Charcoal Gardenia — Restaurant in New York

This is THE BEST restaurant I’ve been to EVER! For context, I’ve worked in this industry for over 10 years. The staff accommodates every customer with care and a genuine positive regard. The service is attentive, kind, and professional. I loved the parking lot, I’m used to paying for garages or valet and this was beyond convenient.

The presentation for the food speaks for itself. Not only is it visually stunning, but it is the most flavorful and well executed Palestinian food I’ve had. Each dip in the mixed mezze is fresh and perfectly balanced. I wanted to eat it by the spoonful, but inhaled it with the fluffiest warm pita instead. The calamari is perfectly cooked and seasoned. I also tried the cheese rolls which were so texturally satisfying. The fatoosh is genuinely the only salad I’ve ever had that I’d cross a bridge for. The dressing was tart, bright, yet not too acidic as it is in most restaurants. Whoever picks their produce deserves a kiss on the forehead. I could’ve had a bucket of the tomatoes. I loved the fried pita bowl, it was so fun to crack open! I also had the beef shawarma sandwich wrapped in fresh Saj bread. The sandwich was the size of an anaconda, but I devoured it. Beef was seasoned with care, amazing Maillard reaction with a phenomenal flavor profile with the toppings. I LOVE LOVE LOVED the fries which are cut in house and dipping them in the garlic sauce. My friend ordered the filet mignon kebab which was spicy and so tender.

Ugh the desserts were so good and gorgeous I could’ve cried!! We had two crepes to share even though we were stuffed. The Palestinian crepe is the chicest play on knafa. It was surprisingly so light. Gooey warm, sweet cheese in a delicate crepe with simple syrup and pistachios. Every ingredient is incredibly vibrant and thoughtful. The ferrero crepe will be in my dreams tonight. Also have to give a Lombardi trophy to the refreshing, nostalgic strawberry matcha! It reminded me of the strawberry milk I used to have as a kid but all grown up. Don’t get me started on the Dubai strawberry cup, it’s a decadent luxury. Every strawberry is so fresh, the chocolate and pistachio sauce taste like money!! 1000/10 I can’t recommend this gem of a...

This restaurant had really nice décor and a great ambiance if you’re coming with a group of friends. However, it’s not the most family-friendly spot since it also doubles as a hookah lounge. The music was incredibly loud, making it hard to hear the person next to you.

Our waiter was nice but a bit cold—he didn’t talk much. The menu offers a big variety of appetizers but not as many main dishes. The appetizers and dips were absolutely delicious, and I highly recommend the mixed appetizer plate—it was the star of the meal. The hummus was smooth and fluffy, the labneh was creamy like cream cheese, and the muhammara was packed with flavor. The roasted eggplant dip had a great smoky taste. They kept serving us fresh homemade bread, which was warm and seriously addicting. The cheese-filled rolls were also really tasty.

The kibbeh was good but a bit dry, though I appreciated the big pieces of pine nuts and herbs inside. The fattoush was just okay—it leaned too sour and watery for my taste. Unfortunately, the mains were a bit of a letdown. The maqluba didn’t seem fresh—it arrived at room temperature. The mixed grill was also just okay, not piping hot off the grill like it should be. The shawarma meat wasn’t authentic at all; instead of being shaved off a spit, it was just pre-cooked chunks of meat.

On the bright side, I really liked the variety of sauces they served with the food, especially the spicy one. The mint drink was also really refreshing. One issue was that sometimes the waiter would disappear, and we’d have to wait a while to get something, even though there were only a couple of other groups in the food area.

One highlight was that they did a big birthday song and dance for my sister, with several servers coming over to wish her a happy birthday, which was a really nice touch. However, I was disappointed that they didn’t have any authentic Palestinian desserts like kunefe—only Western-style, chocolate-based options.

Other than a few critiques here and there, the people at the restaurant were lovely and super nice. I’d come back for the appetizers and ambiance but probably not for the...

I absolutely loved loved loved this place. I wish I could give it 10 stars. Everything about this restaurant was perfection. The food was amazing. I went for the Palestinian buffet, and it did not disappoint. There were a variety of dishes, and everything was delicious. True homemade cooking made with lots of love. You can truly taste the love. My favorite was the maqlouba, vegetable soup, fattoush salad, and the chicken and potatoes. The meat was so tender, and everything was cooked to perfection. I didn't feel heavy or lethargic afterward because you can tell they use quality ingredients and they don't cook with pounds of oil, which I really appreciate. I truly felt at home at this restaurant. It was so nice to be surrounded by other Muslims, and the TV was showing the beautiful kabba. The old school Arabic music in the background was also a nice touch. The staff were all so kind and welcoming. My friend was a little difficult with her hooka, and one of the waiters was so kind and patient about the whole thing. Thank you for an amazing experience. I will definitely be coming back. The only complaint I have is their location, lol. I had to take 2 buses to get there, but it was so worth it. Can you guys please open a location in Brooklyn? Lol. Do yourself a favor and go check them out. You won't be disappointed. Also the one thing that really stood out to me was the thoughtfulness in the layout of the restaurant and the accessibility. As a social worker and auntie of a special needs kiddo this really touched my heart. They are very accommodating mashalla and go out of their way to make everyone feel welcome and respected. Thank you for an amazing experience. Can't wait to bring my niece and other...