Mombar

What an experience! There is one older gentleman doing all the cooking and serving etc. Just know that as a result, the experience is more akin to eating at a family member’s house rather than being served at a restaurant, which is really part of the charm. Service is slow. Bring a friend and expect to spend a couple of hours dining. The menu is not published. He told us verbally what he could make and we chose lamb shanks, hummus, and cauliflower with pomegranate sauce. And the food, all of it, was so shockingly good I could never give it enough due. The meat on the shanks fell off the bone and was served in a fantastic sauce with a tabouleh minty spinach type mixture. Paired with the hummus and fresh pita… just so great. The interior is kinda crazy too. Think a bazaar or a garage stacked with family heirlooms and strange clutter/objects. This place is so memorable and special… can’t wait to return.

A one of a kind experience. The owner himself literally made the hummus, beef shank, and eggplant dish. He served us a home made Egyptian meal. He then gave us a tour of his restaurant and showed us his art. A chef, a craftsmen, an artist, a really great guy. you have to go.

Unique dining in Astoria. Solid Egyptian food prepared and served by one man so if you are pressed for time this is not your place. My dining partner really enjoyed theirmeal, I was a little underwhelmed but overall a nice dining experience in a funky dining room

This spot knows the secret to great taste. The food literally dissolved while I tried to memorize the flavor. I genuinely enjoy this place, and you're bound to agree. The staff member showed a great attitude and ensured our first time there was thoroughly pleasant. Our group consensus is to return.

So this place is such a great experience, it's a family owned/run place, it's really intimate but in the best way. The food is so so good and very reasonably priced for the quality/quantity you get. Given it's one guy running it all, understandably, not quick service, but, well worth the wait

Truly a magical dining experience. Don’t come in a rush. We spent a few hours there and enjoyed amazing appetizers and entres from scratch. Pictured is tagine (bottom left), beef shank (top left), koshari (top left). This is a one man show, he is the host, server, and chef.

It's easy to miss when you're walking down the street. But, step inside to an oasis. It's dark and romantic. No menus, the nice owner explains the options, and everything is tasty. He enjoys speaking with guests. He explained the history of the space. We were the first ones there. So, we didn't have to wait at this one-man-show. It feels like you're sitting in a Middle Eastern bazaar. We had a Fava Bean starter, Hummus, Lamb shank with couscous, and spinach. There was a vegetarian special that sounded delicious. We could have sat there forever. But, more customers were coming and a big party was expected. Anyone who appreciates good food and ambiance should go there. We will definitely return.

Amazing place with delicious food, artsy decorations and friendly chef. The owner does everything and has very interesting stories to tell. Everything in the restaurant is either his art or his collection, including the chandelier and flooring! It’s like eating dinner in an art studio. We had lamb shank and branzino, the lamb just melted in my mouth. After our meal, he even gave each of us a small piece of mint chocolate as dessert. Overall unforgettable experience, definitely a special place to check out!

Immaculate homey dining experience, like a portal from cold Astoria into medieval Cairo. Ate here on a Sunday night shortly after opening, spent a total of 1.5 hours with the owner's personalized service. Slow eating of the best kind by such a humble and kind man. Cash only from the verbal menu, $87 for the 4 dishes below: - Cauliflower: absolutely incredible range of seasonings sprinkled over the dishes, giving the best combo of acidic, savory, tangy - Ful (fava beans): my first time with this dish. Hearty, earth, perhaps a bit light on salt but if anything extra salt might have masked the underlying flavor. Served with warm pita - Bronzini: served grilled and topped with veggies. We particularly loved the flavor that the lightly roasted tomatoes added. Goes well with the (cute) pyramids of rice. IMO not tastier than Abuqir across the street but with the toppings still immensely enjoyable. - Lamb tagine: oh so tender, slips right off the bone. Simply delicious. - Molokhia: served alongside the lamb above. Also light on salt but allowed true deliciousness and emotional warmth to come through. Such a wonderful feeling, truly food for the soul, that which sustained generations of people of bygone eras Truly a dining opportunity like none other. A visual feast due to the decor, a culinary feast for obvious reasons, but most of all an emotional feast for the owner's hospitality and that touch of love that you only get from home style food.

