A one-man Egyptian gem w/ unique, personal dining & a legendary chef. Get ready for an unforgettable, home-style meal.
Sonal Shah reviews Kabab Cafe, an unassuming Astoria restaurant where owner Ali El Sayed is as much a draw as the Egyptian-inspired food, offering a personal and quirky dining experience.
An unassuming storefront in Astoria, Kabab Cafe offers a truly unique Egyptian dining experience helmed by the charismatic owner and chef, Ali El Sayed. Since 1989, Ali has been crafting personalized meals, sharing stories, and creating a homey, quirky atmosphere that makes diners feel like guests in his own home. The food, from the flavorful mezze platter to the adventurous calves' brains and tender lamb chops, is as much a part of the experience as Ali himself.
This Egyptian restaurant is praised for its unique dishes like calves' brains and flavorful mezze platters, including falafel and various dips. While the food is generally well-loved, some preparations like roasted cauliflower can vary.
"The mixed platter, featuring Egyptian-style falafel and various dips, is a great starter. Adventurous diners may enjoy the calves' brains, and the lamb chops are also recommended."
Customers rave about the highly personal and unique dining experience, often highlighting the owner's charm and the delicious, home-style Egyptian food.
Important Note
The restaurant is cash only and the menu can vary based on the owner's findings.
"The user recommended Kabab Cafe on Steinway St in Astoria, noting that the owner/chef is accommodating. The original poster found the menu appealing and plans to visit."
Positive"After looking up Kebab Cafe and Chef Ali, the user found it to be an absolutely incredible and appealing option."
Positive"Kebab Cafe is recommended for adventurous Alexandrian cuisine, with Chef Ali cooking a unique meal based on his inspiration. It's a one-man operation and Bourdain praised Ali as a legend."
Positive"This user stated that it has been a long time since they visited Kabab Cafe but is certain there is no better dining experience in NY, regardless of Michelin stars, than having Ali cook for you."
Positive"The author found a video of Anthony Bourdain's visit to Kabab Cafe, agreeing it was a fun watch."
Positive"Recalling Anthony Bourdain visiting Kabab Cafe, the user plans to suggest it to friends who have moved to Astoria."
Positive"The author confirmed that Ali at Kabab Cafe is incredible and shared a link to an Instagram feature about him. They also noted that the restaurant is cash only and the menu varies based on the owner's market finds."
Positive"This user expressed that Kabab Cafe has been added to their list of must-try spots, appreciating the post for highlighting unique places outside of typical 'top 10' lists."
Positive"The author described Kabab Cafe as a place where the owner makes you feel like you're in his living room eating a homemade meal. They recommended blocking off a few hours for a weekend lunch."
Positive"A recent visit to Kabab Cafe with friends yielded a mixed experience, with the commenter noting that the restaurant might not be suitable for everyone and suggesting it depends on individual preferences. They also mentioned that the surrounding neighborhood is predominantly "Little Egypt" and offers many Egyptian food options."
Neutral"The commenter describes Kabab Cafe as an exceptional dining experience, comparing it to having dinner at a friend's grandparents' house. They found the atmosphere and food to be amazing."
Positive"This commenter expresses fondness for Kabab Cafe, recalling positive experiences on Friday nights when the owner would prepare a surprise menu. They found the food to be consistently delicious."
Positive"The user suggests trying Kabab Cafe on Steinway Street in Brooklyn. The restaurant is small and doesn't have a fixed menu, with the owner often cooking based on his preference. They recommend explaining the situation to the owner and making a reservation, as he might be willing to prepare tarb."
Positive"The user listed Kabab Cafe as a more 'cheffy' option, implying it could be a good Mediterranean choice."
Neutral"Kabab Cafe is proposed as a restaurant with an "unreasonable hospitality" vibe."
Positive"The commenter asks if Ali, presumably the chef or owner at Kabab Cafe, is still a genius, implying high regard for his cooking."
Positive"Kabab Cafe is an Egyptian restaurant in Astoria that is well regarded."
Positive"Kabab Cafe is recommended as a place for Egyptian food."
Positive"The author recommends Kabab Cafe on Steinway, known for Egyptian cuisine."
Positive"The user recommended Kabab Cafe."
Neutral
