Best Middle Eastern Restaurants in Alphabet City
3 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
Au Za'atar - East Village
Big, shareable Lebanese-Mediterranean menu with proven reliability at scale.
Notable Picks
8.3
A high-volume Lebanese-Mediterranean room that’s built for sharing: spreads, grilled meats, and bright salads in a lively, reservation-friendly setting. It’s a strong choice when you want reliable crowd-pleasers with enough menu range to satisfy both picky eaters and spice seekers.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tableside shawarma, Hummus and mixed dips, Shish taouk
What makes it special: Big, shareable Lebanese-Mediterranean menu with proven reliability at scale.
#2
Ayat
8.2
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
What makes it special: Palestinian comfort food built for big, shareable spreads and grills.
Worthy Picks
7.7
A late-night cafe-lounge hybrid where Middle Eastern comfort plates share the spotlight with hookah and nightlife energy. Treat it as a hang: order one kebab plate, one dip, and tea or coffee, and keep expectations focused on vibe and warmth rather than fine-dining precision.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken kebabs, Hummus, Lentil soup
What makes it special: A hookah-forward cafe where kebabs and tea power the hang.