Top Restaurants In Bay Ridge Brooklyn

Bay Ridge, Brooklyn is a neighborhood not many people get to – even those who have lived in New York for years may have never been, but it’s truly an underrated foodie paradise. Once considered a Scandinavian neighborhood, then an Irish and Italian neighborhood, it is now predominantly Middle Eastern. On 5th Avenue between 67th street and 86th street you’ll find a mecca of Middle Eastern restaurants – from Lebanese to Syrian to Turkish to Egyptian and more – and there’s no better place to come for kebabs and other Middle East classics. That said, Bay Ridge is diverse like any other NYC neighborhood, and if you look beyond you’ll see there’s many cuisines to be savored.

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Yemen Cafe

Stroll along 5th Avenue and you’ll come across many Middle Eastern favorites like Yemen Cafe. This take-out joint offers special dishes like salta (a bubbling pot of goo with pita for dipping), fatah (lamb porridge with more bread for dipping), and haneez (spiced lamb).All of these are delicious, sharable Yemeni dishes that’ll make you feel warm and cozy from the inside out.

Hazar Turkish Kebab

If you’re a fan of Turkish kebabs, high-tail it to Hazar Turkish Kebab for one of the best in New York City. Locals will tell you that they also make the best falafel in New York, and be sure to try their yumurtali pide – a sort of Middle Eastern-style stuffed pizza. In short, if you like Middle Eastern food, you’ll be happy at Hazar’s.

Leske’s Bakery

Before it was a Middle Easten neighborhood, Bay Ridge was home to Scandinavians, and evidence of that can be found in places like Leske’s Bakery. This bakery and donut shot has been a favorite for years, serving classic black & white cookies, jelly filled donuts, and danish baked goods. It’s an old-school neighborhood spot that hasn’t changed, and counts a loyal clientele that has been coming back for years.

Pizza Wagon

Every New York neighborhood needs a classic New York pizza joint, and in Bay Ridge it’s Pizza Wagon. Hardly changed since it first opened in 1966, if you’re looking for an old-school slice joint, look no further. Grab a slice of plain cheese or a Sicilian and you won’t be disappointed – this place is often crowded for a reason.