Cuisine: 7 Service: 8 Decor: 8 Value: 7 Overall: 7 This is a lovely little restaurant with a very friendly owner named Sammy. If you are looking for a neighborhood place to dine regularly, this spot is not a bad choice. As for food, I think the beat thing they make is the falafel, which are crunchy on the outside and loose on the inside. The rest of the El Toum Appetizers was just okay. I didn't love their hummus, baba ganoush, or tabouli. The accompanying pita bread was average as well. On the Mix Kebab Platter, the kofta was tender, though could be more juicy and flavorful. The lamb was decent too, but the surprise was the chicken. For Breast meat, it was extremely moist and delicious. I do wish the food was slightly better, but definitely decent enough that I would come back. Like I said, not a bad place to grab a bite if you live nearby. read more

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Sami is wonderful and welcoming. He cooks everything in house, freshly made in the kitchen. It's small but plenty of magic happens there. The mixed grill is delicious. ALL the meats have a nice seasoning and flavor on them. The salmon was good but too soft for my liking. The artichoke appetizer was enjoyable but I wish it had some sumac and a bit of tahini on top of it to give it more flare. The tabouleh, famous, hummus and baba ganoush were very flavourful. The garlic was prominent. We also got the burger on a different day and it was perfectly cooked. The fries were thick. Very good fries. Dessert... I love that he doesn't add a lot of sugar syrup to his desserts. They are balanced so well. The taste of rose water with the sugar coating the phillo sheets is comforting. The restaurant decor is simple. I love the mosaic candle lights and the random welcoming signs and pictures of Lebanon landmarks. Mera's Tip: eat here read more

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Most welcoming neighborhood spot serving consistently delicious food is also a worthwhile destination. Just go.

This restaurant is my favorite in Jackson Hts the food is excelent, and you feel at home. Sam is an excellent host.

Small out of the way place which I never would have found without help from a facebook group. Owner is the cook and it shows. I came in for one thing on the menu which is ful madames. It's not as popular as hummus and very hard to find here. Can't go wrong with a real middle eastern breakfast. Hummus with Ful some salad falafel balls and hard boiled eggs which is not on the menue but I will ask if he can make it next time. Very extensive menu which I saw people all around me eating but I was just enjoying traveling back in time to a breakfast I used to eat. read more

El Toum - Menu - Lebanese Near Me - Jackson Heights, New York

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My friends & I had another amazing meal at El Toum last night . As usual the food was fresh & so delicious. We had Falafel platters & sandwiches. The French fries are the best in City . The owner went far & beyond to make us feel welcome, he was extremely professional & courteous. Would recommend to all read more

A genuine welcome by Sammy, the owner! A good man, 1 man show! He's on top of his game- service with attention to details, guest relations, quality of his items on menu and always with his smile. Kudos! A nice small Lebanese restaurant. Warm and cozy. Friendly environment. People come and enjoy the ambiance. I loved my small app of Hummus and Salmon as my main served w/ sweet pot's and roasted carrots. Made my day! Voila! Definetely a sit in-out place. Success belongs to you‼ read more

El Toum - Great ambiance. - Lebanese Near Me - Jackson Heights, New York

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This is a solid restaurant . I didn't care for the chicken shawarma . It is smothered in what I presume is a sumac based sauce that is overpowering . Besides that , I loved everything else from their grilled chicken , crispy fresh falafel , breads and hummus . Very fresh feel good after you eat kinda food . read more

El Toum - Chicken kebab with roasted veggies - Lebanese Near Me - Jackson Heights, New York

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This is going to be one of our new neighborhood go-tos! We've lived here for a couple years now just 2 blocks away and somehow haven't stopped in--we're so glad we did! The owner was SO kind from the very beginning. We were welcomed and made to feel like we were regulars right away. He was also SO accommodating and switched the side salad that came with my meal to another on the menu that I was looking at. He also checked to make sure we weren't too cold sitting outside. Really great customer service!! When the food came out, we had a small incident where he spilled some sauce on my sweater. He immediately ran to the back to get club soda and napkins and profusely apologized. He then did everything he could to go above and beyond to make up for it and he really did. Now for the food!!!! Absolutely delicious. I got the salmon kebabs and this was some of the best salmon I've ever had. It was cooked perfectly and the flavors were incredible. Both me and my husband had zero food left on our plates! Even with the spill, we can't wait to go back. Definitely recommend! read more

