Zeina’s Cafe and Catering is a family-owned Lebanese kitchen at 607 Varick Street in Utica’s Varick Street district, a short walk from the F.X. Matt (Saranac) Brewery. Locals come for traditional recipes and portions large enough to carry home. It holds a 4.9 rating and ranks #1 of 138 Utica restaurants on Tripadvisor.
The room is small and unfussy, and the focus stays on the plate. The menu covers Lebanese standards made from family recipes. Lamb chops come up again and again among the nearly 290 reviews on Yelp. Diners often mention the generous servings and the warm, personal service you would expect from an owner-run counter. Zeina’s also runs a busy catering operation for family parties, corporate events, and holiday gatherings, according to its website. The site lists allergen information alongside its menus.
Visitor Highlights & Practical Info
Hours are limited. Zeina’s opens Wednesday from 11am to 2pm and Thursday through Saturday from 11am to 8pm, according to the restaurant’s menu page. Check before visiting Sunday through Tuesday, since those days are not listed. Wednesday is the lunch-only day. Thursday is the calmest choice for an evening meal, and Friday and Saturday dinners are the busiest. Order extra to take home, because portions run large. Book catering well ahead of holidays. Afterward, walk Varick Street for a brewery tour or a stop at one of the area’s taprooms.
