Azerbaijan Grill — Restaurant in Town of Hempstead

Azerbaijan cuisine may sound exotic, but only because Azerbaijan is one of those countries most of us know very little about. It turns out the cuisine is not exotic at all: it's very similar to Turkish food with a few differences here and there. Even just reading the menu taught me a lot about this country's cuisine!

I'm torn about the grade. I thought the appetizers were lackluster, the main course was superb, and the dessert was very good. I'm going to give this restaurant the benefit of doubt and give it 4 stars. We'll come back some day and let that arbiter between "A-OK" and "Yay, I'm a fan!"

Sambuse: B Think of it as a fried pierogi with lentil insides instead of potatoes. Or perhaps as a samosa. Very fried. The inside was slightly plain. The inside lentil mash could've used some spices or herbs for flavoring. Also, more filling and less outside dough would make the dish better.

Babagonosh: B Beautiful fiery flavor, and none of the bitterness that babagonosh can sometimes have. However, too many eggplant seeds! I found them distracting, not to mention unsuitable for a toddler (which is a shame b/c babagonosh is a perfect food for babies!) I wouldn't order it again just because there were too many eggplant seeds.

Sigara Borek: B Somewhat similar to Turkish sigara borek, except these are much thicker and deeper fried. Nice fry color. A bit too much cheese filling. I liked the crispiness, although I would understand if someone felt that it's too deeply fried, and that deep fry + cheese = too oily. I thought it was good, but could be improved upon.

Kobideh Kabob: A+ Beautifully char-grilled. The meat is tender and flavorful (the benefit of being chopped meat!) No gristle, fat, or bone to speak of, so the quality is good. It was served with beautiful rice (nice two toned touch!) and wonderfully grilled vegetables. I would say this dish easily feeds two people. Easily.

Persian Ice Cream: A- Overtones of rose water and pistachio. If you ever forget where in the world Azerbaijan is, think of this ice cream and you'll instantly be reminded that Azerbaijan borders Iran! The ice cream is probably home made (it's cut into cubes -- very nice touch!) however, I'm deducting a grade notch because the ice cream was very clearly freezer burned. You can see it in my pictures. My suggestion: The ice cream shouldn't be kept in the freezer for so long. Or if you do, don't keep it in the freezer as cut up cubes. Cut the cubes after you take the ice cream out of the freezer to serve it (and scrape off the freezer burn before cutting the cubes). This way, your customers won't get freezer burned ice cream.

Turkish Coffee: A+ A perfect cup of Turkish coffee! It pairs beautifully with the...

This is one of the best places for Persian and Turkish foods around. They offer delicious meals and at a good value for the money. They are tucked in the strip mall shopping area just close to the corner of Post and Merrick Avenues on Old Country Road. The interior reminds me of a British Colonial with light minty walls, white moldings and dark wood furnishings with floral and scenic paintings. The owner offers you a welcoming and friendly greeting. There are nightly specials, and my husband loves their Lamb Stew particular best. They serve toasted pitas with yogurt sauce as you ponder the many choices. We always start with the Spinach Pie. There is nothing like their preparation around. Crispy layers of pastry puff up in between a delightful melange of feta and spinach. The also serve a delicious Tabouleh Salad, chopped and flavorful. For my main entree, I usually enjoy their kabobs. You can select ground lamb, ground lamb, and beef, chicken, shrimp, and salmon. All entrees are served with either saffron or brown rice and grilled onion and tomato. I also enjoy their marinated lamb chops. Additionally, I dispense with the rice and order double vegetables and then enjoy the extra grilled eggplant, squash, zucchini and mushrooms. We often share these, and if I take rice, I mix in their yogurt sauce. What a phenomenal meal! For those concerned about spice, not to worry. The food is not Spicy in a heated way; it is flavorful. Paprika, dill, parsley, cardamom, and cumin are favorite seasonings. They also prepare the lamb, chicken, cornish hens, and fresh fish dishes as well. So add a little spice to your life, dine in at...

Loved Azerbaijan Grill. It is a distinct establishment, operating independently and specializing in Mediterranean cuisine. It is recognized for its exceptional chargrilled kebabs and an array of traditional dishes, reflecting the rich culinary traditions of the Mediterranean and Middle East. The menu shines with its variety, including stews, dips, and vegetarian options such as mousakka and assorted vegetable plates, making it a favored choice for those in pursuit of authentic tastes. The ambiance of Azerbaijan Grill is designed to be comfortably casual, focusing on delivering a high-quality dining experience that emphasizes the flavors and authenticity of the food rather than the decoration. This commitment to quality and authenticity makes Azerbaijan Grill a must-visit for enthusiasts of Mediterranean cuisine.

Please note, Azerbaijan Grill and Sufiya’s Mediterranean Grill in East Meadow are separate entities and should not be confused with one another. Each restaurant offers its own unique take on Mediterranean and Middle Eastern dishes, contributing to the rich culinary landscape...