Authenticity and modernity converge at this Lebanese-inspired dining spot rolling into Boston. Now with locations in Back Bay, Downtown, and Watertown, Naya plans to open several more locations in the area. The Fenway and Kendall Square Naya locations will open in 2026.
A taste of Beirut in Boston
Naya opened in Manhattan almost 20 years ago, when founder Hady Kfoury noticed a lack of fast-casual Middle Eastern restaurants in NYC that coupled homeland flavors and modern design. The concept proved an instant success, and today Naya has 40 locations and counting, not franchised, with several more coming to Boston.
Born and raised in Beirut, but spending summers with his aunt in Manhattan, Kfoury’s formative years uniquely positioned him to bring the flavors of Lebanon to the states in a setting suited to the American lifestyle.
Authentic Lebanese flavors with the ease of modern fast-casual dining
Ask any Middle Eastern friend and they’ll confirm that the flavors at Naya are truly authentic, authentic. And the portions reflect the generosity of Middle Eastern hospitality.
However, with dozens of unique countries encompassing the Middle East, Kfoury ensures Naya remains rooted in Lebanese culinary traditions, the same ones he grew up with.
That’s why you’ll find pomegranate molasses and mixed nuts hailing all the way from Beirut at the merch wall in Boston. Even if just for a 30-minute break between Zoom calls, Naya feel transportive, with Arabish taglines hand-painted on the wall, “Yalla, Boston Let’s Eat,” the intoxicating aroma of beef shawarma, and a playlist of Middle Eastern classics.
The concept, similar to a Chipotle, is straightforward. Pick your vessel: a roll, bowl or salad, and build it to your liking with Naya’s over 40 signature components.
The massive portions will hold you over for hours, as Naya doesn’t skimp on proteins. Some stars of the show include the Kafta Lamb Kebab and Chicken Kebab. With unlimited complimentary toppings, there are endless options for crafting your perfect roll, bowl, or salad. Our favorite fixings include the Seasonal Greens, Vermicelli Rice, lemony Hummus, Sumac Onions, Lebanese Pickles, Cabbage Slaw, pink Pickled Turnips, Toum (a creamy garlic whip), and Zest Jalapeño Sauce.
A new era for Naya
In pursuit of the best Naya recently announced a partnership with NYC-born meat Purveyors, Pat LaFrieda Meat Purveyors:
“Quality has always been at the heart of NAYA’s menu,” said Hady Kfoury, Founder and CEO of NAYA. “With Pat LaFrieda’s premium meats and our own Lebanese approach to preparation and seasoning, we’re able to deliver the same handcrafted flavors our guests love — now with an even higher standard of sourcing and consistency. Pat LaFrieda’s premium meats meet our Lebanese preparation to create something truly distinct, setting a new benchmark for modern Middle Eastern cuisine.”
“We’re excited to partner with NAYA — a fast-growing brand that’s bringing high-quality Middle Eastern food to more people,” said Pat LaFrieda, CEO of Pat LaFrieda Meat Purveyors. “We work with partners who care about ingredients the way we do, and NAYA’s focus on authentic flavor made this an easy fit. We’re proud to bring our premium meats to their menu.”
Pat LaFrieda Meat Purveyors, a food industry meat supplier trusted by Shake Shack, Minetta Tavern, and Tacombi, now provides the meats for Naya’s Beef Shawarma and Kafta Lamb Kebab proteins.
About Naya
Naya opened in 2008 on Second Avenue and 55th Street in Manhattan’s Midtown East as Naya Mezze Grill. Naya founder Hady Kfoury continued refining the concept and opening new locations with a strong presence in NYC and Brooklyn. Today, Naya boasts more than 40 locations as it continues to expand across the East Coast.
Naya has locations in Back Bay, Downtown, and Watertown with openings planned for Kendall Square in January 2026 and Fenway in spring. Naya aims to have 200 locations by 2030. Find your nearest Naya using the store locator.