Discovering the Authentic Flavors of Yemen at Atlantic Avenue
Nestled in the vibrant heart of Brooklyn, Yemen Café & Restaurant stands as a culinary beacon for those seeking to explore the rich, aromatic traditions of Yemeni cuisine. Located at 176 Atlantic Ave, this establishment serves as more than just a place to eat; it is a cultural gateway that invites diners to experience the warmth and hospitality synonymous with Yemeni heritage. The atmosphere is carefully curated to reflect a blend of traditional aesthetics and the bustling energy of New York City, providing a comfortable space for both casual meals and meaningful gatherings.
The culinary philosophy at Yemen Café & Restaurant is rooted in the preservation of time-honored recipes that have been passed down through generations. By focusing on high-quality ingredients and the meticulous preparation of spices, the kitchen team ensures that every dish tells a story of the diverse landscapes and historical influences that define Yemeni food culture. Whether you are a long-time enthusiast of Middle Eastern cuisine or a curious newcomer looking to expand your palate, the menu offers a comprehensive look at the depth and complexity of flavors found in the region.
What Makes Yemen Café & Restaurant Unique
Authentic Culinary Heritage: The restaurant prides itself on staying true to traditional cooking techniques, ensuring that every plate served honors the authentic roots of Yemeni gastronomy. From the slow-cooked tenderness of the meats to the fragrant, spice-infused rice dishes, the focus remains on delivering an experience that feels both genuine and deeply satisfying.
A Welcoming Community Atmosphere: Situated in a prime location in Brooklyn, the restaurant has become a beloved neighborhood fixture. The staff is dedicated to fostering a welcoming environment where guests feel like family, making it an ideal destination for those who appreciate attentive service paired with a relaxed, inviting dining room setting.
A Symphony of Spices: Central to the Yemeni dining experience is the sophisticated use of spice blends. The kitchen expertly balances aromatic elements like cardamom, cumin, and turmeric, creating layers of flavor that are both bold and nuanced. This commitment to seasoning ensures that every bite is memorable and distinct from standard fare.
Cultural Connection: Beyond the food, the restaurant serves as a space for cultural exchange. By providing an authentic environment, Yemen Café & Restaurant allows patrons to engage with the traditions, hospitality, and culinary artistry of Yemen, bridging the gap between Brooklyn and the historic kitchens of the Arabian Peninsula.
The dedication to quality and authenticity is evident in every aspect of the restaurant, from the careful sourcing of ingredients to the presentation of the meals. The kitchen team understands that Yemeni cuisine is a celebration of communal dining, where the act of sharing a meal is just as important as the food itself. This philosophy is reflected in the generous portions and the inviting layout of the dining area, which encourages guests to slow down, converse, and savor the experience.
For those navigating the diverse food scene of Brooklyn, Yemen Café & Restaurant offers a refreshing and distinct alternative. It is a place where the hustle of Atlantic Avenue fades away, replaced by the comforting scents of freshly baked bread and savory stews. The restaurant continues to attract a loyal following of locals and visitors alike, all drawn by the promise of a meal that is prepared with care, respect, and a deep understanding of culinary history.
As you plan your next dining outing, consider the unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the flavors of the Middle East right here in New York. Yemen Café & Restaurant invites you to pull up a chair and discover the depth of a cuisine that has captivated food lovers for centuries. Whether you are stopping by for a hearty lunch or a relaxing evening dinner, you are guaranteed an experience that is as enriching as it is delicious. We look forward to welcoming you to our table and sharing the vibrant, soul-warming traditions of our kitchen with you.
