We had a wonderful meal at this small and quirky restaurant in Little Egypt. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The decor, all the work of the owner and chef, is wonderful. So much eye candy![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The owner tells you what is available, and you choose, and then he cooks and serves you. The process is not quick, but we were a family group of five and enjoyed examining the dense decorations of our surroundings while we waited for the delicious food. Our meal included an outstanding beet salad, cauliflower in pomegranate sauce, foul (mashed fava beans with vegetables), lamb shank, lamb tagine, fish in a clay pot, and koshary (a mixture of chickpeas, macaroni, rice, and tomato). Everything was so good, and portions were generous so that there was a good deal left to take home. We would absolutely return and recommend. read more

I learned of Mombar and its history on IG so I decided to visit during my visit to NY. The experience itself is approx. 2hrs. Be patient and you'll reap the benefits. I ordered a chicken dish with mixed veggies and rice, along with hummus & pita (not pictured). The food had a lovely blend of spices and the hummus was truly the best I've ever eaten. read more

Mombar - Egyptian Near Me - Astoria, New York

I wasn't sure what to expect when I came to Mombar, but it surprised me in many different ways. First, the design of the store is cool -- there are many different pieces of art throughout, so it was nice to look around. [[HIGHLIGHT]]We talked to the owner and he told us that he designed and built the restaurant himself -- that's awesome![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]We came around 8:45pm, and there were maybe 2-3 other tables sat as well.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The owner came to tell us the menu (I don't think there is a physical menu to read off of). We ended up getting the hummus, cauliflower, lamb shank, a beef-stew like dish, and a fish. I really enjoyed all the menu items we got, and found it to be very aromatic and flavorful. A few things to note: -this restaurant is cash only, so make sure to come with some cash on-hand -water/drinks aren't provided, but there is a refrigerator at the front from which you can buy a drink from -the wait is quite long (we didn't leave until around 11pm) I would recommend trying this place if you aren't in a rush. It's an interesting experience and good food! read more

Mombar - Egyptian Near Me - Astoria, New York

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Mombar is definitely an interesting place. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The front of the building can be easy to miss because the signage is not bold but the facade itself is detailed and artistic.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]When you walk in, you're transported into someone's home and you don't feel like you're in New York anymore.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Bring $50-80 cash because it's cash only. Mostafa is the chef and server so service can be slow because he's doing everything by himself. [[HIGHLIGHT]]A lot of the decor is stuff that he's made. There are paintings on the tables and pieces of art on the floor, walls, and ceiling that he's made himself and was kind enough to explain them to us when we were done with our meal.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The menu is verbal which was difficult for me because I'm more of a visual person but I caught key words of food items I wanted. We ordered fava beans, hummus and lamb tagine. The fava beans have the tiniest bit of spice but are so delicious and my husband and I ate it up. The hummus is smooth and garlicky and I had to hold myself back from eating it all otherwise I wouldn't be able to eat the lamb tagine. The couscous definitely needed the lamb's sauce. The lamb was super tender and easy to chew. read more

From bread service to the check, everything feels right. The workers provided exceptional service! You'll taste combinations that feel brand new. [[HIGHLIGHT]]This restaurant has good energy.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]This place offers visual pleasure.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

[[HIGHLIGHT]]It feels like having dinner at your grandpa's if he had a super quirky aesthetic and was an excellent chef.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The lamb shank was Devine and the lamb tagine melts in your mouth. Beets and cauliflower make the perfect appetizer. Well worth the wait. Bring good friends and a bottle of wine. You'll love it. read more

