Alba

Delicious Food! While exploring Staten Island for a good restaurant, my friend and I were drawn to a highly rated Mediterranean eatery on Google Maps. Despite our apprehension about trying this cuisine for the first time, we decided to give it a try. Upon entering, we were greeted by a gentleman who inquired if it was our first time there. At first, I was unsure why he asked until I noticed that the menu was not in English, making it difficult for us to understand. Fortunately, he kindly introduced us to the menu and provided recommendations, making our dining experience a success. The food was exceptional, and we wanted to try a dessert, but it wasn't available. However, the gentleman went above and beyond to accommodate us and didn't even charge us for the two desserts we eventually ordered. We were thoroughly impressed by the outstanding service and delectable food, and we give it a full 5-star rating.

I was introduced to this hidden gem by an Albanian client a while back, and I finally had the chance to experience it. Without a doubt, it has become my absolute favorite restaurant on the island. What's even more enticing is its affordability. We ordered 5 dishes and 4 bottles of water, added a 20% tip, and each of us (a group of 4) paid only $26. We were even left with delicious leftovers to savor later. The value for money here is truly outstanding, and I hope it stays that way! 😂 One unique aspect is that they don't offer an English menu; everything is in Albanian. However, the warm and welcoming waitress went out of her way to assist us with our choices, patiently explaining each dish. I highly recommend trying the following: 1. Qebaba (resembling kebab): The taste is nothing short of amazing – an absolute MUST-ORDER! 2. Mish vici ne furre (veal in the oven): It boasts a tender texture and a superbly delicious flavor – another MUST-ORDER! 3. Gullash (beef stew): This one is my personal FAVORITE, and I can't recommend it enough!! It's served with bread, which has a delightful combination of a crunchy exterior and a soft interior that's simply delightful. 4. Speca me kajmak (pepper in white cream): This dish is also highly enjoyable. 5. Ground beef potato: A pretty good choice, and the leftovers are perfect for taking to work the next day, heating up into a super delicious meal. Last but not least, if you have a sweet tooth, they have a plenty of coconut-flavored desserts that will surely satisfy your craving.

Stumbled upon this gem by accident and I’m so happy we did. It’s now one of our favorite restaurants on the island. Couldn’t understand the Albanian menu so we asked the server to just bring us whatever they wanted. This stew, I think is called gulash was absolutely incredible. It was so tasty and flavored perfectly, comforting, hearty and filling. The potatoes and ground beef dish was delicious. We asked for something more so we got these sausages and they were insanely good. They are perfectly seasoned and freshly grilled and juicy on the inside. Will be back soon!!

Albania food . Great: Soups, salads, chicken, beef, pilaf, cabbage, kajmak, stuffed peppers. Been there many times food has always been good . And for the religious people all their food is Hallal. Whatever dishes they make on a special are limited and tend to sell out . The food they make is delicious.The portions differ when u do take out. And it's really the only Albanian restaurant in SI so worth it . Will upload pics later

Delicious food. Service was excellent. The food is still perfect. Service as well. Value for money. The prices are not expensive. The bread is so soft and tasty. Recommend this restaurant.

I ordered take out, the portion was small and items were over priced. I did enjoy their bread, but you know it was just not enough.

First time here abs wow it tasted good we got the lamb gyro plate and the chicken kebabs plate with a kids burger. Everything had flavor. The drinks were tasty and different

The bread was so soft so fresh! I really appreciate the small plate they give with feta cheese, garnished with fresh parsley and a side of black olive and adjavar. Also the plate of food I had was delicious!!! So good so fresh!! It’s a nice and cozy spot to eat and I highly recommend. Staff was so kind. My family and I really enjoy this place.

Our first time in Staten Island, and we had to stop by for some Albanian food, of course. Everything was tasty and the staff were very friendly! I recommend the qebapa, qofte sharri, alba salad, and trilece. The ambiance is pretty casual and welcoming!

Excellllentttt cheese pie. I really love that Wish i have something like this near me

Really good and tasty Albanian traditional food , the qebap are really delicious I recommend to everyone to come and try Albanian food , the best

MY FAVORITE FOOD!!! This place makes their food from the heart!!! Everyone is so friendly and my go to here is beef kebab and chicken with mushroom and rice! The flavor is immaculate. The beef has just the right amount of spices. I love coming here almost once a week the place feels super cozy!