Mombar is definitely an interesting place. The front of the building can be easy to miss because the signage is not bold but the facade itself is detailed and artistic. When you walk in, you're transported into someone's home and you don't feel like you're in New York anymore. Bring $50-80 cash because it's cash only. Mostafa is the chef and server so service can be slow because he's doing everything by himself. A lot of the decor is stuff that he's made. There are paintings on the tables and pieces of art on the floor, walls, and ceiling that he's made himself and was kind enough to explain them to us when we were done with our meal. The menu is verbal which was difficult for me because I'm more of a visual person but I caught key words of food items I wanted. We ordered fava beans, hummus and lamb tagine. The fava beans have the tiniest bit of spice but are so delicious and my husband and I ate it up. The hummus is smooth and garlicky and I had to hold myself back from eating it all otherwise I wouldn't be able to eat the lamb tagine. The couscous definitely needed the lamb's sauce. The lamb was super tender and easy to chew.

I wasn't sure what to expect when I came to Mombar, but it surprised me in many different ways. First, the design of the store is cool -- there are many different pieces of art throughout, so it was nice to look around. We talked to the owner and he told us that he designed and built the restaurant himself -- that's awesome! We came around 8:45pm, and there were maybe 2-3 other tables sat as well. The owner came to tell us the menu (I don't think there is a physical menu to read off of). We ended up getting the hummus, cauliflower, lamb shank, a beef-stew like dish, and a fish. I really enjoyed all the menu items we got, and found it to be very aromatic and flavorful. A few things to note: -this restaurant is cash only, so make sure to come with some cash on-hand -water/drinks aren't provided, but there is a refrigerator at the front from which you can buy a drink from -the wait is quite long (we didn't leave until around 11pm) I would recommend trying this place if you aren't in a rush. It's an interesting experience and good food!

Firstly, it indeed is only one person and cash only. I came here at 5:30 and there were already 3 other parties, and we didn't end up leaving until 8:30 or so. He comes to you and explains the entire menu, and leaves so that you can think about it. I did ask about the prices beforehand and they didn't exactly match up on the receipt but different only within $2 or so. He also added 20% tip but maybe because it was for 6 of us. Also, there's no tap water so you have to bring your own beverage or buy bottled water. The only other thing is that our eyes were stinging because our table was right in front of the kitchen and I got the worst of it to the point that my eyes were tearing up the entire dinner. We got the cauliflower ($15 - surprisingly flavorful dish that I would recommend) and lamb cheeks appetizer ($17 - tender and not gamey, although the taste was plainer than I expected). He also gave us hot pita breads which were so fluffy but can't tell if that comes with the appetizer and is regularly provided. For entrees, we got the branzini ($30 - my favorite perhaps, flavored well), the chicken tagine ($20 - I've had better elsewhere on this block of restaurants and the chicken was a bit dry), beef shank ($28 - very tender, cuts through cleanly), and roasted duck ($30 - it was on the drier side for me but others seem to like it). I enjoyed the atmosphere much and the idea of a one man shop but I don't think my eyes could handle another meal here. If there was more ventilation or perhaps seating further away, I'd consider coming back.

Visited NYC/Queens a couple of years ago & I still dream of the lamb tagine I had there super cool environment with some of the most flavorful foods I've ever eaten!! Can't wait to get back to NYC/Queens & have this again! I've even messaged the owner to try to get help replicating it since I live in the south!

I went to Mombar last year. Mombar is one of these Egyptian eateries that you do not know what you will expect in terms of food and service. I ate a lamb stew with rice, and the meal was decent. The owner, Mustafa Sayed is the brother of Ali Sayad, owner of Kabab Cafe. He told me that they often help each other. I was surprised at how small Mombar is, although it is several times larger than Kabab Cafe. Seating is very comfortable, and the restroom facilities are clean. However, the food did not appear to be as freshly made as other Egyptian eateries I have experienced on Steinway Street. I heard the click-click-click of a microwave oven. There was a plate of something that looked like a pyramid, which was fitting for Egypt. Would I go back? Possibly?

- We saw a roach crawling on the floor - The food took 2 hours for just one main and one appetizer - There's literally no menu, he just lists the items... the items aren't that different from what's on Yelp but it's annoying to not see everything - The food was very mediocre for the wait time - The interior was dirty, not well ventilated - It seemed like the people there all came for some adventurous. It's just dirty and slow but otherwise incredibly mediocre Altogether a dirty, slow and mediocre dining experience

What an amazing and authentic experience. The restaurant's owner decorated the interior and exterior with his art and cultural artifacts. The food was prepared by him and was such a great time. 10/10.

