This is the real thing, grape leaves, kibbee and chicken shawarma are amazing . Don't pass on the coffee and baklava after!

The restaurant is located on a street that seems like it used to be bustling, died out, and is starting to revive. We arrived around 2:30pm on a Thursday, there was only one other group there. We were immediately greeted and our waiter was super friendly and chatty. The inside is pretty casual, and they played 2000s hits at a good volume. We started with a cup of Turkish coffee... I've never had Turkish coffee so maybe this is standard, but they did not offer cream or sugar. I don't usually like black coffee but it was surprisingly light, and the serving was pretty small so I actually quite enjoyed it. The owner later said it was the brand Utica coffee (which I love). We ordered the loaded fries, which came with taziki sauce, feta cheese, and tabouleh. Usually loaded fries feel very heavy and greasy, but these tasted very fresh. For the main dish, we ordered the Elias Gyro and the Layla Gyro. My pallet is usually more oriented towards lots of flavor and spice, so I found the Layla Gyro to be lighter than I would have liked. There wasn't as much sauce as I was expecting, but it was still very moist. I loved the pickled vegetables in it, but I wasn't a huge fan of the fries. The Elias Gyro was a lot more flavor heavy thanks to the garlic sauce, which was delicious. The meat in both gyros was cooked perfectly. Lastly, we had the baklava. Ive never had baklava before so I have nothing to compare it to, but oh my goodness it was so good. Overall, super positive experience. It's always such a treat to see the owner walking around interacting with customers, and I would definitely go again whenever I want something light and fresh. read more

See all

What a delicious meal!!! The restaurant it self is bare-bones and no-fuss, but don't let that fool you... These people know how to make an impression!!! Everyone I met (while ordering takeout and waiting) was outstanding. They gave good, solid recommendations based on my needs (vegetarian) and the food (again) was as delicious as if there was a little Lebanese grandma back there cooking to make sure you didn't leave either hungry nor disappointed!! It was the perfect takeout!! The owner's son was behind the register and even gave us a bag of pitas to go back to the hotel with! That's service!!! read more

This review is restricted to the food and service because both were so good we didn't notice the atmosphere. My spouse had a grape leaves dinner and I had a falafel "gyro", we, both, were pleased with our selections. The rice was made with vermicelli or angel hair pasta, as we hoped, and perfectly prepared, as were the grape leaves and falafel (to my taste, the falafel should be just slightly "crunchy " on the surface). read more

Go because you feel so welcomed besides for the good food. Old atmosphere could be updated but it wouldn't feel as homey. The hummus is amazing, the falafels- light and airy. Loaded fries are a party for your tastebuds. The gyros are humongous. Great place to meet friends and sit and chat read more

Zeina's Cafe - Loaded fries - Lebanese Near Me - Utica, New York

This place is amazing. Friendly atmosphere, food is sooo good just like at grandmama's. Amazing service. Most definitely will go again next time we are in Utica. Second photo was taken at a place we were staying as we brought the food with us as well. read more

Zeina's Cafe - Lebanese Near Me - Utica, New York

See all

Got lunch at probably the healthiest place in Utica to eat. It also wasn't that expensive for a ton of food. Zeina's has a wide variety of Mediterranean classics and other things. Classics like falafel, hummus, and more. There's both meaty and vegetarian items including platters and sandwiches. Certainly it didn't look like it would be anything special coming upon it. It's a pretty crummy looking building, and the inside isn't much better honestly speaking. This is a family run business, and there's no frills to be had whatsoever. Attention goes to the food. There's quite a lot to choose from, whether getting something meaty or vegetarian. It's $11 for the Falafel Platter. This has quite a few pieces, along with hummus, rice, and tabbouli. Has to be a stop if you're coming through here. It's got limited hours and is closed from Sundays to Tuesdays. There's lots on the menu for vegans and vegetarians. read more

Zeina's Cafe - Falafel Salad - Lebanese Near Me - Utica, New York

Zeina's has my heart! This place is seriously the BEST. It's family-owned and it shows in the best way. All of the staff are so friendly. They have the best falafel I have EVER had and I have had lots of falafel all over the world. I swear by this bold statement, it's the best. Run don't walk!! Everything is delicious and quality made. read more

Zeina's Cafe - Falafel gyro - Lebanese Near Me - Utica, New York

You will drive past this humble restaurant but turn around and be prepared for a delicious Lebanese meal. The best hummus and falafel sandwich. We missed dinner but the menu was authentic and inviting. Save room for baklava. The best I ever had was personal service. Family restaurant read more

