Lebanese Restaurant ‘yara’ Celebrates Their Grand Opening

Earlier this month, we were invited to yara’s Grand Opening Night, billed as ‘Authentic, Craft Lebanese Cuisine’. Although they’ve already been open for 3 months, it was a night of utmost celebration! We joined founder Jacob Harb, for a night of delicious Lebanese dishes paired with tasty cocktails.

The crowd was a mix of who’s who in Lebanese New York community and New Yorkers who enjoy Lebanese cuisine and culture. Everyone was there to support the grand night. We noshed on traditional Lebanese bites like pita, mixed vegetables with hummus, mixed meat kebabs, and falafels. Small pastries were being passed, filled with ingredients like spinach, cheese, and ground meat. Everything was very tasty and a few items we were trying for the first time. The specialty cocktails were made with Chopin Vodka, a potato vodka and mixed with refreshing ingredients like honey and cucumber.

yara is the first venture for former Porsche VP Jacob Harb, a bi-level Lebanese restaurant and cocktail lounge in Midtown. Described as a “true passion project” for Harb, yara allows this former executive to truly tap into his innate entrepreneurial spirit.

The menu, curated by Michelin recognized chef, Refeat Husseini, features local and organic ingredients and was inspired by a Mediterranean lifestyle. The menu features 18 vegan dishes in sharable sizes as well as delicious options for meat eaters as well. yara is the perfect place to dine with large groups with varying dietary preferences. The beautiful space has been meticulously curated from the design and decor, the colors, the lighting, to the coffee (exclusively serving La Colombe).

Drop by for a Traditional Lebanese Lunch (recently launched) or Dinner.

Lunch Menu
Sandwich $15
Kefta
Grilled Chicken
Beef Shawarma
Chicken Shawarma
with a choice of salad or fries

Prix Fixe $19
First Course (Pick 3)
Yara Salad
Fattoush
Hummus
Babaganoush
Labneh
Tzatziki
Moussakaa

Second Course (Pick 1)
Grilled Chicken
Grilled Kefta
Falafel
Beet Falafel
Fish of the Day
Beef Shawarma
Chicken Shawarma

They recently launched a happy hour as well! Takes place Monday through Friday from 5-7pm

Happy Hour Menu
Cocktails $10
Old Fashion with bourbon, sugar, bitters and orange twist
Moscow Mule with fresh lime, ginger and vodka
Tequila Honeysuckle with fresh lime, honey, and tequila topped with cayenne

Wine $10
Santa Julia Malbec (organic)
Lunardi Pinto Grigio

Beer $5
Six Point Crisp
Six Point Sweet Action
Krononberg
961
Langunitas IPA

YARA’s HOURS

LUNCH
11:30am-3:30pm, daily

DINNER
Monday- Sunday, 5-11pm

yara is located at 319 E 53rd Street, New York, NY 10022

Instagram: @yaranyc