From the moment you walk in the door, it's clear this is a special place. The owner has put so much love into his restaurant. He has carved sculptures around the room, painted the tables, and created beautiful mosaics. We were lucky to get seated right away, but I would recommend giving yourself time to enjoy the experience truly. It's a one-man show, so it's important to be patient. We ordered the hummus and lamb cheek to start and then had lamb shank for our dinner. Everything was exquisite. It was truly a special evening, and we will be back.

Delicious and very off beat. My favorite restaurant experience of the year. The food was deliciously spiced (far better than one finds at most restaurants in Egypt), and one could spend the whole time looking at all the amusing and amazing bits of decor. When I was there there was only one guy who did the cooking and the waiting of tables, so you should't go if you're in a hurry, but I and my companions loved it!

Felt like I was eating in the home of a dear friend. And the food was delicious! Lamb was fall-off-the-bone tender and all the flavors were a party in my mouth. Relaxed, warm and sweet environment to chill with friends. The gentleman who owns, cooks and serves was also very friendly.

Mombar is a gem. It's a one man show with no menus. I felt like I was walking into someone's home. Really unique experience - nothing else like it in NYC and the food was incredible. Had the hummus to start and lamb shank for my main and the lamb melted in my mouth

The lamb shank and the lamb tagine were amazing. Fava beans and then a beet and apple salad as starters. Be prepared for a long night of conversation and food. That's part of the charm.

Honestly, a review doesn't capture it. Just go there be be amazed. Lovely food, wonderful decor, relaxed service. Bring some friends!

RACIST ESTABLISHMENT. DO NOT SUPPORT. I was so looking forward to trying this place! I went last Friday with my brother (we are both mixed race) and when we arrived, we waited at the entrance enjoying the aroma coming from the kitchen. After a few minutes, a bald man just came up to us and said "No." He just walked away after this and I incredulously looked around the half empty restaurant and said nothing because I was too shocked to speak. He then circled back and said "no space for you." So I immediately walked out and reported them to 311. In 2022, this kind of behavior is unacceptable and I will never spend my money in a place like this. Think twice about this place :(

We had an interesting dinner here. My husband, sister and father treated my son to dinner here this past weekend to celebrate his 21st birthday. I've encouraged him to pick a cuisine that interests him and I do the leg work of finding a place that can execute it well so he has a good experience that's different every time. This time, though, I picked the cuisine and went with something along the lines of Middle Eastern. Because he's on campus in Long Island with a ton of work to complete, he just came for the night. I actually made reservations for an Egyptian spot down the block but we also had the baby in tow and the place we reserved was far too small for us to fit the stroller. The owner of that establishment directed us to Mombar, another Egyptian eatery, because the size would accommodate us and the owner, Mustafa, is family. Luckily, when we arrived, there was no wait. It's very small but they fit as many tables as possible in the space. There's an open kitchen and the decor and layout makes you feel as though you're dining in someone's home. Upon first impressions, it seems cluttered but I choose to see it as eclectic and authentic. We were able to squeeze out stroller in between tables but would have probably had a more difficult time had they been busier. This is not a place where y be grabbing a bite and running out. If you come here, be prepared to take your time, slow down and really enjoy your meal, company and the ambience. Mustafa is also the chef, host and server so it's expected that there will be somewhat of a wait while all of the tables are being served. Grub Rundown: Lamb Cheeks - so tender and not gamey, seasoned nicely and served with warm pita. A must have! Sahara Mix - Babaganoush, Hummus and Fool, served with warm pita and a heavy dose of olive oil. Great for sharing and tasty. Be-Sara - Fava Bean spread, served with warm pita and so very good. Lamb Shank Special - covered in spinach and served with your choice of couscous or rice (get the couscous) which has fruit cooked in. Flavorful and spiced well. I loved it and the portion is enough for two meals. Lamb Chops - these were only ok to me. My son ordered and I tasted. He enjoyed it better than I. Steak - hubby ordered this. It tasted really good and was serve with veggies. Whole Striped Bass - my dad ordered this and loved it. He finished the entire platter. Yes. Platter. The fish was prepared for him and deboned so all he had to do was put fork to mouth. Lamb Tagine - my sister had this entrée and enjoyed it very much as it was also served with couscous. The spice situation here is on point! All of the food was really good. We enjoyed everything. They have some items for the adventurous eater such as, rabbit, lamb brains, tongue and testicle, but we kept it pretty neutral. I love rabbit but I didn't want to try at an unknown restaurant and apparently, their duck is a hot ticket item because they were sold out by the time we arrived. While I don't think I'd venture out to dine here again just because of geography, it's certainly worth a visit. The owner was so amazingly attentive to each and every patron and there were even a few regulars that came in to dine. Those kinds of diners are always a sign that you've stumbled upon a good thing, a hidden gem.