Zeina's Cafe - Lebanese Near Me - Utica, New York

The food is delicious! The best stuffed grape leaves and baba ganosh! Also the service is as of your eating at your favorite aunt's house. The staff are welcoming and attentive! We will definitely be back to try the rest of the menu! read more

If it tastes like homemade that's because it is. Great food from a wonderful family! Loved the hummus and haswheh and the tabouleh was just like Sitto used to make. read more

Zeina's Cafe - Hummus & Hashweh, Tabouleh, Fried Kibbeh - Lebanese Near Me - Utica, New York

Wonderful family that runs this fine establishment. Good food. Good price. Good hospitality. My family enjoyed the meal, get the Baklava while it lasts! read more

I had been wanting to try Zeina's for a while and overall, it's a great spot for a quick lunch. We did have to wait a little bit to have our order taken, but once we did, service was super fast. The place itself is small, with the dining room in the back. It's got a little bit of a diner feel. I ordered the falafel gyro which I thought was good, just needed some extra sauce on the side. The staff and owner were incredibly friendly and conversational; we were offered free little cups of coffee which was a great afternoon treat. If you're into Mediterranean food, it's a good option to try in the area. read more

Ready quickly and packaged nicely. However, it did not taste fresh. Falafel tasted freezer burned and chicken kebab was way overcooked and dry like it was sitting in a holding bin for a long time. I really love Lebanese food and will likely try again. Maybe just an off day. read more

The food was heavenly, and Zeina himself greeted me with a smile and love! I ordered the #1 Most Likes Shish Tawook and a salad, and it was an absolutely delicious and perfect meal, from the succulent chicken and rice down to the delicious tzatziki sauce and salad dressing. read more

The grape leaves are absolutely delicious,service fast and always friendly,will always go back....

So friendly and great service, the sample platter and loaded fries (with tabbouleh, feta, and tzatziki sauce) made a nice light meal :) topped off with a free Turkish coffee and a $3 baklava! Cute little place with lots of natural light :) read more

Zeina's Cafe - Excellent baklava! - Lebanese Near Me - Utica, New York

Best restaurant in the area!!!! The things I am DROOLING over: hummus, tabouleh, chicken schwarma, the salad, the grape leaves, the pitaaaa, the backlava, and I can't even remember what else. Please support this business, it is insanely delicious food! The service is warm and welcoming. Love it here!!! The best by far!!!! read more

Zeina's Cafe - Chicken Schwarma with rice and salad- lunch special - Lebanese Near Me - Utica, New York

Last Minute Lunch From on Varick Street- A Chicken Shawarma Gyro Bowl Didn't Know It Before But I Needed it... Extra Cheese on Top & Extra Tzatziki Sauce on The Side the next time i went i got it in gyro form instead, i felt like the gyro form was more worth the money because with the bowl you are getting a lot of lettuce & rice, not that much chicken. But the bowl was technically better to ensure left overs. I would consider it a LITTLE pricey but only cus i've had cheaper but the flavors here are better than other places, so its a decent trade off. And they offered us hot fresh Turkish coffee while waiting for to go. read more

Zeina's Cafe - Gyro bowl , rice chicken shawarma underneath - Lebanese Near Me - Utica, New York

A small group of us were in town for work and it also happened to be one of my coworkers birthday. We found Zeina's cafe on Yelp and it came with high recommendations, and we sure found out why! The owner and staff were amazing, friendly, loving people who make you feel at home just stepping in. The food is INCREDIBLE, fresh, delicious and huge portions! The owner, Layla, is a ray of sunshine and brightens the room! Layla made us complementary Turkish coffee and baklava...even giving us covers for the adorable little cups! Anytime we return to Utica, we will be lunching here! read more

Zeina's Cafe - Lebanese Near Me - Utica, New York

See all

Found this place when traveling to Hamilton College September 2023. I was by myself on my way to the campus and had a fantastic meal in a family like environment. I loved it so much that o made sure to come back with the family when in town for graduation in spring 2024. What can I say but I'm sad that I don't live nearby and circumstances will probably not have me back in the area again - I live in Georgia. Zeina's is the kind of place that could easily be a weekly stop. The food is fantastic with wonderfully sized portions at affordable prices. The owners and staff are as good as you'll find. Thanks Albert and Layla! read more

See all

Driving through Utica on our way home and used Yelp to find a yummy place for dinner and this place did not disappoint! We got the mezze platter with cucumber-yoghurt dip, baba ganoush, kibbe, and hummus. All were excellent and served with plenty of pita bread. We then shared the dinner for two which included foue different skewers (chicken, veggie, beef & veggie and a ground beef) that was served over rice and included a salad. It was all cooked perfectly, the rice was tasty, and the salad had a nice dressing and a nice amount of feta. Will return when in the area for sure! read more

See all

Love the food and the staff. The food is always consistent in flavor and the family is great. Great casual dining!!!

