When husband and wife Abdul Elenani and Ayat Masoud opened Ayat in New York City in 2020, their goal was to share their stories and culture through home-cooked Palestinian food and fresh takes on other Middle Eastern cuisine.
The concept’s tenth location opened in Richardson earlier this year at 200 W. Spring Valley Road (it was a hit), and now they’re opening the second Dallas location in Oak Cliff at the site of a former church, slated to open sometime in 2027. The new property at 660 S. Zang Blvd. is just a couple of blocks south of Jefferson Boulevard and backs up to I-35; it’s several blocks outside of the Bishop Arts District.
“Our new home was once a church. A place where generations gathered, where families came together, where people found comfort, faith, and a sense of belonging,” starts Ayat’s announcement post, “And although the building will have a new purpose, our hope is to carry that same beautiful spirit forward. Different traditions, different backgrounds, different ways of praying, but the same love for bringing people together.”
The only complaint we have about the Pizzawarma is that we’re just now learning about it.
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There are plans for an outdoor dining space and ‘Lyanna’s Playground,’ a Montessori-inspired space where children can play and explore, “while mom and dad finally get to enjoy a warm meal and maybe even a little peace and quiet.”
The goal for this restaurant is to be part of the neighborhood and a place where everyone feels welcome, regardless of where they come from or what they believe.
“Because at the end of the day, whether we’re gathered in a church, a mosque, a synagogue, or around a dinner table, the beautiful thing is that we’re gathering,” closes the announcement post, “We hope you’ll welcome us with open arms, and we promise to do our very best to be worthy of that welcome.”
Ayat shares Palestinian culture through foods like slow-cooked Mansaf and Maklouba feasts, to shawarma wrapped and ready for to-go orders.
In 2023, Ayat was recognized by The New York Times as one of the 100 best restaurants in the city, and continued the streak into 2024, the same year it was recognized in the Michelin Guide.
Among the standout hits is a pizzawarma (photo above): a pizza crust stuffed with shawarma, halloumi cheese, pickles, olives, pomegranate molasses, sumac, onions, and tahini sauce. The silky hummus with olive oil is also popular, and save room for the knafeh dessert.
Ayat in Oak Cliff will open sometime in 2027. In the meantime, you can try it out at 200 W Spring Valley Road in Richardson.