Middle Eastern Restaurants near Whitestone, NY

“Friendly service, good food takes time to prepare but it's so worth the wait“

“The best falafel in New York, hands down. Everything from the hummus and pita, to the pickles and the meat platters is made with so much care, love and authenticity. The best middle eastern food we've ever had and we make a (pita) point to come back regularly. Eddie, the owner, is also the nicest guy who loves making delicious food for his customers. This place is a gem of a find“

“We ordered for the first time tonight from Sammy, former proprietor of JuJu’s Bagels now transformed into El Toum. We ordered 4 items and they were ready for pickup in less than 25 minutes. The Mixed Kebab platter, Kofta Burger with fries, Falafel Sandwich with extra tahini sauce, and El Toum Appetizer were refreshingly homemade, tasted delicious, and proved outstanding bangs for the buck. More than enough food for a family of four with leftovers. This is a very welcome addition to a neighborhood missing this kind of fare. I highly recommend supporting this local business. Some of the best falafel and tabouli I’ve tasted in quite some time too!“

“Been to Levant a couple of times now and I feel i’m ready to share my experience. First time I ordered a sausage feteer to go. It was still perfectly crispy when I got it home. I like the square bottom bag and the octagonal box the feteer comes in. Today, I was in the mood for a wrap. I ordered the beef shawarma. They toasted the wrap - nice and hot on a giant panini press. It was so juicy I didn’t need the special Levant sauce. Then I thought let me dig the wrap in the sauce and wow. Tasted even better. Will be back to sample their meat pies next!“

“I've lived in the neighborhood for 2yrs and finally decided to Try this Restaurant and it hasn't disappointed me yet! I was confused on what dish to get so the cashier (young lady with glasses) recommended "Chicken TIkka" it's so yummy ? the food was hot and freshly cooked this is my third time visiting. I'll definitely be back to try more items off the menu. I Also like they are open lateeeeee“

“Absolutely amazing food!. Best Spinach pies I've ever had.“

“🔝 Notch middle eastern cuisine, Hands down the best, Highly Recommended“

“Rothchilds never disappoints. We love all the food options, and drinks. The owner and staff couldn’t be more accommodating.“

“A True Paradise!

I'm thrilled to return to 2 Paradise Restaurant after a year, and I must say, they've taken their excellence to the next level! My previous experiences were already top-notch, but the improvements they've made are truly impressive.

I ordered two chicken wraps, and the flavors were absolutely delightful. The quality of the ingredients and the care in preparation shone through in every bite.
I highly recommend 2 Paradise Restaurant to anyone seeking exceptional taste and value. The team's dedication to continuous improvement is genuinely admirable.“

“I was craving some middle eastern/Mediterranean food and this place did not disappoint! A great selection and the ingredients are all very fresh with the shish kebab made upon ordering. I had the build your own bowl and highly recommend. To top it off, the staff is very friendly and warm, even asking how the food was after!“

“Nice customer service
Delicious food and dessert
Quick service
They have a special menu everyday
Affordable prices
Clean and organized
Can be a choice for small gatherings for special events

Highly recommended !“

“Great lunch! Delicious, great price, large tasty portions great patio seating and friendly atmosphere. Thank you“

“The service and atmosphere were stellar. The waitress and manager Alex were beyond reproach in their attention to detail and inter personal communication. The clash of brutalism and mcm makes the dining room setting to a movie scene. The quality of food wasn’t the issue. I appreciated not making things not too salty but if the sauces were meant to be authentically ethnic. They missed that mark to cater to palettes less aggressive. I already know if I want traditional cuisines but no frills head to a Northern Blvd, or Flushing Queens. However, despite being non committal-on flavor . You’re coming for an experience and I’d go back gladly.“

“Great food, excellent service. Perfect location. You can come here and enjoy a nice authentic meal. That is, you know, largely affordable and you'll get to experience some of the best dishes like mandi, and you can also enjoy some nice and unique desserts.
This seems to be the only restaurant of its kind.In the boston area.And I expect that it gets busy at times and you have to make a reservation“

“Yemeni food in the heart of the Bronx. Authentic, flavorful and economical. We had the Lamb Haneeth, 10/10 and also had the hummus with meat 9/10. They start you off with broth soup & salad & the bread was perfect. Cost about $20 a person and we got a few cold drinks.“

“Had always heard great things and I can confirm that they hold up. They have some outdoor seating so we took advantage of that. Ordered the Sabry’s Combo (shrimp, calamari and salmon) which came with salad, bread and rice. Also got the mixed Tajine (shrimp and calamari) which was incredible. Definitely be sure to save your bread to dip on the Tajine. While we were waiting for our food, the owner popped his head out to say that they had a special soup that day so we decided to try it. It was Molokhia or green soup which had shrimp in it. Everything was delicious and I’ll definitely be coming back“