Really the best burger in the neighborhood. The patty is about an inch thick and cooked to perfection! read more

El Toum - El Toum Burger - Lebanese Near Me - Jackson Heights, New York

This place is a gem. Ate there on Tuesday, had to return Thursday because it was so good! The service is great. Try the tea in a beautiful tea service set. We had sandwiches and salads and food with lots of fresh pita. Everything was beautifully plated and delicious. read more

Amazing place. One person is the cook ,waiter and maitre de... very small place that couldn't be any better... great food large portions and good prices.. read more

Delicious middle eastern standards like pita, baba ganouj, hummus, and I liked the beet salad I ordered as well. Sami is so friendly and accommodating. It's tiny but cozy. Neighborhood gem! read more

El Toum is a cute spot tucked off of on a side street. The cozy restaurant was an amazing find on a cold winter day. Me and a friend;visiting from Berlin; stopped in on a Sunday to have a late lunch. The owner welcomed us in with such warmth, sat us down, and eagerly helped us with making our orders. We ordered the kofta sandwich, lamb shawarma, fried cauliflower, and French fries. Everything was delicious but the cauliflower was a show stopper! I could have licked the plate clean from it being so good! We had fresh lemonade to wash down the meal. 10 out of 10... would recommend! read more

A friendly environment and great food! Along with regular items -- from Middle Eastern favorites like falafel, etc., Sami's regulars and specials abound with flavor. How about spinach ravioli with grape tomatoes and sliced Portobello mushrooms, in a delish oil seasoned with delicate pieces of sauteed garlic and a hint of red pepper flakes. You don't have to go to Manhattan to get chef-quality food! read more

Pita was stale. Lamb kebabs were not fresh and overcooked, dry. Babaganoush too salty and liquidy. Even semolina dessert had no flavor. read more

A small business owned neighborhood restaurant that really feels like a neighbor. The food was amazing. The hummus came with beef, pita bread, and salad -- making it the perfect combination. The subtly citrusy salad really balances the nutty hummus. The beef and hummus combo is out of this world. THE KNAFEH!! Omg, it's soo good! It's not on the menu, but I've had knafehs before and I loved it, so I had one. I swear the people sitting next to me ordered one too after watching me eat the knafeh. I couldn't be quite over how good it was. The chocolate baklava was also really good! The service was amazing. The chef/waiter/(potentially) owner of the place was so friendly and he gave us an extra el toum when he saw my partner digging into his last spoons of it for his lamb shawarma. The price was also reasonable -- the perks of being in Jackson Heights/Queens. We had the hummus and beef, lamb shawarma, Lebanese tea, Knafeh, and Baklava for less than $50 before tips. Overall, I'm really satisfied to have found this little middle eastern food gem in Jackson Heights. Will come back and bring more friends! read more

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It was a packed Sunday night. But I invited 3 friends who drove all the way from Hempstead, Long Island. I told Sammy we are willing to wait. He found a way to accommodate us. And he didn't fail! My guests loved our lamb chop, burger, chicken shawarma, and my salmon. BTW, I am a regular. And guests or business brief discussion, i bring them here. The sweet dessert went fast also. read more

El Toum - Salmon - Lebanese Near Me - Jackson Heights, New York

The lamb kabab is my go-to because it is perfection. With a couple of falafel on the side. Heaven! And, Sami is the best.

Delicious food and the owner is very friendly. Definitely, I would come back here again. It's the gem in the neighborhood.

