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Chicken shawarma and labneh in New York

Made for those who believe a chicken shawarma is incomplete without a side of labneh to balance the meal.

Based on 727 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Maqluba Restaurant image 1
Maqluba Restaurant image 2
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Middle Eastern restaurant

Small, well-decorated Middle Eastern restaurant with a big oven for bread and an illuminated map of Palestine. Cozy, inviting atmosphere with authentic music and a soothing vibe that feels like being hosted by family. Dining area often crowded with people enjoying generous portions of fresh, hot food.

Tender chicken shawarma comes wrapped with creamy garlic sauce and fresh veggies. Both chicken and meat shawarma offer flavorful and satisfying options.

Labneh comes fresh and creamy, served alongside other cold appetizers like hummus and babaganoush. It shines in a platter with muhammara and fattoush, highlighting its smooth texture and tangy flavor.

People are saying

"You have to try the shawarma; it's authentic and always hits the spot."

"The Chicken Shawarma here is tender, flavorful, and generously portioned."

"The labneh here is some of the best I've ever had."

Good to know

1

Ordering to go is the best option for a quick meal.

2

Prices are very affordable for high quality food.

3

Vegan and vegetarian options are clearly identified on the menu.

02
Ayat Ditmas Park image 1
Palestinian restaurant

Palestinian restaurant offers beautiful decor with live Palestinian music enhancing a warm, welcoming vibe. Seating includes covered outdoor areas with a laid-back energy and plenty of light. Atmosphere feels classy and cozy, creating an inviting space for dining.

Chicken shawarma comes in a tender, savory style with a good portion size. It often arrives on a platter with pickles that add a nice touch.

Labneh stands out with its top tier quality and pairs well with other Middle Eastern dishes like baba ganoush and muhammara. Presentation is robust, making it a memorable part of the meal.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and flavorful."

"The labneh and other dishes were crowd pleasers."

"This chicken shawarma is the best meal Iโ€™ve had."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is BYOB (bring your own wine or beer).

2

On Fridays, traditional Palestinian music is played.

3

Make sure to order the knafe ahead of time as it takes 15-20 minutes.

03
Motek Flatiron image 1
Restaurant

Space combines modern elegance with cozy charm, featuring high ceilings and natural light. Atmosphere feels warm and inviting, balancing chic dining with authentic hospitality. Seating options include tables, booths, bar counters, and outdoor areas, creating a versatile environment.

Chicken shawarma comes with incredible dips and is served alongside pita and malawach. The shawarma pairs well with hummus and appears in a pastrami stuffed pita.

Labneh stands out with its depth of flavor and freshness. It pairs well with za'tar and Turkish pita, creating a flavorful and vibrant dip experience.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh and delicious."

"The Chicken Shawarma here is really flavorful and high-quality."

"The labneh here has gorgeous, surprising depth of flavor."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-6pm on weekdays with discounted drinks and appetizers.

2

Reservations are recommended for dinner, especially on weekends.

3

Motek offers a variety of vegan and vegetarian options on the menu.

04
Shuka image 1
Mediterranean restaurant

Mediterranean spot buzzes with vibrant atmosphere and exotic decor. Juicy chicken shawarma shines with perfect seasoning and soft pita. Creamy labneh pairs beautifully with figs and orange marmalade, making starters pop. Outdoor seating glows under string lights.

Juicy, tender chicken combines with perfect seasoning and caramelized onions in the shawarma. It comes with soft pita bread and a blend of spices that make the flavors stand out.

Labneh comes with a mellow sweetness when paired with figs or cherries and features a perfect orange marmalade center. It appears in dips and alongside cilantro whipped feta, creating standout starters.

People are saying

"I found the Mediterranean food here to be cooked to perfection."

"You have to try the Chicken Shawarma; it's pretty spot on."

"The labneh here is the best I ever had."

Good to know

1

Reservations are highly recommended, especially on weekends.

