Highly acclaimed Middle Eastern & Palestinian cuisine, celebrated for amazing flavors & generous portions. A top pick for authentic dishes.
For a taste of exceptional Middle Eastern and Palestinian cuisine, look no further than this beloved Brooklyn establishment. Repeatedly hailed as 'great,' 'fabulous,' and 'amazing,' it has earned its reputation as a top-tier dining destination. Diners rave about dishes like the chicken maqluba, which one patron found to be absolutely incredible, and the flavorful combination of lamb ouzi, spicy potatoes, and fried halloumi. The restaurant also offers a Ramadan special that provides an impressively generous portion of food. Often mentioned as a strong contender for the best Middle Eastern food in the city, it's frequently recommended as a superior alternative to other well-known eateries. While the ambiance at the new location is noted as upscale, the Bay Ridge spot is described as more casual and traditional, suitable for everyday dining. Despite a few isolated instances of mild disappointment or suggestions that it might be too casual for very special occasions, the overwhelming sentiment is one of enthusiastic satisfaction.
This Middle Eastern and Palestinian restaurant is a highly recommended spot, consistently lauded for its delicious food. Standout dishes include the chicken maqluba, described as amazing, and the lamb ouzi, spicy potatoes, and fried halloumi which were noted as very appealing. The Ramadan special is highlighted as offering an 'absurd amount of food'. While the vast majority of reviews are positive, suggesting it's a great substitute for other popular spots, one user found it less impressive, possibly due to visiting shortly after a new location opened.
"The chicken maqluba is a must-try, described as amazing. The lamb ouzi, spicy potatoes, and fried halloumi combination is also highly recommended and visually appealing."
Customers overwhelmingly praise this restaurant, with multiple mentions of it being 'great', 'fabulous', and 'amazing'. It's frequently recommended as a top Middle Eastern or Palestinian cuisine choice, often compared favorably to other popular establishments. While most feedback is highly positive, one user suggested it might be too casual for a special occasion like an anniversary, and another expressed slight disappointment after a visit shortly after a new location opened, though this was contrasted with strong positive sentiment from others.
Important Note
One user noted that while great, it might be too casual for a special anniversary. Another user had a less impressive experience possibly due to visiting shortly after a new location opened, though this is contradicted by many other positive reviews.
"This user strongly agrees with the previous comment, stating that Ayat is amazing."
Positive"This user believes removing Ayat from the list was a mistake, arguing it offers more flavor and variety than many places that remained on the list."
Positive"This user was not too impressed by Ayat, but acknowledges they might have visited on an off night shortly after a new location opened, contrasting it with a positive experience at Al Badawi."
Neutral"Ayat was included in a comprehensive list of restaurants that did not make it onto the 2025 NY Times list."
Neutral"This user expressed disappointment that Ayat fell off the list after being included for the previous two years, implying it was a favorite or well-regarded."
Neutral"The commenter mentions Ayat's Bay Ridge location in the context of other establishments that have faced health violations."
Neutral"Ayat is simply listed as a suggested restaurant."
Neutral"This mod comment highlights a pinned comment that provides Ayat's website, ayatnyc.com, to users seeking more information."
Neutral"The user conveyed strong positive enthusiasm and approval for the overall meal from Ayat presented in the post."
Positive"The user highly praised Ayat's chicken maqluba, describing it as amazing and recommending it."
Positive"The user expressed that the meal from Ayat, which included lamb ouzi, spicy potatoes, and fried halloumi as depicted in the post, looked very appealing."
Positive"The user provided the official website for Ayat, which is ayatnyc.com, likely in response to inquiries about the restaurant."
Neutral"This restaurant is suggested as a possibility for a solo dining option."
Positive"The author notes that Ayat and Al Badawi are from the same restaurant group and both are great, but might feel a little casual for an anniversary."
Positive"The author recommends Ayat in Bay Ridge, identifying its cuisine as Palestinian."
Positive"The author suggests Ayat as one of two options for Middle Eastern food."
Positive"The author mentions the newish location of Ayat is quite nice."
Positive"The author recommends Ayat, listing it with Huda."
Positive"The author includes Ayat in a list of recommended Middle Eastern restaurants."
Positive"The author lists Ayat as a recommended Middle Eastern restaurant."
Positive"The user finds Ayat in Bay Ridge worth the hike to satisfy cravings for Levantine food, acknowledging it's not Paterson, NJ, but still good. They later note the new location across the street is upscale."
Positive"Expresses love for Ayat, finding it more traditional and casual (counter service, no alcohol at Bay Ridge location) compared to Shukette. Considers it suitable for a casual lunch/dinner."
Positive"Recommends Ayat as a great substitute for Shuka or Shukette."
Positive"It's going on my list though, looks delicious"
Positive"Ayat is fabulous!"
Positive"ayat is great!"
Positive"The Ramadan special at Ayat is an absurd amount of food."
Neutral