Amenities and More
Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Wheelchair accessible seating
Service options
Curbside pickup
No-contact delivery
Delivery
Onsite services
Takeout
Dine-in
Highlights
Great tea selection
Serves local specialty
Popular for
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining
Offerings
Coffee
Comfort food
Healthy options
Late-night food
Quick bite
Small plates
Vegetarian options
Dining options
Breakfast
Brunch
Lunch
Dinner
Catering
Counter service
Dessert
Seating
Table service
Amenities
Restroom
Atmosphere
Casual
Cozy
Trendy
Crowd
College students
Family-friendly
Groups
Tourists
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
High chairs
Parking
Free parking lot
Free street parking
Paid street parking
Menus
Appetizers
Special House Salad$4.95
Soup$4.95
Hummus$12.95
Baba Ghanoush$12.95
Foul$16.95
Fassolia$16.95
Shak Shookah (Egg)$16.95
Leham Segar (Small Sauteed Lamb)$23.99
Kibdah (Lamb Liver)$23.99
Hummus with Lamb$26.99
Hummus with Chicken$25.99
Bread$3.99
Lamb
Saltah$16.00
Fahsah$24.95
Kabsa Lamb$38.95
Massloug Lamb$38.95
Mix Grill Kabab$38.95
Lamb Shish Kebab$38.95
Lamb Haneeth$38.95
Lamb Agada (Loubia)$38.95
Lamb Glaba$38.95
Zorbian Lamb$38.95
Lamb Fatah$38.95
Poultry
Chicken Haneeth$23.95
Chicken Glaba (Chicken Curry)$23.95
Chicken Agda (Loubia)$23.95
Chicken Kabab$23.95
Massloug Chicken$23.95
Chicken Saltah$23.95
Chicken Zorbian$23.95
Chicken Kabsa$23.95
Charcoal Grilled Chicken$23.95
Beverages
Special Yemen Tea$2.00
Pepsi (Diet)$2.00
Sierra Mist (Diet)$2.00
Orange$2.00
Seltzer Water$2.00
Ginger Ale$2.00
Vegetarian
Vegetarian Dish$24.99
Fish of the day$32.95
Desserts
Fattah w/ Dates$16.95
Fattah w/ Bananas$16.95
Fattah w/ Bananas & Kishta$17.95
Fatah w/ Kishta$16.95
Photos
Reviews Yemen Café & Restaurant
Brando Wears
30-05-2026
It was 25th Dec and it was fully packed, I ordered Lamb Haneeth that was 22.95$ on menu, they took 27 minutes to bring the order and it wasn’t even that good as other Yemni Resturents have, the lamb was not even tender, and at the end they charge me 43$ with a Diet Coke. My Personal Opinion is don’t Visit this restaurant specially in busy days and conform the bill before placing orders. It was a Poor Experience.
Price per person
$30–50
Food: 1
Service: 1
Atmosphere: 3
Noise level
Quiet, easy to talk
Group size
2 people, 3-4 people
Wait time
10-30 min
Recommendation for vegetarians
Would not recommend
Vegetarian offerings
Not sure
J Dubz
30-05-2026
The slow cooked lamb is the star of the show! Super succulent! they also give free lamb soup and pita bread. The tea is self serve and it’s delicious! More
Bill Kress
30-05-2026
Wow!! Terrific meal. Soup and salad (compliments of the house) were delicious. Favs bean appetizer was great. Lamb and 2 chicken entrees were perfect. Fresh baked flatbread kept in coming out to the table. Absolutely recommend eating here More
Justin
30-05-2026
After a year, I returned to Yemen Cafe with a singular objective in mind - lamb haneeth. This time, I ordered the lunch portion ($24.95). On a Thursday at 2pm, the establishment had less than 20% occupancy, so my party of 5 received seating … More
Gaurav
30-05-2026
I’m bringing friends here! Great food, and quick service! The spicy sauce elevates the taste, definitely don’t miss it! More
Fethi
30-05-2026
Delicious Yemeni food! I highly recommend the Haneeth lamb dish and the liver dish. The service is fast and friendly, and the restaurant has been around for many years. The only downside is the significant price increase over time — $34 for a lamb plate feels a bit too steep. More
Kristina Kelley
30-05-2026
This place is consistently amazing. I’ve been eating here for years. Order anything, it’ll be great. Opened in 1986, they are the first Yemeni restaurant in the US.
There is a self-serve water (metal cups) and hot tea (paper cups) station to the back right-hand portion of the restaurant. The tea is labeled “Yemeni Style Hot Tea” on the menu. It is a slightly sweetened black tea likely spiced with cardamom, clove, and the slightest bit of cinnamon.
As soon as you’re seated you will get a small dish of lemon wedges and spicy, fresh Yemeni Zahawig (salsa). Shortly thereafter, you’ll get Marag (soup) and bread. The Marag is a deep and rich lamb broth with onions - squeeze a lemon wedge into your soup and feel free to use the Zahawig to spice to taste. The Zahawig is likely tomato, jalapeño, cilantro, and a couple other surprises. It is excitingly spicy for a table “salsa” and tastes like it is made fresh.
The bread is crispy on the bottom and the edges. It holds up very well to everything you’ll use it to dip and pile on during your meal. It’s a giant, round flatbread that your entire table will tear at and enjoy.
