Tanoreen, nestled in the Bay Ridge neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York, is a highly acclaimed restaurant specializing in contemporary Middle Eastern and Palestinian cuisine. It has become a neighborhood institution and a culinary destination, celebrated for its rich flavors and warm, family-style atmosphere.
Here is a detailed breakdown of its history, unique qualities, menu highlights, and all the key information you requested.
What Makes Tanoreen Unique and Its History
Tanoreen’s story is deeply personal and is key to its unique charm:
- Founder & Heritage: The restaurant was opened in 1998 by chef and owner Rawia Bishara, who emigrated from Nazareth, Palestine. She opened Tanoreen to share the authentic, home-style cooking of her childhood, and the restaurant is now a successful mother-daughter partnership with her daughter, Jumana Bishara.
- The Cuisine: The cooking is a unique and vibrant blend, centered on classical Palestinian and Middle Eastern recipes, elevated with a modern touch and multicultural influences. It is described as “home-style food meant for sharing.” The menu emphasizes fresh, honest-to-goodness flavors, often using signature Middle Eastern ingredients like za’atar, lemons, and olives.
- Ambiance & Experience: Diners consistently praise the restaurant for its warm, cozy, and inviting ambiance. The exceptional customer service is often noted, with many patrons feeling like they are “coming home.” It’s an ideal spot for family gatherings, groups, and romantic dinners, featuring both an inviting indoor space and an outdoor patio.
Highlight Menu Items
Tanoreen is famous for several dishes that have earned national praise and are often cited as customer favorites:
| Dish | Description & Customer Feedback |
| Knafeh | A signature, must-try dessert featuring a crispy shredded filo dough exterior, warm, gooey sweet cheese, and a soak of orange blossom syrup, topped with pistachios. It is known for its perfect sweet-and-savory balance and rich, thick, and gooey cheese interior, which is often likened to a perfect “cheese pull.” |
| Fried Brussels Sprouts | These are a cult favorite, typically crisped and drizzled with fresh tahini and bright pomegranate seeds, showcasing a perfect blend of textures and flavors. |
| Musakhan | A traditional Palestinian dish featuring oven-toasted flatbread topped with sumac-spiced shredded chicken, caramelized onions, and toasted almonds. |
| Eggplant Napoleon | A distinctive appetizer made with crispy breaded eggplant layered with a creamy baba ghanoush, and served with a fresh tomato and basil salad. |
| Mansaf | A classic Levantine dish of tender braised lamb doused in a creamy yogurt sauce, traditionally served over a mound of fluffy rice. |
Customer Feedback
Tanoreen has a stellar 4.8-star rating on Google Maps. The reviews highlight the quality of the food and the memorable dining experience:
- Positive Feedback Highlights:
- “Good customer service, food service excellent, taste clean.. warm and cozy vibe.. food remind me of home.”
- “Amazing Palestinian food! You should definitely try this place out for mouth watering food and impeccable service!”
- “Complex Palestinian and Upscale. Worth a journey for food comfortable vibe and service.”
- The restaurant is consistently praised for its generous portions which are ideal for sharing.
Significant Events and Accolades
Tanoreen has received extensive critical acclaim and several significant industry recognitions:
- Michelin Bib Gourmand: The restaurant was a recipient of the prestigious Michelin Bib Gourmand award for over a decade (2011–2021), recognizing quality food at a reasonable price.
- James Beard Nomination: Chef Rawia Bishara was nominated for the James Beard Foundation award for Best Chef, New York City in 2017.
- National Recognition: It has been named one of the best restaurants in New York City by publications such as Bon Appétit.
- Cookbooks: Chef Bishara has shared her recipes with the world through two popular cookbooks: Olives, Lemons and Za’atar and Levant: New Middle Eastern Cooking from Tanoreen.
- Expansion: In addition to the Bay Ridge location, the restaurant expanded with a second location/stall at Time Out Market New York in Dumbo.
Key Contact Information
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