Kebab Cafe in Astoria

The food was absolutely great! Ali chatted with us about what we wanted and he came out with a whole roasted fish and baby goat chops that were exactly what we hoped for. Outside of home, roasted vegetable medley is somewhat of a let down, but they were great here! The hot sauce with the fried cauliflower and the falafel were very flavorful too. I'm a little sad we didn't get to try the rabbit cheeks with sweetbreads. Oddly, his choice of music was also great, so as the Germans say "there is nothing to complain about"

It’s like stepping into someone’s home kitchen. Chef/owner is super friendly and there’s no set menu. I had the fish and it was cooked so well.

You haven't had food like this yet, and that's ok. It's rare that a meal makes you feel revived. Makes you feel ready to not only tackle the rest of the week but the rest of the month. Makes you closer the person/people sitting next to you. If like your food made with lots and lots and LOTS of love...get here.

Delicious food. Friendly service. Enchanting atmosphere. Wonderful!!

A bit on the eclectic side but a must go to eatery!

Phenomenal place ,first time here food is awesome))))) My friend comes over here past 18 years,I hate him )))) that he kept this place secret.....

If there would only be one place in NYC to eat, it's Kebab Cafe. Ali, the owner, waiter and master chef is an amazing man who won't only cook an amazing meal for you, but also entertains by engaging with his guests. I hope this place stays forever.

I love his food, been there few times he is very friendly person. I definitely recommend this place if you want a taste of Egyptian food.

Came here recommended by one of my colleagues. This foodie restaurant is definitely a hole in the wall worth travelling to. Located in the Astoria part of Queens, you will find Ali's Kebab Cafe which servers a mixture of Egyptian and African fare. When you enter the establishment, you are greeted by Ali, he is the owner, chef, and the only staff. There is no menu, but Ali will tell you what is available for the day. You can the meat or fish, and he will decide how he will cook and serve it. Their choices are not for the weak stomach so be prepared. Our dinner consisted of lamb cheeks, lamb thyroid, goat shank, and rabbit. All dishes were either sauteed or stewed in Egyptian spices. I would say this has got to be one of the most amazing Egyptian food I have ever tasted this side of the hemisphere and I definitely recommend.

This place is a gem. It’s a very small place with enough seating for 10-15 people. The proprietor is an excellent gentleman who cooks everything from scratch and serves it. He is also very warm and friendly. The food is delicious, full of flavors, made from ingredients that are very fresh. Overall the experience is very personal; very different from an usual “restaurant”.The cuisine is specifically Alexandrian, and the name “kebab cafe” doesn’t do justice - this place has so much more than just kebabs.

Have you ever watched the movie "Jiro Dreams of Sushi", and wondered if you would ever come across one of those tiny restaurants that is owned and cooked by a man who has devoted his entire life and craft to his food and his culture?To say this was one of the best meal ever is an understatement. With Ali, you traveled in time and space as he tells you the significance and approach to his culture and his life.And remember. Don't call it Egyptian food. It's Alexandria food. And it's what heaven must taste like.

Great but tiny little place. Owner runs the whole show himself, providing as much good conversation and humor as he does delicious food.

The food here is amazing, its actually beyond amazing. Food is seasoned to perfection. It turns out the owner/chef grew up near the spices market in Alexandria, Egypt. It is a bit on a pricey side compared to other restaurants but again there is nothing like it in the city.

Awesome owner/chef

Ali makes you feel so as if you're right in the comfort of your on home growing up again. Get ready to taste those great delicious spices in all the food, very traditional back home food. Thank you Ali, all the best friend.

I’ve known Ali and his restaurant for 18 years now. I save the experience for special people and special occasions. Ali is an unusual chef, very skilled and cultured and knows about all kinds of cuisines from all over the world. He is also well traveled and quite the conversationalist. The anticipation, dining, talking and savoring is all part of the unique experience that is kebab cafe. don’t expect a menu - Ali makes you what he thinks you’ll like based on his conversations with you. I’ve never had a bad experience at his place. Love it love it love it. Oh... just one thing. Remember to bring cash. My dude doesn’t do credit cards. it’s uncivilized.....:o) And do not skip the mixed appetizer plate. It’s life changing.

Amazing authentic food! Chef Ali makes the experience even more memorable!!!

Dark danky place musky smell

We felt right at home and so welcomed! This is not just an amazing restaurant with some of the best Egyptian food, this is a whole experience!! We will be back again soon. Thank you Ali!

Featured in The New Yorker, September 2nd, 2019 - Section: Tables for Two, excellent article by David Kortava! ♥