There are a lot of vegetarian dishes that are fun to share: hummus, baba ghanoush, a vegetarian entree which is a vegetable stew served over rice with salad.
The hummus is smooth and doesn’t need salt, perfect as is, very delicately seasoned. The baba ghanoush is so refreshing.
Foul is a very fun dish to order. This is a tiny pot of mashed fava beans that are sautéed with tomatoes and onions and comes out bubbling. It is very well-balanced.
Fasoolia is white kidney beans sautéed with onions, garlic, tomatoes, cumin, and minced scallions. One of my favorites.
Everyone who has eaten the meat here has loved it and raved about its tenderness. Make sure you try all the things. They are open later than many places in the neighborhood (11:30pm). I love coming here.
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$1–10
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Spicy Sauce, Hummus With, Lamb Broth Soup
Wait time
No wait
Recommendation for vegetarians
Highly recommend
Vegetarian offerings
Clearly labeled vegetarian dishes
Vegetarian options
All ingredients are listed. The soup seems vegetarian, but it is lamb. I’ve never eaten meat here. There are a lot of vegetarian dishes: hummus, baba ghanoush, foul, fasoolia, and a vegetarian entree.
Wheelchair accessibility
There are stairs to enter the restaurant and no elevator.
ahmed mohamoud
30-05-2026
Absolutely outstanding experience from beginning to end. The atmosphere was warm and inviting, making it easy to relax and enjoy the moment. The food was beautifully prepared, full of flavor, and clearly made with care. Service was attentive without being overwhelming, and everything arrived at the perfect pace. You can really feel the professionalism and passion behind the entire experience. Highly recommended.
Food: 4
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
M M
30-05-2026
The food is excellent. The portions are large. Bread, soup, and salad are served. The service is excellent. The prices are average. One of the best Arabic restaurants in Brooklyn.
- I've visited it several times over the past ten years (the decor hasn't changed, and the quality of the food is consistent).
- The staff are wonderful, and the service is fast.
- As soon as you sit down, you're served meat broth and delicious Yemeni bread with a green salad (hospitality).
- The meat broth has changed and isn't as it used to be, with a lot of cumin added to it.
- I was surprised that the customers were more American than Arab.
- My order and rating are as follows:
1/ Small meat 10/10.
2/ Chicken knot 10/10.
3/ Honey, time, cream, and black seed fatteh 10/10
(I highly recommend the restaurant)... One of the best Yemeni Arabic restaurants in New York City. The rice, meat, and chicken are excellent. The service is fast and the staff is very respectful. It's worth visiting more than once. A very excellent experience. The location is close and next to Arabic shops.
Order type
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$30–50
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
كبسه
Dhia Hayouni
30-05-2026
What can I say? The experience was so good they start you off with traditional soup, salads and bread for free. I ordered lamb with rice and I asked for the shoulder cut and they did bring me a shoulder cut. It was so good. The staff is so accommodating the atmosphere is so nice And traditional. There’s also complementary tea which was a very nice touch. I would come back here again and again.
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$20–30
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Reservation
Reservations not required
Wait time
Up to 10 min
Anas Yousuf
30-05-2026
The food was good overall, though not exactly to my taste. I ordered Fahsa Laham, which was excellent and truly authentic, just like the ones I’ve had in the Middle East. The charcoal-grilled chicken and chicken haneeth were decent but a bit bland; they could’ve used more spice. The atmosphere was really nice, and they offered complimentary black tea, which was a great touch. The food was a little pricey, understandable for Brooklyn.. but I felt the taste didn’t quite match the cost.
Price per person
$100+
Food: 3
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Group size
3-4 people
Wait time
Up to 10 min
Parking space
Difficult to find parking
Parking options
Paid street parking
Michelle
30-05-2026
First time trying Yemeni cuisine. The depth of flavor in the chicken fahsah dish was incredible. Bread was fresh and chewy. Unlimited sweet, spiced black tea with option of adding evaporated milk. It was packed by the time we left!!! What a great meal More
HiyamH
30-05-2026
The best Yemenis restaurant in NY. The food is amazingly delicious. Large portions of food. Fresh bread, I believe they make the bread in the restaurant. Tentative and welcoming staff. This was my first time going to this restaurant but I will definitely go back again. The area is very nice with plenty of restaurants and coffee shops. More
Mohammed Alanazi
30-05-2026
Delicious and authentic Yemeni food! The chicken Haneth was tender and full of flavor, and the rice was good too. … More
M Imran
30-05-2026
Yemen Café had been on my list for a long time, and I finally got the chance to visit a few days ago when we were in NYC. The only issue with that part of Brooklyn is parking, but we got lucky and found a spot right in front of the restaurant.
