April is National Arab American Heritage Month, a time to celebrate the vibrant culture, traditions, and contributions of Arab Americans across the country. In New York City, Arab-owned businesses thrive in several key neighborhoods, including Bay Ridge, Brooklyn’s Atlantic Avenue, and Little Egypt in Astoria. Whether you’re looking for authentic Palestinian and Lebanese dining, fresh pastries, or a traditional Yemeni coffee experience, NYC Ferry makes it easy to explore these incredible Arab-owned businesses near its landings.
Le Sajj
Route: South Brooklyn
Landing: Bay Ridge
Le Sajj brings the flavors of Lebanon to Bay Ridge with a warm and inviting atmosphere. Known for its authentic mezze, grilled meats, and house-made sajj bread, this family-run restaurant offers a true taste of Lebanese hospitality.
Tanoreen
Route: South Brooklyn & East River
Landing: Bay Ridge & DUMBO
Founded by chef Rawia Bishara, Tanoreen is a beloved Palestinian restaurant blending traditional flavors with modern twists. With bold, vibrant dishes and a welcoming feel, it has become a staple for Middle Eastern dining in NYC. Tanoreen has also recently opened a location at the Time Out Market in DUMBO, just steps from the NYC Ferry landing.
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Sahadi’s
Route: South Brooklyn
Landing: Atlantic Avenue (BBP-Pier 6)
A Brooklyn institution since 1895, Sahadi’s is a family-owned Middle Eastern market offering a vast selection of spices, dried fruits, nuts, and gourmet foods. It’s a must-visit for anyone looking to bring home authentic ingredients.
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Boutros
Route: South Brooklyn
Landing: Atlantic Avenue (BBP-Pier 6)
Boutros serves up modern Middle Eastern flavors with a New York twist, blending Lebanese and Mediterranean influences into creative, flavorful dishes in the heart of Brooklyn.
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Yemen Cafe
Route: South Brooklyn
Landing: Atlantic Avenue (BBP-Pier 6) & Bay Ridge
A staple for traditional Yemeni cuisine, Yemen Cafe offers rich, slow-cooked stews, freshly baked flatbreads, and aromatic spiced tea in a friendly, family-style setting. Be sure to try their most famous dish, Haneez, which is slow-roasted lamb cooked for 6 hours to perfection. Locations can be found in on Atlantic Ave and in Bay Ridge in Brooklyn, as well as a location in Staten Island.
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Oriental Pastry & Grocery
Route: South Brooklyn
Landing: Atlantic Avenue (BBP-Pier 6)
Oriental Pastry & Grocery is a hidden gem for Middle Eastern grocery staples, from fresh olives and cheeses to specialty spices and homemade pastries.
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Damascus Bread & Pastry Shop
Route: South Brooklyn
Landing: Atlantic Avenue (BBP-Pier 6)
Damascus Bread & Pastry Shop has been baking fresh pita, baklava, and Middle Eastern sweets for decades. Founded in 1930, it started as a local Middle Eastern bakery and expanded under multiple generations, now distributing artisanal flatbreads, wholesaling across the country.
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Tripoli Restaurant
Route: South Brooklyn
Landing: Atlantic Avenue (BBP-Pier 6)
For over 40 years, Tripoli has been serving classic Lebanese cuisine in a warm, inviting setting. From rich hummus to fragrant grilled meats, every dish here is steeped in tradition.
Haraz Coffee House
Route: Astoria
Landing: Astoria
Haraz Coffee House is a Yemeni-style café offering rich, aromatic coffee brewed with centuries-old traditions. It’s the perfect place to experience the depth and culture of Yemeni coffee.
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Levant
Route: Astoria
Landing: Astoria
Levant brings the vibrant flavors of Lebanon to Astoria, offering a menu filled with fresh mezze, grilled kebabs, and house-made hummus, all served in a stylish, modern setting.
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Cup of Joe Coffee Company
Route: Astoria
Landing: Astoria
Cup of Joe Coffee Company is a welcoming neighborhood café known for its high-quality coffee and warm atmosphere, making it a great stop for a caffeine fix before exploring Astoria.
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Al-Sham Sweets & Pastries
Route: Astoria
Landing: Astoria
Al-Sham Sweets & Pastries specializes in authentic Middle Eastern desserts, including fresh baklava, knafeh, and maamoul, made with high-quality ingredients and traditional techniques.
From cozy cafés and bakeries to vibrant restaurants and specialty markets, these Arab-owned businesses across NYC bring the flavors and traditions of the Middle East to life. Whether you’re enjoying an authentic meal in Bay Ridge, sipping coffee in Astoria, or picking up fresh ingredients in Brooklyn, NYC Ferry makes it easy to celebrate Arab American Heritage Month by supporting these incredible local businesses.