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    Al-Sham Sweets

    4.6 (331 reviews)
    Closed 11:00 am - 10:30 pm

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    Pistachio baklava $4
    Ed S.

    This baklava got something extra going on in the background that makes me keep eating more trying to figure it out. Got 3 pieces for $4 each and it's well worth the price. Service is friendly, and knowledgeable with the person behind the counter patiently answering my questions. The store is clean, well stocked and the display tempts you to want to try everything and for $22/lb in May 2026, you might want to.

    Chicken shawarma
    Merci M.

    Saw kebab meat on the window and immediately went inside. Was craving a gyro.... Oops. This is not a Greek restaurant, it's a Syrian Restaurant (Middle Eastern). Attempted to order take-out, however the cashier was on the phone talking to someone. Upon talking again and waiting she took my order. We ordered the chicken shawarma with more sauce. The garlic sauce is so good, definitely a must have. The cold slaw was not bad, could use some pepper. The third round container was onions and peppers. The fries were gone in seconds. I managed to eat two pieces and my partner ate it all. The location look cozy but we didn't stay. Overall, I would return but this time I would order boxes instead of one.

    Cookies! 1/2lb. $6, 1 piece special baklava $1
    Joyce C.

    Everything is Excellent here! You MUST get a mini pistachio baklava ($1.25) or two. Their awning is true - the best baklava. I'm surprised I didn't write a review sooner. It's a small homey shop (to-go, no tables) & a bit overwhelming with all the options. But you must also try a piece of their kanafeh (by pound) in giant circular flat pans towards the back (1/4 pound is a small plate). I like the crispy version better than the soft version. kanafeh has a mild pressed cheese base(like a healthy mild sweet very thick cheesecake maybe?) & toasted phyllo dough vermicelli noodles on top. I don't think they drizzle it with a lot of honey or syrup. The soft version has I think semolina on top (saffron for color). Recently pointed to a "cake/custard" in the case that look like it sold a lot. I think it's Layali Lubnan. A semolina pudding with a thin cream layer top. The base was like a thick rice pudding (with the tiniest semolina beads). Lots of orange blossom and rosewater notes. Also tried the Ma'amoul on the top shelf closest to the window. It's a grainy shortbread filled with date paste. The worker gave a cookie on the way out (the finest flour ladyfinger sandwich with maybe apricot jam & half dipped in chocolate. A box of mixed cookies from the front window would be a great gift. The staff is very nice & will answer any questions but I always feel bad for holding up the line & have a lot to learn about the different types of baked goods & cookies. I just know that I can never go wrong with the pistachio baklava (small). I was recently looking for a good version of the Dubai Chocolate bar & the Queens Foodie FB group led me here. $7 for either a "thick" version or the regular version. The bars are smaller than what I've seen at nearby cafes or candy stores ($16-20), but they're the perfect portion (about 6" long) because the bar & pistachio cream is very sweet. The toasted kanafeh noodles inside were addictingly crispy. There was only a milk chocolate version, no dark chocolate option because they make everything in house (seems like dark chocolate is not as cost-effective for businesses?). This bakery is one of the best in Astoria & a true family-owned small business! The staff seems to know everyone that comes in. About a 15-20 minute walk from the Steinway subway station or take a quick ride on Q101 to this Little Egypt area. They're extremely busy during Ramadan FYI! But if it's an excuse to have some baklava & kadayfeh, I'll be there!

    Sandy L.

    I have been wanting to come back here a long time for their desserts and I finally picked some up today. The cheese knafe are so good as well as the variety of baklavas with different nuts. I got one of each: pistachio, almond and walnut. Guy was super nice and friendly. The ambiance is very traditional & authentic ambiance. I also asked for nut free for my kids and he recommended the two on the right w/o nuts.

    Idrees K.

    The BEST middle eastern sweets I've ever had! From the kunafe to the baklava to the cookies to the dubai chocolate. Everything is 10/10! In a popular North African and Middle Eastern area in Queens, this definitely stands out. The owner is a sweet guy and very helpful! If you want an authentic experience and welcoming atmosphere, definitely come here!

    Sweets Assortment!
    Vivienne C.