We didn't know what to expect, but WOW the food was fantastic! A combination of chicken, lamb, and pork, and it was all great. I highly recommend it. Not much in the way of ambience, but the food more than made up for it.

Alba was a solid dinner choice. We ordered the meat pie appetizer and gyro platter. The pie was a huge portion for $5 but kind of soggy and not that tasty. The gyro platter on the other hand was delicious tender perfect chunks of meat seasoned just right alongside salad over rice The bread was also good although I was expecting pita Overall I would recommend trying, just not the meat pie

Very good food! And very nice people in the front, felt very welcomed as soon as I entered. Definitely recommend trying this spot.

Very good food and great service. The Albanian breakfast is the best one in my opinion.

The old hair in the food. Unfortunately once before my wife got a hair in her food as well. However ,the food is affordable and pretty good. They make Burek which is like a meat pie. Pretty good But ,,,,, hair in the food ?!?!? Twice ?!?!?

Mom, baby and I came hete for a late lunch today. We ordered a few things to share, they are: Hummus, fried feta and gyro platter. The hummus is pretty good, the bread that came with the order is warm and soft. the fried feta is pretty good also. We both love the gyro platter the most. It also came in big portion!

It's one of the best Turkish food on Staten Island. The prices are also cheaper than most places around.

We have been here many times, not because it's good but bc it's relatively close to home. We won't be going back however bc 1) They are rude...their customer service is nonexistent 2) Their food is not consistent, sometimes good sometimes not fresh at all...it's nothing special. 3) Don't even bother to ask for anything specific bc you will be told by the grumpy old man if you don't like it go elsewhere. LOL ok, we will! Bye!

For someone who ordered two dishes it is amazing that everything was horrible. From the undercooked chicken kebab that was completely inedible to the over cooked rice. The salad didn't even have dressing and the bread was a white loaf? Yuck literally everything was an abomination to the cuisine. This is not a first time it's been bad. They turned a while ago and I thought maybe something changed and gave them a try after a year of not eating here but it's confirmed, we will never ever eat here again

Cheap Mediterranean food..?!? Count me in! This is my go to place when I am low on food, mix grill with rice, French fries and salad for $17.. can't beat that anywhere and it's restaurant quality... keep up the friendliness and the food quality!

I've been to this place several times and I will keep going back for sure. They have great tasting fresh food, good prices and friendly staff. The food didn't take long to come to the table. About 15 to 20 minutes for a party of five. The espresso at the end was awesome.

Delicious Albanian food at fairly reasonable prices. I usually order takeout from there and they never disappoint. Highly recommend the cebapi, and bean soup. Their byrek are decent too but a bit on the oily side.

The burek is really good. Order the meat burek and a shot of expresso for the full experience.

I love this place fresh meat good selections of mediterranean deli and it's near to our house very convenient

The best Turkish on the island!!! The place looks like a dive but don't be fooled, the food is excellent. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a good meal without breaking the bank. Just ask for extra white sauce!!

Turkish restaurant ..went ther 3 times. I had the calf liver sauteed was really good. then i had a cabab with a pie that had cheese and flaky. This type of food goes very well with beer . I recommend .

The guys working here are Albanian and very nice. The Burek is very good and you can tell it is home made. Staff is friendly. Nice little cozy place to eat!

Tiny place with bad food. Spoilt salad with cheese that's obviously been around too long. Undercooked kebabs that my husband had to throw on the grill to finish cooking as they were raw inside. Really good potential as there is a need for a good Turkish restaurant. However, epic fail in execution. Will not return.

I love this place! The byrek is delicious. We love the cheese and the spinach and cheese byrek with some yogurt. Delicious! The servers are always very pleasant!

Had dinner with my dad here, we both got the Chicken Adana and may I say WOW the chicken was flavorful and cooked to perfection, the salad was fresh, the rice was perfect and the establishment is clean. The guys working there are Albanian and they are quite friendly, been there before and had the Burek and it was also very good. Alba never disappoints defiantly something worth trying.

My go to place! Best food on the island. Genuine and not expensive at all. You will not leave this place upset!

Do you ever feel like you want to go out and eat, but looking for a more home-flavored dish? This is the right spot. They specialize in international foods and their take-out menu is flavorful, traditional, and authentic. Prices are more than reasonable on all dishes, making them the perfect stop for a quick take-out or a fully appetizing dinner.

