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Yafa Cafe
Master Critic Reviews (6 Lists)
Yafa Cafe
8.0
Yafa Cafe is a casual Yemeni-influenced coffeehouse in Sunset Park serving shakshuka, sandwiches, and Middle Eastern small plates alongside strong coffee and tea. It’s especially useful for daytime meetups and laptop sessions where you still want real food like ful, wraps, and pastries.
Must-Try Dishes:
Shakshuka, Chicken shawarma wrap, Yemeni-style coffee
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Neighborhood cafe bridging Yemeni flavors and broader Mediterranean brunch plates with serious coffee.
Who should go: Daytime diners looking for brunchy Mediterranean plates and a relaxed cafe vibe.
When to visit: Late morning or early afternoon for the best mix of food and seating.
What to order: Shakshuka, chicken shawarma wrap, Yemeni-style coffee.
Insider tip: Treat it as a working brunch spot—order shakshuka and coffee, then linger with a laptop at off-peak times.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; generally manageable during weekday mornings but tighter on weekends after 11am.
Dress code: Casual and relaxed — jeans, sneakers, and everyday wear fit right in.
Noise level: Low to moderate — easy to talk, occasional coffee shop hum.
Weekend wait: Not applicable — primarily a daytime café spot.
Weekday lunch: 5–15 minutes during peak lunch hours; usually no wait earlier.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — shakshuka, ful, salads, pastries, and multiple mezze-style options.
Vegan options: Limited but possible — ful, some vegetable sides, and select breads.
Gluten-free options: Limited — not dedicated gluten-free, but a few naturally GF plates like ful and eggs.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for daytime or casual coffee dates — it’s relaxed, pressure-free, and gives you food plus great coffee without feeling formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s walk-in only and turnover is steady, especially outside peak brunch hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for calm, older kids — the menu is approachable, but it’s more café-focused than family-oriented.
Best For
Better for: Stronger coffee, shakshuka, and Yemeni-influenced brunch than most standard Mediterranean cafés in the area.
Skip if: Choose other Sunset Park spots if you want a full dinner menu, alcohol, or a late-night dining atmosphere.
Yafa Cafe
8.4
Yafa Cafe is a Yemeni-influenced coffeehouse in Sunset Park where shakshuka, sandwiches, and ful sit alongside strong coffee and cardamom lattes. It doubles as a relaxed daytime hangout for brunch, meetups, and laptop work while still serving substantial Middle Eastern plates.
Must-Try Dishes:
Shakshuka with house bread, Lamb haneeth sandwich, Cardamom Yemeni latte
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 6.4
What makes it special: Yemeni coffeehouse blending brunch plates with Middle Eastern cafe dishes.
Who should go: Daytime diners wanting real food plus strong coffee and wifi.
When to visit: Late morning or early afternoon for best light and seating.
What to order: Shakshuka, lamb haneeth sandwich, cardamom Yemeni latte.
Insider tip: Head to the back tables if you plan to camp out with a laptop.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along 4th Avenue and nearby side streets; generally manageable during the day, tougher after 6pm.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable — jeans, sneakers, and relaxed daytime wear fit right in.
Noise level: Low to moderate — easy for conversation, laptop work, and quiet meetups.
Weekend wait: Typically 10–20 minutes at most since it’s more of a daytime-focused spot
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait, especially before 1pm
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — shakshuka, ful, falafel-style items, salads, and several sandwiches.
Vegan options: Limited but workable — ful, some veggie sandwiches, and certain small plates.
Gluten-free options: Limited — rice, eggs, and some plates work, but bread-heavy menu overall.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — it’s relaxed, affordable, and quiet enough to actually talk without pressure.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — reservations aren’t typical here and most guests are seated right away during the day.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — works well for younger kids thanks to quick service, simple plates, and a casual setting.
Best For
Better for: Coffee-forward Middle Eastern brunch, casual daytime hangs, and solo laptop-friendly meals.
Skip if: You’re looking for a full-service dinner experience, upscale ambiance, or late-night dining.
