Sami's Kabab House LIC

"Sami’s Astoria location is one of our favorite Afghan restaurants, and we support the spread of their kebab gospel as far as it will go. For now, that’s just this second, smaller location in LIC. The lamb and beef kofta skewers, borani banjan, and tangy leek aushak are just as good as at the original spot, but there’s a lot less room for groups in this slender space, and most people come in for takeout. There are a few tables, and if you do eat in, you’ll get to enjoy some fresh naan right out of the oven." - neha talreja, bryan kim, hannah albertine, sonal shah, molly fitzpatrick

"Thanks to Sami’s, Astoria can claim some of NYC’s best Afghan food. Their lamb and beef kofta kebabs are worth a trip, and the vinegary leek aushak is a must-order. (You can get a vegetarian version without the lamb gravy.) With large parties sharing big platters of food, you might feel like you're crashing someone's family function here. This place is perfect for all your friends who would rate "putting on a bowtie" dead-last on the list of things they'd want to do on New Year's." - neha talreja

"Thanks to Sami’s, Astoria can claim some of NYC’s best Afghan food. Their lamb and beef kofta kebabs are worth traveling for, the borani banjan comes covered in yogurt that melts into a bed of fluffy seasoned rice, and the vinegary leek aushak is a must-order. Come for a family or group dinner, get a variety of kebabs, and pretend that you don’t fully intend to bogart multiple orders of Afghan bread." - bryan kim, neha talreja, sonal shah

"The Long Island City Sami’s Kabab House location is set up to be more fast-casual than the Astoria restaurant, but it’s just as delicious. Specializing in Afghan cooking, find mantu, kabuli pulao (a lamb dish with carrots and raisins), as well as lots of grilled meats — all halal friendly." - Eater Staff

"This Afghan restaurant in Astoria pulls you in from the street with the smell of spices and grilled meat. Traditional Afghan decorations drape the walls and always make us feel like we’re eating in a friendly stranger's dining room. The portions here are big (perfect for sharing), and the staff will probably treat you better than your siblings do. Get at least one plate of mixed kababs over a bed of seasoned rice, and don’t forget to ask for plenty of white and green sauces for the table. " - hannah albertine, kenny yang