WONDERFUL! I had the lamb platter - an assortment of lamb dishes; my friend had the chicken version. We also had their eggplant. EXCELLENT. It has a "coffee shop" atmosphere so this isn't a romantic date place but the food is terrific! The people that work there are SO nice, as well! We brought our own wine - it was not a problem. And there was so much food we both had doggy bags. Will DEFINITIVELY go back!

No frills, just fresh, authentic food. The Shepard salad is delish. Very flavorful and the fresh grated cheese on top is excellent. Dip some of the tasty, crusty bread in there and yum-o! I've also had the chicken kabob, which is full of flavor and cooked well. It's served over rice with the white and red sauce on the side. I can't get enough of those white and red sauces, which is also good for bread dunkin'. It's a small space and the staff is friendly. There's also a parking lot, which is a plus.

Alba is an excellent choice if you are craving good, fresh mediterranean food. The actual cafe is next door to the supermarket. I have ordered take out and eaten in several times. The food is always hot, fresh and very tasty. I love their shepard salad, chicken kabob and the bread is outstanding. They are always very fast. Dining in is nothing fancy, but you are there for the food and not the decor. The staff is always friendly. Ask nicely, and you might get extra white sauce (score!)

Delicious, authentic food with very friendly service. Love the shepard salad, chicken is seasoned and cooked perfectly! The first time my boyfriend and I came here on a very cold evening, the gentleman working there served us some delicious coffee on the house..so welcoming! Prices are good and now we come regularly.

I almost broke my tooth on their falafel ball. refried falafel is not good. that was the last time I ordered from alba.

ABSOLUTELY LOVE THE FRESH FOOD! When i went with my hubby and bro it took a little tiime for the food but thats only because they are making it fresh and it depends what you order. Meaty food will take a little longer, as for Burek usually dose not take that long. GREAT PRICES,WAY BETTER THEN ANY OTHER MEDITERRANEAN RESTAURANT. 4 stars only because when ordering for delivery over the phone the girl has no clue about anything and got me really annoyed i tried it bouth times and both times bad a delivery tookd soooo long. Definitely do not recomend ordering takeout, just go dine in.

About a month ago, I got assigned to a stressful job with long hours, far from my home and this place made it bearable. I saw the word "burek" as the bus took me in for my first day and, as a fan of Balkan cuisine, I went to try it at my first opportunity. Turns out my handful of phrases in Serbo-Croatian were politely received. On the way out I figured out it was an Albanian place (duh! " alba"). The important thing is the food is amazing. Kababs, gyros, bureks (basically stuffed pizza made with phylo dough), an impressive array of salads, some appetizers that will be familiar to those who know mediterranean food (eggplant, chickpea, yogurt spreads). Many co-workers went over at my urging and all came back raving about the grilled meats and yummy salad and pleasant disposition of the staff. For some of my new co-workers this place is definitive evidence that "Halal" means "guaranteed super clean, super fresh, healthful and delicious" food. My experience is that's not always the case but I'm ;etting them go back to the south and midwest with that impression, thanks to Alba. I was especially impressed at the quality of the vegetarian options (not what I usually expect when I go for Balkan food). I can't leave out that it's an incredible value - significant quantities of high quality food for surprisingly little cash.

I used to eat at Alba for about 2 years since it was beside my home , and even after i moved 10 miles away i'm still ordering from them but yesterday was my last time ever i order food from this place , the reason i was eating there is a guy called Lyle Don , he is very friendly and i believe that most people go there because of him , but later he wasn't there all the time and another guy slim and seems to be in his 40th is working there behind the counter , he is the dumbest guy i have ever seen , beside his English weakness , he is very far from being in a customer service place , he wont give you the chance to say your order because of the lack of his ability to understand what you say , he will rush you to order because he don't wanna wait until you choose , he will show you that he is upset if you ask for any extras ( which you will pay for ) , yesterday i ordered 10 Pieces kebab and chicken Adana ,, he charged me extra plus the new prices so the total was over charged , we asked him to add 2 ajvar and i believe this was the reason for the extra charge ( it's OK no problem i would pay whatever i ordered ) but he didn't put the extra ajvar , so after we left we went back to the store to correct his mistake but guess what ? he was so angry because of that , i was in rush so i preferred to wait in the car to turn it until my wife brings the missed items ... so this man should thank me that i sent my wife to bring the missed items because if it was me i would ruined his night .