The food is made right there, and it's outstanding. I had the beet salad--amazing! The hummus was delicious, the lamb was cooked to perfection, and the side dishes didn't disappoint. I'd love to give this place 5 stars, but there are some serious issues holding it back. First, there's only one person working, and it shows. Tables weren't cleared after guests left, leaving dirty plates and leftover food sitting out. [[HIGHLIGHT]]At one point, I even saw a roach crawling on a nearby table--definitely a pest problem from lack of cleaning.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]The clutter gave the place a chaotic, 'old uncle's house' vibe, which isn't ideal for a dining experience.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Also, be prepared to wait: our food took over 45 minutes (which I didn't mind), but don't expect quick service. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Another issue was the poor ventilation--smoke from the cooking was so strong it made my eyes burn.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]Overall, the food is fantastic, but the cleanliness, pest issue, and uncomfortable atmosphere really brought the experience down.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

I won't write a long review. The place impresses on every visit. All dishes demonstrate flavor quality. Staff at Mombar made even our picky eaters feel welcome. This place makes friend gatherings enjoyable with tasty options. read more

[[HIGHLIGHT]]I felt like I was having dinner at my mama's house.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]The artwork is fantastic and you should be mindful to take it all in.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The food was so good and made with much love. A beautiful story through food and art. read more

Firstly, it indeed is only one person and cash only. I came here at 5:30 and there were already 3 other parties, and we didn't end up leaving until 8:30 or so. He comes to you and explains the entire menu, and leaves so that you can think about it. I did ask about the prices beforehand and they didn't exactly match up on the receipt but different only within $2 or so. He also added 20% tip but maybe because it was for 6 of us. Also, there's no tap water so you have to bring your own beverage or buy bottled water. The only other thing is that our eyes were stinging because our table was right in front of the kitchen and I got the worst of it to the point that my eyes were tearing up the entire dinner. We got the cauliflower ($15 - surprisingly flavorful dish that I would recommend) and lamb cheeks appetizer ($17 - tender and not gamey, although the taste was plainer than I expected). He also gave us hot pita breads which were so fluffy but can't tell if that comes with the appetizer and is regularly provided. For entrees, we got the branzini ($30 - my favorite perhaps, flavored well), the chicken tagine ($20 - I've had better elsewhere on this block of restaurants and the chicken was a bit dry), beef shank ($28 - very tender, cuts through cleanly), and roasted duck ($30 - it was on the drier side for me but others seem to like it). I enjoyed the atmosphere much and the idea of a one man shop but I don't think my eyes could handle another meal here. If there was more ventilation or perhaps seating further away, I'd consider coming back. read more

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Amazing Koshary and the cook/owner of this restaurant is so sweet and lovely. The food was so fresh and flavorful would def go back!

[[HIGHLIGHT]]Immaculate homey dining experience, like a portal from cold Astoria into medieval Cairo.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Ate here on a Sunday night shortly after opening, spent a total of 1.5 hours with the owner's personalized service. Slow eating of the best kind by such a humble and kind man. Cash only from the verbal menu, $87 for the 4 dishes below: - Cauliflower: absolutely incredible range of seasonings sprinkled over the dishes, giving the best combo of acidic, savory, tangy - Ful (fava beans): my first time with this dish. Hearty, earth, perhaps a bit light on salt but if anything extra salt might have masked the underlying flavor. Served with warm pita - Bronzini: served grilled and topped with veggies. We particularly loved the flavor that the lightly roasted tomatoes added. Goes well with the (cute) pyramids of rice. IMO not tastier than Abuqir across the street but with the toppings still immensely enjoyable. - Lamb tagine: oh so tender, slips right off the bone. Simply delicious. - Molokhia: served alongside the lamb above. Also light on salt but allowed true deliciousness and emotional warmth to come through. Such a wonderful feeling, truly food for the soul, that which sustained generations of people of bygone eras [[HIGHLIGHT]]Truly a dining opportunity like none other. A visual feast due to the decor, a culinary feast for obvious reasons, but most of all an emotional feast for the owner's hospitality and that touch of love that you only get from home style food.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

- We saw a roach crawling on the floor - The food took 2 hours for just one main and one appetizer - There's literally no menu, he just lists the items... the items aren't that different from what's on Yelp but it's annoying to not see everything - The food was very mediocre for the wait time - The interior was dirty, not well ventilated - It seemed like the people there all came for some adventurous. It's just dirty and slow but otherwise incredibly mediocre Altogether a dirty, slow and mediocre dining experience read more

