Tanoreen, Brooklyn

March 18, 2016

It’s no secret that Brooklyn is home to one of the hottest food scenes in the US and every week the spotlight shines on yet another new opening, usually in its northern reaches, from hyper talented chefs you’ll add to your never-ending ‘must go checkout’ list. At the opposite end of the spectrum and the neighbourhood, what you’ll find is the cult-like classic destination of Tanoreen, a Bay Ridge institution since 1998 and often the only reason foodies will embark on the hour-long journey on the R train…

I was honestly sceptic of making such a detour for a Middle Eastern restaurant which I felt would certainly have its equivalent closer to my side of the borough, but the critics and a few trusted foodie friends’ insistent pleas were enough to have me make the journey. I would do it again and again after tasting some of Tanoreen’s revered Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine, a serious notch above all other restaurants in that category at prices so gentle you wish you’d live closer to have your daily fix.

The veneration can all be sourced to the owner and chef, Palestinian-born Rawia Bishara, who’s been cooking and running the place since the beginning without any prior professional restaurant experience. She brought with her traditional family recipes from her hometown of Nazareth which she regularly updates with her own modern twists and she can often be seen chatting up tables, spreading the contagious cheerfulness Tanoreen is famous for.

Assorted pickles

You could have the best of meals just dipping into her creamy spreads and mezzes or save space for the enormous main dishes. Either way you’ll eat to your heart’s content (which is a lot) and will probably leave with some leftovers you’ll be way too happy to enjoy the following day. It’s comfort food served family style and one of the best-kept secrets of the Brooklyn food scene and I’d even say of NYC. I hope the critics and the photos below will entice at least few more of you to embark on a journey to Bay Ridge. Your palate, stomach and spirit will be immensely thankful.

Hummus