ZipPicks Awards
Best Mediterranean in Jackson Heights
Best Middle Eastern in Jackson Heights
Best Cheap Eats in Jackson Heights
Best Vegetarian Restaurants in Jackson Heights
Master Critic Review
El Toum
8.4
A Lebanese counter spot that wins on garlic-forward shawarma, crisp falafel, and the kind of sauces that make takeout taste complete even 20 minutes later. Order it as a build-your-own mezze spread—one sandwich, one plate, and two dips—so you get texture (crunch), heat, and that signature toum punch in every bite.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken shawarma wrap with toum, Falafel plate with tahini, Hummus + baba ghanoush with warm pita
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 6.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Toum-driven Lebanese shawarma and mezze that stay punchy in takeout.
Who should go: Takeout diners who want shawarma-and-dips reliability
When to visit: Midday lunch for fastest ordering and freshest turnover
What to order: Chicken shawarma, falafel, hummus/baba ghanoush
Insider tip: Add extra toum and use it as the whole meal’s “sauce.”
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; limited and competitive. Easier during weekday lunch, tougher evenings and weekends.
Dress code: Casual — jeans, sneakers, workday wear all fit right in.
Noise level: Low to moderate — mostly counter service and quick turnover, easy to hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes during peak dinner rush, mostly ordering line rather than table wait.
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait; fast-moving lunch crowd.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — strong options including falafel, hummus, baba ghanoush, salads, and mezze plates.
Vegan options: Yes — falafel, hummus, baba ghanoush, toum, and several vegetable sides are naturally vegan.
Gluten-free options: Mostly — grilled meats and dips are gluten-free, but cross-contamination is possible; skip pita if sensitive.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual, low-pressure first date or daytime meet-up. It’s quick and informal rather than romantic, but the food delivers confidence.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — this is counter service with limited seating. Walk-ins are the norm, and turnover is quick.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — simple flavors like chicken shawarma, fries, and pita make it approachable for kids, though seating is tight for strollers.
Best For
Better for: Garlic-forward shawarma, punchy sauces, and takeout that holds up exceptionally well compared to other neighborhood Mediterranean counters.
Skip if: You want a full sit-down dining experience, table service, or a quieter, linger-longer meal — this shines most as a fast, flavor-driven stop.