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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Loved by locals

Authentic shawarma in Astoria

The smell of meat roasting on a spit and the taste of spices prepared the traditional way is a reminder of how food should be. It is a meal that feels rooted in history.

Based on 555 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Gaia Masala & Burger New York image 1
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Indian fusion restaurant offers wide variety of dishes including burgers, shawarma, and tikka masala with adjustable spice levels. Space feels old school and simple with generous portions and reasonable prices. Atmosphere is chill and friendly despite somewhat loud music and dim lighting.

Food delivers authentic flavors with a modern twist. Dishes taste absolutely delicious and true to Indian cuisine.

Lamb shawarma stands out with its rich flavor and tender texture. Burgers and shawarma both deliver amazing taste that pairs well with pizza.

People are saying

"I found the food to be amazing and fresh."

"I found the food to be delicious and authentic."

"I found the lamb shawarma to be delicious and fresh."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers a wide variety of Indian-themed menu options.

2

Vegetarian and vegan options are available on the menu.

3

You can adjust the spice level on many dishes.

02
Shawarmania image 1
Middle Eastern restaurant

Middle Eastern restaurant with cozy seating and a colorful, clean atmosphere creates a welcoming vibe. Tasteful music plays softly, enhancing the friendly, authentic feel. The space feels like a hidden local spot with genuine hospitality.

Food features bold, authentic Arabic flavors like traditional toumeh and tahini. The atmosphere reflects an authentic Egyptian restaurant vibe with dishes made fresh to order and rich in flavor.

Chicken shawarma stands out for its freshness and delicious flavor. The mix of chicken and lamb beef shawarma with salad offers a satisfying wrap experience.

People are saying

"The food here is always fresh and delicious."

"I thought the shawarma here was the best I ever had."

"The flavors here are so authentic and fresh."

Good to know

1

The restaurant has both chicken and red meat options.

2

Shawarmania offers vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.

3

The falafel on pita costs $7.

03
Levant image 1
Middle Eastern restaurant

Open kitchen with transparent walls showcases fresh food preparation, creating an interactive dining experience. Compact space features beautiful decor with festive carved wooden windows and lovely tiling. Warm, friendly atmosphere offers authentic Middle Eastern vibes and a welcoming environment.

Shawarma and Middle Eastern pastries feature authentic flavors with fresh ingredients and generous portions. The food matches the quality of traditional Lebanese cuisine.

Chicken shawarma comes on homemade bread and tastes authentic. The shawarma roll and wrap both deliver really good flavor and stand out compared to other spots nearby.

People are saying

"The Mediterranean food, especially the shawarma, is authentic and packed with flavor."

"The chicken shawarma here is moist, garlicky, and packed with authentic flavor."

"I found the authentic Middle Eastern food here to be the best in Queens."

Good to know

1

Expect a wait of over 45 minutes for the famous feteer.

2

Parking in the area at night can take at least 30 minutes to find.

3

The feteer takes about 30 minutes to bake, so plan accordingly.

04
Al-Sham Restaurant image 1
Middle Eastern restaurant

Middle Eastern restaurant with traditional decor and beautiful outdoor seating offers a warm, lively atmosphere and enjoyable music. The space feels inviting and hospitable, suited for family gatherings and celebrations.

Shawarma here tastes very authentic and reminds of Beirut and Damascus. The AlSham Mix Grill offers a genuine variety of grilled delights with original preparation methods.

Chicken shawarma stands out for its juicy and authentic flavor. Plates and sandwiches come with great quality meat and satisfying portions, often paired with fries.

People are saying

"The Mediterranean food here, especially the shawarma, is the best I've ever had."

"I thought the shawarma here was the best I ever had."

"I finally found the most authentic shawarma that reminded me of home."

Good to know

1

There is a service charge for using the restaurantโ€™s chairs that is not disclosed.

2

A $7 dining fee is added without prior notice.

3

There is an additional 3% credit card fee on top of the dining fee.