Wow, these folks are super-attentive. I barely walked in the door when a dude was getting me seated and telling me about the soup of the day (stuffed cabbage soup which turned out to be the highlight of the meal), and making sure I had whatever I needed. I was barely seated before a server showed up to see if I had any questions or was ready to order. The woman who seemed to be managing the place showed up shortly afterwards to see what I thought, and an older gentleman was giving away Turkish coffee at the end of the meal. It was a slow day, but still, it was mighty impressive how good the service was. The stuffed cabbage soup had a great texture, and was pleasantly spiced. I am a fat-fingered vulgarian, but I couldn't pass up a Sarkis gyro with fries inside. The lamb was super-tasty, just perfect. The pita seemed pretty good -- not life-changing, but solid. And there was a tasty garlic sauce all over the pita. I kinda wish that there was a bit more veg in the gyro, but, hey, for all I know, this is super-authentic Lebanese style. I loved the delicious Turkish coffee at the end of the meal, although I so rarely drink any kind of coffee at all that my judgement is probably not worth much. Everybody was super-friendly throughout. This was definitely worth a stop. Thanks to Yelp for turning me on to yet another fun meal. read more

If you're looking for delicious food AND amazing customer care and service, this is THE place! The owners make it a point to engage with every customer and make you feel like part of the family! My bookclub, which has members in both the Albany and Watertown areas chose to meet here as a convenient halfway location. We ordered appetizers (baba ganoush, falafel and grape leaves). We put off ordering entrées until we finished the apps to see how hungry we'd be. No problem. The staff didn't make us feel rushed and didn't mind at all that we were taking our time. We ordered entrées and they did not disappoint. You will get enough food for at least two meals! As we took our time and enjoyed both great food and conversation, Albert visited our table to bring us Turkish coffee and visit with us. We finished our meal with baklava....amazing! And then sat a bit longer as we weren't ready to end our gathering. Zeina came to see how we liked everything and had more baklava sent to the table. She makes you feel as though you're sitting in her kitchen at home and wants to make you feel right at home! She sent Albert over with more coffee and, naturally, more visiting happened. This little slice of Lebanon is an absolute gem! I will be returning as often as I can! PS the falafel is the best I've ever had anywhere! read more

See all

Is this heaven? I was traveling about an hour west of Utica for a mini-vacation. When my parents heard, they said "oh, good; you can bring us back Zeina's." (Yes, that's right. They didn't ask me to pick up food for them. They assumed it. Welcome to an Italian-American family.) I've had the takeout before (from my parents) and it was always exceptionally delicious especially when you consider it has to travel 80 minutes to get back to Schenectady. But when my parents told me that this was a friendly restaurant, I guess I didn't take them as seriously as I should have. From the patriarch walking around with a smile, giving everyone free Turkish coffee, to the son who immediately picked up on my sarcasm, to the mother, who checked on me three times and made such sweet small talk, everyone here is just an absolute gem. It's like eating with a family you feel you've known your whole life. The gyro came out lightning quick. The garlic sauce in my speciality chicken gyro was ABSURD. So flavorful. When I asked the son why it was so delicious, he shrugged. "I want to say love, but it's probably the garlic sauce?" The parents both kept calling me beautiful, which, as a chubby nearly 42-year-old, I appreciate. "Your smile is so gorgeous! Oh my god, bless you for your smile!" Then she brought me a complimentary little bowl of hummus with chickpeas. "A happy face hummus for your happy smile face." She refilled my Turkish coffee as I waited for my to-go order (for my parents and, of course, for me) (gotta eat dinner, right?), and I just relaxed, happy ... wondering when the heck I could come up with another valid excuse to drive to Utica. Uh ... anyone need a chauffeur to the SUNY here? read more

Zeina's Cafe - Speciality chicken shwarma with garlic sauce - Lebanese Near Me - Utica, New York

See all

Their food is AMAZING. Authentic, fresh, and delicious. I highly recommend, plus they're the nicest people in Utica.

