Yaffa Coffee & Kunafa — Restaurant in Clifton

I want to share something personal that really changed how I feel — and it’s coming from a place of deep hurt, confusion, and disappointment.

I’ve always supported Palestine. I’ve stood up for the children, defended the cause, and spoken out, even when it meant going against my own family members. As an educator, I’ve felt a strong responsibility to advocate for innocent lives — especially children — caught in heartbreaking circumstances. I saw it as a matter of human decency and justice.

But yesterday, I had an experience that truly shook me.

I visited a well-known café — Yafa Coffee and Kunafa — excited to try something new. I had just finished a run, so I was in my gym clothes and a bit sweaty, just minding my business, talking to a friend on the phone while waiting in line. Behind me was a group of young girls being loud, and at first, I paid them no mind. But then they started bumping into me — repeatedly. I thought maybe it was an accident, but then I overheard comments like, “I’ll pay $100 for that booty,” followed by laughter and more rude remarks. It felt humiliating.

A man then tried to cut the line, and when I addressed it, he questioned if I was local, as if that made a difference. I stayed polite and tried not to make a scene. But the girls kept making comments — loud, mocking ones — about my face (I had just had a facial, so I was a little flushed), about my appearance, and in a way that felt targeted and degrading. Some of the people in their group seemed to try to calm them down, but no one truly stepped in.

I stayed quiet, partly because I didn’t want to escalate things, but also because I felt like I was in their territory. I was the only Spanish person there, and suddenly I felt out of place — like I didn’t belong.

What made things worse were the comments I overheard about being trained for war, about being “killers” from a young age. I don’t know if it was said to intimidate, or if it was just bravado — but it deeply unsettled me.

When I finally got to the counter, the cashier ignored me at first to help someone else who seemed to be part of the same community. When she did acknowledge me, she acted confused about my order, even though I had done my research and knew what I wanted. She seemed dismissive, and by that point, I just asked for something else because I felt too uncomfortable to clarify.

The whole experience left me feeling disrespected, bullied, and unwelcome. And the truth is, it’s shaken me to the core. I know that one experience — or even one group of people — doesn’t represent an entire community or cause. But it’s hard to hold onto the same empathy and solidarity when you’ve been treated with such disregard.

I’m still processing what happened. I still care about justice. I still care about children. But it hurts to feel like the same compassion I offered — so freely — wasn’t extended to me when I was the one standing alone.

I share this not to generalize or spread hate, but to be honest about how deeply this experience affected me. And I hope, if nothing else, it reminds us all that kindness, respect, and humanity must be present in every cause — otherwise, we risk losing the very meaning behind what we’re...

I had the absolute pleasure of visiting the newly opened Yaffa Coffee & Kunafa cafeteria, and I can confidently say it’s a game-changer for local food lovers. From the moment you walk in, the warm aroma of spices, grilled meats, and freshly baked bread welcomes you like an old friend.

The menu is a vibrant celebration of authentic Yaffa cuisine—The portions are generous, the ingredients are fresh, and every dish bursts with flavor and soul.

What truly sets this place apart is the care and heart put into every detail. The staff is incredibly welcoming and knowledgeable, ready to explain the dishes and make recommendations for both first-timers and seasoned fans of the cuisine. The décor is cozy yet modern, with subtle touches that reflect Middle Eastern culture without feeling overly ornate.

Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite or enjoying a leisurely meal with friends, this cafeteria delivers not just food, but an experience. I highly recommend this place.

This place isn’t just a cofffee, it’s a destination. I’ll definitely be coming back...

I really like this place, but sometimes the service is terrible. One time my dad and I got two personal kanafas and they literally drenched the whole top with pistachio and lotus butter. Second time I told the girl at the register who is extremely rude and acts like she doesn’t care to put less lotus butter but the guy who made it still covered the kanafa with lotus butter. It was extremely annoying because I had to come back to the store to have that remade. Lastly, my friend ordered a shareable kanafa and we wanted to have plan, pistachio, and lotus on top of it. She said you can do it on the big kanafa. When I went to the store I see that the total was 72 DOLLARS. She did NOT tell us over the phone it would be that much nor it serves 10-12 people… let me remind you that we were only three people. When people are placing orders like that the cashier should double check price and the amount of people. Of course, I still paid because they had already prepared it for us but I felt...