Yafa Cafe
8.5
Yafa Cafe is a Yemeni-influenced coffeehouse where strong coffee, malawah, and Middle Eastern–leaning breakfasts sit alongside avocado toast and pastries. The space doubles as a community hangout and laptop-friendly corner, so you’ll see both quick morning regulars and people staying to work. It’s one of the more atmospheric breakfast options in the 4th Avenue corridor.
Must-Try Dishes:
Shakshuka with crusty bread, Malawah breakfast wrap, Yemeni coffee with cardamom
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: Yemeni coffeehouse energy with Middle Eastern breakfasts and modern cafe staples.
Who should go: Coffee lovers and remote workers who also care about breakfast.
When to visit: Late morning into early afternoon for a relaxed, work-friendly pace.
What to order: Shakshuka, malawah wrap, Yemeni coffee.
Insider tip: Grab a window seat if you plan to work; outlets and people-watching are both strong.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on 4th Avenue and nearby side streets is available but can be competitive after 10am; allow extra time on weekends. No valet.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual — athleisure, jeans, and work-from-cafe outfits all fit right in.
Noise level: Moderate — lively café buzz with enough background energy that conversations still feel private.
Weekend wait: 25–45 minutes during peak late-morning brunch hours
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait or under 10 minutes
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — shakshuka, avocado toast, pastries, and several egg and cheese-based options.
Vegan options: Limited but possible — avocado toast without egg, select pastries, and coffee/tea drinks with plant milks.
Gluten-free options: Limited — some egg plates and salads work, but most breads and malawah are wheat-based.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — it’s relaxed, atmospheric, and low-pressure, making it ideal for daytime coffee-and-breakfast dates where conversation is the focus.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — reservations aren’t typical here, but arriving earlier in the morning on weekends helps you avoid the brunch rush.
Is it kid-friendly? Moderately — kids do fine with pastries and simple breakfast plates, but it’s more of a café hangout than a family-focused restaurant.
Best For
Better for: Atmospheric coffee culture paired with Middle Eastern–inspired breakfast dishes and a work-friendly café setup.
Skip if: You want a fast diner-style breakfast, large-group seating, or classic American pancakes-and-bacon energy.
Yafa Cafe
8.8
Yafa Cafe is a Yemeni-influenced coffeehouse where malawah, shakshuka, and hawaij-spiced fried chicken sandwiches share space with pastries and specialty coffee. Locals treat it as both a cultural hub and a relaxed brunch spot, with a menu that leans flavorful and spice-driven rather than standard diner fare.
Must-Try Dishes:
Shakshuka with house bread, Malawah breakfast wrap, Hawaij fried chicken sandwich
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 8.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: Yemeni coffeehouse energy with brunch plates rooted in diaspora flavors.
Who should go: Coffee obsessives and brunch fans seeking Middle Eastern flavors.
When to visit: Late mornings and early afternoons for relaxed, laptop-friendly flow.
What to order: Shakshuka, malawah wrap, hawaij fried chicken sandwich.
Insider tip: Pair brunch with single-origin Yemeni pour-over instead of basic drip.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on 4th Avenue and surrounding side streets; can be tight during peak brunch hours but usually opens up within a few blocks.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual — jeans, sneakers, and light layers all fit in comfortably.
Noise level: Low to moderate — easy to hold conversations, with some ambient cafe buzz.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes during peak late-morning brunch window without arriving early
Weekday lunch: 10–20 minutes midday, often no wait before 11:30am
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — shakshuka, pastries, yogurt bowls, and several malawah-based options work well.
Vegan options: Limited but possible — select pastries, coffee drinks with plant milks, and a few lighter plates.
Gluten-free options: Limited — many signature items use flatbreads and dough-based elements; best for gluten-sensitive rather than strict gluten-free diners.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the cozy atmosphere, lower noise level, and unique flavors make it feel thoughtful without being intimidating.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes on weekdays and early weekends, but arrive before 11am on Saturdays and Sundays to avoid long waits.
Is it kid-friendly? Better for teens than small kids — no special kids menu, but waffles, pastries, and milder plates work for older children.
Best For
Better for: Flavor-driven brunch with Middle Eastern depth, specialty coffee, and a calm, community-oriented vibe.
Skip if: You want bottomless brunch, oversized diner portions, or ultra-fast table turnover.