2

The price of the lamb kebab is $31.03.

3

Brunch is available on Saturdays and is a popular time to visit.

05
Salma image 1
Lebanese restaurant

Cozy spot with intimate atmosphere and rustic charm feels like Beirut. Chicken shawarma is perfectly seasoned and tender, great with fatoush and kafta. Labneh is rich and creamy, pairing well with hummus and falafel for a tasty meal.

Chicken shawarma comes perfectly seasoned and tender. It pairs well with other dishes like fatoush salad and kafta kebab for a satisfying meal.

Labneh stands out for its rich creaminess and perfect texture. It pairs well with dishes like filet mignon and falafel, making it a frequent choice alongside hummus and taboulleh.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be fresh and flavorful."

"I thought the labneh here was unmatched."

"I thought the chicken shawarma platter was the best I ever had."

Good to know

1

A reservation is a must due to the limited indoor area.

2

The restaurant is Halal.

3

The restaurant is BYOB (Bring Your Own Bottle).

06
Ayat Bushwick image 1
Palestinian restaurant

Palestinian restaurant offers a beautiful, thoughtfully designed space with an open wall to the outside that shapes its atmosphere. Live Arabic music plays throughout the evening, creating an enjoyable, vibrant vibe. The place fills with people who appreciate authentic Middle Eastern food and a lively, welcoming environment.

Chicken shawarma stands out for its tender and flavorful meat with a juicy and crispy texture. The Araby Chicken Shawarma pairs well with sides like muhammarah, creating a delicious combination.

Labneh comes with warm, fresh pita bread and stands out as really tasty and phenomenal. It pairs well with hummus and works great as an appetizer.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, especially the traditional lamb."

"The Chicken Shawarma here is so juicy and crispy, truly unforgettable."

"The labneh here is really tasty, especially with warm pita."

Good to know

1

Ayat Bushwick is a BYOB establishment, allowing guests to bring their own alcohol.

2

Live music is featured on Saturday nights, enhancing the dining experience.

3

The portions at Ayat Bushwick are generous, making it great for sharing.

07
albadawi image 1
Middle Eastern restaurant

Large fully outdoor patio offers people watching and fresh air. Interior connects kitchen and dining room, showcasing open cooking and detailed decor with greenery and mural art. Atmosphere feels vibrant and immersive, suitable for both small and large groups.

Chicken shawarma comes as a platter or sandwich with sides like fries and garlic sauce. The platter pairs well with pistachio flatbread and often includes hummus and fattoush salad.

Creamy and rich, the labneh stands out among the appetizers. It pairs well with muhamarra and baba ganoush for a flavorful start.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be amazing and delicious."

"I found the chicken shawarma platter insanely good."

"This Labneh is to die for."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is BYOB (Bring Your Own Bottle).

2

A service charge is added for groups larger than 6.

3

New York State Law requires notice for credit card fees, which was not provided.

08
Ayat East Village image 1
Palestinian restaurant

Palestinian restaurant with beautiful interior and Palestinian art murals creates an authentic vibe that transports guests. The atmosphere feels welcoming and lively, especially on busy weekends. Tables are close together and sometimes uneven, adding a rustic touch to the setting.

Chicken shawarma comes in large platters with perfectly cooked rice. Garlic sauce is served on the side, and the dish pairs well with hummus and fried eggplant.

Mixed platters include labneh alongside hummus and baba ganoush. Labneh appears as a liquidy, loose yogurt dip rather than a thick spread. It pairs well with tahini salad and other mezze items.

People are saying

"The Palestinian food here is the most delicious I've ever tasted."

"I found the chicken shawarma delicious and cooked to perfection."

"The Mezze Filistini had the creamiest labneh and hummus."

Good to know

1

Reservations are highly recommended due to long wait times, especially on weekends.

2

Fridays and Saturdays are the busiest days at the restaurant.

3

The menu includes a 20% gratuity for parties of 4 or more.

