A Foodie's Guide to Sunnyside's Hidden Middle Eastern Gems in 2026

Tucked away along Queens Boulevard in Sunnyside, beyond the familiar line of Irish pubs, lies a vibrant little world of Middle Eastern flavors that feels like a delicious secret. Just a quick 15-minute ride on the 7 train from Grand Central to the 40th or 46th Street stops, and you're in for a treat. This isn't just a neighborhood; it's a culinary passport, offering some of the most authentic Turkish and Lebanese cooking you can find in the city, if you know where to look. Forget the ordinary—this is where your taste buds go on an adventure.

The Mezze Master: Grill 43

First stop, Grill 43. Don't let the name fool you—while the grilled meats might not be the main event, this place is a mezze paradise. Think of it as the ultimate snack spread that could easily become a full meal. Their mezze plates are legendary, running from $4 to $5 each, or you can get a generous platter of four for around $16. The real stars here are the eggplant dishes. We're talking smoky, garlicky, downright magical creations.

• Must-Try Dishes:

• Roasted Eggplant with Garlic Sauce: Simple, smoky, and utterly addictive.

• Ezme: A fiery, piquant relish that wakes up your palate. Paired with their fresh, crisp-crusted bread? Chef's kiss! 😋

• Patlican Salatisi: A lighter take on baba ganoush, focusing on olive oil and pure smoke over tahini.

But here's the real insider tip: go for breakfast. Their Menemen (around $7) is a homestyle Turkish egg scramble with tomatoes and peppers that stains the eggs a gorgeous orange. It's cozy, comforting, and that bit of oil left on the plate? Perfect for dipping more of that fantastic bread. You haven't lived until you've tried it.

The Shawarma Sanctuary: Souk El Shater

Now, for the shawarma lovers, there's a spot that's basically royalty in Queens. Souk El Shater might look unassuming—it's a slender Middle Eastern grocery with a food counter up front—but oh boy, does it deliver. This is where you find shawarma that's deeply spiced, incredibly juicy, and seasoned to perfection. The beef is robust, the chicken is delicate, and both are a flavor explosion.

You can grab a wrap for a steal at around $4, but the real move is the platter (about $9.50). It comes with dips like fresh, homemade hummus and a super-creamy babaganoush. The secret weapon? A fierce, grassy green chili purée. The guy behind the counter will just smile and say it has "some secrets I can't tell you." Spicy, herby, unforgettable.

Don't sleep on the steam table either! Let your nose guide you. One visit might land you an enormous platter of Molokhia (stewed greens with chicken over rice) for about $9.50. And if you're lucky and win the staff's trust, they might even whip up some raw kibbe for you—a rare treat in the city.

Pro-Tip: Seating is limited (just four stools!), so consider taking your bounty to the Gaslight Pub a few doors down. They have great drink specials and a nice patio, and they're totally cool with you bringing in outside food. A perfect combo!

The Kebab Kingdom: Mangal Kebab

What Turks poetically call an ocakbaşı, we'd simply call a killer kebab house. Mangal Kebab, on the south side of Queens Boulevard, is the casual hangout spot where the vibe is as good as the food. It caters to a mostly Turkish and Middle Eastern crowd, which is always a good sign.

You can order from the menu, but to eat like a local, head straight to the showcase of marinated meats, fish, and veggies. Point at what looks freshest!

• Top Picks:

• Adana Kebabs: Ground with spicy red pepper. The lamb (about $12 for a large) is juicier and sweeter than the chicken. A must-order.

• Weekend Specials: If you visit on a weekend, go for the braised lamb shank (around $14)—sticky-sweet and fall-off-the-bone tender. Or, for the truly adventurous, there's traditional brain soup, often eaten after a night out.

The dips here are solid, especially the eggplant, but if you're also hitting Grill 43, maybe save your dip appetite for there and focus on the glorious meats at Mangal. P.S. They're open until 11 p.m., which is late for the neighborhood!

The Comfortable Sit-Down: Turkish Grill

Maybe you're in the mood for a proper sit-down meal with linen tablecloths and waiter service. Enter Turkish Grill. The atmosphere is definitely a step up from the other spots, though to be totally honest, the food, while fine, isn't always the absolute star of the show compared to the other specialists. The mezze, like vegetarian stuffed eggplant, make nice starters, and the kebabs are decent.

But Turkish Grill has its claim to fame: Pide. Often compared to Turkish pizza, it's a cheese-topped flatbread that's notoriously hard to find done well in New York. Turkish Grill's version (between $11-$16) might just be the best in the city—which, okay, is like being the fiercest-looking dog at a corgi beach party, but still! For pide-lovers, that crisp-chewy crust and assertive fillings are a taste of home that hits the spot.

Your 2026 Sunnyside Food Crawl Cheat Sheet

So, you wanna hit them all in one glorious afternoon? Here's your game plan:

All these spots are close enough for a fantastic food crawl. Start with mezze at Grill 43, grab legendary shawarma at Souk El Shater, feast on kebabs at Mangal, and if you still have room (and want a comfy chair), finish with pide at Turkish Grill. And for dessert? A short walk will lead you to some amazing sour cream-topped doughnuts. Sunnyside's Middle Eastern strip is a reminder that the best food adventures are often hidden in plain sight, waiting to be discovered one delicious bite at a time. 🥙✨