Ayat Brings Palestinian Flavors and Identity to Princeton

When Ayat, the popular Palestinian restaurant chain from Brooklyn, opened its doors in Princeton on October 8, 2024 it brought with it not only the flavors of Palestine but also the weight of cultural identity and political debate. Located on 15 Spring Street, the new branch has quickly become a point of conversation—celebrated for its food and design while also attracting controversy tied to the ongoing war in Gaza.

A Growing Culinary Presence

Founded in 2020 as a family-owned venture in Brooklyn, Ayat has expanded rapidly, earning a place on The New York Times list of 100 Best Restaurants in New York City. The Princeton branch marks its seventh location, with an eighth set to open soon in Bushwick. With an average 4.3-star Yelp rating across its locations, Ayat has developed a reputation for authentic cuisine and community-centered dining.

Inside the Princeton restaurant, guests are greeted by a striking interior: a mural of a teary-eyed woman in a keffiyeh partly veiled by the Palestinian flag stretches across the wall, while the ceiling evokes a forest canopy. Above the tables, a phrase in bold letters reads: “Story of Resilience. Feast for the Senses.”

Food that Feels Like Home

Ayat’s menu reflects the richness of Palestinian cuisine, offering more than 50 items ranging from shawarma, hummus, and kebabs to Arabian teas and wood-fired pizzas. Prices range from modest appetizers at $4 to elaborate dishes like braided filet for $33. Local diners have praised the food’s freshness, variety, and authenticity.

For Princeton student Adam Moussa, originally from Lebanon, the restaurant provided a sense of belonging. “Being Arabs by nature, we were drawn there,” he said. “The food was so good, the waiters were quick, and the whole atmosphere was nice.”

Princeton resident Jennifer Cohan echoed the sentiment, highlighting the difficulty of choosing from the “extensive” menu and describing the restaurant’s vibe as warm and welcoming.

Praise and Pushback

Despite its popularity, Ayat has also become a flashpoint for political debate. In late 2023, its Brooklyn location drew criticism for naming its seafood section “From the River to the Sea”—a phrase interpreted differently across political and cultural lines. Some view it as a call for Palestinian freedom; others as a demand for Israel’s destruction. While the Princeton menu does not feature the phrase, Ayat’s Instagram posts continue to use the slogan alongside political commentary on the war in Gaza.

The controversy has fueled polarized reactions online. Some reviewers accuse the chain of bias, while others defend its right to cultural expression. Negative reviews appeared shortly after the Princeton opening, though the restaurant still maintains a 4.9-star rating with more than 200 positive reviews.

More Than a Meal

For many visitors, Ayat is more than just a dining experience—it is a cultural and political statement. Diners have noted the presence of keffiyehs and the sense of solidarity inside the space. As Princeton resident Aisha Mohammed reflected: “I cannot help but wonder what the preservation of Palestinian culture and diaspora will look like 20 or 50 years from now in the midst of targeted attack, expulsion, and razing of homes by the Israeli Occupation Forces.”

Ayat’s activism extends beyond slogans. In January, the chain hosted a free Shabbat dinner in Brooklyn that drew more than 1,300 people, aiming to bridge divides in a time of unrest. As Ayat wrote on Instagram: “It’s not just about breaking bread; it’s about breaking barriers, fostering dialogue, and connecting on a human level.”

Despite controversy, the Princeton location has quickly become a gathering place. For many, the restaurant represents not only a taste of Palestine but also a powerful symbol of resilience and identity in America.