    Typically I think that baklava is too sweet but I'm actually in love with this place and I'll definitley be back. Keep in mind that it is cash only or Zelle which is interesting, and also there is no dine in. I got an assortment of sweets for $12 and my favorites were definitely the Bülbül Yuvası and the Fıstık Dolama. I honestly didn't know there were so many different types of baklava and I thought at first that they would all taste the same but because of the way the dough intersects with the nuts, they all have a very unique taste. Bülbül Yuvası especially surprised me because it had a significantly less sweet taste and it was also so dough-y like the traditional baklava. Also, I appreciate that it wasn't overally nutty as well. When we came, they had just sold out all their Dubai chocolates so I'll definitely be back to try those out!.

    Baklava and Knafeh
    Joe C.

    Al-Sham falls squarely into a time honored adage in my family which loosely translates to "if you see people lining up for something in the boroughs, get on because it's gonna be fire." While on the way back to the subway from Abuqir Seafood, where we had an exceptional meal, we noticed a line of folks waiting in the cold to get in to Al-Sham. We should probably get on line (see above). Hitting all of the marks, the smell, the sights, and the service were fantastic. We sampled a few of the sweets offered - the pistachio baklava, mixed nuts baklava, the smooth Knafeh, and the crispy Knafeh. I wasn't sure that it was possible but each one was better than the last, and then we started over again and each bite was even better. It didn't make sense and I'll have to continue to run experiments to see how that could even be. Honestly, these were some of the best deserts that I've ever had, and well worthy of a rare five stars. Cash / Zelle only. No seating. Simply exceptional.

    Jason T.

    Ate here today with a group of cyclists to try this place out for the first time for brunch. We had definitely gotten different kinds of pastries and it looks really good. We definitely shared and ate together and it was absolutely delicious. The service there was also attentive and super fast. We couldn't agree more about it. Finally, I would definitely eat and come back again next time! :)

    Andie E.

    Al-Sham Sweets is a hidden gem and my favorite Middle Eastern Bakery. I first discovered this place in 2017 and have never forgotten about them. It's a tiny place (no seating) but they have alot to offer! There are sooooo many different kinds of sweets/desserts to pick from. It's really difficult to choose just one item since they ALL look fantastic! They sell numerous versions of Baklava in all sorts of shapes and fillings. My favorite item here is any of their Knafeh desserts; so decadent and satisfying!! I usually don't like overly sweet desserts but I make an exception with Knafeh! For those not familiar with Knafeh (also spelled Kunafa or Kanafa), it's made from shredded Phyllo, cheese and soaked in attar (a sweet syrup); serve warm but can also be eaten cold. There are many versions of Knafeh; with some which include pistachios or other nuts. No matter which version you pick, the Knafeh will leave you craving for more! It's sold by the pound; a generous portion will cost about $6. They also sell Dubia Chocolate!!! This is the latest dessert craze on social media, and Al-Sham's version does not disappoint! Their version is also the cheapest in the neighborhood! Most other places sell these 4 oz Dubai Chocolate Bars for $9 ($20 in Long Island...yikes!), but Al-Sham sells theirs for $7. This is definitely a treat and you should try it at least once. Al-Sham Sweets has been here for many years, and has a huge following, for good reason! Highly recommended!

    Anna S.

    Great selection of middle eastern pastries. It is a bit overwhelming as none of the items are labeled so you would have to ask the staff for more information. The pastries are very decadent and more so on the sweeter side. It's perfect for sharing small bites. I tried this rose water milk pudding that I've never had before and it's so good! It's definitely not as sweet which is what I like. We also got other nut packed pastries and there were plenty that had chocolate covering as well. This place would be my frequent visit if only I lived walking distance from it. *CASH ONLY*

    Baklava heaven
    Gab G.

    **CASH ONLY** This place is a baklava emporium. Stopped in after dinner down the block and went with just a few options - the pistachio baklava, mixed nuts baklava and mini kunafeh - but I could have eaten the whole case if left to my own devices. The mixed nuts baklava was my boyfriend's favorite, while I preferred the pure pistachio. Just incredible all around.

    Store Entrance
    Melissa G.

