First visit here ever and did not disappoint! We chose Zeina's as a halfway meeting place between Massachusetts and Western New York, for four adults and two kids. Our table was ready when we arrived and we felt very welcome. Warm and friendly family vibe...throughout our visit. Food was delicious and served cheerfully. The falafel is outstanding! If you're looking for great Lebanese food and great service, make Zeina's your next stop. You and your taste buds will love it!More
Fantastic, Lebanese food prepared perfectly! Service excellent, warm family atmosphere. Don’t miss out on this family owned 💎 💎 💎 💎 💎!
Had never been, Got a trip advisor recommendation while traveling west on I90 to Niagra falls. Easy off - easy on to I90. Yikes, the exterior building appearance and entranceway left me second guessing my choice. Don't judge the book! Turns out it was simply...a delightful once inside, albeit far from fancy. We were met with a warm welcome from the staff and the regular patrons as much. Again, nothing fancy (not even close), but warmer and friendlier it couldn't be. Simply a 10/10 for the food service and atmosphere. Family pride at its best, hospitality at its best. The fine Lebanese food plates (mixed grill) and possibly best stuffed grape leaves I've ever had were hand crafted and prepared with love and pride. When we couldn't eat any more we were pressed to have hand brewed Lebanese coffee (a little Sambuca....sure why not) and desert on the house. The owners are gregarious characters, the lunch regulars were talking between the tables and adding to the experience. Its a new-found favorite. We just can't wait until we are near there again.More
This is a small family owned restaurant, and the food is outstanding! Both Albert and Layla Zeina were so hospitable. I had the Lebanese platter with hummus, Baba Ghanouj, grape leaves and tabouleh. All delicious. My husband had the lamb gyro which was also over...the top! In addition we got to try Lebanese coffee made by Utica Coffee. What a fantastic lunch. I just wish I lived closer to eat there more often! But we will surely go there again when we pass near Utica!More
My Mom and I stopped in for lunch after visiting my son at Hamilton. Lila, the owner, was a true gem - as was her son. The food was so yummy and we chatted with Lila about doing some catering platters for my son's graduation....Lila was so personable, friendly and loves her restaurant but the food spoke for itself. We sampled a lot of things and it was all delicious. Lila even gave me her cell phone to text her what I want to do for graduation.More
it was probably the best experience ive ever had in a restaurant.everything from start to finish was superb.if you love mediteranean and lebanese food,this place is a go to for sure.ive eaten at several of these types of restaurants,and this one is a hidden gem.the...food,was as fresh as you can get.the staff was excellent.made you feel right at home.the owner Lila,was sweet,kind,and kept us laughing.she sure can cook,her recioes are outstanding.the grape leaves were so so good.very flavorful.everything on the mezza platter was mouthwatering.im so glad i went there for my 66 birthday.i really cant wait to go back.oh,and the baklava,melted in your mouth.best ive ever had.thank you to Lila and her staff for the best birthday ever.we will be back very soon.More
Our son goes to Hamilton, so we decided to drive the night before we drop him off after the end of his Spring break. We chose to stay in Utica for the night. Searching for a place to eat, we came across the wonderful reviews...for Zeina’s. This place didn't disappoint. The food was delicious, and the owners were terrific hosts. The staff was cordial and attentive. Zeina gave my son some treats to take back to school, which he greatly appreciated. I wish Zeina’s were near where I live. I would become a regular for sure. Thank you everyone at Zeina’s for great evening.More
Super friendly service and excellent food. We were surprised by a free dessert as we were leaving. Wish we lived closer so we could come back!
We seem always to go to Zeina's when we visit Utica, which is about once a month. The food is terrific and generously portioned, the service is the friendlies we have ever experienced, and the prices are really reasonable. Everything on the menu is tasty...and fresh especially the lamb. The baklava is divine.More
My wife and I had dinner at Zeina's. Upon entering, it looks like a takeout shop. There is seating in the back. It is not fancy restaurant but the food is fantastic and the owners are extremely friendly. We were greeted as if we were...long time friends and customers. My wife had the Mezza Platter. The Baba Ghanouj is fantastic. It has a great smokey taste from roasting the eggplant. The Falafel were light and tasty. I had the Fried Kibbeh Plate. The Kibbeh was great. To drink, I had the Mint Tea. It was very refreshing. My wife and I will definitely return her when we are in Utica again.More
Difficult to add to the other reviews! The food is really, really good and plentiful. The service is exemplary; they make you feel like one of the family without being in any way over bearing. We went twice on consecutive days and can recommend the...Chicken Shawarma, the Beef Kofta and the Lamb Gyro. I am sure the other options are equally good. The Baklava is delicious; well worth trying if you have any room left! Take your own alcohol, and there is no corkage charge. This will be our go to restaurant whenever we are in Utica.More
Great food, great customer service. Met the owners, wonderful people! I ate outside, with my big Goldendoodle. I had the Grape leaves for dinner, baklava for desert! Everything was super fresh, delicious!
This was our first time at this restaurant and the food was amazing. The staff is excellent it really is like going to your favorite aunts house and she is an incredible cook.
Quaint downtown experience with delicious food and atmosphere is going back in time or like being in another country.
Great road trip find. Traveling through the area and saw Zeina’s on TA. Decided to be adventurous and try it. I’m used to really good Lebanese food made by my friends who are second generation Lebanese-American. Zeina’s was awesome! Absolutely loved the food and the...service. Owners are so friendly. Do yourself a favor and stop by. Just wish this place was closer to home.More
