AbuQir - Review - Astoria - New York - The Infatuation

"If you’re a fan of seafood, you’ll develop strong feelings for Abuqir. At this little restaurant/market in Astoria, there's a counter where you browse a daily selection of fish, octopus, squid, and shrimp. Point to what you want, specify how you’d like it cooked (baked, fried, or grilled), then grab a seat and wait. Once your food starts trickling in, you'll regret not ordering more. The fried shrimp come perfectly cooked and dusted with spices, and the grilled tiger shrimp arrive plump and glossy in a pool of olive oil. A whole baked fish, encrusted with spices Egyptian-style, is always a good move, as is a side of the smoky baba ghanoush. photo credit: Noah Devereaux One thing to know, however, is that this place doesn’t really have any ambiance. The lights are bright, and the decor consists of a single dolphin poster that may have been stolen from a pediatrician’s office in 1985. Fortunately, that doesn’t matter. Abuqir is a seafood lover’s seafood restaurant, and if you just thought, “Hey, that's me,” start planning a trip here. Food Rundown Baba Ganoush Start your meal with this. It’s thick and garlicky, and you’ll want to take some home. photo credit: Noah Devereaux Eggplant You can get a side of eggplant a few different ways here, and we like it best when it comes covered in garlic and vinegar. Fried Shrimp The person behind the counter here will tell you that the small shrimp are best when fried, and they aren’t wrong. Get as many of these as you can handle. photo credit: Noah Devereaux Grilled Shrimp The fried shrimp are great, but these grilled ones are even better. They’re so plump and juicy, you’ll consider getting seconds. photo credit: Noah Devereaux Whole Fish There are a few different ways you can get a whole fish here, although you should get it “Egyptian-style.” I’ll come out crispy, blackened, and covered in various spices. Also, it’ll cost less than almost any whole fish you’ve ever ordered. photo credit: Noah Devereaux" - Bryan Kim