Zeina's Cafe and Catering — Restaurant in City of Utica

It is rare that I give a five-star overall review and extremely rare that I also give five stars for food, service and atmosphere, but this lucky find deserves more stars than Google makes available. Driving on the Thruway toward exit 31, I asked Google Maps for a nearby, top-rated, mid-priced restaurant and this place came up. From start to finish it was not only impressive but just kept getting better. We were greeted at the door and invited to sit anywhere we wanted. When we indicated a table, the owner's son escorted us there. We were then greeted by the owner, Layla. The sincerity she exuded really made us feel welcome and convinced us she was 100% sincere when she said "I am so glad you have come here!" Immediately after this, her husband offered us complementary home-brewed Lebanese coffee direct from the authentic briki (cezve, ibrik). I brew mine the same way, but learned a little trick from Albert that I will begin implementing. This place is family run and the whole time you are here you will feel like you are part of this family. People come in and get hugs from the owners and then they joke with each other at length -- the whole atmosphere is just one of community and appreciation across ethnicities and cultures accompanied by plenty of excellent food -- so many good things that used to be part of neighborhoods like Whitesboro and cities like Utica 50 to 100 years ago. We felt transported into a past realm of folks who held family and community in great esteem -- the kind of people that built Great Cathedrals, like the one down the block. We spent a long time bantering with the tables around us. As we were leaving, we learned that we had been interacting with some high-level political persons enjoying an incognito meal. I have found that a place frequented by judges, attorneys and mayors is one of the best ways to identify the highest quality local food. And if they are regulars in plain clothes, as I observed here, that's the maximum recommendation. I regularly drive three hours drive to and from the Adirondacks and I will be changing my route to add a half an hour just to stop at this place on every trip I make in the future. We had seven people from three different families in our party and everyone felt the same about this place -- blown away by the food, the feel, and the family. I had permission from everyone I interacted with to post the media I have placed alongside this review, including a video recording of the type of conversation that helps illustrate the unique and super-special vibe of...

The epitome of a mom and pop shop. I walked in for the first time and was greeted by one of the owners who introduced herself to me and invited me to sit down. I told her it was my first time and she asked my name then explained what their business was about and told me about the other restaurant run by other family members.

As I sat down, I had 3 people waiting on me, the husband and wife owners and one of the employees. I said, "Wow, you make a guy feel important!" She put her hand to her heart and said, "You are very important! You come to our restaurant, you are important to us." And they certainly kept that vibe going during my visit.

It was obvious that many of the customers were regulars, joking and laughing with the owners.

I ordered the lamb gyro with a side of grape leaves and an iced tea. As I was devouring the delicious grape leaves, the wife came out with a big bowl of pole beans and lamb chunks on top of rice asking me if I'd like to try it. She had just made it that morning. Holy cow, was it delicious!

Gyro arrived and I was almost too full to even eat it, but being the champ that I am, I muscled through. More deliciousness.

The wife checked on me several times while I was eating, showing her sincere appreciation each time.

Finally, the husband stopped by my table with a small pot of coffee asking if I'd like some. Sure do!

Such a great experience! They treat you like family whether you're a first-timer or a regular. I can definitely see myself becoming a regular here.

Get yourself to this gem of an eatery in the Brewery District of Utica. If you leave hungry, it's...

Wanted some Lebanese food while staying in Utica for the night. This place had good reviews so decided to give it a try. Construction going on outside and wasn’t even sure if it was open. When we walked in we thought ok maybe it’s just take out. But we were greeted with dine in or take out? We rounded the corner and there was s a dining room. Seems like a cute family place. Waitress was friendly and attentive. They had the usual items at a Lebanese restaurant. I really liked third pita. It was the thinner kind. It was kind of chilled and I wished it was just a little warmed. We ordered the appetizer sampler platter. You can choose 4 items. We got hummus, babaganoush, grape leaves and had to substitute a 4th item with falafel. Everything was delicious up to this point. My husband ordered Zeina platter with rice and salad and side of fries. I had the mixed chicken and beef gyro. The portions were large. Food was tasty. I had to take 1/2 the gyro to go after all the appetizers. I was completely satisfied with the meal and will definitely return. The gentleman that was behind the counter was very welcoming and friendly as well, striking up conversation. I was disappointed they must have run out of Baklava which is my favorite. Will have to try next time! Recommend to anyone with a healthy appetite looking for something in the area other than chain restaurants and typical...