Beit Zaytoon Comes to West Hempstead

LongIsland.com

Serving up healthy Lebanese dishes.

Print Email

Photo: Beit Zaytoon Facebook page.

Beit Zaytoon opened in West Hempstead earlier this summer serving up more than the typical Middle Eastern fare we are used to seeing. 

 

“This two-month-old West Hempstead spot has at least two things that distinguish it from the crowd,” reported Newsday. “One, it serves the food of Lebanon. Two, it is owned by Elias Ghafary who, from 1991 until 2019 presided over Al Bustan, the first restaurant in Manhattan to serve Middle Eastern cuisine in a fine-dining setting. (And, he brought Al Bustan's chef, Carlos Bravo, with him.)”

 

If you are not familiar with the dishes you might have to ask your server to explain the menu.

 

Photo: Beit Zaytoon Facebook page.

 

The grill menu features lahme meshwi - fillet mignon cubes ($23), kafta meshwi - ground beef, parsley, and onions ($14), and chicken taouk - marinated chicken cubes ($14). They also have chicken and beef shawarma ($14). They have a selection of pastries that includes kibbeh - fried ovals of ground beef and cracked wheat stuffed ($7 for 4 pcs), samboussek lahme - fried pastry stuffed with ground beef and onions ($7 for 4 pcs), and samboussek jibneh - fried pastry stuffed with feta cheese, onions and parsley ($7 for 4 pcs).

 

On Yelp, Caitlin L, from New York City, said she has gotten food from Beit Zaytoon a few times and liked everything she’s ever had. 

 

Photo: Beit Zaytoon Facebook page.

 

“I tried the baba ghannouj this time and it was smokey and creamy and had that really full eggplant taste,” she wrote. “The chicken shawarma is always so tender and the spices are so warm and inviting, it's my favorite thing on the menu… You should absolutely give this place a try!!!”

 

Lulu H, from Brentwood, said it’s the  “best food on Long Island.”

 

“Most authentic Lebanese food. Very delicious,” she wrote. “Friendly staff and beautiful atmosphere. The place is always clean. Owner is very nice. Definitely recommend this place. I absolutely love it.”

 

Location: 468 Hempstead Turnpike, West Hempstead, (516) 483-3941.

 

Photos