The original Mamoun's has been slinging falafel on MacDougal Street since 1971, and it's still the best cheap eat in the Village. Crispy, herb-packed falafel in a warm pita for under $5. The shawarma ...
87
2
AbuQir Seafood
Egyptian Seafood · Astoria · NYT 100 Best
Astoria Egyptian fish market meets restaurant -- you walk up to the counter, point at the whole fish, shrimp, octopus, or squid you want, tell them grilled, fried, or baked, and they cook it while you...
87
3
Al Badawi
Palestinian · Brooklyn Heights · Eater 38
A groundbreaking Palestinian restaurant in Brooklyn Heights from chef Ayat Masoud that puts Palestinian cuisine on the fine-dining map with extraordinary grace. The musakhan is transcendent, the hummu...
87
4
Tanoreen
Middle Eastern · Coney Island / South Brooklyn
Rawia Bishara's Bay Ridge Palestinian restaurant is one of the most celebrated Middle Eastern restaurants in the five boroughs. The mussakhan is extraordinary — roasted chicken with sumac and onion on...
86
5
Hyderabadi Zaiqa
Indian · Midtown East · Eater Award Winner
An Eater Award-winning biryani specialist in Murray Hill with nearly 30 regional Indian biryanis — a map on the wall shows where each one originates. The bone-in goat dum biryani is the essential orde...
85
6
Sahadi's
Middle Eastern · Brooklyn Heights
Century-old Brooklyn Heights Middle Eastern grocery and deli that's been the definitive source for hummus, tabbouleh, and prepared foods since 1895. The falafel is crispy, the baklava is flaky, and th...
85
7
Jazba
Pakistani · East Village · Eater Best
East Village Pakistani with refined biryani, seekh kebabs, and an impressive cocktail program that blends South Asian spices with modern mixology. The biryani is fragrant and layered. The seekh kebab ...
85
8
Ayat
Palestinian · Bay Ridge
Abdul Elenani Palestinian restaurant has become one of the most celebrated spots in southern Brooklyn, serving soulful, vibrant mezze and grilled meats that tell the story of Palestinian home cooking....
85
9
Dera Restaurant
South Asian · Jackson Heights / Elmhurst · NYT 100 Best 2025
A Jackson Heights staple dishing out hearty Pakistani and South Asian fare that keeps the neighborhood large desi community well-fed and happy. The lamb karahi is a must, cooked down in a wok until th...
84
10
Halal Guys
Halal Street Food · Midtown
The cart that started it all is at 53rd and 6th, and the line wraps around the block every night for a reason. Chicken and lamb over rice with that legendary white sauce and hot sauce combo — it's the...