From the moment you walk in the door, it's clear this is a special place. The owner has put so much love into his restaurant. He has carved sculptures around the room, painted the tables, and created beautiful mosaics. We were lucky to get seated right away, but I would recommend giving yourself time to enjoy the experience truly. It's a one-man show, so it's important to be patient. We ordered the hummus and lamb cheek to start and then had lamb shank for our dinner. Everything was exquisite. It was truly a special evening, and we will be back. read more

We had an interesting dinner here. My husband, sister and father treated my son to dinner here this past weekend to celebrate his 21st birthday. I've encouraged him to pick a cuisine that interests him and I do the leg work of finding a place that can execute it well so he has a good experience that's different every time. This time, though, I picked the cuisine and went with something along the lines of Middle Eastern. Because he's on campus in Long Island with a ton of work to complete, he just came for the night. I actually made reservations for an Egyptian spot down the block but we also had the baby in tow and the place we reserved was far too small for us to fit the stroller. The owner of that establishment directed us to Mombar, another Egyptian eatery, because the size would accommodate us and the owner, Mustafa, is family. Luckily, when we arrived, there was no wait. It's very small but they fit as many tables as possible in the space. There's an open kitchen and the decor and layout makes you feel as though you're dining in someone's home. Upon first impressions, it seems cluttered but I choose to see it as eclectic and authentic. We were able to squeeze out stroller in between tables but would have probably had a more difficult time had they been busier. This is not a place where y be grabbing a bite and running out. If you come here, be prepared to take your time, slow down and really enjoy your meal, company and the ambience. Mustafa is also the chef, host and server so it's expected that there will be somewhat of a wait while all of the tables are being served. Grub Rundown: Lamb Cheeks - so tender and not gamey, seasoned nicely and served with warm pita. A must have! Sahara Mix - Babaganoush, Hummus and Fool, served with warm pita and a heavy dose of olive oil. Great for sharing and tasty. Be-Sara - Fava Bean spread, served with warm pita and so very good. Lamb Shank Special - covered in spinach and served with your choice of couscous or rice (get the couscous) which has fruit cooked in. Flavorful and spiced well. I loved it and the portion is enough for two meals. Lamb Chops - these were only ok to me. My son ordered and I tasted. He enjoyed it better than I. Steak - hubby ordered this. It tasted really good and was serve with veggies. Whole Striped Bass - my dad ordered this and loved it. He finished the entire platter. Yes. Platter. The fish was prepared for him and deboned so all he had to do was put fork to mouth. Lamb Tagine - my sister had this entrée and enjoyed it very much as it was also served with couscous. The spice situation here is on point! All of the food was really good. We enjoyed everything. They have some items for the adventurous eater such as, rabbit, lamb brains, tongue and testicle, but we kept it pretty neutral. I love rabbit but I didn't want to try at an unknown restaurant and apparently, their duck is a hot ticket item because they were sold out by the time we arrived. While I don't think I'd venture out to dine here again just because of geography, it's certainly worth a visit. The owner was so amazingly attentive to each and every patron and there were even a few regulars that came in to dine. Those kinds of diners are always a sign that you've stumbled upon a good thing, a hidden gem. read more

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Mombar is a gem. It's a one man show with no menus. I felt like I was walking into someone's home. Really unique experience - nothing else like it in NYC and the food was incredible. Had the hummus to start and lamb shank for my main and the lamb melted in my mouth read more

Mombar - Egyptian Near Me - Astoria, New York

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I went to Mombar last year. Mombar is one of these Egyptian eateries that you do not know what you will expect in terms of food and service. I ate a lamb stew with rice, and the meal was decent. The owner, Mustafa Sayed is the brother of Ali Sayad, owner of Kabab Cafe. He told me that they often help each other. I was surprised at how small Mombar is, although it is several times larger than Kabab Cafe. Seating is very comfortable, and the restroom facilities are clean. However, the food did not appear to be as freshly made as other Egyptian eateries I have experienced on Steinway Street. I heard the click-click-click of a microwave oven. There was a plate of something that looked like a pyramid, which was fitting for Egypt. Would I go back? Possibly? read more