Words can't describe how special this restaurant is. It's not your typical dining experience, but it's the one you'll never forget. No menu, no QR codes, no wait staff, just Mustafa - the Egyptian owner, chef, artist and Queens historian. Most of the decor in the restaurant he created himself, and if you're lucky, he'll give you a tour. As for the food: absolutely delicious and the portions generous. I went with an Egyptian man who attested the food was authentic and tasted just like home. I'm not Egyptian, but felt like I was home as well.

Be prepared to feel transported to Cairo. Enjoy the ambiance as Uncle Mustafa chops onions and prepares your meal behind you. While there is no proper menu, he will read off the daily menu when you arrive. We started with Alexandrian style liver and hawawshi (meat in crispy bread). We then had kushari, beef shank and molokhiya (Egyptian green stew). The molokhiya could not have been more delicious and the beef was incredibly tender. What a lovely meal, with generous portions of food and love from Uncle Mustafa

When I went in, my Jiddo greeted me at the door. Not my actual Jiddo. Just one of the kindest and warmest people who could welcome you into his restaurant. And what a restaurant. Memories of letters from his kids to vintage art and artifacts placed all around. I could stop my review here because of how comfortable he and his place made me feel--but the food! He offers you his menu from memory, and he'll make any adjustments you ask for. And every time I've visited, it tastes like home. Probably because he humbly makes his food from an open kitchen that resembles one you'd find in a home. And that food is sooo good. The molokhia is second only to my partner's mom's (and I'm only saying that because we're writing this together - in my view, it's actually the best!). And then we left as we came--with a dose of kindness and good humor. We kept laughing at his jokes with leftovers in hand.

This was hands down one of the best meals I've ever had. It was my first time having Egyptian and I am so glad a friend brought me here. The place is homey and cozy and smells delicious upon walking in. The owner does everything himself and was truly amazing and very friendly. We ordered the cauliflower salad and lamb cheek appetizers as well as the whole white fish and lamb tagine as entrees. EVERYTHING was exquisite! The simplicity of the cauliflower salad, the perfect seasonings in the lamb cheek dish, the homecooked feel of everything was just *chefs kiss*! For dessert, my friend ordered an off the menu baklava which was just DIVINE! Not your typical baklava, but so so great and memorable. I will be adding Mombar to my list of favorite spots! Please support this business!

Roaches! And not the shy, stay-in-the-shadows-and-wait-for-the-trash kind, but the bold, come-out-as-soon-as-there-are-food-smells-even-when-the-restaurant-is-full-of-light-and-guests kind. My husband and I had just finished some delicious appetizers (the beet salad and the cauliflower), and when I pushed my plate back there were two tiny roaches in the shadow of the rim. Another larger one climbed to the top of the wooden chair across the table from us to survey our food scraps, and my husband saw one on the wall behind me. We immediately asked to get our mains to go, and watched two other roaches scuttle up empty chairs while we waited. The food was delicious but the vegetables in my lamb tagine were just a standard corn-peas-carrots mix you'd get from the freezer section of the grocery store. Still tasty in the sauce, but it was so strange in contrast everything else we'd had that seemed to be better quality. There's so much that would make Mombar a great, unique experience: The place is a one-man show, with the owner serving and cooking everything himself, which would make for nice, leisurely dinners. He also seems to have done quite a bit of the art in the place, including on the tabletops. The restaurant is cozy and comfortable. Again, the food was delicious. But...roaches! There's no way the owner doesn't know they're there. The problem needs to be addressed immediately.

