ZipPicks Awards
Best Mediterranean in Sunset Park
Best Middle Eastern in Sunset Park
Best Breakfast in Sunset Park
Best Brunch in Sunset Park
Best Business Lunch Restaurants in Sunset Park
Best Gluten-Free Restaurants in Sunset Park
Master Critic Review
Yafa Cafe
8.0
Yafa Cafe is a casual Yemeni-influenced coffeehouse in Sunset Park serving shakshuka, sandwiches, and Middle Eastern small plates alongside strong coffee and tea. It’s especially useful for daytime meetups and laptop sessions where you still want real food like ful, wraps, and pastries.
Must-Try Dishes:
Shakshuka, Chicken shawarma wrap, Yemeni-style coffee
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Neighborhood cafe bridging Yemeni flavors and broader Mediterranean brunch plates with serious coffee.
Who should go: Daytime diners looking for brunchy Mediterranean plates and a relaxed cafe vibe.
When to visit: Late morning or early afternoon for the best mix of food and seating.
What to order: Shakshuka, chicken shawarma wrap, Yemeni-style coffee.
Insider tip: Treat it as a working brunch spot—order shakshuka and coffee, then linger with a laptop at off-peak times.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; generally manageable during weekday mornings but tighter on weekends after 11am.
Dress code: Casual and relaxed — jeans, sneakers, and everyday wear fit right in.
Noise level: Low to moderate — easy to talk, occasional coffee shop hum.
Weekend wait: Not applicable — primarily a daytime café spot.
Weekday lunch: 5–15 minutes during peak lunch hours; usually no wait earlier.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — shakshuka, ful, salads, pastries, and multiple mezze-style options.
Vegan options: Limited but possible — ful, some vegetable sides, and select breads.
Gluten-free options: Limited — not dedicated gluten-free, but a few naturally GF plates like ful and eggs.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for daytime or casual coffee dates — it’s relaxed, pressure-free, and gives you food plus great coffee without feeling formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s walk-in only and turnover is steady, especially outside peak brunch hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for calm, older kids — the menu is approachable, but it’s more café-focused than family-oriented.
Best For
Better for: Stronger coffee, shakshuka, and Yemeni-influenced brunch than most standard Mediterranean cafés in the area.
Skip if: Choose other Sunset Park spots if you want a full dinner menu, alcohol, or a late-night dining atmosphere.