Al-Sham Restaurant

Located on Steinway Street in Astoria, this unpretentious dining spot has earned a dedicated following for its budget-friendly Middle Eastern plates. The draw here is the construction of its chicken shawarma: juicy meat tucked into a flaky flatbread that holds its shape, paired with a balanced garlic sauce (toum) that avoids being overpowering. Known for exceptionally warm, prompt hospitality, the restaurant handles everything from quick solo lunches to large, spontaneous group gatherings with ease.