Intimate, art-filled restaurant with original Egyptian dishes & a bring-your-own-alcohol policy.
Hours
| Tuesday | 5–9 PM |
| Wednesday | 5–9 PM |
| Thursday | 5–9 PM |
| Friday | 5–9 PM |
| Saturday | 5–9 PM |
| Sunday | 5–9 PM |
| Monday | Closed |
Menu Photos
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Related Web Results
Mombar – Review – Astoria – New York – The Infatuation
Mombar is a cozy BYOB Egyptian restaurant in Astoria with over-the-top decor and homestyle food.
Mombar – NYC Tourism + Conventions
Mombar. place. 25-22 Steinway St, Astoria, NY, 11103 · View Websitecall_made. Description. Once you arrive, you’ll immediately notice Mombar’s mosaicked facade.
Mombar | New York Magazine | The Thousand Best
… Astoria $$. A sort of Alice-in-Arabian-Wonderland dedicated to Egyptian clay-pot cookery. Location. 25-22 Steinway St., Queens, NY, 11103. 718-726-2356. Known …
Reviews
Barbara Burgos
I love this place! Every time I come here it’s a unique experience, and the food is extraordinary, the lamb is must try. Just a tip though: if you visit this amazing spot, you need to have a lot of patience. You might wait over an hour for your food because the owner does absolutely everything, cooking, serving, taking orders, cashing out, etc.! It’s part of the experience! So don’t be rude and wait for your food! Also, it’s cash only, buuut the upside is that it’s BYOB! (He just has soft drinks and water)
… moreEddie J
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Mombar is not a restaurant — it’s an experience. I ordered the eggplant appetizer, the cauliflower appetizer, and the lamb, and every single bite was unreal. The flavors were deep, bold, and somehow perfectly balanced. Hands down, this was some of the best food I’ve ever eaten in my life.
The magic of this place is the chef. He doesn’t give you a big menu — he cooks what he wants that day, then tells you what your options are. You trust him, and you are rewarded. I’ve traveled to many countries and eaten all kinds of food, and this meal still stands above everything else I’ve ever had. This man is a culinary genius.
Honestly… do me a favor and don’t go. Leave this spot for the people who know. But if you *do* go, bring cash (cash only), get there early, and don’t hesitate — because if he runs out food, he’s done for the day.
Now stop reading and go.
… moreMombar is not a restaurant — it’s an experience. I ordered the eggplant appetizer, the cauliflower appetizer, and the lamb, and every single bite was unreal. The flavors were deep, bold, and somehow perfectly balanced. Hands down, this was some of the best food I’ve ever eaten in my life.
The magic of this place is the chef. He doesn’t give you a big menu — he cooks what he wants that day, then tells you what your options are. You trust him, and you are rewarded. I’ve traveled to many countries and eaten all kinds of food, and this meal still stands above everything else I’ve ever had. This man is a culinary genius.
Honestly… do me a favor and don’t go. Leave this spot for the people who know. But if you *do* go, bring cash (cash only), get there early, and don’t hesitate — because if he runs out food, he’s done for the day.
Now stop reading and go.
Michael Powell
A true New York, and even moreso Queens, experience! A hole in the wall family restaurant that offers daily fresh custom menus. When I went he offered us Lamb and Beef shanks that melted off the bone, perfectly cooked veggies, rice, cous, naan/hummus. So full, so happy!
The owner is the nicest man who clearly loves what he does (chef/artist). The restaurant is filled with his art projects and the atmosphere makes you feel at home. He does an incredible job showcasing Egyptian hospitality. Inside you’ll even see a few NYT articles and retired MOMA pieces that reference his space.
Reminder – it’s a one man show, so although everything was perfect. Be patient, also. Cash only
… moreThe owner is the nicest man who clearly loves what he does (chef/artist). The restaurant is filled with his art projects and the atmosphere makes you feel at home. He does an incredible job showcasing Egyptian hospitality. Inside you’ll even see a few NYT articles and retired MOMA pieces that reference his space.
Reminder – it’s a one man show, so although everything was perfect. Be patient, also. Cash only
NYCity Dweller
I almost didn’t want to write about this place because I want it to stay a hidden gem, but Moustafa and his fantastically decorated restaurant deserve praise. The unassuming kitsch storefront is covered with newspaper clippings raving about the food. When you step inside into the spacious but cozy and flamboyantly-decorated, you are greeted by the wonderful host/chef/server/ Moustafa. The warm aroma of slow cooked meat and fragrant fried garlic immediately transport you to the memories of home cooked meals, family dinners and lazy Sundays. The food is made and served with care and craftsmanship. 100/10 across the board.
… moreJulie H
What an experience! There is one older gentleman doing all the cooking and serving etc. Just know that as a result, the experience is more akin to eating at a family member’s house rather than being served at a restaurant, which is really part of the charm. Service is slow. Bring a friend and expect to spend a couple of hours dining.
The menu is not published. He told us verbally what he could make and we chose lamb shanks, hummus, and cauliflower with pomegranate sauce. And the food, all of it, was so shockingly good I could never give it enough due. The meat on the shanks fell off the bone and was served in a fantastic sauce with a tabouleh minty spinach type mixture. Paired with the hummus and fresh pita… just so great.
The interior is kinda crazy too. Think a bazaar or a garage stacked with family heirlooms and strange clutter/objects.
This place is so memorable and special… can’t wait to return. Fantastic neighborhood as well.
… moreThe menu is not published. He told us verbally what he could make and we chose lamb shanks, hummus, and cauliflower with pomegranate sauce. And the food, all of it, was so shockingly good I could never give it enough due. The meat on the shanks fell off the bone and was served in a fantastic sauce with a tabouleh minty spinach type mixture. Paired with the hummus and fresh pita… just so great.
The interior is kinda crazy too. Think a bazaar or a garage stacked with family heirlooms and strange clutter/objects.
This place is so memorable and special… can’t wait to return. Fantastic neighborhood as well.
Paul
Unique dining in Astoria. Solid Egyptian food prepared and served by one man so if you are pressed for time this is not your place. My dining partner really enjoyed theirmeal, I was a little underwhelmed but overall a nice dining experience in a funky dining room
… moreRobbin
If you are looking for a delicious home cooked meal in an Egyptian house, this is the place. The price is also very good for NYC. The food didn’t wow me but for the price, it was of great value!
… moreJeremy
A one of a kind experience. The owner himself literally made the hummus, beef shank, and eggplant dish. He served us a home made Egyptian meal. He then gave us a tour of his restaurant and showed us his art. A chef, a craftsmen, an artist, a really great guy. you have to go.
… moreLuna Z
Amazing place with delicious food, artsy decorations and friendly chef. The owner does everything and has very interesting stories to tell. Everything in the restaurant is either his art or his collection, including the chandelier and flooring! It’s like eating dinner in an art studio. We had lamb shank and branzino, the lamb just melted in my mouth. After our meal, he even gave each of us a small piece of mint chocolate as dessert. Overall unforgettable experience, definitely a special place to check out!
… moreJessica He
What a special place worthy of being a landmark! Outside is an unsuspecting, eclectically looking store front and inside a menagerie of unique decorations. Ambiance aside, the chef/owner championed cooking, taking orders, educating guests on the different meals, clearing tables… doing it all. That was the most impressive display of multitasking. The food was remarkable and portions generous. Everything was a highlight and my party of 4 left enjoying the entire experience. Not just a meal, but a whole experience. Would 100% recommend – the port
… more