This is absolutely one of the memorable, delicious, and unique restaurants in NYC. I've lived here for 10 years, and been to a lot of places. Places high, low, still here, and gone. There is nowhere quite like Mombar. There is one employee who works there. The owner. He's also the chef and the head waiter. He greets you at the door, and invites you into his space that transports you to another world entirely. The restaurant is basically a living piece of art, with most of the tables, mosaics, sculptures, and accents designed and built by him. Horus and Osiris are watching over you. Even the facade of the restaurant is hand wrought. When you sit down, there will probably be food sizzling in the kitchen that is ten feet away out in the open. You will smell colors and spices that feel both familiar and exotic. He'll come to the table, tell you what he has for the day, and let you ruminate on your appetizer and main entree. There are no menus, but he has something for everybody. The food comes out gradually, and it dazzles. Lamb shanks, Branzini, Cous Cous with currants in the shape of pyramids, Foul, Hummous that ruins anything you've bought lately, Mint tea, pita bread, tagines. You eat, sitting on cushions separated by your compatriots by shawls and ornate drapes. It doesn't get much better. Side note: after the meal, be sure to ask him about the restaurant being featured in magazines and by TV personalities. His pride will win you over.

I couldn't stay to eat. smells bad and dirty. It is so dated and one guy servir and cooking.

All the yes. Q: What was the Molokhia with Pyramid Rice like? Josephine: Yes Q: How were the other dishes? Josephine: Yes Q: What was the beautiful artwork made by the artist-chef-owner like? Josephine: Yes Q: How was the service, given it was just one man manning all the tables? Josephine: Yes Q: What was the best part of the experience, the food, the decor, and the service? Josephine: Yes

This place is great. It's a must try in Astoria. Things to know before you go - Cash only, owner is the chef & server. He's super nice and hustles but please be patient/respectful and don't come if you're short on time. There's no menu, owner will recite it to you... pay attention. Smashed fava beans were fantastic! Chicken Tagine was great too, so flavorful... veggies clearly frozen from a bag but who cares, flavor was on point. Lamb Shank also v good. White rice was so flavorful!

absolutely the worst food I had, the place looks like trash, the seats look like they haven't been washed in years, the food is not good at all even to an Egyptian like me, very over priced, it's a one person runs everything, no checking, if the food is good or not, no checking on drinks, I had to get up to get my own silverware & water, it's good when you have a couple of tables, but if it gets busy (I don't know why & for what ) you're out of luck. I was hoping to to find it good, but unfortunately it turned to be way below par.

Such a good experience. The owner of this restaurant is also the sole server and makes all of the food. Definitely a slow experience, but one i'll never forget. He's very kind and gentle and patient and runs through the menu with you. Food was delicious and worth the wait! I recommend getting the braised duck and the hummus platter! 10/10!!!!!

This place doesn't look like much, but the food is soooo good. There was one guy taking orders, doing dishes, cooking, and serving, so the service was a bit slow. It's BYOB, so grab something delicious and chill with a friend or two, because the food is worth the wait.

I loooooooove this restaurant. It may be my new favorite place in New York City. I love the very charming owner and how he does everything so methodically but incredibly personally. He makes everything himself. Just like the entire restaurant itself...from every stick of furniture to the outside moldings...It is a seriously special treat. Everything is just about you and him here. Walk into a living art work and just let it happen! I can't actually do this place justice in a review so I'm just going to let you know what we ate and how it tasted. But really...you have to go yourself. We got the mombar (a rice sausage), and the three dips plate for starters. They were both delicious. The mombar is what he named the place after. And it is a mix of all different things sharing their flavors. Cut up. Mixed again. The entrees were a glazed duck and a lamb shank with spinach. The duck came with rice and the lamb a Perfect couscous. These were amazing. The lamb fell off the bone and the duck was tender. We asked for dessert, which is decided by him, and wow! A lovely mixed fresh fruit with this amazing dish of fried dough with honey and cinnamon all over it. Pretty much heaven. Check out this place. It's special! We wished we did the tasting!

This is definitely a hidden gem in NYC. I don't think I can name any place like this in the city. The restaurant chef/owner Mustafa runs everything. He spent 5 years designing the interior from the drawings to the tiles. He cooks amazing homemade Egyptian food. He even waits on you (tells you the specials, brings drinks/food) - he is definitely a man of many talents. On top of that, he's really sweet and he really cares that you enjoy the food and experience. Think like a mom & pop kind of shop - something really rare to get in NYC. The only thing you have to do is wait a bit for meals to come out cause he really cares that they're fresh. I recommend getting some appetizers while you wait for the main dishes to come out. We ordered Sahara Mix, Mombar (Appetizers) lamb tagine, and dejaj fel-foron (Mains). We wiped our plates clean. Unique taste. Really fresh. Can't recommend this place enough!