Really delicious chicken shawarma wrap. Great relaxing ambiance, and the owner is kind read more

El Toum - Lebanese Near Me - Jackson Heights, New York

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The food is delicious. The chef is super friendly. He remembers our names. He treats his customers like friends. It is Jackson Heights. Go and support this local business! read more

El Toum - Lebanese Near Me - Jackson Heights, New York

After seeing the write-up about great sandwiches in Eater I decided to pop in and give it a try and it does not disappoint! The lamb shawarma sandwich (which eater incorrectly labeled lamb leg sandwich) and the kofte sandwich were both seriously good. The sauce is garlic forward and the pita is so thin and delicate! It's a little messy to eat so be prepared for that. Personally I think the lamb sandwich would be that much better if the meat was sliced thin like a roast beef or something. In a time when going out to eat is outrageously expensive, I think being able to come with someone else and share two big sandwiches out the door is a very fair price! read more

El Toum - Half lamb shawarma sandwich and half kofte sandwich - Lebanese Near Me - Jackson Heights, New York

Nothing in this place an disappoint you- Food is amazing. Can not beat the service here. "Enter as strangers leave as friends" True statement. read more

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I love this place!!! Every time I'm there I feel like family. The food is all so delicious and fresh and healthy! Reasonably priced. read more

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Ate here today by myself for dinner after work as well. This was my first time eating Lebanese food and feeling curious about what to try, buy and eat. I had tried and brought the lamb wrapped shawarma, fried falafel and pita dip with hummus. It was pretty good, tasty, tender and delicious. The service there was great and attentive that I didn't feel rushed about what to choose. Finally, I would definitely eat and come back again! :) read more

El Toum needs a lot of help/work. This is a converted bagel shop that the owner decided to close and rebrand and open as a Lebanese restaurant. Unfortunately, they didn't give the interior a wipe down when they converted the restaurant. The interior is dim and greasy and gives the dingy feeling that this place has been there for years when in reality this location opened in November 2020. Toum, the name of the restaurant is a Lebanese garlic sauce. DO NOT ORDER THIS, it is inedible. Toum at others restaurants is a delicious garlic whip that is smooth and flavorful, El Toum misses the mark entirely. The first time we had the chicken shawarma sandwich it was so overwhelming it was hard to eat. Deciding to give them a second try we ordered the sauce on the side hoping they had refined the Toum recipe. Nope, thankfully we decided to ask for the sauce on the side so we were able to enjoy our sandwiches. The other items we have had were decent. The lentil soup flavorful. The pies are yummy. Skip the kibbeh, they don't use pine nuts and the "crust" is grainy. I want to see El Toum succeed. I hope they give the place a deep cleaning and refine the Toum sauce. read more

El Toum - Menu Page 1 - Lebanese Near Me - Jackson Heights, New York

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New restaurant in Jackson heights! I was looking for new spots in the area when I came across El Toum. I went in about 5pm and placed my order, the owner was super cool and very nice. It was about a 15 minute wait, which isn't bad. The food was fresh, and it was delicious! If you get the sandwich get it on the pita, the Lebanese pita bread is longer and thinner then a regular pita bread. The chicken kabob over rice was great. The chicken was nice and tender, the rice had raisins, and other spices which made it very flavorful. Portion size was great too! Check this place out if you're in the area ! read more

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El Toum = friendly owner, great food, and it really nice to sit outside on a nice, warm day. We've stopped by for lunch or dinner for a local date night or family dinner. We've had the chicken and lamb shwarma, chicken mediterranean, and the mixed appetizer of hummus, baba ganoush, tabbouli, falafel, and pita bread. Their garlic sauce is fire --- DELICIOUS. We will definitely come back again soon! read more

Owner/ chef is a class act Very nice gentleman The food is outstanding Very tasty and affordable Someone said hidden gem and they are 100% correct This is one of my fav spots ACTUALLY HOME STYLE food i cant explaing how good it is go try it asap!!! read more

Really good food but the owner is what makes this place special. Very personable and gives great recommendations. We'll be back read more

El Toum - El Toum Appetizer - Lebanese Near Me - Jackson Heights, New York

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El Toum is a great place to take friends and family - the Lebanese food is amazing! This time we ordered the mixed grill for two which included kebab, lamb, chicken, kofta, falafel, lamb chop, hummus, french fries and vegetables accompanied with pita bread. It was such a great combination of flavors and textures. The lentil and Swiss chard soup was also delicious! The owner is really welcoming and accommodating. It definitely gives us a sense of community that we don't always get eating out elsewhere. Not to mention that it's BYOB, so you get to bring your own bottle of whatever you want! All in all, every time we go we have a great time and I look forward to going back soon. read more