09
Miriam Restaurant image 1
Mediterranean restaurant

Mediterranean restaurant offers heated outdoor seating with covered, shaded areas and minimalist design. Atmosphere stays romantic and cozy with low lighting and candles, supporting conversation despite occasional loud music. Crowd enjoys authentic Israeli music and a warm, inviting vibe that highlights Jewish cuisine.

Generous portions of flavorful chicken make the shawarma filling and great for sharing or leftovers. The platter offers plenty of food with a delicious taste.

Labneh appears as a creamy dip often paired with jam or pickles. It complements dishes like Potato Latkes and Mediterranean Crispy Dough, adding a tangy, smooth texture that enhances flavors.

People are saying

"The Mediterranean food here, especially the shawarma and falafel, is so delicious."

"The labneh here is fantastic, especially with the latkes."

"The Chicken Shawarma is wonderfully seasoned and flavorful."

Good to know

1

You may have to wait to get a table, especially on weekends.

2

Brunch is offered every day, with weekends being particularly busy.

3

The happy hour offers $3 off a glass.

10
Au Za'atar - East Village image 1
Lebanese restaurant

Warm, earthy colors and colorful mosaics create a cozy, authentic atmosphere with tight seating inside and on the sidewalk patio. Outdoor heated seating offers a pleasant option year-round. Lebanese music plays softly, enhancing the inviting vibe.

Table side preparation makes the chicken shawarma stand out, offering a fresh and engaging experience. The off-menu option with ZORBY adds a unique twist to the classic flavor.

Complimentary servings include Labneh with pita bread. The labneh is part of a rich variety of dips alongside hummus and baba ganoush. It has a smooth, flavorful texture and tastes decent.

People are saying

"The Mediterranean food here, especially the kebabs, is so flavorful and satisfying."

"I found the chicken shawarma to be delicious."

"The labneh is authentically delicious and fresh."

Good to know

1

You need a reservation on a weekend to dine here.

2

Expect over 1 hour wait for chicken shawarma during busy times.

3

Portions are small; 2 chicken kababs cost $28.

11
El Cedro image 1
Lebanese restaurant

Lebanese restaurant offers a spacious, simple interior decorated with amazing artwork and laid-back, family-friendly vibe. The atmosphere feels warm and homey, with comfortable seating and room for strollers. Outdoor seating includes several sidewalk tables, and a back patio is planned.

Chicken shawarma shines in both burrito and tacos forms, packed with spices and filling portions. The burrito could use a bit more moisture, but the tacos come with excellent dips and spreads.

Labneh appears in several dishes like the labneh corn dip and labneh esquitas. The corn dip is flavorful, while the esquitas mix corn and feta but lacks fusion and comes with too few tortilla chips.

People are saying

"The watermelon salad is super refreshing."

"The chicken shawarma tacos were excellent."

"The labneh here is so thick, it lacks any sour taste."

Good to know

1

The restaurant has just opened, so expect a fresh menu.

2

Pricing is affordable for NYC, making it a budget-friendly option.

3

The chef is the owner, ensuring high-quality, personal dishes.

12
Thea image 1
Bakery

Small bakery with modern elegant decor and cozy atmosphere. Space fills quickly, creating a popular, lively vibe. Plenty of comfortable seating with outlets supports a relaxed visit despite the crowd.

Chicken shawarma sandwiches feature rich flavor and a delicious taste. The lunch special offers a solid option for this dish.

Mango labneh appears in a maritozzi that tastes very delicious. It pairs well with other items like chocolate chili babka.

People are saying

"The sandwiches here are delicious and creative."

"The Jerusalem bagel with labneh is very good."

"I tried the chicken shawarma sandwich; it was one of the best I've ever had."

Good to know

1

Get here early for baked goods, prior to 9am on weekends.

2

There is no bathroom for patrons.

3

If you go anytime past noon, everything is sold out.

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