RACIST ESTABLISHMENT. DO NOT SUPPORT. I was so looking forward to trying this place! I went last Friday with my brother (we are both mixed race) and when we arrived, we waited at the entrance enjoying the aroma coming from the kitchen. After a few minutes, a bald man just came up to us and said "No." He just walked away after this and I incredulously looked around the half empty restaurant and said nothing because I was too shocked to speak. He then circled back and said "no space for you." So I immediately walked out and reported them to 311. In 2022, this kind of behavior is unacceptable and I will never spend my money in a place like this. Think twice about this place :( read more

Felt like I was eating in the home of a dear friend. And the food was delicious! Lamb was fall-off-the-bone tender and all the flavors were a party in my mouth. Relaxed, warm and sweet environment to chill with friends. The gentleman who owns, cooks and serves was also very friendly. read more

[[HIGHLIGHT]]Visited NYC/Queens a couple of years ago & I still dream of the lamb tagine I had there super cool environment with some of the most flavorful foods I've ever eaten!![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Can't wait to get back to NYC/Queens & have this again! I've even messaged the owner to try to get help replicating it since I live in the south! read more

All the yes. Q: What was the Molokhia with Pyramid Rice like? Josephine: Yes Q: How were the other dishes? Josephine: Yes Q: What was the beautiful artwork made by the artist-chef-owner like? Josephine: Yes Q: How was the service, given it was just one man manning all the tables? Josephine: Yes Q: What was the best part of the experience, the food, the decor, and the service? Josephine: Yes read more

This was hands down one of the best meals I've ever had. It was my first time having Egyptian and I am so glad a friend brought me here. The place is homey and cozy and smells delicious upon walking in. The owner does everything himself and was truly amazing and very friendly. We ordered the cauliflower salad and lamb cheek appetizers as well as the whole white fish and lamb tagine as entrees. EVERYTHING was exquisite! The simplicity of the cauliflower salad, the perfect seasonings in the lamb cheek dish, the homecooked feel of everything was just *chefs kiss*! For dessert, my friend ordered an off the menu baklava which was just DIVINE! Not your typical baklava, but so so great and memorable. I will be adding Mombar to my list of favorite spots! Please support this business! read more

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Be prepared to feel transported to Cairo. Enjoy the ambiance as Uncle Mustafa chops onions and prepares your meal behind you. While there is no proper menu, he will read off the daily menu when you arrive. We started with Alexandrian style liver and hawawshi (meat in crispy bread). We then had kushari, beef shank and molokhiya (Egyptian green stew). The molokhiya could not have been more delicious and the beef was incredibly tender. What a lovely meal, with generous portions of food and love from Uncle Mustafa read more

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Honestly, a review doesn't capture it. Just go there be be amazed. Lovely food, wonderful decor, relaxed service. Bring some friends! read more

Mombar - Lamb tagine and a whole branzino - Egyptian Near Me - Astoria, New York

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Words can't describe how special this restaurant is. It's not your typical dining experience, but it's the one you'll never forget. No menu, no QR codes, no wait staff, just Mustafa - the Egyptian owner, chef, artist and Queens historian. Most of the decor in the restaurant he created himself, and if you're lucky, he'll give you a tour. As for the food: absolutely delicious and the portions generous. I went with an Egyptian man who attested the food was authentic and tasted just like home. I'm not Egyptian, but felt like I was home as well. read more

