At its core is Manhattan, a densely populated borough that’s among the world’s major commercial, financial and cultural centres. Halal diners will find numerous options scattered across the city's five boroughs with Arab, Mediterranean and Gyros being the most popular cuisines.

New York City, United States

Arab

List of the 10 best Halal places to eat Arab in New York City

10 Best restaurants for Arab in New York City

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Balade

I came here on a very nice Saturday night in late August with two others. We had made the reservation over the phone earlier that day but they also accept reservations online. I live in the neighborhood and have always noticed the placing being crowded. I would recommend a reservation.

The night we went was a lively and fully packed restaurant primarily filled with people in their 20s (as are many places in the east village). There was a mix of groups as well as couples. The restaurant is small and the tables are very close together. There is outdoor seating but I wouldn’t recommend sitting outside as it is very busy.

The staff at the restaurant were all really lovely and that they wanted everyone to have a good experience. Our particular server seemed like he didn’t primarily work in that capacity and was filling in for a shortage, but overall the restaurant provided good service. The menu was a mix of small plates, platters, and appetizers. I really enjoyed the Fatoush salad as well as the falafel. The portions are fairly large by NYC standards.

Overall I enjoyed my experience. I would go back and I would recommend.

Overall an enjoyable experience for restaurant week. What stood out to me were friendliness and attentiveness of the staff. Some of the food were outstanding, like hummus, salmon, and any of the desserts. But all of the other things were fine if just a little bit pricy. Definitely recommended for casual outings with good drinks.

Diligent and friendly staff. Appreciate that they were attentive for dietary restrictions. My favorite were the zaatar pizza with fresh tomatoes and eggplant stew. The mezzes were fine and pita was a bit bland compared to fresh pitas I've had elsewhere. Definitely on the pricey side for Lebanese restaurants.

Y’all every step of this meal hit the dang mark. Got two apps: Hummus with Lamb and Kebbe Kras

The hummus was stellar - creamy, tangy, and the added lamb was perfect. The Kebbe Kras was fireeee, beef onions and almonds with this minty yogurt sauce to dip, it was crispy and steamy got me feeling some type of way.

Shish Tawook for main, chicken so tender I was like I wish I was that chicken. Toum was great (as it should) and rice was so flavorful mmm.

Star of the show though, got the Ashta for dessert y’all I was tearing up at this table that ish had me smelling colors I was on cloud 15 I cannot believe what I experienced there like as i’m writing this review i’m taking breaks and looking up a recipe to make this bc i need moreeeeee.

We absolutely love Balade. My husband, a friend, and I came again this past Sunday, and it reminded me exactly why we’ve been coming here for so many years.

A couple month ago, I came in with a broken knee and leg, and the team was incredibly accommodating. The service was amazing, and as always, the food was phenomenal.

What truly made this recent visit unforgettable was the manager. When we came in on Sunday, he didn’t just check on the food—he checked on me. He remembered me and asked, “How’s your leg? Are you feeling better now?” That honestly made me feel like I was on cloud nine.

Balade is not just a place where you eat. It’s a place where they remember you. They care about their guests, your experience, and even your health. The fact that he remembered my situation and took the time to ask meant so much to me.

The food continues to be outstanding—the Mansaf is absolutely phenomenal—and the service never disappoints. I will definitely keep coming back and bringing more friends with me.

This is exactly why Balade has stood the test of time in New York City. Highly recommend. 💛

Our meat is Halal. Alcohol is also served.

Casa La Femme

★☆☆☆☆

I don’t even know where to begin—maybe with the **influencer who hyped this place up and lured me in like a moth to a neon-lit trap**. I came for **belly dancing and Middle Eastern cuisine**—you know, a little dinner, a little show. **How bad could it be?** Famous last words.

We arrived at **7:30**. Waited to be seated. Then waited some more. The “show” finally began around **8:25** and sputtered out after **15 underwhelming minutes**. They clearly thought this glittery distraction would **distract from the culinary trainwreck**—it didn’t.

Let’s talk food. Or rather, **why is this food?**
Portions? Child-sized.
Meat? Passable.
Rice? Bland, lifeless, tasted like sorrow. No sauce in sight—just a lonely blob of **tahini** that felt more like a dare than a condiment. And surprise! That uninspired scoop? $9 extra.