Unbelievable food. Huge quantities, reasonably priced and all made fresh in house. Definitely eat here.

Some of the best Lebanese food I've ever had, and reasonably priced! A Utica staple for sure, I try to eat here at least once every time I'm back in the area! read more

Excellent service. Food was well prepared and felt authentic. The restaurant was extremely comforting with a family feel. Would 100% recommend. read more

Came here for dinner when my friends and I were in town a few months ago. It seemed like it was a pretty popular place with the locals, so we took that as a good sign. They sell some baked goods by the front as well some other Lebanese goods. The workers were all very friendly, especially the woman who we believe is one of the owners? I got their veggie kebab platter, and we shared an order of their hummus and eggplant fries, and we all got mint teas as well. I thought everything I got was delicious, but one of my friend's lamb dish was a little cold, which is the only reason I'm giving them 4 stars instead of 5. Would otherwise recommend this place for some good eats within a homey atmosphere. read more

Don't be fooled by the outside. Great little place for some serious Mediterranean fare. Upon entering, we were greeted warmly by the owner. Food was great and prices very reasonable. The owner's husband made his way around to each table offering a nice cup of Lebanese coffee to each customer on the house. The son was our server. Their hospitality can't be beat. read more

Great locally owned Lebanese food. Great service. Get the garlic fries - you won't regret it

Unassuming from the outside and no frills inside, but great food and great service. The owner brought us some hot tea - perfectly warming on a cold, damp day - and our server was friendly and attentive. Excellent, fresh, flavorful food in substantial portions. Will definitely be back. read more

Wanted some Lebanese food while staying in Utica for the night. This place had good reviews so decided to give it a try. Construction going on outside and wasn't even sure if it was open. When we walked in we thought ok maybe it's just take out. But we were greeted with dine in or take out? We rounded the corner and there was s a dining room. Seems like a cute family place. Waitress was friendly and attentive. They had the usual items at a Lebanese restaurant. I really liked third pita. It was the thinner kind. It was kind of chilled and I wished it was just a little warmed. We ordered the appetizer sampler platter. You can choose 4 items. We got hummus, babaganoush, grape leaves and had to substitute a 4th item with falafel. Everything was delicious up to this point. My husband ordered Zeina platter with rice and salad and side of fries. I had the mixed chicken and beef gyro. The portions were large. Food was tasty. I had to take 1/2 the gyro to go after all the appetizers. I was completely satisfied with the meal and will definitely return. The gentleman that was behind the counter was very welcoming and friendly as well, striking up conversation. I was disappointed they must have run out of Baklava which is my favorite. Will have to try next time! Recommend to anyone with a healthy appetite looking for something in the area other than chain restaurants and typical American fair. read more

See all

Zenia's cafe always had the best food ever! The owners are the nicest people ever and always have fresh meals: well prepared that come out quickly. We loved our meals and will be back! read more

Phenomenal food and the NICEST people! Stopped here on the way back to Syracuse, and thank God for Yelp because these reviews did not steer us wrong. We had: Eggplant fries Hummus Ationette gyro Shawarma platter with lamb skewer Turkish coffee Baklava The eggplant fries were piping hot, crispy, with a deliciously sweet inside. Hummus was full of flavor and fresh. Gyro was the size of my arm and my husband said the lamb was perfection. The falafel was moist and not too salty. It was also the best tzatziki we've ever had. The baklava was the perfect ending. The only thing better than the food is the friendliest, most attentive staff. They truly want you to enjoy your food and the experience. We'll make the drive from Syracuse just to eat here again! read more

Everything delicious and good company ! The food is great ! The service is good and ambience great ! Try it yourself read more

great food and nice people to have a dinner with reasonable prices the best mediteranean food in the area. Utica resident read more

I ordered and waited for a takeout order at Zeina's, and it was a great experience. I was bringing lunch back for a group and the portions were super generous. The grape leaves in particular were really excellent, and the chicken shawerma was fantastic as well. I also thought the salads were fresh and delicious. One thing, is that I understand that this space is not super accessible for people with mobility issues. My mom has brought my grandmother here and it was challenging for her so they haven't gone back (there are stairs in, and stairs up for the buffet. Highly recommend the food though and the staff were all extremely nice to me and my baby niece who was with me. Love this small business and I would be back frequently if I lived nearby! read more