Yemen Café: America’s First Yemeni Restaurant Serving Authentic Flavors Since 1986
From Brooklyn to three NYC locations, Yemen Café is a beloved landmark known for its legendary lamb haneeth and traditional Yemeni hospitality.
Since opening its doors in 1986, Yemen Café has earned the distinction of being the first and oldest Yemeni restaurant in the United States. Founded in Brooklyn, New York, the restaurant quickly became a cultural and culinary hub for Arab immigrants and food lovers seeking authentic Middle Eastern flavors.
Over nearly four decades, Yemen Café has grown from a single family-run establishment to three thriving locations across New York City—in Brooklyn Heights, Bay Ridge, and Bushwick. Each location maintains the same warm hospitality and traditional recipes that made the original restaurant a community landmark.
Signature Dishes Loved by Generations
Yemen Café is best known for its lamb haneeth, a slow-roasted lamb dish seasoned with Yemeni spices and cooked until tender, often served with fragrant basmati rice. Guests also enjoy saltah (a hearty stew made with meat, vegetables, and fenugreek foam), fahsa, freshly baked Yemeni bread, and a wide selection of Middle Eastern teas and desserts.
For many Yemeni-Americans, the restaurant is more than just a dining spot—it’s a home away from home where heritage, culture, and hospitality are preserved and shared with the wider New York community.
A Culinary Landmark in NYC
Today, Yemen Café continues to attract both longtime patrons and new visitors. Its reputation for authenticity, generous portions, and welcoming atmosphere has made it one of New York City’s most celebrated Arab restaurants. Whether you’re craving slow-roasted lamb, rich stews, or freshly baked flatbreads, Yemen Café offers an unforgettable taste of Yemeni tradition.
