Tanoreen: Where Home-Style Palestinian Food Becomes a Brooklyn Icon
- Mitch Levin
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
Tanoreen: Where Home-Style Palestinian Food Becomes a Brooklyn Icon
There are "neighborhood gems," and then there are legendary institutions—the places that define a community. In Bay Ridge, that place is undoubtedly Tanoreen. It's more than just a restaurant; it’s the culinary heart of South Brooklyn, serving up refined Palestinian and Middle Eastern cuisine with the kind of warmth that makes you feel instantly like family.
Chef-owner Rawia Bishara has been a force in the New York food scene for over two decades, earning James Beard nominations and Michelin recognition. The buzz isn't just about accolades, though—it’s about flavor, culture, and that distinct feeling of being welcomed into a great kitchen.
The Ambiance: Family Kitchen Meets Elegant Dining
Walking into Tanoreen, you immediately sense the history and love poured into the place. The ambiance is one of jovial atmosphere and cozy warmth.
The Look and Feel: While it's evolved from its modest beginnings, the current space is elegant without sacrificing its home-style roots. It feels bright and happy, often set beneath the intoxicating clouds of lamb, mint, and garlic scents.
The Hospitality: The true star of the ambiance is the hospitality. Chef Rawia and her daughter, Jumana, are often on the floor, making a point to greet and chat with customers. This hands-on, genuine approach makes you feel less like a patron and more like an honored guest in their home. As many devoted customers say, you feel like you’re eating in their mother’s kitchen, which is the highest compliment you can give.
The Energy: It’s a lively, happy scene, bustling with families and friends gathered to share food. The gentle backdrop of traditional music creates a soothing yet vibrant soundtrack to the meal.
The Meal I Had: Mezze, Mains, and Must-Haves
Dining at Tanoreen is a feast designed for sharing. The menu is extensive, a gorgeous exploration of Levantine flavors, but here are the dishes I had the pleasure of enjoying:
The Starters: The Essential Mezzah Spread
You must, absolutely must, dive deep into the meze menu. It’s where the kitchen’s brilliance shines brightest.
Fried Cauliflower:Â This is a famous dish for a reason. The cauliflower is perfectly crisp, tender on the inside, and completely transformed by a drizzle of sweet pomegranate molasses and creamy tahini sauce. It's a sublime combination of textures and flavors.
Baba Ghanoush - Must Try! Baba Ghanoush:Â Forget everything you thought you knew about eggplant dip. Tanoreen's version is smoky, creamy, and deeply rich, challenging every long-held perception of this classic.
Sambosek (Lamb Empanadas):Â These crisp, flaky pockets of pastry were filled with richly spiced lamb and served with a bright cilantro-basil sauce. They offered a perfect burst of savory flavor and crunch.
The Main Event: Hearty and Complex Flavors
For the main course, I went for a dish that is the epitome of comfort and complexity:
Lamb Fetti: Traditionally a breakfast dish, Tanoreen serves this masterpiece layered with toasted pita, thick yogurt, chickpeas, and generous mountains of tender lamb seasoned with Rawia's secret house spice blend (which includes everything from cinnamon to rosebuds!). It's a huge, homey dish that is satisfying, savory, and truly unforgettable.
Musakhan - Very light and delicious Musakhan: My dining partner ordered this traditional Palestinian dish—a house-made flatbread topped with sumac-spiced shredded chicken, caramelized onions, and toasted almonds. The sumac gives it a marvelous, bright tang that balances the rich chicken and sweetness of the onions.
The Grand Finale: The Legendary Knafeh
You simply cannot leave Tanoreen without ordering the Knafeh. This famous dessert has a reputation as one of the best in NYC, and it’s well-deserved.
It's a baked dish of sweet, stretchy cheese (a blend of Arabic cheese and ricotta) topped with crispy, shredded filo dough that has been baked to a perfect golden color. It's then soaked in an aromatic syrup infused with orange blossom water. Served warm and gooey, it is the perfect blend of savory and sweet, offering a beautiful cheese pull and a deeply satisfying crunch.
Final Verdict: A Pilgrimage Worth Making
Tanoreen is a masterclass in Palestinian cuisine, blending time-honored family recipes with an inventive spirit. Every dish feels like it's prepared with love, generosity, and an incredible depth of flavor. This destination spot in Bay Ridge is essential dining for any food lover. The journey is absolutely worth it.