As soon as you’re seated, they serve warm bread and a bowl of lamb soup and the two go perfectly together. The soup has just the right balance of spices. We ordered a few dishes, but the highlight for us was definitely the lamb haneeth. The meat was super tender and full of flavor.
The place is very clean, the service is excellent, and don’t forget the complimentary tea it’s the perfect way to finish your meal. Overall, it’s a great spot to experience authentic Yemeni cuisine.
Price per person
$100+
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Noise level
Moderate noise
Group size
3-4 people
Wait time
No wait
Recommendation for vegetarians
Not sure
Vegetarian offerings
Not sure
Parking space
Difficult to find parking
Parking options
Paid street parking
Andrew Dabydeen
30-05-2026
This is a type of place that I love and reminds me a lot of the restaurants I grew up with in South Brooklyn - made for groups and to share laughs and good food. We heard a lot of good things about the Haneeth which was good but the show stopped was the Fahsah, that was unique and delicious. Everything else was cozy and filling dishes and were just okay. I’m looking forward to coming back just for the Fahsah in the near future.
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$20–30
Food: 4
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Group size
2 people
Wait time
No wait
Samir El
30-05-2026
Once Great, Now Deeply Disappointing 👎🏼 !
As a Yemeni who knows how real Yemeni food should taste, it honestly hurts to say this, but this restaurant is no longer what it used to be. It used to be one of the best and first Yemeni restaurants in NYC, but the quality has dropped so much that it barely resembles authentic Yemeni cuisine anymore.
I went recently with my cousins, and we all felt so bad about the experience. Some of us couldn’t even eat the food, including me. For the high prices they are still charging, the flavors, freshness, and overall quality are just not acceptable. It really feels like they are living off their old name and reputation, especially with customers who don’t know what true Yemeni food is supposed to taste like.
I’m not writing this to advertise anything, just to be honest and to protect the reputation of Yemeni cuisine, because this direction only harms it. I will do my best to reach out to the owners directly, because many of us would love to see this place return to its old standard. If you really want to experience authentic Yemeni food at this price point, I highly recommend Yemenat, the only Yemeni restaurant added to the Michelin list as one of the best in New York.
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$50–100
Food: 1
Service: 2
Atmosphere: 3
Noise level
Loud, but you can still talk
Group size
3-4 people
Nhi Nguyen
30-05-2026
We thought we would have leftovers- nope. So good! Unlimited bread refills too :D lamb fahsah was def the highlight
We were so shook bc so many things came out at first that we didn't order (bread, salad, soup).
Food: 4
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 4
Leila Habibi
30-05-2026
The level of hospitality these people offer is -to my experience- unmatched! They serve the guests free (yes free!) fresh baked bread with beef broth soup and some amazing side of pickled vegetables and lemons once you sit at your table, and the tea is also charge free and self serve! They also bring a free dish of side salad topped with the same yummy pickled chopped vegetables. The food is AMAZING, specifically the rice, which I could just continue eating forever! We were mainly surprised by how kind, generous and welcoming these people are. Will definitely go back!
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$50–100
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Group size
Suitable for all group sizes
Wait time
No wait
Recommendation for vegetarians
Highly recommend
Vegetarian offerings
Large vegetarian selection
Patrick Wong
30-05-2026
TLDR: I haven't even eaten there but wow was it good. Definitely will be returning, the baba ghanoush and both the lamb leg/stews were insane.
Had this delivery at a friend's place and wow - everything was so tasty. Each order comes with this huge toasty pita that's perfect to mop up the sauces and plates.
The baba ghanoush was the first thing I tried and I loved the texture. Not overly whipped or too smokey. Kinda of like rice pudding without the grains, that's just how it felt as I dragged the pita through it.
The fahsah was this incredibly tender lamb stew that was my favorite. It's got a decent kick to it and that rich deep flavor. The lamb leg was also delicious, the edges are crispy but the meat literally falls off the bone.
The chicken curry was tasty too along with the grilled fish. I can see why this place is popular, definitely will visit one of their locations again in-person.
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Reviews Yemen Café & Restaurant