Kabab Cafe

25-12 Steinway St, Astoria, NY 11103, United States
+1 718-728-9858
$$$ Egyptian restaurant , Kebab shop
(165 Reviews)
Price Range $50–100

Kabab Cafe is a no-frills Egyptian restaurant tucked into the bustling Astoria strip, offering a deeply personal dining experience that feels more like sharing a meal at a knowledgeable friend’s table than a typical eatery. With space for just about a dozen diners, the atmosphere here is intimate and unpretentious, a quiet pocket away from the neighborhood’s usual noise.

The focus is clearly on quality and tradition, with standout dishes like lamb cheeks, lamb shank, and unique offerings such as bone marrow and steak tartare that reflect a kitchen mastering its craft rather than chasing trendy twists. The cooking embraces fresh, carefully sourced ingredients, turning even vegetables—sometimes intentionally overcooked or paired with peppers—into rich carriers of flavor.

Visitors who appreciate food deeply connected to its cultural roots will find the chef’s presence a defining feature. He personally interacts with guests, taking time to explain each dish, answer questions, or chat, which turns a meal here into one marked by warmth and genuine attentiveness. This kind of engagement makes Kabab Cafe feel less like a commercial spot and more like a shared culinary story.

The smaller size and focused menu mean this is a place best suited for those who want to slow down and savor each bite, rather than looking for quick or large-group dining. Evening visits often stretch comfortably, accompanied by friendly, responsive service that balances professionalism with an easygoing vibe.

For locals and travelers alike, Kabab Cafe offers a slice of Egyptian culinary tradition far from the usual neighborhood offerings. Whether you already know Middle Eastern flavors well or are exploring them for the first time, this spot rewards curiosity and patience with straightforward but layered plates served in a quietly convivial setting.

Highlights
Has fast service
Popular for
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
What they serve
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves comfort food
Serves halal food
Serves healthy options
Serves small plates
Serves vegetarian dishes
Best for
Serves lunch
Serves dinner
Has seating

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
Caro Geffroy

01 Jan 2026

They perfect what they know. You get proper portions for what you pay. This restaurant exceeds typical excellence measures. These employees are quick-thinking yet never condescending. We're planning another visit.

Terixo Smitix

31 Dec 2025

Every aspect of dining here contained unexpected quality. The dishes showcase quality. Their food combines tradition with new ideas. Their service personnel's quick responses were noticeable. I appreciate the quality here and tell people.

Sarah Ann

07 Dec 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.

Debojyoti Ghosh

28 Nov 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

15 Nov 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.

Sophie Lin

07 Nov 2025

Amazing food and experience. The cauliflower salad was outstanding, the lamb and falafel were also delicious! Will definitely come back with more friends. The owner was friendly and has a beautiful spirit! 10/10

Z Hashmi

30 Sep 2025

Small restaurant, wonderful service, and great food with large portions. I tried the beef kabab and enjoyed it.

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