Abuqir
Seafood restaurant · Astoria ·
Pick fresh seafood, tell them how you want it cooked, enjoy
Pick fresh seafood, tell them how you want it cooked, enjoy
"On the edge of Steinway Street, AbuQir is the smallest spot on this list, and the one that looks most like a pediatrician’s waiting room circa 1986. But it has the same great selection of fish as the others, neatly arranged on ice at the front of the fluorescent dining room. Their Egyptian-style branzino is deliciously encrusted with charred cumin and other spices, the eggplant slices are thick and juicy, and the shrimp are always cooked perfectly, whether grilled or fried. Try their lobster or jump shrimp in a mustardy sauce." - willa moore, will hartman, sonal shah
"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
"Abuqir is similar to Astoria Seafood, with a few key differences: it’s Egyptian, and there isn't much seating. If you’re making a decision between the two based on food alone, you should know that it’s slightly better here. This Astoria spot makes incredible grilled shrimp, Egyptian-style whole fish, and olive oil-soaked baba ganoush. The room is bright, with a handful of tables, and it’s as casual as it gets." - bryan kim, willa moore, molly fitzpatrick, will hartman
"The Astoria Egyptian restaurant is less touristy and has a smaller footprint than places like Astoria Seafood, but the format is the same: Saddle up to the counter where there’s all sorts of fresh fish, shrimp, and other seafarers on display, select the catch, and tell the team how you want it cooked — fried, baked, grilled, blackened, etc. It’s hard to find a more blissful meal. There are indoor and outdoor dine-in areas; takeout orders can be placed in person." - Melissa McCart
"Think of Abuqir as a smaller, less-hectic, Egyptian version of Astoria Seafood. It’s another place where you go to a display and pick out your fish, and, like Astoria Seafood, there isn’t much going on in terms of decor. The chef here will also cook your food however you want, although you should probably just go with their recommendations. A few things you should absolutely get are a whole blackened fish, some fried shrimp, and the baba ganoush. Other than that, go wild. This place is pretty affordable, they serve some of the best seafood you’ll find in the city, and it’s absolutely worth a trip." - bryan kim, neha talreja, sonal shah, will hartman