Arab-American Heritage Month: Local Spots to Celebrate Near NYC Ferry Landings
NextApril 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.
Tanoreen
Route: St. George, East River Local/A/B
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, St. George
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, St. George
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, St. George
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, St. George
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.
Damascus Bread & Pastry Shop
Route: South Brooklyn, St. George
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.
Tripoli Restaurant
Route: South Brooklyn, St. George
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.
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.
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.
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.
Le Sajj
Route: St. George
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.
