Abdul Elenani and Ayat Masoud, the power couple behind the popular Bay Ridge restaurant Ayat, are making their mark in New York City with authentic Palestinian food, and even landed a spot on The New York Times’ list of 100 best restaurants in the city.

Named for Elenani’s wife, the restaurant serves as a testament to their lives together, their passion for Middle Eastern cuisine and their love for Palestine.

“After us branding it Palestinian and just really branding it ‘Palestine,’ people have kind of grown interest in understanding Palestinian cuisine,” said Elanani.

Masoud, who serves as the restaurant’s head chef, said that branding seems to have piqued people’s interest even more.

“We were pleasantly surprised at how many people want to be cultured into this kind of food and are exploring it,” she said.

Beyond their Bay Ridge flagship location, Ayat has expanded its presence with two additional branches in Sunset Park and in Staten Island. A fourth location in the East Village will open this summer.