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Rafaelis Palace
$$ · Mediterranean

113-09 Queens Blvd, Forest Hills, NY 11375
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ZipPicks Awards

Best Mediterranean in Forest Hills

Vibe Check this spot

Food Quality 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 5
Consistency 5
Cultural Relevance 5

0 / 5 selected

Master Critic Review

Rafaelis Palace 7.5
Forest Hills
Vibes: Birthday & Celebration Central Group Dining Gatherings Trendy Table Hotspots Instagram Worthy Wonders
A chef-driven, kosher Mediterranean room that reads like a lounge and event-friendly dining space, with a menu that spans grilled meats and richer, banquet-style mains. It’s best when you keep the order centered on one standout kebab or grilled plate plus a couple of bright sides so the meal doesn’t feel overly heavy.
Must-Try Dishes: Mixed kebab platter, Grilled steak skewer, Fresh chopped salad
Scores:
Value: 6.1 Service: 7.2 Consistency: 7 Food Quality: 7.8 Atmosphere: 8.6 Cultural Relevance: 7.3
What makes it special: Kosher, chef-led Mediterranean with a celebration-ready dining-room format.
Who should go: Groups celebrating who want kosher Mediterranean
When to visit: Dinner when the room feels most lively
What to order: Mixed kebab platter, steak skewer, chopped salad
Insider tip: Order one main grill plate and let the table share sides for balance.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; limited availability on Queens Blvd and nearby side streets, especially after 6pm. Allow extra time or plan rideshare for weekend dinners.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy—jeans are fine, but many guests dress up for celebrations.
Noise level: Lively to loud during peak dinner hours; conversation is possible, but expect a high-energy room.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation during peak celebration hours.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait or very short wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple mezze, salads, and vegetable sides work well as a shared vegetarian spread.
Vegan options: Limited—select salads and vegetable-based sides; best to confirm specific preparations when ordering.
Gluten-free options: Some grilled proteins and salads can be gluten-free; sauces and sides vary, so ask the server for guidance.
Best For
Better for: Kosher-friendly celebrations, birthdays, and group dinners where atmosphere and room energy matter as much as the food.
Skip if: You want a quiet, intimate meal or a strictly food-first Mediterranean experience—choose calmer, grill-focused rooms instead.