Kabab Café

Welcome to Kabab Café, a hidden gem in Astoria, New York, offering a unique blend of Middle Eastern flavors and a cozy, intimate setting. Situated at 2512 Steinway St, this café stands out for its unclaimed Middle Eastern cuisine, providing a one-of-a-kind dining experience.

The menu at Kabab Café features a variety of authentic Egyptian dishes, from grilled liver to lamb tongue cooked in lemon-olive sauce. Appetizers like the Egga light egg and vegetable pancake and the Egyptian Moussaka showcase the chef's creativity and dedication to traditional flavors.

Main courses include a selection of kababs, including beef, chicken, and lamb options, as well as grilled goat and kofta kabob. Vegetarian options like the Cous-cous and Warm Salad offer a delicious alternative for non-meat eaters.

Finish off your meal with a sweet treat like the Baklava or Kunafa, rounding out your dining experience on a high note. Customers rave about the personalized service provided by Chef Ali, who not only cooks but also entertains guests with stories and engaging conversations.

Despite some mixed reviews, Kabab Café continues to charm diners with its eccentric ambiance and delicious fare. If you're looking for a unique dining experience in Astoria, Kabab Café is definitely worth a visit.

Kabab Café Menu

Location

Address: 2512 Steinway St Astoria, NY 11103
Phone: (718) 728-9858

🕓 Work Hours
MON Closed
TUE 1:00 PM - 10:00 PM
WED 1:00 PM - 10:00 PM
THU 1:00 PM - 10:00 PM
FRI 1:00 PM - 10:00 PM
SAT 1:00 PM - 10:00 PM
SUN 1:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Business info

  • Offers Takeout
    Yes
  • Reservations
    No
  • Delivery
    No
  • Vegan Options
    Yes
  • Accepts Credit Cards
    No
  • Casual, Classy
    Yes
  • Quiet
    Yes
  • Casual Dress
    Yes
  • Street Parking
    Yes
  • Free Wi-Fi
    Yes
  • Beer & Wine Only
    Yes
  • TV
    Yes
  • Outdoor Seating
    No
  • Offers Catering
    No
  • Not Good For Groups
    No
  • Not Good For Kids
    No
  • Bike Parking
    No

Last Reviews

  • Author: Jessica H.

    09 April 2023

    Wandering around in Astoria, trying to find a place to eat on Easter Sunday, we walked past a string of shops in Astoria's little Egypt and my eye was drawn to a sign that said "Anthony Bourdain ranked number six out of top 10 restaurants in New York City". We stopped and I started to read the New Yorker article posted below detailing this tiny restaurant and the Egyptian man who acts as the owner, chef, and sole employee. He had a menu when he first opened and then promptly forgot about it, as the New Yorker article explains, he does not want to be restrained by a menu, and prefers to create with food, like a painter or other artist. We  found that same unconventional attitude when we tepidly walked in and asked if he was open, "If I am here, I am open, if I'm not here, I'm not open", was his boisterous reply.

    No menu, no expectations, just a charming and unique personality who fed us delicious food from Alexandria and entertained us as we ooohed and ahhhhed over the flavors! The spices! The succulent lamb that fell off the bone!

    How this magical man turned out this epic meal from that tiny and underwhelming looking kitchen...I'll never know.

    But I'll definitely be back. Thank you chef Ali!

  • Author: Lizzy W.

    19 March 2023

    Came for the experience and history and the Chef and we certainly got that! The apps were not fantastic but the main dishes (Lamb cheeks, leg of lamb, sardines, Egyptian goulash (?)) were expertly prepared and delicious. The wine Chef Ali chose was great and the other guests in the small space were also as entertained by this one man operation as we were.

  • Author: Marcos M.

    27 March 2022

    A no frills Egyptian eatery that is very easy to miss, where Ali let's you know what's on rotation for the day's menu (with a fair share of variety) and you pretty much take it from there. I snapped pictures of what I could when we weren't busy either with the amazing food or with Ali who, after cooking, would come by and sit/chat with us. We had delights such as a sampler platter of spreads ranging from fava bean hummus, falafel, and babaganoush, baked salmon with veggies, and a homemade custard coupled with blueberries and some Greek yogurt. This is not an exhaustive review by any means but I  easily see myself going back in the near future. The intimate setting and homely approach that the environment, the food, and Ali offered easily won me over. Check him out if you are ever in Astoria!

  • Author: Billy D.

    07 February 2022

    It's a tiny restaurant, like seats 10. But this is good. The owner/chef treats you like a VIP and will make a tailor made meal for you.

    This was a  fun experience with great food and friends. Definitely go here when you have some extra time on your hands, because things are made with love.

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