“A smaller space, but nicely decorated. Was able to walk in at 7pm on a Tuesday night for two with no problem. Food and service were both great. The mezze portions are great; really loved the labneh. The carrots are slightly sweetened and is served cold. Falafel hummus was plentiful and the falafel was great. Chicken shawarma was delicious; recommend getting a side of pita so you can make yourself a pita sandwich.“

“Food was delicious, the people and service was excellent. ❤️❤️❤️“

“I just found this gem in Harlem and let me say I am thoroughly impressed. First, the Yemeni tea is extremely good. No need to add anything. Secondly, the amount of food that you get for money is a great deal. I had #21 Aqdat Dajaj (Curry Chicken) w/Basmati Rice and a side of Naan bread (it was huge). You also receive soup and a mini salad before the actual entree. I left there stuffed and satisfied. The space is very quaint and somewhat intimate. It’s a must try!! And it’s Halal!!!

Vegetarian options: There are about 13 vegetarian dishes to choose from.“

“The Koshari! Will go back again for sure!“

“Absolutely PHENOMENAL food. We got a family platter of chicken and rice and a side of jerk chicken. It was the best food I’ve had in a very long time.

Salad was delicious, everything was fresh and wrapped so perfectly. The sauces were so yummy, I’d eat here every damn day if I could.“

“My opinion is 8.3/10. Overall I did enjoy it for my first shashuka. $15 for hummus, 2 eggs and 2 pitas pockets. Overall fresh and enjoyable. Maybe wait was a tad long about 30 mins and maybe a little strong on tahini in the hummus. Check out my in depth video reviews on any of the platforms below. TikTok: TheUrbanLegend4 Instagram: UrbanLegend4 Facebook: Panayoti Kokalis YouTube: Urban Legend“

“Delicious, fresh chicken and lamb, perfectly seasoned and cooked, and served with a smile. Quality of the meats is above the usual cart fare, and it makes a big difference. We eat a LOT of halal cart food, and Abdul offers some of the best we’ve had. If you’re in the area (or flying out of JFK and have some extra time), it’s worth a small detour.“

“Fast service and food tastes soo good“

“A proud Palestinian owned business and they have the best falafel I’ve ever had the pleasure of having in my entire life and I’m not exaggerating at all. It’s shaped like kibbeh rather than the traditional round shape, they start frying them as soon as you walk in and offer you a piece as you wait in line to place your order and it’s the best starter before your meal. That is if you can fight the urge to get more and order something else instead which I personally failed at and proudly had one too many pieces that day, no regrets. Oh and the meat shawarma was also delicious.“

“My favorite local restaurant by far. Consistently fresh, delicious and fast. Family run, good vibes all around.

Dietary restrictions: Vegetarian and vegan options

Kid-friendliness: Good friendly staff, good kid options

Wheelchair accessibility: Ground level no need for ramps etc“

“falafel,chicken and lamb over rice platters“

“This restaurant has been a cherished part of my life since my elementary school days. The garlic sauce is amazing, and their grilled chicken with the red sauce is pure magic. The boss's warm hospitality makes you feel at home, and their Basbousa dessert is a must buy after dinner/lunch. I can't rate it anything less than 5/5 - I'll be a lifelong customer!“

“Nice and clean place!! I loved the pizza and the cheese cake!!!!!!!!!!“

“I have visited Aden multiple times and have always enjoyed my experiences. Delicious Yemeni food, likely the best in Queens, whether sit down, take-out, or from their street grill, coupled with the friendly service will keep me and my family coming back. Take the poor reviews of this business and set them aside as merely bad judgment on the reviewer's. This is not a fast food restaurant! Expect to wait a little, but you will be satisfied.Their Steinway Halal cart outside offers half chicken and kabobs over rice. Delicious!“

“In a diverse city like New York, there are flavors from many countries. This is a Yemeni restaurant. Although the store is not big, it attracts many diners, perhaps just to taste different flavors. It may not pay much attention to hygiene, but the chef makes every dish with care, and I think their grilled fish rice is very delicious. Maybe it’s because I love fish….“

“I love this food truck. Best food truck in NY! Guys are funny, kind, pleasant and working hard lovely people. Food is so yummylicious!!!! I love the beef Sharma so I always got that. Until yesterday I wanted to try something new. So I got the beef kebab and Kefta (? Not sure if I spelled it rt) but it's like a thin burger patty. These were sooo good too!!! Now I'm have to go back for more lol. I got sauce with mine. But naw. Their food is soooo good. You should get the sauce on the side! Taste it trufully haha. Price is good. And portion is good. Iam a lady who can eat! And I can't finish it all st once! My husband can. But he gets full after. ? I highly recommend this food truck if you wanna try a real halal food! Their meat taste and feels real as compare to other food truck lamb,, it feels like canned meat... OMG also Their falafel I'd THE BEST! So crunchy and flavourful!! ??“

“This place is beyond delicious. Better than 53rd, better than any halal restaurants in the area. This is the only shawarma I’ve tried in NY that tastes just like my homelands. The flavors are on point!! The meat and ingredients are very high quality. It’s a blessing to have a healthy take out spot that’s open late. I highly recommend the lamb shawarma combo and lamb over rice!! They are very generous with their portions.
- More of a take out/catering spot
- Service is very kind but can be slow. It is worth the 30-40 minutes wait!!!“

“I ordered the brisket fries and the cornflake schnitzel sandwich and both were amazing and tasted fresh. The brisket did not have that overwhelming taste of liquid smoke other spots use which made it enjoyable to eat. A small location that should be recognized more“

“Dropped by on 5/11/25 to grab something for Mother's Day. Picked up the Banana Pudding.