Service? An abomination in several acts.
We were forgotten more times than my houseplants. 30–40 minutes went by before anyone remembered we might want dessert. We ordered kunefe, which arrived in the form of two syrup-soaked sugar pucks masquerading as a dessert. **Oversweetened and undersized**, much like this restaurant’s ambitions.

But wait—there’s more! As if the dining disaster wasn’t enough, **a “photographer” prowls the floor**, instructing guests how to pose, kiss, “manifest,” and perform like you’re auditioning for a dating show in the afterlife. Then, with all the grace of a car salesman at closing time, she tries to sell you each awkward photo for **\$30 a pop**. The reason they don’t bring the check? **They’re buying time for the photographer to pounce.**

So, to sum it up: this place is not a restaurant. It’s a **performance art piece on how to ruin dinner**.
You want Middle Eastern food and a good time? NYC is full of places that won’t rob your soul and wallet.
Do yourself a favor: Run, don’t walk.

Casa La Femme is an amazing find in the West Village. If you want to have a good time and feel like You and an Exotic place Casa La Femme is the place to go. The service, food and ambience is worth a trip. I’ve always been satisfied going to casa La Femme, especially in the evening. Casa La Femme also has a show in the evening hours with belly dancers and great sounding music. Its a must go with your friends.

Exquisite! My mom and I came here for dinner and the staff, ambiance and food were amazing. Our waiter was especially attentive. We had to change our reservation last minute and the restaurant easily accommodated our request. The restaurant was lively on a Friday night but we only had a 3 minute wait to get our table. The decor, vibe, and music, all transport the guests to a Middle Eastern oasis. My mom and I started with some drinks (a mojito and a margarita), both of which were very well made. We then got a triple dip combination for our appetizer (which came with the softest pita bread you will ever taste in your life) as well as the grilled octopus salad (so fresh and divine)! For entrees, my mom ordered the grilled bronzino while I ordered the mixed grill combo which included lamb, a ground beef kebob, and chicken kebob, all of which were delicious. The portions were big enough for us to take the leftovers home. We also got to see the wonderful belly dance show which really entertained the crowd. I genuinely recommend giving this place a chance, for a full tummy and a happy soul. You won’t regret it. (Please excuse the photo quality of the images attached, they are stills from videos I took).

A hidden gem in the heart of busy downtown Manhattan. I didn’t expect to find such a beautiful, halal-friendly spot with this much charm and warmth. The food was flavorful, well-portioned, and fairly priced—especially considering you’re also paying for the incredible ambiance. Just a block from Hudson Pier, it's perfect for a sunset stroll after dinner.

The romantic interior, belly dance shows, and DJ nights make it feel like a mini escape. But what truly made my experience memorable was the staff. They treat you more like a friend than a customer—attentive yet respectful of your space. They’ll share stories about the restaurant’s history and décor if you're curious, but never overwhelm you.

Highly recommend for a cozy lunch or a magical evening out.

Coming from a Mediterranean culture this was a very welcome experience. Atmosphere, servixe, drinks and food were all top notch. I especially liked the Nana Khiyar specialty cocktail, make sure to.order plenty of pita with the Mezzas and the mixed grill kabob was phenomenal. Oh, ice cream baklava should be packaged and sold in designer stores! Delish!!

All food is Halal. We have live belly dancing on some nights. Alcohol is served.

ilili NoMad

I just wrapped up the most epic Holiday Luncheon Party from my healthcare staffing company ProMed Staffing Resources at ilili restaurant NOMAD and I'm still buzzing!  Jessie Jodet, Private Event Manager extraordinaire, made the whole experience seamless and stress-free. Her professionalism, warmth, and attention to detail are unmatched. We were in good hands!

Stepping into ilili felt like a holiday miracle: festive vibes, twinkling lights, and a tree that sparkled like magic. The private room was perfection, accommodating our crew of 30 with ease.

But let's talk food… oh, the food! ilili took us on a delicious Lebanese culinary journey. Creamy hummus, mouthwatering fattoush, crunchy falafel... and don't even get me started on the mains (beef and chicken kebab, halibut on squash purée…YUM!). And those crafted cocktails? To. Die. For.

