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CKA KA QELLUE

Updated

Phone: (212) 213-2082

Address: 118 EAST 31 STREET 10016

TLDR

Authentic Albanian fare w/ a cozy vibe. Dua Lipa's fave, serving up unique dishes like Qebapa & Tave Kosi. A true taste of the Balkans.

Reddit Sentiment for CKA KA QELLUE(based on 32 Reddit opinions)

66% Positive22% Neutral13% Negative

Achievements and Accolades

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Tags

albanian 21balkan 8european 5albanian 9balkan food 3balkan 2View All

Neighborhoods

Midtown

Instagram Posts References

Summary

Details

This Albanian restaurant offers a unique culinary journey with its authentic dishes and inviting ambiance. Celebrated by some as a must-visit and even a favorite of Dua Lipa, it provides a taste of Balkan traditions. While many praise the rich, homemade feel of dishes like Mantia and Tava Kosi, and the unique Albanian Tres Leches, a few find the meat seasoning inconsistent. Despite mixed reviews on specific dishes, the overall experience is often described as cozy and culturally immersive, with some even noting a charming garden area.

Food Overview

The restaurant specializes in Albanian and Balkan cuisine, with a strong emphasis on grilled meats. Dishes like Qebapa, Mantia, and Tava Kosi are frequently recommended, often described as rich and homemade. The Albanian Tres Leches is noted as a unique dessert option. While most reviews are favorable, a few customers found the meat to be salty or tough, and some noted inconsistent seasoning.

Highlights / Recommended

"The Signature Albanian Grilled Meats, particularly the Qebapa, are highly recommended. Dishes like Mantia and Tava Kosi are praised for their homemade quality, and the Albanian Tres Leches is a unique dessert option."

Mentioned Dishes:

  • bread(2)

Customer Sentiment

Customer feedback is largely positive, with many highlighting the authentic and delicious Albanian cuisine and the restaurant's cozy atmosphere. However, there are some criticisms regarding the seasoning of certain meat dishes.

Reddit Opinions & Reviews

Top Reddit Posts About CKA KA QELLUE

The original poster raves about their first experience with Albanian food, highlighting dishes like mantia, tava kosi, and shequepare as feeling homemade, rich, and homey, contributing to a great meal with excellent ambiance.
This post recommends the restaurant for its Albanian cuisine, noting its presence in the Kips Bay area and praising its food.
This thread includes a mix of opinions, with some users highly recommending the restaurant for its meat plates and others finding the meat salty and tough, though appetizers and bread were enjoyed.
This comment mentions the restaurant has a nice garden area in the back for dining and describes the food as delicious Albanian/Balkan cuisine.
A user recommends the restaurant for its tasty and unique Albanian food, even though it was slightly outside the requested cuisine type.
Multiple comments discuss the restaurant, with one user stating it's non-negotiable and another mentioning the Bronx location was loved, while a third found the Arthur Ave version better but not worth the trip.

Recent Reddit Mentions

From post: True Outdoor Dining Recs

"Has a nice garden area in the back that is open for dining, where occasional natural elements like twigs and flowers might fall onto the table. The food is delicious Albanian/Balkan cuisine."

Positive
May 8, 2026View Comment →

From post: Romantic Cozy Brunch Spots For Second Date

"Cka Ka Qellue was listed as a potential restaurant suggestion."

Neutral
Feb 4, 2026View Comment →

From post: Kips Bay Just Need A Little Oasis In This Desert

"Cka Ka Qeulle is mentioned as a restaurant serving Albanian cuisine."

Positive
Jan 28, 2026View Comment →

From post: Where Should I Take My Uncle Offbrand Anthony

"A follow-up confirms Qka Ka Cellu's charm."

Positive
Jan 21, 2026View Comment →

From post: Best But Unique Ethnic Cuisine Spots

"Çka Ka Qellu is recommended for Albanian cuisine in Murray Hill."

Positive
Jan 20, 2026View Comment →

From post: Best But Unique Ethnic Cuisine Spots

"Cka Ka Qellu is recommended for Albanian food."

Positive
Jan 20, 2026View Comment →

From post: Where Should I Take My Uncle Offbrand Anthony

"The user found Qka Ka Cellu's menu amazing and is adding it to their list, despite unavailable reservations."

Positive
Jan 6, 2026View Comment →

From post: Where Should I Take My Uncle Offbrand Anthony

"Qka Ka Cellu in Manhattan is described as an Albanian restaurant with great food and atmosphere."

Positive
Jan 6, 2026View Comment →

From post: Where Should I Take My Uncle Offbrand Anthony

"Qka ka Cellu is recommended for authentic and slightly elevated Albanian food, suggesting it would appeal to a well-traveled individual."

Positive
Jan 6, 2026View Comment →

From post: Date Night Restaurant Ideas

"The original poster expressed enthusiasm for the recommendation of cka ca qellue, calling it 'epic'."

Positive
Sep 8, 2025View Comment →

From post: Date Night Restaurant Ideas

"Recommends cka ca qellue for amazing Albanian food, describing it as a cozy restaurant."

Positive
Sep 7, 2025View Comment →

From post: First Time In Nyc In Over A Decade Looking For

"This commenter likes Çka ka Qëllue and mentions that most people seem to miss it."

Positive
Sep 6, 2025View Comment →

From post: Go To Repeat Restaurant

"This restaurant is listed as a recommended repeat spot."

Positive
Aug 29, 2025View Comment →

From post: Am I On The Right Track

"The commenter strongly disliked Cka Ka Quelle, calling it 'hot trash'."

Negative
Aug 28, 2025View Comment →

From post: Exciting Food For Celebration Dinner

"The commenter lists Cka Ka Qellue as a personal favorite, suggesting it for a group dining experience, and notes it is within the user's budget excluding drinks."

Positive
Aug 4, 2025View Comment →

From post: Best Meat Plate In Nyc

"This user found the seasoning lacking for their palate, despite enjoying the appetizers and bread."

Neutral
Jul 30, 2025View Comment →

From post: Best Meat Plate In Nyc

"This user believes the Stamford, CT location of the restaurant is better, suggesting the owners may have shifted their focus there."

Neutral
Jul 30, 2025View Comment →

From post: Best Meat Plate In Nyc

"This user had a negative experience with the meat, finding it salty and tough, although they enjoyed the appetizers and bread."

Negative
Jul 30, 2025View Comment →

From post: Best Meat Plate In Nyc

"This user agrees with the previous recommendation, indicating strong approval."

Positive
Jul 30, 2025View Comment →

From post: Best Meat Plate In Nyc

"This user highly recommends the restaurant."

Positive
Jul 30, 2025View Comment →