Old-school, family-owned, neighborhood nook with sizable portions of traditional Lebanese standards.
Trent
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.
… moreangelena ross
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’.
… moreJill Platts
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.
… moreKandice Wilbur
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 delicious food.
They really make you feel like family here. The staff is very friendly and efficient.
Prices are lower than you’d expect as well.
… moreLW Liu
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.
… moreKate Smith
My friend and I stopped in Zeina’s today for an early birthday lunch. The food and service were great as always. After learning it was my birthday, Sarkis went above and beyond to bring out a piece of baklava to celebrate. He searched for a candle but couldn’t find one – he still made it special by lighting up a lighter and singing me happy birthday! Zeina’s will always be a favorite stop!
… moreStacey A
Wanted to try something new and was so beyond satisfied, I simply had to come here and tell people about how delicious my meal was. Everything was extremely fresh, flavorful, and the food was big portions, too! I didn’t know what to expect as I can be picky and don’t love to experiment necessarily food wise but I am so happy I took a leap of faith here. Everything we ordered was phenomenal. I absolutely will be back for more food, and will be recommending this place to everyone I know. By far the star of what we ordered, I will dream about the shish tawook. It was just so tender and delicious, it was just as good the next day too. The lamb was perfectly cooked too. Seriously, try this place! Your stomach will thank you.
… moremary girolamo
I just wished there was way more flavor, everything was so bland. To the point where it wasn’t enjoyable and we tossed it. Eggplant fires soggy no seasonings. Grape leaves bland no feta for anything!! Gyro decent size but again for double chicken my chicken looked like it came fresh off a dirty grill With zero seasoning. Produce was beautiful nice and crispy though.
… moreHannah Reece
Zeina’s Café is something special. The food was incredible, but what really stood out was how deeply cared for I felt. The family is so warm and welcoming! I left with a full heart (and a beautiful little anniversary cup!). Can’t wait to come back. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Highly recommend the authentic baklava & Turkish coffee!
… morechris schreiber
Zeina’s is an amazing authentic Lebanese family owned and run restaurant. The food is phenomenal and the family even better. I’ve been telling friends we walked in strangers and left friends!
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