Welcome to Little Morocco Astoria, a vibrant culinary gem nestled in the heart of Astoria, NY. This cozy Moroccan eatery is located at 24-39 Steinway St. and has gained a loyal following, thanks in part to its authentic flavors and warm hospitality.
Traditional Moroccan Tagine dish.
If you’re searching for a culinary escape into the rich tapestry of Moroccan cuisine, look no further than Little Morocco. The aroma of spices greets you as you enter, instantly transporting you to the bustling streets of Marrakech. It is not just a meal; it's a celebration of culture, making it a must-visit for anyone craving genuine Moroccan cuisine.
A Taste of Morocco in Every Dish
This family-owned establishment, characterized by its inviting atmosphere, offers an impressive array of Moroccan specialties that cater to every palate. From the famous Merguez platter to comforting tagines like lamb shank and flavorful kofta, each dish is crafted with love and a hint of spice.
Here are some of the culinary highlights:
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- Chicken Kebab Sandwich: A mouth-watering option priced at $9.99.
- Beef Kofta Kebab: Satisfyingly seasoned and also priced at $9.99.
- Lamb Kebab Sandwich: An aromatic delight for $10.99.
- Chicken Shawarma Sandwich: A fan-favorite, priced at $9.99, it offers an incredible burst of flavors.
- Kebda Platter: A liver delicacy for $14.99, perfect for the adventurous eater.
- Seafood Options: Daily seafood dishes include 1 lb. of grilled shrimp for $27.99, served alongside rice or a house salad.
But it isn’t just the kebabs that shine here. Guests rave about the tantalizing tagines, with dishes like the lamb shank and beef tajine being particularly noteworthy. As one customer described, "The food came quickly and was delicious, with the lamb perfectly spiced and the rice cooked to perfection." It's clear that the kitchen takes pride in serving traditional Moroccan meals that are both authentic and flavorful.
For those who want to savor fresh, crunchy flavors, the Grilled Chicken Salad ($11.50) and the Greek Salad ($11.50) are crafted with love, ensuring you leave feeling nourished and satisfied. The hummus here is described as “perfect,” making it an essential accompaniment to your meal.
Table: Popular Dishes and Prices
| Dish | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken Kebab Sandwich | $9.99 | Mouth-watering and flavorful |
| Beef Kofta Kebab | $9.99 | Satisfyingly seasoned |
| Lamb Kebab Sandwich | $10.99 | Aromatic and delightful |
| Chicken Shawarma Sandwich | $9.99 | Bursting with flavors |
| Kebda Platter | $14.99 | Liver delicacy for adventurous eaters |
| Grilled Shrimp (1 lb) | $27.99 | Served with rice or salad |
| Grilled Chicken Salad | $11.50 | Fresh and crunchy |
| Greek Salad | $11.50 | Fresh and crunchy |
How To Make a Lamb Tagine - Traditional Moroccan Recipe
A Community Hub
An equally appealing aspect of Little Morocco is the sense of community it fosters. Guests often share tables where the conversations flow just as freely as the mint tea, enhancing every dining experience. One memorable review noted how a family fortune shared dessert and stories, making the meal feel like a homecoming. This familial and friendly vibe is a true testament to what makes Little Morocco so special.
Traditional Moroccan Mint Tea.
Driss Lazhar is the gracious owner of Little Morocco and always appears to be smiling as he greets the multitude of guests who stream in and out all day and night. Lazhar was born in Rabat but has lived here for 25 years and has as many years of experience in the restaurant business. He greeted my friend and I graciously as he ceremoniously prepared and served us delicious mint tea from a silver tea pot.
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The best part was the festive spirit of the Little Morocco; the family next to us were Moroccon and explained a little more about the food, shared some of the goodies that they got for dessert, and just made it a wonderful experience. Then the owner came over to make sure we were well taken care of, explained that the BG in Morocco was different than what we might be used to, and brought over some delightful sweets, and mint tea to go with it, to make it a great meal.
Authenticity and Quality
To start with, everything is made on the premises, by hand, using only the highest quality "halal" certified meats. You can see these meats yourself in the sparkling clean, refrigerated case as you walk inside the restaurant. Mouthwatering kebabs made with tender chunks of lamb, beef or chicken await you laced onto stainless steel skewers fashioned in Morocco. Their house specialty is merguez sausage, a thin, Moroccan sausage made with a mixture of ground lamb, beef and mild spices.
All meats are prepared to order on the sizzling charcoal grill to impart even more flavor. Lazhar lavished us with a beautiful ceramic platter featuring an assortment of all the varieties of meats. I had heard so much about the merguez sausage so I tried them first. The blend of spices was perfect and not overpowering. Tomato and pepper dipping sauce was the perfect accompaniment along with warm, grilled bread. Even The New York Times agreed, when they voted Little Morocco as "The best merguez sandwich" some years ago.
Little Morocco also makes fabulous falafel, which are chick pea fritters, served in a sandwich with tahini (sesame sauce), lettuce and tomato for just $4.50. Next to the grill is a steam table featuring slowcooked Moroccan specialties. Tagine is braised meat, cooked in a special clay oven with herbs and spices to render the meat supremely tender. Enjoy a roast chicken prepared this way, lamb shank, baby lamb chops or kefteatagine.
Visit Little Morocco Astoria
Whether you’re a local resident or just passing through, Little Morocco Astoria is more than just a restaurant; it's a portal into the heart of Moroccan cuisine. Join the throngs who line up for their share of savory satisfaction. As one customer aptly put it, “It feels comforting and homemade, like you’ve been invited into someone’s family kitchen.”
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Don’t miss out on the chance to indulge in the vibrant flavors of this neighborhood gem! For inquiries or to place an order, call (718) 440-9193. Your Moroccan adventure awaits at Little Morocco Astoria!
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tags: #Morocco