Mom and my sisters right after the first try completely devoured it and raved about it. When food makes people happy that's when you know it's on point.

The folks at the place were very friendly, and the place was clean, as expected of a place that handles food. It's crystal clear they are dedicated to their craft.

Small businesses like this are the life of the city. They deserve your business and I will absolutely be a repeat customer.

Highly recommended. Give'em a go.“

“Being generous with my overall rating coz they have a wide variety of different foods including cool vegan options. Had vegan chicken tacos that were pretty good. The tables were dirty but they offered free Arabic tea which is nice, was delicious (I'da preferred it wasn't sweetened but open to try it how it's usually made)“

“We ordered the beef shawarma, chicken shawarma, and sambousek. Everything tasted so fresh and VERY delicious! It was such a pleasant experience. Ordering and delivery were pretty quick also! I would absolutely recommend! Thank you, Al Basha!“

“my first time there. the merguez sandwich is so delicious. OMG so yummy 😋 great service. 🇩🇿🇲🇦 my new destination in steinway.“

“Not to be missed. Grilled beats fried.“

“I recently visited Pita Hot and had the best shawarma sandwich I've ever had. The lamb was perfectly cooked and the sandwich was stuffed to the brim. The staff was also very friendly and gave me a free falafel while I waited. I will definitely be back again soon!“

“Just halal in Queens, New York has professional service & provides great customer care.
Just Halal is an honest place for eating, staffs answers all questions & makes sure customers were happy.
I highly recommend Just halal, it treated me well with respect, speed and attentiveness, I had a wonderful experience, staff gave advice on health.
Just halal offers varieties of tasty delicious fresh made foods with great big portions.

Vegetarian options: All available both vegetarian and non vegetarian options.

Parking: Plenty of parking available all around the block & additional parking available in front parking lot.

Kid-friendliness: Kid-friendly, has cartoons drawings on walls, fan, A.C, handwashing, drying, washroom, clean dining tables & chairs, foods and drinks.

Wheelchair accessibility: Has a wheelchair ramp for easy access for handicapped people.“

“Loved dining here! The menu had great options, everything we ordered was delicious, and the staff made us feel right at home. The place was clean and had a nice atmosphere. Overall, a wonderful experience — I’ll definitely be coming back!“

“This is the best food on jamaica ave were lucky to have them here great food the best i ordered the chicken tandoori, lamb korma, and 2 garlic nann delicious and they're not stingy on the portions a lot of meat im so happy I found this place great food.“

“Great food, fast and friendly service. Definitely going back!“

“Best baklava ive ever had, i love it. Friendly employees most of the time. It's cash only.
About $16 per pound, but definitely worth it. Everything is fresh bc they are very busy all the time. You can get a nice mix of different types of the sweets for $10 or $20.“

“Love the Calamari & the sangrias“

“Shah Halal in Sunnyside, Queens, offers a stellar dining experience with its standout dish: the falafel over rice. The falafel is a highlight, featuring perfectly crisp exteriors and tender, well-seasoned interiors. It's evident that the ingredients are fresh, and the spices are balanced, delivering a flavorful punch with every bite. The rice, fluffy and subtly aromatic, complements the falafel beautifully, creating a satisfying base for the dish.

What truly elevates the meal is the white sauce, a creamy, tangy addition that brings everything together. It has a smooth texture and a slight zesty kick that enhances the falafel and rice without overpowering them. The sauce’s balanced flavor profile adds a delicious layer of richness, making each forkful a delight.

Overall, Shah Halal provides a superb falafel over rice that is both flavorful and satisfying, with the white sauce adding a perfect finishing touch. It’s a must-try for anyone in the area craving quality halal cuisine.“

“Great food, great atmosphere“

“Came in here after a spot me and my friend and I originally wanted to go to was packed....glad we did!

Very cozy, welcoming atmosphere and delicious food! I was pleasantly surprised with the food. Everything was super flavorful. I really want to come back spon to try some more things on the menu.“

“The food is excellent.. 20 for single combo entree.. the front desk forgotten we ordered the combo and didn't provide bread and drink at first but gave us no issues after receipt was shown. Granted it was slow. Only negative is the price.. very expensive and small portion. I'd only buy few times a year.“