RestaurantWashington HeightsFort George
Golan Heights
A long-standing YU-area favorite for shawarma and poppers; closed Fridays and Saturdays, so check hours first.
2553 Amsterdam AveAmsterdam Ave near Yeshiva University's Wilf Campus
What it is
Golan Heights is a glatt kosher Israeli grill at 2553 Amsterdam Ave, beside Yeshiva University’s Wilf Campus and across from its boys’ high school. Its website says it is under the Va’ad Harabonim of Riverdale and calls itself the original kosher shawarma spot of Washington Heights, serving for over 20 years. The Jewish Link reported in August 2024 that Edgar Canales and Stephanie Schneider, who is from Washington Heights, bought it in July 2024 and said the name and core menu would not change.
Who it’s for
YU students and neighbors, anyone looking for a quick kosher lunch or dinner, and families picking up Shabbat food; the site also sells a Shabbat box.
Standout details
The owners recommended the shawarma laffa “hakol” with hummus and fries, and Zaidy’s Poppers, and added items such as a Spicy Golani buffalo schnitzel sandwich, barbecue brisket fries and tacos. City inspection records show an inspection on August 5, 2026.
Honest verdict
A dependable and well-known stop near the YU campus. The hours on its website are labeled summer hours and subject to change, and the site lists Friday as closed, so call (212) 795-7842 before planning around a Friday meal.