Kabab Cafe

25-12 Steinway St, Astoria, NY 11103, United States
$$$ Egyptian restaurant
(165 Reviews)
Price Range $50–100

If you're yearning for an authentic taste of Egypt right in the heart of Astoria, look no further than Kabab Cafe. This charming restaurant, tucked away at 25-12 Steinway St, invites you into a world where the warmth of Egyptian hospitality seamlessly blends with the tantalizing flavors of Middle Eastern cuisine.

The moment you step inside Kabab Cafe, you'll be enveloped in an atmosphere that feels more like an intimate dinner party than a typical restaurant. With seating for about 10-15 diners, the setting is cozy and welcoming, enhancing the personal touch that makes this dining experience truly memorable. The proprietor, Chef Ali, isn't just the chef; he is the heart and soul of the cafe. His passion for food and genuine love for his guests are evident from the moment you walk in.

Prepare your senses for a culinary journey like no other. You'll find a menu that boasts a variety of dishes, each made from scratch and crafted with fresh ingredients. While the menu is not explicitly listed, it's the captivating dishes mentioned by past guests that will lead you on a delightful expedition. Imagine savoring succulent lamb cheeks and rich chicken livers, each bite bursting with vibrant spices that transport you to the streets of Cairo. The flavors are not just delicious; they're a heartfelt testament to Ali's culinary expertise.

Reviewers rave about their experiences, describing them as magical evenings filled with flavorful dishes and heartfelt conversations. Matthew McCann shares, "This one was one of the most magical evenings from the warm-hearted Ali," reinforcing that dining here is about more than just food—it's about connection and community. Another diner, Renata Stare, echoes this sentiment, exclaiming how Ali’s passion shines through in every bite. “The food was fabulous, and Ali was so friendly and passionate about his menu,” she recalls fondly.

One of the most striking aspects of Kabab Cafe is its personal touch. As M M remarks, the atmosphere feels like being invited into someone's home, where you share a meal prepared with love. Sarah Ann highlights the unique experiences of dining here, stating, "You can feel the essence of genuine love in every dish he curates for you." It's this authenticity that distinguishes Kabab Cafe from other eateries, making it a must-visit for anyone looking for a special dining experience.

As a cash-only establishment, it's a charming reminder to plan ahead, enhancing the sense of intimacy during your meal. If you're in the mood for a dining experience that’s not just about satisfying your hunger but about nourishing your soul, Kabab Cafe is waiting for you with open arms and an array of delicious dishes that will leave you wanting more.

In a world where dining can sometimes feel transactional, Kabab Cafe stands as a beacon of genuine hospitality and culinary artistry. Prepare for an evening of laughter, incredible food, and unforgettable memories—once you visit, you'll understand why it has captured the hearts of so many.

Service options
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
Highlights
Has fast service
Popular for
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves comfort food
Serves halal food
Serves healthy options
Serves small plates
Serves vegetarian dishes
Dining options
Serves lunch
Serves dinner
Has seating
Amenities
Has toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Crowd
Popular with tourists
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Cash only
Children
Good for kids
High chairs available
Openings Hours
Checking

Monday

Closed

Tuesday

1:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Wednesday

1:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Thursday

1:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Friday

1:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Saturday

1:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Sunday

1:00 AM - 9:00 PM

165 Reviews
Matthew McCann

19 Sep 2025

I find it funny how people come in here expecting something different that what Ali doesn’t pretend to offer. If you walk in here and see what you see, why do you think it will magically be what you want it to be. This one was of the most magical evenings from the warm hearted Ali. A dinner we will never forget and those who come on here giving 0 stars and complain how Ali does his cooking shouldn’t have come in at all. If you know you know … thanks Ali for a lovely evening

Renata Stare

14 Sep 2025

Went to have dinner tonight and didn’t know what to expect. What a wonderful experience we had. The food was fabulous and Ali was so friendly and passionate about his menu. Would highly recommend but remember to bring cash only.

Debojyoti Ghosh

03 Sep 2025

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.

George Kao

20 Aug 2025

Chef Ali puts together an amazing dining experience. One filled with delicious foods and entertaining conversations stretching your meal for hours and hours. It’s nice to slow down once in a while and be enjoy being human.

M M

09 Jul 2025

Truly special. This place (and its sister restaurant Mombar) are basically as close as you can get to being invited into someone's home to share a delicious meal with them, while still being a restaurant you pay money (not that much) for. Ali is a character from a movie. Just eat whatever he tells you to, especially if it's the lamb cheeks or chicken livers.

Sarah Ann

14 Jun 2025

This restaurant brings back the importance of having a chef interact with his customers, someone who really cares about who he’s about to serve. For the quality of food you get, the prices are worth it and the flavors are immaculate. My jaw literally dropped after the first taste of each plate he handed me and you can feel the essence of genuine love in every dish he curates for you. Go in and ask him to make you whatever he suggests, and you’ll understand what food is supposed to taste like.

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