It looks .. interesting inside. Came with girlfriend to try. Talked to the chef and owner. Same person started the restaurant 21 years ago. Hand made most of the artwork flooring etc. Put his heart and soul into the place and thank goodness it survived covid. When the food came it was top notch. Lamb falling off the bone.. Branzino utterly awesome... Spices and flavors amazing and authentic Egyptian it seemed.. the only complaint I have is they don't take a credit card. Totally worth it I would definitely be back.

Great hidden gem in Astoria on Steinway Street. I always wanted to try authentic Egyptian cuisine. I heard of this place years ago but never had the chance to try it until now. Small place with unique decor where the owner did himself. All of the dishes are made by him to order. He is a great cook. The Egyptian lamb chops were great, he also made a special dessert with mangos which was delicious. Also had the lamb cheeks good but not my thing. You order Dish with the 3 hummus selections. They only take cash here. Also the menu changes some the stuff on the menu he might not have that day. I hope the next time he will have the lamb/veal sweet breads.

Chef/owner is so kind and hospitable. Feels a bit like eating in his home. Food is quality and well priced, byob will save you some bucks as well. Fun and uncommon items like lamb cheek & tongue, rabbit, as well as Egyptian staples. Not a sleek and modern dining experience, so if that's your vibe I wouldn't reccomend. It's eclectically decorated, the air can get thick with onions, and some of the CDs playing Egyptian music are scratched. All part of its charm. If you're in for good food and a memorable experience go here.

This place has been on my list to try since I moved to Astoria years ago. This place and the owner did not disappoint. Everything was flavored so well. Try the lamb cheek for an appetizer as well as the lamb tagine. I also had bass which came with rice, spinach and cous cous. One thing to keep in mind is that this is a one man show so if you're looking for a quick dinner, you won't find it here. But if you're looking to enjoy good authentic food with good company, this is the place for you.

We were the first patrons of the night; advantageous as we had exclusivity from the owner for our meal since he managed most of the establishment's responsibilities. Including the menu, additional specials for the day were appetizers of lamb cheek, liver, kidney, and testicles; main courses of lamb shank, eggplant, and fish. The lamb cheek was extremely tender and didn't feel as rich as I had expected. Lamb testicle had an interesting roughness and didn't have much stand-alone flavor, though it was enhanced by the olives. The mombar had an interesting amalgam of textures with meat and rice inside each piece. The rabbit in the tajeen was chicken dark meat-esque in texture and not chewy. Lamb shank slivers of meat fell off the bone without much need for a knife. Eggplant and zucchini were baked well in that dish, though other vegetables there were of the frozen variety. Ambience was cozy, as if we were in somebody's apartment.

Mombar is in the heart of Steinway so if you are driving be mindful you will be in traffic and looking for parking.....but it is worth it. As soon as we arrived we we're greeted by the owner and chef who gave us the spiel for the night. We ordered apps and entrees.(Sahara mix, mussels, rabbit and steak) Which were prepared perfectly in my opinion. Hibiscus is very refreshing. Two thumbs up on curb appeal alone. Nice date night spot. (+Points = pyramid shaped rice)

I went here with my husband on a Wednesday night. After reading reviews I made a reservation fearful it would be packed. When I arrived at the place I saw a guy hanging outside the front of it in the doorway. I assumed it was someone who worked there. He saw me standing outside taking pics of the place and waiting around so he invited me to come in and sit down. Since he could tell I was waiting on someone he said sit here by the window so you can see them. The place was empty!! The table I sat at was nice I had the option of sitting in a chair or couch seat. The menu online is identical to what is offered there which is great. But then the owner tells you about the specials and you're blown away! There were so many specials it should've been it's own menu. I opted to try the lamb testicles. My husband went for the beef liver. It took a while for the food to come out and I heard a microwave being used a bit so I feared the quality/freshness of what we would get. The food was delicious when it came out! The liver was delicious and didn't taste too chalky or "livery" like when I make it. The testicles were amazing!! Who knew?! Everything was nicely seasoned and a nice temperature- it was fresh out of the pan. Note: The kitchen is visible wherever you're sitting in the restaurant so you can see movement, but I wasn't close enough to see what was going on. Also, they must have a great exhaust system because we didn't leave smelling like food! For the main entrees we had the Egyptian style lamb chops and the rabbit (Ar Nab Moulekhia). The rabbit was delicious as was the moulekhia- although I had no point of reference of what the moulekhia is supposed to taste like. The rice was good too. The lamb chops were delicious according to my husband. I don't like lamb no matter how much I try to, but the small piece I had was delicious and didn't taste too "lamby". For dessert we order two coffees and the dessert which was not named on the menu. It seems to be a creation of his that I believe I saw posted on Yelp by someone else. The dessert was good, but not super filling- it's basically something that has the consistency of shredded wheat with bananas, fresh yogurt, and mango on a plate drizzled with honey and cinnamon. It was tasty, but it definitely left me desiring a bit more out of it. My husband felt the same way because he wanted Coldstone Ice cream after we were done eating. The tab came up to about $100 which surprised me, but seeing that the appetizers and dessert were each about $15 plus the entrees that meal added up fast. I'm happy to report that the food is worth the money- it was authentic, fresh and delicious. Overall, I would come back here one day to try some of the other dishes.