Yafa Cafe
7.8
A relaxed neighborhood cafe offering Yemeni-influenced breakfasts, shawarma, and coffee that doubles as a daytime workspace. For business lunches, it’s a casual option with Wi-Fi, counter service, and enough seating to talk through decks over wraps and shakshuka.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken shawarma wrap, Shakshuka, Lamb poutine
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 7.1
Cultural Relevance: 6
What makes it special: Casual cafe setting with shawarma, coffee, and laptop-friendly tables.
Who should go: Remote workers and teams needing informal working lunches.
When to visit: Weekday lunch and early afternoon for quieter seating.
What to order: Chicken shawarma wrap, shakshuka, lamb poutine.
Insider tip: Grab a corner table near outlets if you’ll be on laptops.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along 4th Avenue and nearby side streets; usually manageable midday but tight after 5pm during rush hours.
Dress code: Casual and practical — jeans, sneakers, and work-from-laptop attire are the norm.
Noise level: Low to moderate — generally quiet enough for calls and focused conversations.
Weekend wait: Not typically busy at night; usually no wait but quieter with limited crowd.
Weekday lunch: No wait typically; occasional short line at the counter during 12–1pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — shakshuka, falafel-style options, salads, and egg-based plates.
Vegan options: Limited — a few vegetable-forward wraps and sides depending on the day.
Gluten-free options: Limited — some plates can be modified, but cross-contact is likely.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual daytime coffee or low-pressure lunch than a romantic first date — relaxed and functional, not flirty.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s counter-service and walk-in only, with steady table turnover.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — open seating, mild menu items, and a relaxed atmosphere work well for kids, though there’s no dedicated kids menu.
Best For
Better for: Casual work lunches, solo laptop sessions, quick Mediterranean-style wraps, and low-stress meetings over coffee.
Skip if: You need full table service, a polished business setting, or a long, uninterrupted meal experience.
Yafa Cafe
8.5
Yafa Cafe is a Middle Eastern–leaning all-day cafe in Sunset Park where gluten-free eaters can build a full meal from clearly marked options like vegan/gluten-free oats, salads, and lighter plates alongside Yemeni coffee. The space doubles as a neighborhood hangout with steady traffic from locals who come for brunchy plates, sandwiches, and coffee rather than formal dining.
Must-Try Dishes:
Berry White Oatmeal (vegan/gluten free oats), Zaatar Avocado Toast, Sunset Sammy Breakfast Sandwich
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 6.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Gluten-free friendly Middle Eastern cafe with clearly labeled options and strong coffee.
Who should go: Gluten-conscious brunch and coffee lovers in Sunset Park.
When to visit: Late morning or early afternoon for relaxed brunch service.
What to order: Berry White Oatmeal, Zaatar Avocado Toast, Sunset Sammy.
Insider tip: Ask which daily specials are naturally gluten free to expand choices beyond the core menu.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking on 4th Avenue and surrounding side streets; can be tight during peak brunch hours but usually manageable mid-morning.
Dress code: Very casual — athleisure, jeans, and everyday wear all fit right in.
Noise level: Moderate — steady cafe hum but still easy to hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: 20–35 minutes during brunch-style dinner rush; evenings tend to be lighter than mornings.
Weekday lunch: No wait to 10 minutes typically.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several clearly labeled vegetarian plates including oats, salads, and toast-based dishes.
Vegan options: Yes — multiple naturally vegan options, especially in the breakfast and salad sections.
Gluten-free options: Yes — several clearly marked gluten-free items; staff is knowledgeable but cross-contact is possible due to shared kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you want something low-pressure and casual — it’s better for daytime coffee or brunch dates than romantic evenings.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — Yafa Cafe operates first-come, first-served and tables usually turn over quickly.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — works well for kids who enjoy simple breakfast items, oatmeal, and toast-based meals, though there’s no dedicated kids menu.
Best For
Better for: Gluten-conscious diners who still want flavor, coffee culture, and a relaxed neighborhood vibe without feeling limited to sad substitutions.
Skip if: You’re looking for a full-service dinner restaurant or a lively, nightlife-style scene.