    The smell as soon as you walk in is intoxicating. I smelled sugar and chocolate, and was delighted by the display cases of sweets. My boyfriend and I shared Crispy Knafeh. It is sold by the pound, and was so delicious that my eyes bulged out of their sockets in delight, like a cartoon. If you are lucky enough to end up here, you HAVE TO GET the Knafeh. They are cash only, but they do have an ATM inside.

    Kunafeh with Ishta (cream). Probably my favorite one
    Moe T.

    A gem of a place serving authentic Arabic sweets. The original place to bring kunafeh to the neighborhood. Overwhelming amount of options but everything is very fresh and delicious.

    1/2 pound Kanefe (top), 1/2 pound mixed baklava (bottom)

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    6 months ago

    Simply the best - or among the top 5 baklava/knafpe places in town. I do not live nearby, but I often find a way to get out there.

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    2 years ago

    Theeee best. Cash only. Everything is delish. Service is great. Fast and easy! Highlyyy recommend.

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    1 year ago

    Their desserts are the bomb.. kinafe and other specialty sweets are DALISH... def give them a try.

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    Zikrayat Restaurant and Lounge

    Zikrayat Restaurant and Lounge

    4.4(8 reviews)
    0.0 miAstoria

    Ordered: Mint Lemonade (~$9)…read moreHummus (~$12) Baba Ganouj (~$12) Grilled Eggplant (~$12) 5pc Falafel (~$12) Tabouleh (~$12) Fatoush (~$12) Grape Leaves (~$12) Zikrayat Mix Grill (~$35): with chicken kebab, beef kebab, lamb kofta and lamb chops with rice, grilled tomato & pepper, spiced bread, and yogurt sauce Aya's take: Zikrayat recently rebranded and changed managers, so I found myself back here for a family dinner. We ordered a bunch of appetizers to share and Mix Grill entrees for our party of 7. I would say it's a pretty simple and standard order. No deviations, substitutions, or anything out of the ordinary. Despite that, our drinks took ~20 minutes, the appetizers took 30+ minutes, and our entrees 30+ minutes after that. The Mint Lemonade was so small and tasted artificial. For ~$9, I expect more. The only appetizers worth trying are the Hummus Baba Ganouj, and Falafel. Everything else sadly missed the mark. The Fatoush & Tabouleh were promising but pretty sad. It lacked dressing (lemon and olive oil), flavor, and there were way too many unnecessary lettuce leaves on or around the bowl. I did enjoy the Zikrayat Mix Grill. The meats were tender, well-seasoned, and juicy, the rice was light and fragrant, and it was filling. I found the appetizers to be overpriced and along with the extremely slow service, I didn't leave feeling like it was worth it. I don't think I'll be back.

    Went for Ramadan buffet, nice people, great display; so many different choices of food. They know…read morehow to cook meat tenderly! Seems like a great place to smoke hookah and chill later on in the night. Glad we spend Iftar there 2 different times. We will return again next year.

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    Zikrayat Restaurant and Lounge
    Zikrayat Restaurant and Lounge
    Zikrayat Restaurant and Lounge

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    Levant - Free baklava and knefe/kunafa/kunefe. Both were good (baklava was better.) Thanks for the freebees

    Levant

    4.5(50 reviews)
    0.1 miAstoria

    Levant is one of my favorite new spots, and a great addition to the neighborhood. The feteer game…read moreis stronger than ever. First off the place is so cute, it's a long narrow restaurant with a good amount of seating, and you can watch them make and bake the feteer fresh to order. The people are so nice there and the food was DELICIOUS I do recommend setting aside some time or calling ahead if you can since it can take around 20 minutes to assemble this delicious creation. Get the mixed meat one and you will not be disappointed. The melty, gooey cheese runs throughout the large hefty chunks of meat sandwiched within this rich, delicious bread that keeps it all together. I ate the whole thing myself in a day. Don't forget to throw on the hot and white sauce on it too!

