Mombar - Astoria

TLDR: Cash only One man show Long wait time Decent food but pretty expensive Chef El Sayed was very welcoming and kind when walked in for dinner right when Mombar opened at 5. There are no menus and the chef will tell you what is being served that day so make sure you listen carefully. He is a one man show so it took nearly an hour to get our appetizer and then another hour to get our entrees. While we were waiting, we kept hearing him open and shut the door to the microwave and press the buttons to heat up food. Not sure why so many reviews say the food is really fresh. It seemed pretty clear to me that the veggies in the tajin were frozen from a mixed vegetable bag. The vibe of the place was also interesting. The tapestries and artwork make for a very cozy vibe, but the dinning area is not kept very clean. I had a seat facing some of the artwork and it was pretty obvious nobody had ever dusted around there. Not sure why the city gave it an A for sanitation. Cost $90 before tip for hummus, fava beans, tajin and lamb shank. Seemed a bit steep for the quality that we were served. Chef seemed like a lovely man, but seems like he could use a hand running the show.

This place is amazing. The food is delicious, the service is great and the atmosphere truly resembles an authentic restaurant. Mostafa the chef is amazing he greets you personally and lets you know what’s on the menu. He also has an amazing way of greeting you and checking on you while you eat makes you feel as if you are dining at home.

Celebrated our friends Bday here. It was so good. Home cooked meals, served by the wonderful owner. Great service and food. Worth the wait.

Mombar is an absolute gem. We went here and had one of the best dinners in a very long time. What makes Mombar special is not just the delicious food and cozy atmosphere but the owner Moustafa treats you like family when you’re there. It’s a one man show running the whole place, so please be patient, but the food and the experience is worth it. After we dined on a variety of excellent dishes like the chicken tagine, eggplant, lamb shank and others, Moustafa walked us around the restaurant and showed us all of his handmade decor that he has crafted over the past few decades to make the restaurant one of a kind. He has many awards and accolades to his name, and he is deserving of every single one. We look forward to returning soon!

Living work of incredibly sincere art, in which the artist generously allows visitors to sit and have a meal. Really incredible. He has the daily menu memorized. We had hummus, cauliflower with a light pomegranate sauce, lamb shank, and koshary.