What should I order at Zeina's Cafe and Catering?
Zeina's Cafe and Catering
Baklava
Mentioned multiple times as a standout dessert, described as authentic and phenomenal, with several reviewers highlighting it as the star or stealing the show.
Falafel
Frequently praised for being fresh, golden crispy, made from scratch, and excellent especially when paired with tahini. It is a common favorite among reviewers.
Garlic French Fries / Minnie minced garlic fries
Highly recommended for their hand-cut quality and addictive garlicky bits. The garlic sauce accompanying the fries was described as life-changing and a favorite item.
Shawarma Gyro / Mixed Chicken and Beef Gyro / Lamb Gyro
Several mentions of large, flavorful portions. The chicken shawarma was noted as tender and flavorful, and the lamb gyro described as perfectly cooked and tasty.
Eggplant Fries
Praised for being delicious, especially when paired with the accompanying sauce, described as a homerun in flavor.
Shish Tawook
Called the star of the meal by a reviewer, noted for being tender, delicious, and flavorful even the next day.
Babaganoush
Highly recommended as amazing and the best some reviewers have ever had, included in popular appetizer samplers.
Hummus
Frequently mentioned as fabulous and a must-have starter, included in appetizer platters and praised for freshness and flavor.
Turkish Coffee
Highly recommended and appreciated for its strong and delicious flavor, often served complimentary and contributing to the warm, family-style hospitality.
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 & services
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
- Credit cards
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
- Kids' menu
Parking
- Free parking lot
- Free street parking
- Usually plenty of parking
Frequently asked questions
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.
Restaurants like Zeina's Cafe and Catering in Utica
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