    Came here for my birthday dinner celebration with friends. We ordered a few platters with rice &…read moremeats with hummus, eggplant,fries & a shawarma feteer. The platters were all delicious and the servings are big. It was my first time trying fetter and I heard that this place has the best and it did not disappoint! Excellent hospitality and ambient, you feel right at home here and are treated as so. Once the weather gets warmer we will definitely return to sit in the back courtyard that I didn't even know they had. Another gem in this area, so much rich culture.

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    Levant - Beautiful Lighting!

    Beautiful Lighting!

    Levant - Lotus Feteer. $23. Not too sweet even with the biscoff and powdered sugar. Excellent

    Lotus Feteer. $23. Not too sweet even with the biscoff and powdered sugar. Excellent

    Levant

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    Ayat - Fried Halloumi Cheese

    Ayat

    3.9(35 reviews)
    1.0 miAstoria

    4.5 Stars...Rounding up to Five Stars!…read more What a beautiful restaurant! I had read so many raving articles about Ayat, and have been wanting to go for the longest time. They have branches all over NY but when they opened one in Astoria, Queens, we finally went! Ayat is a little pricier than some restaurants in the area but you're paying for a quality meal, and it was so worth it...really!! Shout-out to our server Tyler, who was great in every way! He provided us with everything we needed before we even asked. Thanks so much, Tyler! Menu shared by 6ppl: -- 2 orders of Salata Filistini Salad ($9): very small portion. We actually wanted to try their Watermelon Feta Salad but it's no longer on their menu. This Salata Filstini Salad was a poor replacement and nothing special. Skip this and try another salad. -- Meze Filistini (6 spreads & fresh pita) $32.75: Excellent! All 6 spreads were delicious with the warm, fresh pita. All 6 spreads were fresh & tasty. You can tell they used quality ingredients. -- Lamb Chops w.rice, salad & tahini sauce (4 chops/$39.50): Excellent dish! The lamb chops were prepared perfectly and the Tahiti sauce really complimented the lamb. Get this!! -- 2 orders of Mixed Grill w.rice, salad & yogurt sauce ($37): Fantastic platter with one lamb chops, Beef Kebab, Kofta Kebab and Chicken Kebab. The chicken was a tad bit overcooked and dry, but the other meats were perfect. Recommended! -- Fattat Lahma (6 layer dish: meat, rice, chickpeas, garlic, tahini, crispy pita; garnished w.almond slices & mint) $31: This was an excellent dish. Someone had warned me that this tends to be dry, and to order this with extra yogurt sauce...great advice! We indeed ordered this with extra yogurt sauce, and honestly could have used even more! Haha But this was a great dish! I would get this again. -- 2 orders of Knafa $15: This was slightly different from any Knafa I've ever had. It was very loose and dry but really tasty nonetheless! This was a large portion, but was perfect for 3 people sharing. All in all, this was a great meal. The freshness and quality of each dish really shined. I would definitely return to try other dishes and repeat some of the dishes we had tonight. Recommended!!

    Decided to go here for a special occasion lunch and boy were we disappointed!…read moreI could go to Shahs Halal or my local Greek restaurant for better quality and tasting food for 1/2 the price. For apps we got the dip spread and cigar rolls with beef. Tasty enough but nothing special. Took 15 minutes before we got some more pita to share between the four of us. For entree we got the mixed shawarma with fries. Big portion, fries were ok, meet slightly dry and the white sauce the gave us tasted like yogurt sauce that was watered down and had oil added to it, no good ! The biggest disappointment was the mixed grill. 1 tiny piece of lamb and 2 pieces each of chick, beef and kofta. Flavorless meat , flavorless rice and the meat was sooooooo dry. Kept chewing and chewing because scared to swallow and choke. I want to cry just thinking about how much better food we can get from a local place and we drove all the way from long island to try this place. I'm not even joking, I gave the meat to my dog for breakfast as to not waste food and even he didn't want it. That is the attached picture . Sooooo disappointed. Bathroom is dirty and not let clean. Not enough staff to ask for help or utensils or even the check. Lacking customer service skills.

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    Ayat
    Ayat - Even my dog didn't want to eat it

    Even my dog didn't want to eat it

    Ayat - Lamb Ouzi Royale

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    Lamb Ouzi Royale

    Al-Sham Sweets - desserts - Updated May 2026

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