'Made With Love': Palestinian Eatery Ayat Opens 3rd Brooklyn Location

DITMAS PARK, NY — Palestinian hotspot Ayat soft-opened its third Brooklyn location in Ditmas Park Thursday, bringing with it traditional flavors and an outspoken attitude.

"Nestled in the heart of beautiful Ditmas Park," Ayat's newest spot sits on Cortelyou Road between East 16th and 17th Street with painted walls and a light green sidewalk extension.

"Let's savor delicious dishes together," married owners Abdul Elenani and Ayat Masoud said on Instagram.

Since the October 2020 opening of its flagship in Bay Ridge, Ayat has quickly become a New York City favorite. The initial opening was followed shortly by the launch of Al Badawi in Brooklyn Heights.

Ayat has grown to five locations in the East Village, Industry City, Staten Island and Allentown, Pennsylvania.

"Congratulations!!!!!!! So proud to see Ayat opening spots all over the city," one person wrote on Instagram.

The eatery and its owners have become known for their outspoken advocacy for the Palestinian people — on Ayat's opening, Elenani said he set out to "spread the message about what’s happening in Palestine through food and culture," according to the New York Times.

"We're immensely thankful for your unwavering support, which allows us to serve and share our love for food and community," Ayat owners said in an Instagram post around Thanksgiving. "Amidst our celebration, let's also pause to count our blessings and extend our thoughts and prayers to the people of Palestine."

The restaurant is named after co-owner Masoud, the cook behind the menu that boasts kefta kabobs, a bone-in lamb stew with jameed yogurt sauce and kousa mahshi, a hollowed-out squash filled with rice, parsley, tomatoes, onions and spices.

"Ayat is honest, hardworking, and loves her career; but there is a different kind of love that radiates through her when she is cooking," Elenani said of his wife and co-owner Masoud.

"So I created a bistro named after her where she can come to cook with local ingredients. ... A space where she can share her passion for food with the community she loves and works hard for."