Love this place. Super kitschy decor that the guy did all himself. Ask him about his art! This place is a special treat. We went one time for the fun but were shocked when we realized how good the food was.
Really delicious food in a super quirky environment. Definitely worth a visit, and even a longer trip. The owner did almost the entire restaurant in his own artwork, and it is worth noticing all the details.
Excellent spot for Egyptian cuisine! Run by the brother of Kebab cafe, Mustafa.Mustafa has a very calm and attentive energy, and the restaurant is very nice with very homey energy. Cloth separator hanging between tables give a very intimate vibe for whoever you might be eating with.I ordered branzino when I went and my meal with amazing!
Absolutely fantastic experience. The owner Mustafa served delicious authentic Egyptian cuisine. The place is gorgeous with many pieces of art work made by the owner.
We initially didn’t notice this restaurant amidst the bright and shiny restaurants / hookah lounges on Steinway St. But I’m glad we noticed this gem and dined here. The owner Moustafa is a really interesting person - he’s also the chef, waiter, host and the designer of the place! The restaurant is a sneak peak into Chef’s artistic perspective and thought process. He’s clearly very passionate about what he does and no words can do justice to his craftsmanship. He was witty, entertaining and extremely welcoming. The food definitely takes time, but I think that’s an indispensable part of the experience and one shouldn’t complain about that. Food felt very home-like and tasted extremely delicious. The meat was cooked to perfection. The Lamb Shank with spinach was my favorite.Stepping into Mombar takes you to a different time and I’ll definitely be back for more.
This is my favorite restaurant in NYC (as an Egyptian-American who grew up in the city)! Everything about this restaurant is a labor of love by the owner. He is the waiter, artist, chef, you name it. The food is just divine, but the experience is even better. Don't come here when you're in a rush. Come for a long, lingering conversation and a great dinner.
This is an absolute hidden gem of Astoria, Queens, and is as authentic as it gets. Mustafa is the owner, chef, and menu curator. He is also the artist who designed the inside and the outside of the restaurant with a vividly colorful and diverse art collection. He is not only an artist, his dishes are art and it’s evident that this is his passion.The outside of the restaurant is decorated with tile and protection of the evil eye, and the inside is like walking into an artists living room. He will greet and seat you warmly as if you were visiting your dearest and most hospitable uncle.If you ask for a menu he will say, “I am the menu” with a giant grin. He goes to the market everyday to carefully curate his daily offering.I’ve been fortunate enough to have experienced Mombar 3 times. The first time I had a shared sampler of everything and couldn’t believe how flavorful and tender the meats were. The spices are out of this world. The second time I had tagine, and the third I had lamb shank. I recall a really good beet and legume salad.If you like Egyptian food, art, hospitality, and a vibrant dining experience, Mombar will exceed your expectations.
Thank you for a delicious meal and an amazing ambience. Thank you for showing me your art. Your restaurant is very unique and special. I will be back again soon.
Loved the whole experience. The decor was beautiful and the food was just like home-cooked Egyptian food. The owner is a jack of all traded and cooks, waits and serves so be prepared to hang out and enjoy the courses
Mombar is the place to go if you are looking for tasty and interesting food and a fun, eclectic atmosphere. During a recent visit, the owner and chef, Mustafa, prepared a gorgeous and flavorful array of Egyptian cuisine selections--just extraordinary. When in Astoria, visit this little jewel!