ZipPicks Awards
Best Middle Eastern in Brooklyn Heights & Downtown Brooklyn
Best Sandwiches in Brooklyn Heights & Downtown Brooklyn
Best Fine Dining Restaurants in Brooklyn Heights & Downtown Brooklyn
Master Critic Review
Al Badawi
8.8
Al Badawi brings Palestinian home cooking to Atlantic Avenue, turning a narrow Brooklyn Heights dining room into a busy hub for mezze and family-style platters. Since opening in 2021, it has earned Michelin Guide attention for wood-fired breads, slow-cooked meats, and generous hospitality that make it a destination well beyond the neighborhood.
Must-Try Dishes:
Msakhan with sumac-roasted chicken and onions, Lamb chops over rice with roasted peppers, Warm house flatbread with hummus and mezze
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 7.1
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 9.3
Atmosphere: 8.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: Palestinian feasts built around wood-fired breads, slow-cooked meats, and shareable mezze in a Michelin-recognized setting.
Who should go: Groups and couples craving serious Palestinian cooking.
When to visit: Prime dinner hours or later evenings; reserve weekends.
What to order: Msakhan, lamb chops, mezze spread with warm flatbread.
Insider tip: Order a mix of cold and hot mezze, then build the table around one or two large mains to share family-style.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited on Atlantic Avenue and surrounding side streets; plan for 10–20 minutes of circling during dinner hours or use nearby paid garages on Atlantic Ave.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy — jeans are fine, but many diners dress up for date nights and celebrations.
Noise level: Moderate to lively — conversation is easy at the start of the night but gets buzzier as the room fills.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without a reservation; reservations are strongly recommended.
Weekday lunch: No lunch service; weekday dinners usually 15–30 minutes without a reservation.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — extensive mezze, salads, vegetable plates, and baked goods make it very vegetarian-friendly.
Vegan options: Good options — hummus, baba ghanoush, salads, mujadara-style sides, and several cold mezze are naturally vegan.
Gluten-free options: Limited — many dishes rely on bread and wheat-based items, but grilled meats and some mezze can be adapted.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the warm lighting, shareable plates, and lively energy make it ideal for conversation and a memorable first impression without feeling stiff.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible on weeknights if you arrive early, but weekends and prime dinner hours almost always require a reservation or a long wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Best for older kids who enjoy bold flavors and shared plates; the busy dining room and family-style menu aren’t ideal for toddlers.
Best For
Better for: Family-style Middle Eastern feasting, wood-fired breads, and refined Palestinian cooking in a celebratory, social setting.
Skip if: You’re looking for a quick, quiet Middle Eastern meal or a budget-friendly casual falafel or gyro stop.