Çka ka Qellue – Mediterranean
Stepping through the doors feels like a journey to a rustic Albanian village, where rough-hewn stone walls and antique artifacts create a space steeped in old-world charm. The kitchen breathes life into centuries-old traditions, filling the air with the aroma of slow-simmered stews and golden, layered pastries that arrive at the table with a sense of heartfelt hospitality. It is a place where every bite of tender, wood-fired meat and house-made bread tells a story of heritage, inviting diners to linger in the warm, candlelit glow of a truly transportive dining experience.
118 E 31st St, New York, NY 10016 +1 212-213-2082 https://ckakaqellue.com/Rating: 4.8/5 (1614 reviews)
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Price range: $$
Dietary options: keto, low-carb, vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free, high-protein, mediterranean, whole30, pescatarian, paleo, diabetic, heart-healthy, plant-based, sugar-free, low-fat, anti-inflammatory, atkins, south-beach, weight-watchers, clean-eating, low-cholesterol, gerd, high-fiber, low-fodmap, tlc, detox, alkaline, aip, raw-food, volumetrics, carnivore, mayo-clinic, slow-carb, pegan, candida, lectin-free, macrobiotic
Currently closed
Hours
- Monday - Thursday
- 12:00 - 10:00 PM
- Friday - Saturday
- 12:00 - 11:00 PM
- Sunday
- 12:00 - 10:00 PM
What diners are saying
Diners consistently praise this charming spot for its authentic Albanian cuisine, particularly raving about the fresh, steaming hot bread and the popular pepper dip appetizer. Standout dishes include the flavorful mixed grill platter, crispy veal Mantia, and rich Goulash, though guests also highlight the cozy, relaxing atmosphere suitable for both solo dining and groups. While some note the price point, reviewers celebrate the friendly, attentive service and versatile seating options, making it a new favorite for many.
Menu
- Pickled Pepper - $6.8
- Cheese Pickled Pepper - $9.5
- Roasted Pepper - $8.4
- Pepper Dip - $8.4
- Sausage Dip - $9.5
- Tarator - $8.2
- Ajvar - $7.35
- Cheese - $7.85
- French Fries - $10.3
- Mixed Olives - $12.75
- Baked Cheese - $16.55
- Sesame Baked Cheese - $16.55
- Grilled Seasonal Vegetables - $17.35
- Çka Ka Qëllu Soup - $16.65
- Mediterranean Salad - $20.35
- Shop Salad - $19.85
- Village Salad - $19.85
- Fli - $15.75
- Mantia - $14.65
- Leçenik - $10.3
- Tava Dheut - $24.5
- Tava Kosi - $27.65
- Mazë E Zier - $22.25
- Specë Në Mazë - $20.65
- Suxhuk Në Tavë - $25.75
- Fasulë - $23.85
- Sarma - $27
- Stuffed Pepper - $23.5
- Mantia (Clay Dish) - $23.5
- Kaçamak - $22.25
- Gulash - $26.6
- Grilled Branzino - $43
- Grilled Octopus - $34.75
- Qebapa (10 pcs) - $23.5
- Qofte (4 pcs) - $25.5
- Qofte Shari - $27
- Suxhuk (3 pcs) - $21.75
- Grilled Chicken - $28.25
- Filet Mignon Veal Shish Qebap - $28.25
- Mix Grill Platter - $28.75
- Grilled Liver - $26
- Tradita Mixed Grill Platter - $49.9
- Skenderbeg - $42.85
- Lamb Meat - $61.85
- Veal Meat - $39
- Rib Eye Steak For One (16 oz) - $70.5
- Çka Ka Qëllu Mixed Meat Combination - $70.5
- Spring Lamb Chops - $43.5
- Baklava - $14.65
- Sheqerpare - $12
- Albanian Trileqe - $12
Frequently Asked Questions about Çka ka Qellue
- What are the most popular dishes at this restaurant?
- Popular dishes include fresh steaming hot bread, pepper dip appetizer, mixed grill platter, crispy veal Mantia, and rich Goulash.
- What type of cuisine does this restaurant specialize in?
- Çka ka Qellue specializes in Mediterranean and authentic Albanian cuisine, featuring traditional dishes like slow-simmered stews and wood-fired meats.
- Is this restaurant good value for money?
- This moderate ($$) restaurant maintains a 4.8/5 rating, with guests celebrating the service and quality despite noting the price point.
- Is this restaurant currently open and operational?
- The provided data does not include specific operating hours to confirm if the restaurant is currently open and operational.
- What is the overall customer sentiment about this restaurant?
- With a 4.8/5 rating, diners praise the authentic cuisine, specifically the bread and pepper dip, alongside friendly and attentive service.
- Is this restaurant suitable for families?
- Reviewers highlight the cozy atmosphere and versatile seating options as suitable for groups, complemented by a sense of heartfelt hospitality.
- Does this restaurant have good options for group dining with mixed dietary needs?
- Reviewers highlight versatile seating for groups, while the menu features vegan Fasulë, keto Cheese Pickled Peppers, and gluten-free Veal Meat.
- What is the restaurant's atmosphere and style?
- The restaurant features a rustic Albanian village style with stone walls, antique artifacts, and a cozy, relaxing old-world atmosphere.
- What type of diner would most enjoy this restaurant?
- Diners seeking authentic Albanian cuisine in a cozy, rustic setting rated 4.8/5 will enjoy this spot, accommodating solo guests, groups, and diverse diets.
- How does this restaurant compare to others in the same cuisine type?
- This highly-rated 4.8/5 Mediterranean restaurant distinguishes itself through authentic Albanian specialties, fresh bread, and attentive service at a moderate price.