05
Pita Hot image 1
Mediterranean restaurant

Mediterranean spot offers cozy, small space with limited indoor seating and a few outdoor tables. Atmosphere feels warm and family-like with Arabic music and pleasant aromas. Known for generous portions and flavorful dishes like falafel and shawarma.

Falafel stands out with its authentic Middle Eastern flavor and excellent taste. The food reflects traditional Lebanese delicacies made with care and genuine recipes.

Chicken shawarma comes fresh and tasty, served on pita or as part of a platter. Falafel and chicken kebab sandwiches also stand out alongside the shawarma offerings.

People are saying

"The food here is insanely good and fresh."

"The food here is packed with authentic flavor."

"I had the best shawarma sandwich I've ever had."

Good to know

1

Lunch for two costs around $21, making it budget-friendly.

2

The restaurant offers both eat-in and takeout options.

3

Expect a long line due to the restaurant's popularity.

06
King of Falafel & Shawarma image 1
Middle Eastern restaurant

Interior features Palestinian mats, woven baskets, and a mural of Al Aqsa Mosque, creating a small museum vibe. Atmosphere feels welcoming and lively with cultural and political decor. Seating area allows for enjoying food in a comfortable setting.

Freshly shredded beef shawarma features authentic spices and a moist texture. Falafel is amazing and fresh, reflecting authentic Palestinian cuisine with the chef owner present.

Chicken and lamb shawarma come in generous portions with yellow rice and salad. The shawarma mix is authentic and flavorful, often paired with crispy falafel that stands out in the area.

People are saying

"I considered their falafel the best I ever had."

"The chicken shawarma here is delicious and perfectly spicy."

"I found the food here to be authentic, tasting just like back home."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers free complementary falafel every time you visit.

2

Customers are advised not to eat at this establishment due to cleanliness issues.

3

The restaurant has been reported to have hair in the food.

07
Zyara Restaurant image 1
Mediterranean restaurant

Mediterranean restaurant offers a beautiful backyard and spacious dining room with elegant decor and warm ambiance. The atmosphere ranges from lively and noisy in the main area to more refined and quiet in the back. The setting suits gatherings and special occasions with a friendly, welcoming vibe.

Shawarma here tastes super authentic and just like home. Middle Eastern dishes come out fresh and full of flavor.

Beef shawarma on laffa stands out as a memorable dish. Chicken shawarma also features as a flavorful option. The shawarma here is consistently described as authentic and delicious.

People are saying

"The Mediterranean food here is flavorful, juicy, and perfectly seasoned."

"I thought the shawarma here was great and plan to return."

"I found the shawarma here to be incredibly authentic and flavorful."

Good to know

1

The restaurant charges a 20% service fee if you pay with a card.

2

Indoor seating starts at 1pm on Saturday.

3

The restaurant closes for dine-in at 11:35 PM.

08
Ayat Astoria image 1
Palestinian restaurant

Olive tree centerpiece creates an outdoor patio feel with Palestinian mural adding cultural depth. Warm, inviting atmosphere feels like dining at a friend's home, enhanced by live music. Space fills quickly, reflecting its popularity and lively energy.

Food offers authentic Palestinian flavors with a fresh and delicious taste. The atmosphere feels inviting and full of love, making it a spot to return to repeatedly.

Shawarma comes tender and flavorful, featured in platters like chicken shawarma and a unique pizzawarma fusion with halloumi, mozzarella, and creamy tahini sauce. It pairs well with sides like hummus and BBQ chicken.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious, fresh, and wonderfully seasoned."

"The authentic Palestinian food here is fresh and thoughtfully prepared."

"The shawarma here is gorgeous, especially the tree in the center."

Good to know

1

There was a 30-minute wait to get seated during peak hours.

2

The restaurant does not serve alcohol, so plan accordingly.

3

Parking can be tricky as it's in a residential area.

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Astoria, New York

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