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CKA KA QELLUE

Last Updated: 8 days ago

Phone: (212) 213-2082

Address: 118 EAST 31 STREET 10016

TLDR

Authentic Albanian flavors, celebrity-loved, NYT top 100! Must-try Qebapa, Tave Kosi & unique Tres Leches in a historically rich setting.

Sentiment Overview(Based on 39 Reddit comments)

64% Positive26% Neutral10% Negative

Achievements and Accolades

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Tags

albanian 20balkan 7european 5albanian 8balkan food 3albanian food 2View All

Neighborhoods

Midtown

Instagram Posts References

Summary

Details

This Albanian gem, lauded by food critics and celebrities alike, offers a unique culinary journey through the Balkans. From their signature grilled meats, especially the highly recommended Qebapa, to the tender lamb in Tave Kosi and a unique Albanian Tres Leches for dessert, every dish promises an authentic and rich experience. The ambiance, enhanced by genuine 19th-century artifacts, transports diners to a different time and place, making it a truly immersive cultural dining destination.

Food Overview

Specializing in Albanian and Balkan cuisine, this restaurant is celebrated for its authentic flavors. Highly recommended dishes include the 'Signature Albanian Grilled Meats,' particularly the 'Qebapa,' and the 'Tave Kosi' with tender lamb. The 'Albanian Tres Leches' is a unique and favored dessert. Some diners found the meat seasoning to be inconsistent, with one noting it as salty and tough, while others praised the appetizers and bread.

Highlights / Recommended

"The restaurant is highly recommended for its 'Signature Albanian Grilled Meats,' with a special emphasis on 'Qebapa.' Other highly praised dishes include 'Tave Kosi' (lamb) and the unique 'Albanian Tres Leches' dessert."

Mentioned Dishes:

  • bread(2)

Customer Sentiment

Customers largely praise the restaurant for its authentic and flavorful Albanian cuisine, often highlighting signature grilled meats and unique desserts. While many rave about the experience, a few reviews mention mixed feelings on specific meat preparations, though appetizers and bread are generally well-received.

Reddit References

Highlighted Posts

A detailed trip review highly recommends the restaurant for its first experience with Albanian food, highlighting dishes like mantia, tava kosi, and shequepare as homemade, rich, and homey, contributing to a great meal with excellent ambiance.
This thread features strong recommendations for the restaurant, with one user highlighting it as a personal favorite and another agreeing. However, one user had a negative experience with the meat, finding it salty and tough, while enjoying the appetizers and bread.
The restaurant is recommended for its amazing Albanian food, described as a cozy restaurant, making it a good option for date night.
This post mentions the restaurant as a spot serving Albanian cuisine, with a high number of upvotes suggesting positive community recognition.
A recommendation for Albanian food, noting its unique flavors and the restaurant as a draw for dining in that specific area.
This post discusses the Manhattan location, with one user planning to visit and another commenting that the Arthur Ave version is better but not worth the trip.

Recent Mentions

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 →

From post: Where In The City Would You Go If Your Work

"Cka Ka Qellue is recommended, depending on cuisine preference."

Positive
Jul 24, 2025View Comment →