Zeina's Cafe and Catering

This a beautiful family owned business located in the heart of the city. From the outside it looks small but on the inside we found amazing food, warm-hearted, kind, and friendly staff with a cozy family-oriented atmosphere. The food is very reasonably priced and plentiful as well as DELICIOUS. We loved the experience and highly recommend.

I used to be a regular here about ten years ago or more. Then, I moved away from the area. Well, I just came back for a trip through Utica and had to stop. I got the shawarma gyro, garlic French fries, and falafel. My eyes were definitely bigger than my stomach, but the aroma of the place got me crazed. Fries were hand-cut and the garlicky bits on top were addictive. The chicken was tender and very flavorful. Tzatziki was delicious. Generous portions. Best of all (next to the food) is the friendliness of the staff. Very fun sense of humor of the staff contributes to the overall feel and atmosphere of the place. Delicious, warm, and happenin’.

One of my favorite restaurants in Utica. Everything is always absolutely delicious. My regular order is the shish tawook w/ rice and falafel. Can’t recommend enough.

I stumbled upon this place while looking for some cuisine I can't usually get in my small town while I'm in the area. 10/10 I cannot recommend this place enough. Everything is fresh and flavorful. Everything, even the pita, is homemade. I tried Kibbeh for the first time in my Gyro and it was so delicious I ordered some to bring home. The eggplant fries were tender and flavorful. The tzatziki was thick and rich. We had the baklawa while we waited for the Kibbeh (togo) and it did not disappoint. Super flaky, not overwhelmingly sweet, just the way it should be. I think they used hazelnut as well which was a nice touch. I left saying "Wow, I hope they can drive 2 hours to cater my wedding" and I realized... they do cater!!! I'm excited to find reasons to come back to Utica just to have more of

This is a weird little hidden gem restaurant. You enter from what looks to be the back of a take-out place and walk through to a small dining area. Family-run with friendly staff but sometimes communications breaks down... we didn't have any knives at first. Grape leaves and pita was fresh and tasty. Falafels were very flavorful. My husband had the gyro on a salad. I was happy to close the meal with a slice of baklava and Turkish coffee. The owner was excited to provide us with "edible" sweet spoons made of cookie biscuit, and quite the novelty. The food was excellent, and the people quite lovely. Be warned though, access to the restrooms are narrow and not for the handicapped.