possible, but expect energy and bustle.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, especially for groups of 4+.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait or under 10 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple mezze and vegetable-based dishes make it easy to build a full meal.
Vegan options: Yes—several naturally vegan spreads and sides; confirm breads and sauces with staff.
Gluten-free options: Limited—grilled meats and salads work, but pita is central to the experience.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual or adventurous first date than a quiet, intimate one—the energy is high and sharing plates helps break the ice.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, but go early or off-peak; groups will wait longer, and weekends fill up fast.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—family-style plates and familiar flavors work well for kids, though the room can feel loud during peak dinner.
Best For
Better for: Bold Palestinian flavors, generous portions, and group-friendly sharing that feels celebratory.
Skip if: You want a quiet, slow-paced dinner or a more refined, date-night-focused Middle Eastern experience.