Mombar

I love this place! Every time I come here it’s a unique experience, and the food is extraordinary, the lamb is must try. Just a tip though: if you visit this amazing spot, you need to have a lot of patience. You might wait over an hour for your food because the owner does absolutely everything, cooking, serving, taking orders, cashing out, etc.! It’s part of the experience! So don’t be rude and wait for your food! Also, it’s cash only, buuut the upside is that it’s BYOB! (He just has soft drinks and water)

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Mombar is not a restaurant — it’s an experience. I ordered the eggplant appetizer, the cauliflower appetizer, and the lamb, and every single bite was unreal. The flavors were deep, bold, and somehow perfectly balanced. Hands down, this was some of the best food I’ve ever eaten in my life. The magic of this place is the chef. He doesn’t give you a big menu — he cooks what he wants that day, then tells you what your options are. You trust him, and you are rewarded. I’ve traveled to many countries and eaten all kinds of food, and this meal still stands above everything else I’ve ever had. This man is a culinary genius. Honestly… do me a favor and don’t go. Leave this spot for the people who know. But if you *do* go, bring cash (cash only), get there early, and don’t hesitate — b

A true New York, and even moreso Queens, experience! A hole in the wall family restaurant that offers daily fresh custom menus. When I went he offered us Lamb and Beef shanks that melted off the bone, perfectly cooked veggies, rice, cous, naan/hummus. So full, so happy! The owner is the nicest man who clearly loves what he does (chef/artist). The restaurant is filled with his art projects and the atmosphere makes you feel at home. He does an incredible job showcasing Egyptian hospitality. Inside you'll even see a few NYT articles and retired MOMA pieces that reference his space. Reminder - it's a one man show, so although everything was perfect. Be patient, also. Cash only

I almost didn’t want to write about this place because I want it to stay a hidden gem, but Moustafa and his fantastically decorated restaurant deserve praise. The unassuming kitsch storefront is covered with newspaper clippings raving about the food. When you step inside into the spacious but cozy and flamboyantly-decorated, you are greeted by the wonderful host/chef/server/ Moustafa. The warm aroma of slow cooked meat and fragrant fried garlic immediately transport you to the memories of home cooked meals, family dinners and lazy Sundays. The food is made and served with care and craftsmanship. 100/10 across the board.

What an experience! There is one older gentleman doing all the cooking and serving etc. Just know that as a result, the experience is more akin to eating at a family member’s house rather than being served at a restaurant, which is really part of the charm. Service is slow. Bring a friend and expect to spend a couple of hours dining. The menu is not published. He told us verbally what he could make and we chose lamb shanks, hummus, and cauliflower with pomegranate sauce. And the food, all of it, was so shockingly good I could never give it enough due. The meat on the shanks fell off the bone and was served in a fantastic sauce with a tabouleh minty spinach type mixture. Paired with the hummus and fresh pita… just so great. The interior is kinda crazy too. Think a bazaar or a garage stack