The service was top-notch, too. Carlos, our waiter, was attentive and friendly, and Jessica, the manager, stopped by to ensure we were all having a blast.

If you're looking to book your next company event, you know what to do. ilili NOMAD is the place to be. Jessie and the team will make sure you and your guests have an unforgettable time.

I had a fantastic experience at this Lebanese restaurant on 5th Avenue in New York. The food was absolutely delicious and full of authentic flavors and perfectly prepared. The cozy atmosphere made the whole meal even more enjoyable, creating a warm and inviting space to relax.

The service was outstanding as well. The staff were attentive, friendly, and made sure everything was perfect from start to finish.

Highly recommend this place if you’re looking for great Lebanese cuisine in the city!

One of the best Lebanese restaurants I’ve had! Beautiful presentation and amazing flavors. I’ve tried many Lebanese spots across the US, but this is the only place with a perfect tabbouleh! Fresh, balanced, and authentic. The grape leaves were delicious too, but strangely both dishes weren’t listed on the menu (thankfully we asked the waiter, who was super friendly and helpful). Great vibes, great food, highly recommend!

As a Lebanese, I have to admit I’m (very) picky when it comes to Lebanese food, as it carries precious memories and traditions. I can truly say that every dish felt authentic and infused with love, reminding me of home in the most beautiful way. My favorites were the tabbouleh, kebbeh and the eggplant chips (modern twist). The sumac margarita was absolutely delicious. The setting is refined and elegant, without feeling pretentious. This is Lebanese cuisine done right in NYC.

Beautiful location, delicious food! Just the flavors you’d expect from mediterranean food. The mixed grill was cooked perfectly. The only thing that wasn’t perfect was service… unfortunately our server Yasmeen wasn’t really friendly. I’d return but ask for a different server.

ilili

Steinway Halal Grill

This halal cart is incredible! The food is always hot, fresh, and full of flavor. The chicken and lamb over rice are perfectly cooked, and the sauces are out of this world — especially the green sauce, it’s the best! It adds the perfect kick and freshness to every bite. Great portions, fair prices, and super friendly service. Easily one of the best halal carts around — a must-try!

Even though I order on the phone 20 minutes before arriving, I get there and ask about the food. They say five minutes yet it still takes another 30! 8 times out of 10 they mess up my order and give me the wrong thing. The food is good but service is bad. i’ve went back numerous times to give them a chance, but get disappointed every time. In my opinion, it’s not worth the food if the service is bad.

Best halal food cart around! Anytime I’m on Steinway, I make sure to get their chicken sandwich. Their green sauce is top tier you can’t go without it. Service is quick and employees are great. I am never disappointed. If you’re ever in the area, it’s a must try you won’t regret it!

Absolutely unprofessional. I was told 30 minutes for my order and ended up waiting over an hour and a half—for just two half chicken with rice plates, not a big catering order. Meanwhile, people who came after me were being served first, simply because they spoke Arabic and were being slipped ahead in line by the guy managing orders.

This is unacceptable for any business, especially in the heart of a food hub where customers have endless options. After a 13-hour shift, the last thing I should deal with is blatant favoritism and complete disregard for paying customers.

Never coming back. If you enjoy waiting an hour for food while watching others get special treatment, this is your place.

Went home (30 min drive) to find out they had forgotten the Chicken in my Rice, paid a hefty sum compared to other similar items and you do not even get what you paid for! Will I be compensated for this?

Duzan

​I've been a regular customer at DUZAN in Astoria for over a decade, and it deserves five-star review.
The service is consistently great—friendly, attentive, and welcoming, making you feel right at home whether you’re rushing in for a quick lunch or settling down for dinner.
​The restaurant is always impeccably clean, which speaks volumes about their commitment to quality. Most importantly, the food is exceptional.
The quality of the ingredients is evident in every dish, and everything is always fresh, flavorful, and perfectly prepared.
​After ten-plus years of visits, I can confidently say that DUZAN is a must-try. I highly recommend it for both lunch and dinner. If you're looking for fantastic food, great service, and a welcoming atmosphere in Astoria, this is the spot.

