ZipPicks Awards
Best Middle Eastern in Astoria
Master Critic Review
Al-Sham Sweets & Pastries
8.2
A dessert-focused Middle Eastern shop where the move is simple: go for the syrup-and-cheese classics and take a mixed box home. The textures land best when you choose one hot item (like kanafeh) and one drier cookie-style pastry for balance. Built for quick pickups and post-dinner detours.
Must-Try Dishes:
Kanafeh, Baklava assortment, Maamoul cookies
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: A pastry counter built around classic Levantine sweets in grab-and-go form.
Who should go: Dessert people and gift-box shoppers
When to visit: Late afternoon for the widest selection
What to order: Kanafeh, mixed baklava, maamoul
Insider tip: Mix one hot sweet with a cookie-style pastry to avoid sugar fatigue.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along Steinway Street; manageable during the day, tighter after 6pm. No dedicated lot.
Dress code: Casual — come as you are. Jeans, sneakers, and post-dinner outfits all fit the vibe.
Noise level: Low — mostly quick counter orders with light foot traffic.
Weekend wait: 5–10 minutes for counter service, slightly longer if kanafeh is being made fresh.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — the vast majority of pastries are vegetarian-friendly.
Vegan options: Limited — some nut-based pastries made with syrup instead of butter, but availability varies; ask before ordering.
Gluten-free options: Very limited — most items are wheat-based; a few nut-forward sweets may work for gluten-sensitive diners but cross-contact is likely.
Best For
Better for: Classic Middle Eastern sweets, especially kanafeh and mixed pastry boxes that travel well.
Skip if: You’re looking for a sit-down dessert café experience or a broad selection of dairy-free or gluten-free sweets.