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Yemen Café & Restaurant
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Yemen Café & Restaurant
8.5
Yemen Cafe has anchored the Atlantic Avenue Middle Eastern strip since 1986, serving slow-cooked Yemeni stews, giant platters of rice, and complimentary marag soup to generations of regulars. With thousands of reviews and national press, it functions as both neighborhood dining room and cultural landmark for Yemeni cooking in New York.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lamb haneeth with basmati rice, Saltah or fahsa bubbling stew, Freshly baked Yemeni flatbread with dips
Scores:
Value: 8.9
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 6.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: One of New York’s most important Yemeni restaurants, pairing long-simmered stews and clay-pot dishes with huge portions and late hours.
Who should go: Families and groups craving hearty Yemeni platters.
When to visit: Evenings for full platters; later nights for relaxed lingering.
What to order: Lamb haneeth, saltah or fahsa, fresh bread with foul.
Insider tip: Let the table share one or two massive meat platters and fill in with complimentary soup and bread instead of ordering individual mains.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking on Atlantic Avenue and side streets; can be very difficult after 6pm. No valet. Many diners use rideshare due to traffic.
Dress code: Casual and family-friendly — jeans, sneakers, and relaxed attire are completely fine.
Noise level: Moderate to lively — conversation is easy at lunch but gets louder during busy dinner rush.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a wait during peak hours, especially for parties of 4+.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait or a very short wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — falafel, foul, lentils, vegetable soups, rice and bread-based dishes work well.
Vegan options: Yes — several naturally vegan stews, lentils, and falafel-based dishes.
Gluten-free options: Limited — many dishes are naturally gluten-free, but the kitchen relies heavily on bread and shared prep surfaces.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? It’s better for casual, relaxed dates than intimate romance — the food is shareable and comforting, but the room can get loud and busy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, especially on weekdays, but weekends often require patience during peak dinner hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Very — portions are big, flavors are approachable, and families with kids are common at most hours.
Best For
Better for: Hearty portions, authentic Yemeni stews, late-night dining, and family-style group meals.
Skip if: You’re seeking a quiet, modern Middle Eastern dining experience or refined presentation.
Yemen Café & Restaurant
8.5
Yemen Café on Atlantic Avenue is a long-running Yemeni restaurant where big plates of lamb, rice, and fresh bread fuel late dinners that run close to midnight. Regulars use it as a reliable gathering place for shared platters and tea long after nearby spots have quieted down.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lamb haneeth with rice, Fahsa in sizzling clay pot, Fresh tanoor bread with beef soup
Scores:
Value: 8.9
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: A decades-old Yemeni dining room serving generous platters deep into the night.
Who should go: Groups wanting shareable platters and tea after normal dinner hours.
When to visit: Late evening around 9–11 pm for peak energy and hot bread.
What to order: Lamb haneeth, fahsa with tanoor bread, beef soup starter.
Insider tip: Order family-style and ask for extra bread to scoop sauces properly.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Atlantic Ave and nearby side streets; can be tight after 7pm, but turnover improves later at night. No valet.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable; most guests come in everyday wear, especially for late-night meals.
Noise level: Moderate; lively conversation and clatter from the kitchen but still workable for group chats.
Weekend wait: 15–30 minutes between 8–10 pm; shorter waits after 10 pm.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; fast seating for small groups.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: A handful of solid options like salta, veggie sides, and bread-based plates.
Vegan options: Limited; a couple of vegetable stews and sides may work depending on preparation—ask staff for guidance.
Gluten-free options: Some rice-based and stew dishes qualify; avoid bread-heavy orders. No dedicated gluten-free prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if your date enjoys hearty, shareable comfort food and a no-frills setting. It's warm and authentic but not a classic romantic spot.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—almost always. Late night walk-ins are especially easy, and groups can usually be accommodated with minimal wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for early evenings; portions are large and the staff is welcoming. Late-night hours may feel too lively or crowded for younger children.
Best For
Better for: Generous platters, late-night reliability, and a home-style Yemeni experience you won’t find at most nearby Middle Eastern spots.
Skip if: You want a quiet, polished dining room, strict dietary accommodations, or a lighter meal before a night out.