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Middle Eastern restaurant in Utica, New York
What should I order at Zeina's Cafe and Catering?
What to order
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Tabouleh
Recommended multiple times for being exceptionally fresh and flavorful, with reviewers calling it the best they’ve ever had and noting it is made daily.
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Falafel
Frequently praised as fresh, made from scratch, and delicious, including in sandwiches and as a standalone item.
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Hummus
Mentioned as a must-have starter and described as among the best reviewers have had, showing strong approval for its flavor and quality.
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4
Garlic Fries
Repeatedly recommended for their addictive garlicky topping and memorable garlic sauce, with reviewers specifically calling them favorites.
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5
Eggplant Fries
Praised by several reviewers as delicious and tasty, especially when paired with the sauce served alongside them.
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Shawarma Chicken Plate
Highlighted for being excellent, tender, and flavorful, with generous portions and the option to choose rice instead of fries.
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Baklava
Recommended for its authentic taste and as a satisfying finish to the meal, with reviewers specifically saying it was delicious.
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8
Turkish Coffee
Often mentioned positively as strong, delicious, and a nice complimentary touch from the owner that adds to the experience.
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9
Shish Tawook
Described as the standout dish of one meal, with reviewers saying it was incredibly tender, delicious, and memorable enough to dream about.
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Chicken Shawarma Over Rice Pilaf
Recommended for being excellent and especially well-prepared, with reviewers praising the flavor and the rice pilaf pairing.
Details
Hours
| Monday | Closed |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | Closed |
| Wednesday | 11 AM to 2 PM |
| Thursday | 11 AM to 8 PM |
| Friday | 11 AM to 8 PM |
| Saturday | 11 AM to 8 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
About Zeina's Cafe and Catering
Old-school, family-owned, neighborhood nook with sizable portions of traditional Lebanese standards.
Amenities
Service options
- Delivery
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Great coffee
- Serves local specialty
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Offerings
- Coffee
- Comfort food
- Healthy options
- Organic dishes
- Quick bite
- Small plates
- Vegan options
- Vegetarian options
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Catering
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
- Quiet
- Trendy
Crowd
- College students
- Family-friendly
- Groups
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Tourists
- Transgender safespace
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Checks
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
- Kids' menu
Parking
- Free parking lot
- Free street parking
- Usually plenty of parking
Frequently asked
What is Zeina's Cafe and Catering known for?
It is especially known for gyros, including shawarma gyro and mixed chicken and beef gyro, along with Lebanese staples like grape leaves, hummus, and baklava. Reviewers repeatedly mention the fresh flavors, homemade pita, and generous portions as the main reasons people return.
What dishes are most recommended at Zeina's Cafe and Catering?
Frequently recommended items include the shawarma gyro, shish tawook, eggplant fries, grape leaves, falafel, and baklava. Reviewers also call out the tzatziki, garlic fries, and hummus, saying the sauces and sides make the meal stand out.
What is the atmosphere like at Zeina's Cafe and Catering?
The atmosphere is described as cozy, casual, quiet, and family-oriented, with a small storefront that opens into a dining room. It seems to work well for solo diners, groups, and families, especially people who want a warm neighborhood spot rather than a formal restaurant.
Is Zeina's Cafe and Catering good value?
Yes, many reviewers say the food is very reasonably priced for the portion sizes, and the listed price range is $10 to $20. Guests mention leaving full from dishes like gyros, appetizer samplers, and platters, which makes it feel like strong value for Utica diners.
Does Zeina's Cafe and Catering cater and is it easy to plan a visit?
Yes, it offers catering and accepts reservations, and reviewers mention it as a place they would choose for events because of the food quality and service. It also has free parking lot and street parking, with usually plenty of parking, which makes it practical for lunch or dinner visits.
Is parking available at Zeina's Cafe and Catering?
Yes. Free parking lot, Free street parking, Usually plenty of parking is available.
Does Zeina's Cafe and Catering have vegetarian options?
Yes, Zeina's Cafe and Catering offers vegan options.
Is Zeina's Cafe and Catering kid-friendly?
Yes, Zeina's Cafe and Catering is good for kids.
