TLDR
Authentic Albanian/Balkan dishes w/ hearty meats & wine. Cozy ambiance, charming garden seating.
Details
This Murray Hill establishment offers authentic Albanian and Balkan cuisine, often noted for its hearty meat dishes, wine, and bread. Reviewers frequently recommend it for its cozy atmosphere and the delightful garden dining area, though some have noted occasional natural elements like twigs falling into the space. While many praise its unique flavors and overall experience, a few diners have found the meat to be overly salty or tough.
Food Overview
The restaurant is celebrated for its Albanian and Balkan cuisine, with a particular emphasis on meat dishes, wine, and bread. Appetizers and bread are frequently highlighted as excellent [1]. However, some patrons have found the meat to be overly salty and tough [1], and specific dishes like Tava Kosi were described as bland and mushy, with grilled octopus deemed inedible by one diner [1]. Skenderbeg is mentioned as a favorite dish [1].
Highlights / Recommended
"Skenderbeg is mentioned as a favorite dish by one reviewer [1]. The appetizers and bread are also consistently praised."
Mentioned Dishes:
- •bread(2)
Caveats
One user suggested that a Stamford, CT location of the restaurant might be superior, implying a potential shift in focus or quality to that branch [1]. Another commenter noted that while the back garden is nice, occasional natural elements like twigs might fall onto the table.
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About CKA KA QELLUE
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: Where Do Folks Suggest Going For Slavic Cuisine
"This user had a very negative experience at Cka Ka Qellue, citing long wait times despite visible availability, being moved to a less desirable table, and mediocre food. They specifically mentioned the Tava Kosi as bland and the grilled octopus as inedible, questioning the restaurant's good reviews."
NegativeFrom post: Where Do Folks Suggest Going For Slavic Cuisine
"This user corrected a previous statement, clarifying that Albania was never part of Yugoslavia."
NeutralFrom post: Where Do Folks Suggest Going For Slavic Cuisine
"In response to a question about grilled meats at Cka Ka Qellue, this user stated that Skenderbeg is their favorite dish."
PositiveFrom post: Where Do Folks Suggest Going For Slavic Cuisine
"This user provided a list of restaurants, including Cka Ka Qellue for Albanian cuisine, and noted its other locations."
PositiveFrom post: Where Do Folks Suggest Going For Slavic Cuisine
"This user had an excellent dining experience at Cka Ka Qellue, describing it as one of the best meals they've had in New York and feeling satisfied despite being very full."
PositiveFrom post: Where Do Folks Suggest Going For Slavic Cuisine
"This user enthusiastically recommended Cka Ka Qellue, stating there was nothing on their menu they didn't want to eat."
PositiveFrom post: Where Do Folks Suggest Going For Slavic Cuisine
"This user praised Cka Ka Qellue for its beautiful space and great service."
PositiveFrom post: Where Do Folks Suggest Going For Slavic Cuisine
"The user mentioned Cka Ka Qellue as a recommendation for Albanian food. However, it was clarified that Albanian cuisine is not Slavic, and thus not directly relevant to the original request."
NeutralFrom post: Where Do Folks Suggest Going For Slavic Cuisine
"This user recommended Cka Ka Qellue for Albanian cuisine."
PositiveFrom post: Nytimes The 100 Best Restaurants In Nyc 11100
"This is one of many restaurants listed by the commenter from the NYTimes list."
NeutralFrom 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."
PositiveFrom post: Romantic Cozy Brunch Spots For Second Date
"Cka Ka Qellue was listed as a potential restaurant suggestion."
NeutralFrom post: Kips Bay Just Need A Little Oasis In This Desert
"Cka Ka Qeulle is mentioned as a restaurant serving Albanian cuisine."
PositiveFrom post: Where Should I Take My Uncle Offbrand Anthony
"A follow-up confirms Qka Ka Cellu's charm."
PositiveFrom post: Best But Unique Ethnic Cuisine Spots
"Çka Ka Qellu is recommended for Albanian cuisine in Murray Hill."
PositiveFrom post: Best But Unique Ethnic Cuisine Spots
"Cka Ka Qellu is recommended for Albanian food."
PositiveFrom 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."
PositiveFrom 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."
PositiveFrom 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."
PositiveFrom post: Date Night Restaurant Ideas
"The original poster expressed enthusiasm for the recommendation of cka ca qellue, calling it 'epic'."
Positive