There are few destinations better than AbuQir for pick-your-own seafood spots. The Egyptian restaurant in Astoria is built on a simple premise: walk in, head to the iced seafood display at the counter, point to the fish and crustaceans you want to eat, and tell the staff how you want ‘em cooked, among fried, grilled, and baked options. Then sit back and wait until it’s ready, and commence feasting. The space of owner and chef Ahmed Ibrahim is barebones — butcher paper tops the tables to make post-eating cleaning that much easier, which allows the stunning dishes to shine. Keep in mind when looking at the menu that some items might not be in stock, since it’s all about quality and freshness.
AbuQir is ideal for groups and family meals. My family took up seven seats across two tables and easily cleared eight large dishes plus the free, endless soft pita (always ask for more).
Grab soft drinks — some American options as well as Lebanese (malt drink Laziza) and other imports, and water bottles from the fridge in the dining room.
We let the staff determine how our seafood should be cooked because they know best, and they didn’t steer us wrong. Also, if you pay with cash, the check is slightly cheaper.