Ordered takeout and the bag they packed the food in completely ripped a few blocks away. Called the store to explain what happened and they basically took no responsibility since the bag was intact when I walked out of the store. Said I’d get a call from the manager and I never did. IMO if you’re offering takeout service you have the responsibility to securely pack the food. This was not acceptable to me.

The chicken shawarma platter with hummus and salad is SO DELICIOUS THAT I DAYDREAM ABOUT IT!!! It is healthy, flavorful, and so, so good. It comes with pickles, pita, and delicious garlic sauce. I’m told that I’m a harsh food critic but this place is a 10/5!!!! Absolutely amazing! Friendly employees, and nice ambiance. They have a sit in area.

Got a grilled chicken sandwich and a falafel sandwich, both were soon good. The ingredients are so fresh and you can feel the love that it is made with. Thanks Hasan!!!

Duzan is one of my favorite places, it’s very affordable and tasty. I always get their pita sandwiches, pictures is their chicken schnitzel. A great mix of chicken and veggies. They also have great juices. I will always return here

All our meats and products are certified Halal.

Falafel & other classic Middle Eastern staples

King of Falafel & Shawarma

I’ve been meaning to try this place for awhile and finally got some takeout tonight. I ordered the chicken shawarma pita, hummus and a side of falafel. Both were delicious and flavorful! Love supporting my local Palestinian businesses 🇵🇸

So tasty and generous amout
The fries so crispy and delicious
And their generosity to give free falafel before even start to order
They sell falafel packs to cook buly yourself, I can't wait to try it

If you’re pro pali, coming here is such a treat! Great food. Touching artwork. This is a must visit!! 😋 I tried the king appetizer and chicken platter! So delicious

Food was delicious!! Big portions! Pita was fluffy and flavorful! Love the decor and love how friendly this environment is from
the employees, to the owner, to the patrons. I will be back!

We always look forward to a meal here. It’s a shame that people try to put down a family run business.  I am here to share the truth, which is that this business is always packed because they are a hidden gem.  Big portions, kind and generous employees, delicious food (and vegetarian friendly 🌱 thank you for the falafel).  There is no question of cleanliness.  There is respect and pride for goodness of humanity here and respect and pride for their customers, too. We wish you only the best.

King of Falafel

The menus at this restaurant clearly state that Halal food is served.

website:zabihah.com:(https://www.zabihah.com/biz/aDsCvUAas7)

Falafel on Broadway

Longtime local Middle Eastern chain serving falafel, shawarma, kebabs & more in a traditional space.

Mamoun's Falafel

Mamouns is a staple and a must-go whenever I'm in the city. Super friendly, super delicious, super quick. Shawarma is :chef's kiss: and the falafel is so so good. If you like babaganoush, I really have to say it's some of the best I've ever had ❤️ (cards/Google/Apple pay accepted, but a discount for cash) Cannot wait to stop into macdougal st again :)

Said to be the best Falafel in New York and it certainly did not disappoint. I am not too much of a fan of falafel, but this is pretty good. The sauce is a little bit too sour to my taste.

Been coming to this location for many years. Absolutely delicious food and the atmosphere brings back great memories. But lately I have noticed things are definitely changing. They got rid of their original homemade lentil soup. They now serve some ready made soup instead. Definitely not the same experience.
Last time I was there, they were all out of shawarma and lamb kebab. They only had falafel, kofta and chicken kebab, at 9pm!
I’ve been to this place hundreds if not thousands of times, never have I seen them be out of any kind of dish.
It’s not the end of the world but when you take a long trip for over an hour to grab some good old shawarma sandwiches just to find out that they’re all out, it’s disappointing.
I have been to some of their other locations but nothing beats an original location. I hope they bring back some of the old experience and continue to keep this place great as it always has been.

They have great falafel.  We love coming here.  Hummus was decent.

Very small place. Usually folks have To-go orders.

Excellent falafel shop near Washington Square Park with generous servings for the price. Outdoor seating on a classic Village street makes it a great stop for falafel.

10 Best restaurants for Arab in New York City

Halal Arab in New York City