Yemen Arabic Restaurant is a restaurant in Raleigh, NC. Open: Mon–Sun 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM. Phone: (919) 322-0621. Average rating is 4.6 stars from 287 reviews. Website: http://yemenicuisine.us/.
Yemen Arabic Restaurant
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Cozy interior of Yemen Arabic Restaurant with wooden tables and decor.
4.6 287 reviews Today 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Authentic Yemeni Flavors That Stop You Cold

From slow-cooked Lamb Mandi to fiery Fahsa, real Yemeni cuisine lands in Raleigh, NC.

About Us

Exterior view of Yemen Arabic Restaurant at night.
Exterior view of Yemen Arabic Restaurant at night.

Guests fly in from New York and put Yemen Arabic Restaurant on their must-visit list. That kind of loyalty doesn't come from atmosphere alone. It comes from a bowl of Fahsa, the national dish of Yemen, arriving at your table still bubbling in a stone pot, the lamb so tender it dissolves, the fenugreek broth deep and smoky in a way that no shortcut can fake.

The kitchen on Western Blvd works through a repertoire that most American diners have never encountered: Haneed, a slow-roasted lamb that perfumes the whole room; Molokhai, the ancient green stew that goes back centuries; Lamb Bormah, wound and braised until the spices have worked all the way through. Portions are genuinely generous, the kind that send a table of three home with leftovers and big plans to return.

With a 4.6-star rating across nearly 300 reviews, the restaurant has built a real following across the Triangle and beyond. Open every day of the week from 10 AM to 10 PM, it's the kind of place that rewards curiosity. Order something you've never heard of. The staff will steer you right.

What We Offer

The menu is built around the slow-fire traditions of Yemeni cooking, where rice, meat, and spice are layered over hours rather than minutes. Lamb Mandi, the fragrant slow-cooked centerpiece, arrives over saffron-scented rice that has absorbed every drop of the braising liquid. Mansaf, the Levantine celebration dish, shows up here done properly, rich with jameed and served family-style.

Beyond the showpiece platters, the kitchen turns out grilled chicken that draws its own devoted regulars, and stewed dishes like Lamb Bormah that showcase just how far the right spice blend can carry a cut of meat. The menu covers enough ground that first-timers and repeat visitors can both find something new. Dine in at 3933 Western Blvd or visit yemenicuisine.us to explore the full menu before you arrive.

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Take a look at our space and what we have to offer

What Our Customers Say

Don't just take our word for it - hear from our satisfied customers

Click to Rate & Review This Business ✍️
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
a month ago
"We're from NY and come down to Raleigh a couple times a year. This was our second visit and this is now on our 'must' list for every trip. Lamb Mandi, Haneed, Fasha, molokhai, and meat Agda have all been amazing. Free tea is delicious. Staff is so nice and generous. Can't recommend enough. Flavors are rich and unique compared to Western cuisines. Can't wait to come back"
— Glenn Pareira
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
2 months ago
"Food was absolutely delicious. Had the national dish of Yemen, Fahsa and the stewed lamb was so do mouthwatering. Must have! The Mandi, Mansaf and grilled chicken is also a must have. Their staff is well trained and very welcoming 🤍"
— Maisha Nanjiba Musa
⭐⭐⭐⭐
10 months ago
"Their food is great! Specially the stew they gave us, it was the same as the stew with the meat, the spices were perfect for us. We ordered a dish named Lamb Bormah. The quantity is really generous, 3 people can easily share this meal. They also have complimentary tea, you need to serve it yourself. When we visited, the server couldn't explain us the difference between the items on the menu. And the gents washroom was quite messy. Hopefully they will improve these issues. Overall, recommended 10/10 if you want to try out Yemeni cuisine here in Raleigh. Would love to visit again to try out their other items."
— Atiqur Rahman Shuvo
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
5 months ago
"Amazing experience at Yemen Arabic Restaurant! They even serve free tea, which really shows the true Yemeni hospitality. The place was packed with Yemeni people, and that instantly gave us confidence that this is the real deal—authentic Yemeni food just like back home. We ordered Molokhia, Haneed lamb, Lamb Mandi, Lamb Chops, and charcoal-grilled chicken, and everything was full of flavor and cooked perfectly. One of the best Yemeni meals we’ve had. Highly recommend this place!"
— Andrew Luka - Content Creator
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
a month ago
"Everyone who works here is so attentive! The pita bread is about the size of a Frisbee and they gave me two of them with my hummus, which was delicious and perfectly seasoned. I have had the tuna stew and the lamb stew and both were tender and seasoned with a wonderful blend of spices. Each time I've come here I've been given complimentary chicken soup. I see that shakshuka is on their breakfast menu so I'll be back for that."
— Karen Grigg

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Fahsa and should I order it?

Fahsa is the national dish of Yemen. It's a slow-stewed lamb dish served in a stone pot with a fenugreek-based sauce called hulba. If you've never tried Yemeni food before, this is the single best introduction. Reviews consistently call it a must-have.

What is Lamb Mandi?

Mandi is a slow-cooked whole lamb or lamb pieces smoked and roasted over indirect heat, then served on a large platter of saffron rice. It's one of the most celebrated dishes in Yemeni cuisine and a signature item here.

What are your hours?

Yemen Arabic Restaurant is open seven days a week, Monday through Sunday, from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM.

Where are you located?

The restaurant is at 3933 Western Blvd, Raleigh, NC 27606. You can also find menu information at yemenicuisine.us before your visit.

Is the food good for groups or families?

Yes. Portions are large and the menu is built around shared platters, which makes it ideal for groups. Several dishes arrive family-style by design, and the kitchen is accustomed to feeding tables that want to order multiple dishes and share.

I've never eaten Yemeni food. What should I order first?

The staff are experienced at guiding first-time guests. A reliable starting point is the Fahsa for an authentic taste of Yemeni stew, paired with the Lamb Mandi for the full rice-and-roasted-meat experience. The grilled chicken is also a crowd-pleaser for anyone easing in.

Do I need a reservation?

Check yemenicuisine.us or call ahead for the most current seating information. Given the restaurant's popularity, arriving early during peak meal hours is always a good idea.

Hours of Operation

Open Now · Closes at 10:00 PM
Monday Today 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Tuesday 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Wednesday 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Thursday 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Friday 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Saturday 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Sunday 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
71° Cloudy Raleigh
Mon 75° 71°
Tue 85° 69°
Wed 98° 70°
Thu 102° 75°
Fri 101° 78°
Sat 102° 76°
Sun 94° 76°

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