Wandering around in Astoria, trying to find a place to eat on Easter Sunday, we walked past a string of shops in Astoria's little Egypt and my eye was drawn to a sign that said "Anthony Bourdain ranked number six out of top 10 restaurants in New York City". We stopped and I started to read the New Yorker article posted below detailing this tiny restaurant and the Egyptian man who acts as the owner, chef, and sole employee. He had a menu when he first opened and then promptly forgot about it, as the New Yorker article explains, he does not want to be restrained by a menu, and prefers to create with food, like a painter or other artist. We found that same unconventional attitude when we tepidly walked in and asked if he was open, "If I am here, I am open, if I'm not here, I'm not open", was his boisterous reply. No menu, no expectations, just a charming and unique personality who fed us delicious food from Alexandria and entertained us as we ooohed and ahhhhed over the flavors! The spices! The succulent lamb that fell off the bone! How this magical man turned out this epic meal from that tiny and underwhelming looking kitchen...I'll never know. But I'll definitely be back. Thank you chef Ali!

A no frills Egyptian eatery that is very easy to miss, where Ali let's you know what's on rotation for the day's menu (with a fair share of variety) and you pretty much take it from there. I snapped pictures of what I could when we weren't busy either with the amazing food or with Ali who, after cooking, would come by and sit/chat with us. We had delights such as a sampler platter of spreads ranging from fava bean hummus, falafel, and babaganoush, baked salmon with veggies, and a homemade custard coupled with blueberries and some Greek yogurt. This is not an exhaustive review by any means but I easily see myself going back in the near future. The intimate setting and homely approach that the environment, the food, and Ali offered easily won me over. Check him out if you are ever in Astoria!

It's a tiny restaurant, like seats 10. But this is good. The owner/chef treats you like a VIP and will make a tailor made meal for you. This was a fun experience with great food and friends. Definitely go here when you have some extra time on your hands, because things are made with love.

This is a spot that highlights how special Astoria, Queens is! I have been going to this place for years and Ali continues to provide a level of service with his food and hospitality that I just haven't experienced elsewhere. Ali is the owner, host, waiter, cook, and entertainment all in one. He quickly makes you feel like you are part of the family as he verbally lists his menu items for the night. As he cooks he tells stories and engages in conversations with the small amount of tables that are in the restaurant. He is passionate about the Egyptian food he makes and explains its origin/tradition when bringing it to the table. If your looking for a relaxing paced unique meal experience this definitely should be on your list!

Came here recommended by one of my good friends father. This foodie restaurant is definitely a hole in the wall worth travelling to. Located in the Astoria part of Queens, you will find Ali's Kebab Cafe which servers a mixture of Egyptian and African goodness. When you enter the establishment, you are greeted by Ali, he is the owner, chef, and the only staff. There is no menu, but Ali will tell you what is available for the day. You can choose what meat or fish you desire, and he will decide how he will cook and serve it. Have you ever watched the movie "Jiro Dreams of Sushi", and wondered if you would ever come across one of those tiny restaurants that is owned and cooked by a man who has devoted his entire life and craft to his food and his culture? To say this was one of the best meals i have had in a long time is an understatement. With Ali, you traveled in time and space as he tells you the significance and approach to his culture and his life. And remember. Don't call it Egyptian food. It's Awesomeness on a plate. Whimsical, delicious, fresh, creative, perfectly seasoned eats served directly from the chef in a tiny shop on Steinway.