When I went in, my Jiddo greeted me at the door. Not my actual Jiddo. Just one of the kindest and warmest people who could welcome you into his restaurant. And what a restaurant. Memories of letters from his kids to vintage art and artifacts placed all around. I could stop my review here because of how comfortable he and his place made me feel--but the food! He offers you his menu from memory, and he'll make any adjustments you ask for. And every time I've visited, it tastes like home. Probably because he humbly makes his food from an open kitchen that resembles one you'd find in a home. And that food is sooo good. The molokhia is second only to my partner's mom's (and I'm only saying that because we're writing this together - in my view, it's actually the best!). And then we left as we came--with a dose of kindness and good humor. We kept laughing at his jokes with leftovers in hand. read more

Roaches! And not the shy, stay-in-the-shadows-and-wait-for-the-trash kind, but the bold, come-out-as-soon-as-there-are-food-smells-even-when-the-restaurant-is-full-of-light-and-guests kind. My husband and I had just finished some delicious appetizers (the beet salad and the cauliflower), and when I pushed my plate back there were two tiny roaches in the shadow of the rim. Another larger one climbed to the top of the wooden chair across the table from us to survey our food scraps, and my husband saw one on the wall behind me. We immediately asked to get our mains to go, and watched two other roaches scuttle up empty chairs while we waited. The food was delicious but the vegetables in my lamb tagine were just a standard corn-peas-carrots mix you'd get from the freezer section of the grocery store. Still tasty in the sauce, but it was so strange in contrast everything else we'd had that seemed to be better quality. There's so much that would make Mombar a great, unique experience: The place is a one-man show, with the owner serving and cooking everything himself, which would make for nice, leisurely dinners. He also seems to have done quite a bit of the art in the place, including on the tabletops. The restaurant is cozy and comfortable. Again, the food was delicious. But...roaches! There's no way the owner doesn't know they're there. The problem needs to be addressed immediately. read more

This place is great. It's a must try in Astoria. Things to know before you go - Cash only, owner is the chef & server. He's super nice and hustles but please be patient/respectful and don't come if you're short on time. There's no menu, owner will recite it to you... pay attention. Smashed fava beans were fantastic! Chicken Tagine was great too, so flavorful... veggies clearly frozen from a bag but who cares, flavor was on point. Lamb Shank also v good. White rice was so flavorful! read more

Mombar - Facade of Mombar - all the owners art I've heard Mom - Egyptian Near Me - Astoria, New York

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This is definitely a hidden gem in NYC. I don't think I can name any place like this in the city. The restaurant chef/owner Mustafa runs everything. He spent 5 years designing the interior from the drawings to the tiles. He cooks amazing homemade Egyptian food. He even waits on you (tells you the specials, brings drinks/food) - he is definitely a man of many talents. On top of that, he's really sweet and he really cares that you enjoy the food and experience. Think like a mom & pop kind of shop - something really rare to get in NYC. The only thing you have to do is wait a bit for meals to come out cause he really cares that they're fresh. I recommend getting some appetizers while you wait for the main dishes to come out. We ordered Sahara Mix, Mombar (Appetizers) lamb tagine, and dejaj fel-foron (Mains). We wiped our plates clean. Unique taste. Really fresh. Can't recommend this place enough! read more

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I loooooooove this restaurant. It may be my new favorite place in New York City. I love the very charming owner and how he does everything so methodically but incredibly personally. He makes everything himself. Just like the entire restaurant itself...from every stick of furniture to the outside moldings...It is a seriously special treat. Everything is just about you and him here. Walk into a living art work and just let it happen! I can't actually do this place justice in a review so I'm just going to let you know what we ate and how it tasted. But really...you have to go yourself. We got the mombar (a rice sausage), and the three dips plate for starters. They were both delicious. The mombar is what he named the place after. And it is a mix of all different things sharing their flavors. Cut up. Mixed again. The entrees were a glazed duck and a lamb shank with spinach. The duck came with rice and the lamb a Perfect couscous. These were amazing. The lamb fell off the bone and the duck was tender. We asked for dessert, which is decided by him, and wow! A lovely mixed fresh fruit with this amazing dish of fried dough with honey and cinnamon all over it. Pretty much heaven. Check out this place. It's special! We wished we did the tasting! read more