I can't imagine anyone but an idiot not liking this place. Truly a one-man operation with chef-owner-waiter. My wife and I came here on date night, and it was a blast. BYOB so it's guaranteed to be affordable. We got the lamb cheeks, Shrimp Alexandria, and Tagine. Kicked ass! If the lamb was a woman, I'd have fucked it. Nothing bland or boring, done just right. Gotta love the few morons leaving bad reviews; particularly liked the asshole that was in Cairo for a few days (probably ate every meal at TGI Friday) and claimed to be an expert of Egyptian cuisine. Astoria neighbors: check this place out!

What can I say that hasn't already been said? This place is legendary. I've been hearing about it since I moved to Astoria years ago and I finally made the trek. It's a very singular dining experience- all of the eclectic art was made by the owner... who also serves as the waiter... who also cooks the food. As such, things move a bit slower here, but that's part of the charm. Set your expectations to relaxing in a relative's living room while they cook you a delicious meal as opposed to a typical dining experience. And the food IS delicious too. Lamb cheeks are a must-have, but there are plenty of other mouthwatering and authentic Egyptian dishes to try. Don't go in expecting to get a certain appetizer or entrée, because the food on the menu (or lack-there-of, as the owner recites the available options to you at the table) is based on what the owner has readily available to make. There are very few places like this in New York and it's absolutely worth the visit!

Ambience - amazing. Food - poor. Service - great. To get : molokhia To skip: the feta and the Sahara plate As an Egyptian, I really wished they had some other classic dishes like koshari or besara (which they had on the menu, but unfortunately weren't offering it that night). We got the molokhia with rabbit, the feta (the special), mombar and the Sahara plate. The molokhia with rabbit was definitely the most delicious. I would go back for that. The feta was WAY too vinegar-y. We couldn't even finish it (which is VERY unusual for me) and the garlic or meat flavor really didn't shine at all. The mombar was decent. The Sahara plate was VERY underwhelming. The fool (fava beans) were not spiced well AT ALL. The baba ghanoush lacked some must needed flavor. No cumin, no lemon, no 'shata' (chili spice), nothing ! Also the pita bread that the give to accompany the meal was dry, and cold. Nonetheless, the music is great, and the place is beautifully decorated. Our server was also very sweet !

Mombar is an experience. My boyfriend and I went for dinner looking for something different and we were not disappointed. From the decor, to the attentiveness from the owner, you will enjoy this place. You cannot miss Mombar, the outside decor is very Mediterranean-esque. The owner (who also served us) ran through the specials and gave us excellent recommendations as to what to get. The food was delicious. I had steak and my boyfriend had rabbit. The steak was cooked to a perfect medium, seasoning was not overpowering and very flavorful and the white rice melted in your mouth like butter. The food is authentic, fresh and made to order.

GREAT food and art by brilliant and charming chef owner!!! Very unique escapism experience in 2022.

