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Al Badawi
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Al Badawi
8.8
Al Badawi brings Palestinian home cooking to Atlantic Avenue, turning a narrow Brooklyn Heights dining room into a busy hub for mezze and family-style platters. Since opening in 2021, it has earned Michelin Guide attention for wood-fired breads, slow-cooked meats, and generous hospitality that make it a destination well beyond the neighborhood.
Must-Try Dishes:
Msakhan with sumac-roasted chicken and onions, Lamb chops over rice with roasted peppers, Warm house flatbread with hummus and mezze
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 7.1
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 9.3
Atmosphere: 8.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: Palestinian feasts built around wood-fired breads, slow-cooked meats, and shareable mezze in a Michelin-recognized setting.
Who should go: Groups and couples craving serious Palestinian cooking.
When to visit: Prime dinner hours or later evenings; reserve weekends.
What to order: Msakhan, lamb chops, mezze spread with warm flatbread.
Insider tip: Order a mix of cold and hot mezze, then build the table around one or two large mains to share family-style.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited on Atlantic Avenue and surrounding side streets; plan for 10–20 minutes of circling during dinner hours or use nearby paid garages on Atlantic Ave.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy — jeans are fine, but many diners dress up for date nights and celebrations.
Noise level: Moderate to lively — conversation is easy at the start of the night but gets buzzier as the room fills.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without a reservation; reservations are strongly recommended.
Weekday lunch: No lunch service; weekday dinners usually 15–30 minutes without a reservation.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — extensive mezze, salads, vegetable plates, and baked goods make it very vegetarian-friendly.
Vegan options: Good options — hummus, baba ghanoush, salads, mujadara-style sides, and several cold mezze are naturally vegan.
Gluten-free options: Limited — many dishes rely on bread and wheat-based items, but grilled meats and some mezze can be adapted.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the warm lighting, shareable plates, and lively energy make it ideal for conversation and a memorable first impression without feeling stiff.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible on weeknights if you arrive early, but weekends and prime dinner hours almost always require a reservation or a long wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Best for older kids who enjoy bold flavors and shared plates; the busy dining room and family-style menu aren’t ideal for toddlers.
Best For
Better for: Family-style Middle Eastern feasting, wood-fired breads, and refined Palestinian cooking in a celebratory, social setting.
Skip if: You’re looking for a quick, quiet Middle Eastern meal or a budget-friendly casual falafel or gyro stop.
Al Badawi
8.5
A Michelin-recognized Palestinian restaurant on Atlantic Avenue, Al Badawi serves family-style platters, mezze, and shawarma flatbreads in a lush dining room that feels celebratory without being stiff. While it is not a sandwich shop in the strict sense, the mixed shawarma sandwiches and flatbreads show the kitchen’s attention to spice, texture, and generous portioning.
Must-Try Dishes:
Mix Shawarma Sandwich, Mixed Shawarma Flatbread, Mezze Filistini
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.9
What makes it special: Palestinian family-style cooking with standout shawarma sandwiches and flatbreads.
Who should go: Middle Eastern food lovers and small groups sharing mezze
When to visit: Prime dinner hours or early evenings for relaxed pacing
What to order: Mix Shawarma Sandwich, Mezze Filistini, pistachio cheese flatbread
Insider tip: It’s BYOB, so bring a favorite bottle to share with the table.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Atlantic Avenue is limited and competitive after 6pm; meter spots open up more quickly on side streets. No valet service.
Dress code: Smart casual; most diners lean slightly dressy for evening meals. Jeans are fine if paired with a polished top or jacket.
Noise level: Moderate; lively conversations and music create energy but you can still talk comfortably across the table.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation, especially for groups of 4+.
Weekday lunch: Generally no wait; walk-ins are usually seated quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Strong selection including mezze, salads, dips, and several flatbreads.
Vegan options: Limited but workable—hummus, baba ghanouj, salads, and certain mezze can be ordered vegan.
Gluten-free options: Some mezze and platters are naturally gluten-free; sandwiches and flatbreads are not. No dedicated GF prep space.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes. The lush dining room, shareable plates, and warm service create an inviting, conversational atmosphere without feeling overly formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes on weekdays, especially early evening. On weekends, walk-ins should expect a wait or consider arriving right at opening.
Is it kid-friendly? Suitable for older kids who enjoy Middle Eastern flavors. High chairs and stroller space are limited during peak hours.
Best For
Better for: Group dining and shareable mezze spreads, richly seasoned shawarma, and a celebratory ambiance that feels elevated yet warm.
Skip if: You want a quick, casual shawarma sandwich shop or need extensive vegan or gluten-free substitutions.
Al Badawi
8.6
Al Badawi is a family-style Palestinian restaurant on Atlantic Avenue where platters of grilled meats, musakhan, and oven-baked breads anchor abundant communal meals. The dining room feels lively and celebratory without formality, making it a go-to for groups and diners seeking regionally focused Middle Eastern cooking at a high level.
Must-Try Dishes:
Musakhan chicken with sumac and onions, Makloubeh rice casserole, Mixed Grill platter
Scores:
Value: 9.1
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: Palestinian family-style feasts with generous portions and wood-fired breads.
Who should go: Groups sharing mezze and grilled meats around a lively table.
When to visit: Evenings and weekends when big platters and energy peak.
What to order: Musakhan chicken, Makloubeh, Mixed Grill with mezze spread.
Insider tip: Come with at least four people so you can sample more of the family-style platters.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Atlantic Avenue and side streets is limited during peak dinner hours; meter availability improves after 8pm. No valet service.
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans and nice tops are common, but groups often lean slightly dressy for celebrations.
Noise level: Moderate to lively; conversation is doable at smaller tables but group areas get energetic during peak hours.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, especially for groups larger than four.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait, though pre-theater or early evening transitions can tighten availability.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several mezze, salads, and vegetable mains are naturally vegetarian.
Vegan options: Moderate options — some salads, dips, and vegetable sides qualify; confirm bread preparation if needed.
Gluten-free options: Many grilled meats, stews, and salads are gluten-free; flatbreads and some mezze contain gluten, but staff can guide substitutions.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? It works well if you want a lively, shared-platter experience rather than something intimate or quiet; communal dishes spark conversation but the room can feel energetic.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes for smaller parties if you arrive early, but groups should book ahead—walk-in waits can exceed 45 minutes on weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for families with children 6+ who enjoy Middle Eastern flavors; portions are shareable, though the bustling atmosphere may feel overwhelming for toddlers.
Best For
Better for: Large-format Palestinian dishes, generous plating, and festive group-friendly energy make it stronger for celebrations than quieter Middle Eastern spots.
Skip if: You prefer a calm, intimate setting, have highly restrictive dietary needs, or want a formal fine-dining experience with extended tasting menus.