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Delicious and very off beat. My favorite restaurant experience of the year. The food was deliciously spiced (far better than one finds at most restaurants in Egypt), and one could spend the whole time looking at all the amusing and amazing bits of decor. When I was there there was only one guy who did the cooking and the waiting of tables, so you should't go if you're in a hurry, but I and my companions loved it! read more

This is absolutely one of the memorable, delicious, and unique restaurants in NYC. I've lived here for 10 years, and been to a lot of places. Places high, low, still here, and gone. There is nowhere quite like Mombar. There is one employee who works there. The owner. He's also the chef and the head waiter. He greets you at the door, and invites you into his space that transports you to another world entirely. The restaurant is basically a living piece of art, with most of the tables, mosaics, sculptures, and accents designed and built by him. Horus and Osiris are watching over you. Even the facade of the restaurant is hand wrought. When you sit down, there will probably be food sizzling in the kitchen that is ten feet away out in the open. You will smell colors and spices that feel both familiar and exotic. He'll come to the table, tell you what he has for the day, and let you ruminate on your appetizer and main entree. There are no menus, but he has something for everybody. The food comes out gradually, and it dazzles. Lamb shanks, Branzini, Cous Cous with currants in the shape of pyramids, Foul, Hummous that ruins anything you've bought lately, Mint tea, pita bread, tagines. You eat, sitting on cushions separated by your compatriots by shawls and ornate drapes. It doesn't get much better. Side note: after the meal, be sure to ask him about the restaurant being featured in magazines and by TV personalities. His pride will win you over. read more

The lamb shank and the lamb tagine were amazing. Fava beans and then a beet and apple salad as starters. Be prepared for a long night of conversation and food. That's part of the charm. read more

Such a good experience. The owner of this restaurant is also the sole server and makes all of the food. Definitely a slow experience, but one i'll never forget. He's very kind and gentle and patient and runs through the menu with you. Food was delicious and worth the wait! I recommend getting the braised duck and the hummus platter! 10/10!!!!! read more

What an amazing and authentic experience. The restaurant's owner decorated the interior and exterior with his art and cultural artifacts. The food was prepared by him and was such a great time. 10/10. read more

absolutely the worst food I had, the place looks like trash, the seats look like they haven't been washed in years, the food is not good at all even to an Egyptian like me, very over priced, it's a one person runs everything, no checking, if the food is good or not, no checking on drinks, I had to get up to get my own silverware & water, it's good when you have a couple of tables, but if it gets busy (I don't know why & for what ) you're out of luck. I was hoping to to find it good, but unfortunately it turned to be way below par. read more

This place doesn't look like much, but the food is soooo good. There was one guy taking orders, doing dishes, cooking, and serving, so the service was a bit slow. It's BYOB, so grab something delicious and chill with a friend or two, because the food is worth the wait. read more

It looks .. interesting inside. Came with girlfriend to try. Talked to the chef and owner. Same person started the restaurant 21 years ago. Hand made most of the artwork flooring etc. Put his heart and soul into the place and thank goodness it survived covid. When the food came it was top notch. Lamb falling off the bone.. Branzino utterly awesome... Spices and flavors amazing and authentic Egyptian it seemed.. the only complaint I have is they don't take a credit card. Totally worth it I would definitely be back. read more

I couldn't stay to eat. smells bad and dirty. It is so dated and one guy servir and cooking.

Great hidden gem in Astoria on Steinway Street. I always wanted to try authentic Egyptian cuisine. I heard of this place years ago but never had the chance to try it until now. Small place with unique decor where the owner did himself. All of the dishes are made by him to order. He is a great cook. The Egyptian lamb chops were great, he also made a special dessert with mangos which was delicious. Also had the lamb cheeks good but not my thing. You order Dish with the 3 hummus selections. They only take cash here. Also the menu changes some the stuff on the menu he might not have that day. I hope the next time he will have the lamb/veal sweet breads. read more