We just had a lovely dinner at Mombar and I wanted to share my experience. First of all, it's places like these that remind me why, as frustrating as New York City can be, it's still a fascinating place to live. Not sure there are many other places that could support a cozy little restaurant where your server, chef, and busboy are all the same person. Like many others have said, because this is a one man show definitely don't expect to come here for a quick meal. We ended up spending just over two hours for dinner. Being rather new to Egyptian food we decided to order different dishes and share, trying as many new things as possible. For appetizers we had the Sahara Sampler (hummus, fava bean dip, and babaganoush), a sweetbread special, and a liver special. We split two mains between the three of us: molokhia with rabbit and the lamb tagine. The sampler was delicious and all the dips were really flavorful. I will say, the most prevalent flavor was garlic, but I love garlic so I greedily gobbled it up. The sweetbread appetizer was easily the best thing we ate, and honestly they were the best sweetbreads I've ever had. I would go back just for that dish. I also loved the molokhia with rabbit. I've never had molokhia before and it's the sort of bitter green that I adore. It was a surprisingly light dish, which was great as we were getting stuffed! Admittedly, I feel I can't give all five stars because there were a couple missteps for us. The liver appetizer was pretty aggressive on the mineral-y liver flavor. Honestly I don't think this is a fault of the dish, I have a feeling it just wasn't to our taste. The lamb tagine was surprisingly also a bit of a disappointment for me. I usually love lamb but the flavor was TOO subtle. Again, this could be a preference thing. I prefer my food more boldly seasoned. It's clear the chef has a delicate hand with seasoning. I think it works great with certain dishes (the molokhia rabbit and sweetbreads) and less so with others (lamb tagine). I really enjoyed our meal here and actually enjoyed the slow pace of our dinner. It gave us time to relax, really enjoy our conversations. We will definitely return soon to explore the rest of their menu. And hopefully get more sweetbreads!

Came here with the bf after a Yelp Elite event at the Villa Lounge hookah bar across the street. We wouldn't have even thought to stop by this place had we not checked Yelp first because from the outside, this place looks like it would be an Egyptian themed home decor store instead of a restaurant. Once inside, we immediately saw that this place looked like the inside of somebody's home and it was absolutely covered from floor to ceiling in knick knacks, mosaics, and various other pieces of art. We also saw that there was one man that was essentially doing everything, aside from a designated dishwasher. He seated us, took our orders, cooked our food, and served us. We found out that this man is the owner and he not only runs the kitchen and the front of the restaurant, he is also an artist and created most of the restaurant's very unique and eclectic artwork. It was quite a feast for the senses! As for the food? The bf got a lamb tajeen over couscous (as spelled on their menu) and I got their vegetarian couscous. My bf loved his lamb and I appreciated my dish, even though it was made with frozen veggie mix. I'm guessing the food is better for non-vegetarians, but I enjoyed my time here and am willing to overlook this. Cash only, so make sure you hit up an ATM beforehand. Otherwise, this place is a truly unique dining experience that I would highly recommend if you happen to be in the Little Egypt area of Astoria.

Some friends wanted us to try Mombar, an Egyptian restaurant on Steinway Street. I've eaten at several restaurants I like on Steinway, the heart of Middle East dining in Queens, and the meal here fell short of my expectations. Everything was under seasoned. The tagine barely had dried fruit. The couscous was flavorless. Not a hint of cinnamon or other spices. Maybe Egyptian tagine is totally different then Moroccan tagine, and I'm off base in being critical. But those I was with agreed that their dishes could have used some salt and spices. I've eaten in Cairo, years ago, and loved the fragrance and taste of the food. So my take is that this is food is made by an Egyptian (who is lovely and gracious), but is not truly representative of real Egyptian cuisine. Ironically, a spice shop is virtually next door. Just a note if you do come here, it's BYOB and cash only. Also, don't come if you're In a hurry. The night I was here, the chef was also the server. It was a one man show. One reason to visit is to see the decor. It's made up paintings, sculptures and handmade tabletops, all done by the chef/owner. It's a quirky place, and off-beat interesting, but the food could be better.

This is one of my all time favorite restaurants. It is literally like dining at the owners house, and he does pretty much everything himself- literally! BYOB with no corkage fees make it easy and affordable. But back to the important part- the food! Absolute dinamite. I've had most the menu, and not once was it less than fantastic. There is a baked eggplant special that always seems available, but never on the menu, which is my favorite. The mombar namesake is pretty special as well. One thing worth noting: this is not a restaurant you can go to in a hurry. The owner does it all himself and from scratch, and it can take some time. But enjoy that wine and company you brought, and conversely the table is effectively yours for the night so enjoy it!

Great place! Go with friends. Everything comes out little by little and tastes great. You can have great Connor in between the starter and main course.

Delicious! Highly recommend eating the koshary, drinking the sahlab. Tasted like I was back in Egypt again only in Astoria! Remember, it is cash only but don't let stop you from supporting and treating yourself!

The man who owns & designed the whole restaurant is an amazing chef, a creative and kind soul and just everything in his restaurant gives the best feeling ever. The food is beyond delicious, everything about the restaurant is an absolute 10/10 MUST SEE