Authentic Palestinian & Middle Eastern flavors. Generous portions, must-try maqluba & lamb ouzi. Casual Bay Ridge or upscale new location.
AYAT, a celebrated Middle Eastern gem, offers an authentic taste of Palestinian cuisine with a vibrant and modern flair. Praised for its generous portions, especially during Ramadan specials, and its delicious array of dishes like chicken maqluba and lamb ouzi, it stands out as a must-visit. While some have noted a more casual atmosphere at its Bay Ridge location, the newer establishment offers a more upscale experience.
AYAT specializes in Palestinian and Middle Eastern cuisine, with patrons frequently recommending dishes like chicken maqluba, lamb ouzi, and spicy potatoes. The Ramadan specials are noted for their exceptional value and quantity. While the Bay Ridge location is described as casual, a newer location offers a more upscale ambiance.
"Customers highly recommend dishes such as the chicken maqluba, lamb ouzi, and spicy potatoes. The Ramadan specials are also frequently cited for their impressive quantity and value."
Customers overwhelmingly praise AYAT for its authentic and flavorful Palestinian and Middle Eastern cuisine, frequently recommending specific dishes and noting the generous portion sizes.
Important Note
One commenter noted that while AYAT and Al Badawi are from the same restaurant group and both are great, they might feel a little too casual for a special anniversary occasion. Another user mentioned they might have had an off experience at AYAT shortly after a new location opened.
"Ayat, located in LES or Bay Ridge, was recommended for Palestinian food."
Positive"This restaurant is listed as a recommended repeat spot."
Positive"This restaurant is recommended."
Positive"This restaurant is listed as a recommended repeat spot."
Positive"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