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The food! The service! The food!!! Order delivery .. go.. up to you, but definitely enjoy the delicious food and the QUALITY. We never feel guilt spending a little extra, and we always have leftovers. The staff is amazing and.... THE FOOD!!! read more

Great selection of Lebanese platters, sandwiches, and more. Falafel was perfectly cooked and loaded with veggies incl pickled turnips. Next time I'll request more tahini to go along with the hot (but not too hot) sauce. The mint lemonade is perfection! Thrilled to have this place in JH read more

El Toum - Falafel sandwich & Lamb Shwarma - Lebanese Near Me - Jackson Heights, New York

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Been here twice now, both as takeout options for weeknight dinner. Put an order in through Grubhub or by calling and the food is usually ready within half an hour. From my last couple visits, have had the Cornish Hen ($17), Fillet of Salmon ($15), Falafel Platter ($12), and the Babaganoush ($5). Both the cornish hen and salmon come with a side of potatoes, grilled veggies, and pita bread. Chicken is moist throughout and has good flavor, best to add some sauce with it. Salmon needs no extras as the fillet tastes fresh and is topped with roasted tomatoes. The first time I had the falafels they were on the greasy side; this was vastly improved on my second trip, which also has a side of tahini sauce for dipping. Babaganoush has a bit too much oil, though the kick of spice was a nice surprise - good to pair with the pita or falafel. Glad this spot is doing well even though I miss the original (Juju's) iteration here. Solid option for something different in the area. read more

El Toum - Outside - Lebanese Near Me - Jackson Heights, New York

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Maybe the best falafel we've ever had -- perfectly crispy on the outside and really moist inside. And the hummus and the baba ganoush were delicious. All the food has nice little additions that make it special -- some pickled radish in the side salad (I think) , raisins in the rice that comes with the excellent kofta, and a garlic sauce for the kofta. Can't wait to visit and try more of the menu. read more

If friendly was a category, El Toum gets an 11!!!! Each time I have visited, I am created like an old friend who just came back to town. But if friendly isn't your gig, the food will not disappoint. El Toum is serving up beautiful shawarma that isn't heavy handed in the spice department and maintains its moisture. The sauces are perfectly cool and don't drown out the main flavors of the protein. If I needed to criticize anything, it would be the dessert offerings. The pastries tend toward the dry and dense side but in no way are they memorable in a negative light. read more

My friend recommended El Toum. He lives a block away. He is discerning though. I like much more jazz than he does. We listen to jazz, is what we do. We also eat out, often in Jackson Heights, which must have the best ratio of ethnic food to the population, whether measured by diversity, cost, quality, or some amalgamation. My friend and I had dinner. We were the only occupied table indoors. The business did well by take out and a pair of outdoor tables that were occupied by diners the entire time. My friend is a fan of falafel made with fava beans, more common in Lebanon than elsewhere. He intends to have this restaurant cater his upcoming birthday party. We had that falafel. It was tasty. I'm not enough of a connoisseur to distinguish between what I ate and what I've eaten at other venues. It was fried delicately. I'd order it again quite happily. We also split two sandwiches, lamb and beef kofta. Those also were excellent. They were remarkably well priced. The total tab was less than I had anticipated, considerably. Some of the savings can be attributed to the BYOB aspect. I picked up a six pack around the corner. It was easy enough. They offered use of the bottle opener. I love Queens. There is so much to explore just in the blocks around this establishment. I intend to add this specific eatery to the rotation. I wish them well. read more

Today was my first time going here after a recommendation from a friend in the jackson heights neighborhood. It was absolutely delicious! I had the chicken kebab with salad. The chicken was slo tasty and tender! My nephew and friend gave me to try their chicken shawarma dish and it was amazing as well! Sammy was super friendly and attentive! It's a small and very cozy place. I loved that they play Arabic music making it an awesome experience. I definitely will return! read more

Delicious fries! My favorite things here lol. Falafel wrap is also good. It's totally decent (just not as good as my two fave falafels out there). read more