El Toum Review: Is This Halal Lebanese Restaurant in Jackson Heights Worth Trying?
Quick Summary: Jackson Heights has restaurants from all over the world, and this time I was craving Middle Eastern food. I ended up trying El Toum, a small Lebanese and Mediterranean restaurant located a little away from the busiest part of Roosevelt Avenue. The name “El Toum” means “the garlic” in Arabic, which caught my attention right away. While the chicken shawarma needed a bit more sauce, the massive appetizer board and warm neighborhood hospitality made this a great visit.
- Overall Rating: 8.7/10
- Food: 8.6/10
- Service: 9.5/10
- Atmosphere: 8.7/10
- Value: 9.0/10
- My Favorite: El Toum Appetizer
- Price: Affordable ($31.67 total)
- Cuisine: Lebanese / Mediterranean
- Halal: Yes
- Best For: Friends, couples, families, and casual solo dinners
- Good to Know: Small restaurant with limited seating; street parking can be difficult around Jackson Heights.
| Quick Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| Address | 35-62 76th St, Jackson Heights, NY 11372 |
| Neighborhood | Jackson Heights, Queens |
| Cuisine | Lebanese / Mediterranean (Halal) |
| Total Spent | $31.67 before tip |
| Transit Options | E, F, M, R, or 7 train to 74th St–Roosevelt Ave |
| Best Dish | El Toum Appetizer Platter |
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Watch My Experience at El Toum
In my video, you can see just how big the El Toum Appetizer board actually is when it hits the table. It comes loaded with several different dips, sides, falafel, and plenty of warm pita bread.
I also tried their Chicken Shawarma Sandwich with fries, which gave me a chance to compare it with some of the other Lebanese shawarma spots I've eaten at around NYC.
Why I Tried El Toum
I came to El Toum for dinner because I wanted Middle Eastern food without taking a trip into Manhattan.
El Toum serves Lebanese and Mediterranean food. After eating here, I think that description fits the restaurant well. Although the menu includes familiar traditional Lebanese dishes, the overall experience didn't feel strictly traditional to me.
Personally, I would describe it as Lebanese comfort food with a Mediterranean twist. I actually enjoy finding smaller neighborhood spots that have their own distinct personality, and El Toum definitely has one.
Atmosphere & Service
El Toum is a small and cozy neighborhood spot.
The first thing I noticed was the warm, dim lighting. The space features deep red walls, hanging mosaic lamps, fresh flowers on the tables, plants, framed artwork, and string lights throughout the room.
It doesn't look like a standard Mediterranean restaurant. Instead, the interior feels eclectic, casual, and personal—almost like a small neighborhood café that has been thoughtfully decorated over time.
There aren't many tables, which keeps the restaurant feeling intimate. During my visit, it was moderately busy with couples and small groups of friends, but it wasn't so crowded that I had to wait for a table.
What stood out even more was the service. The owner was taking care of the entire front of house himself. Even while handling multiple tasks, he was remarkably welcoming, attentive, and friendly. That personal touch added a lot to the experience.
- Atmosphere Rating: 8.7 / 10
- Service Rating: 9.5 / 10
Location & How to Get There
El Toum is located at:
35-62 76th St, Jackson Heights, NY 11372
If you're taking the subway, take the E, F, M, R, or 7 train to the Jackson Heights–Roosevelt Avenue / 74th Street station. From the subway exit, it's a straightforward 10-to-15-minute walk up to 76th Street.
I wouldn't recommend driving if you can avoid it. Street parking around this part of Jackson Heights is notoriously tough, especially during peak dinner hours.
What I Ordered
I kept my order simple and classic:
- El Toum Appetizer Platter
- Chicken Shawarma Sandwich with Fries
My total came out to $31.67 before tip. Given the sheer volume of food served, the value here is exceptionally solid.
1. El Toum Appetizer — The Highlight of the Meal
If you only order one item at El Toum, make it this appetizer platter.
It arrives on a large wooden board loaded with a variety of classic Middle Eastern starters: falafel, tabouli, hummus, baba ganoush, tahini sauce, and warm pita bread.
Every component played its part well:
- Hummus & Baba Ganoush: The hummus was smooth and rich, while the smoky baba ganoush offered a great eggplant alternative.
- Tabouli: Bright and herbaceous, adding a necessary fresh bite between the heavier dips.
- Falafel: Crisp on the outside with a fluffy green herb interior, pairing perfectly when dipped into the tahini sauce.
The portion size here is generous enough that two people could easily share this board and leave satisfied. It’s the ultimate item to order if you're visiting for the first time with friends.
2. Chicken Shawarma Sandwich with Fries
For my main course, I ordered the Chicken Shawarma Sandwich, which comes wrapped with lettuce, pickled veggies, and chicken, alongside a side of fresh, thick-cut fries.
The wrap was decent, but it was the one element of the meal that had room for improvement.
The chicken felt a bit dry inside the wrap because there wasn't quite enough sauce. Given that the restaurant's name literally translates to "garlic," I was hoping for a far more generous layer of creamy garlic toum spread throughout the wrap.
Having tried chicken shawarma across NYC, I personally prefer the version at Zyara in Astoria, which carries more moisture and spice punch. That said, El Toum's version wasn't bad—it just played second fiddle to the amazing appetizer board.
(If you're exploring other halal wrap options in the neighborhood, I also really enjoyed the chicken shawarma at Moonlite Grill).
Price & Value
- Value Rating: 9.0 / 10
My total bill was $31.67. In New York City, getting a massive dip platter, a full wrap, fries, and warm pita for just over thirty dollars is a great deal.
You certainly won't leave El Toum hungry. The combination of reasonable prices, huge portions, and genuine neighborhood hospitality makes value one of El Toum’s strongest suits.
How Does It Compare With Other Middle Eastern Restaurants I've Tried?
NYC has an incredible variety of Middle Eastern dining options:
- Balade (Manhattan): A much more upscale, formal Lebanese dining experience with a higher price point.
- Al Badawi (Brooklyn): A bustling, family-style Palestinian restaurant ideal for larger groups and heavy spreads.
El Toum carves out its own niche. It's low-key, affordable, and personal, offering a cozy café environment that feels like a neighborhood hidden gem rather than a polished corporate concept.
What I Think & Would I Return?
Yes, I would return to El Toum.
The warm hospitality from the owner, fair prices, and top-tier appetizer board are more than enough reason to drop by again. While the chicken shawarma wrap wouldn't be my first pick next time, there are plenty of other traditional hot dishes and grilled items on their menu worth exploring.
Whether you're stopping by solo, on a casual date, or catching up with a friend over dips and pita, El Toum offers a cozy, welcoming spot in Queens.
Final Verdict
Overall Rating: 8.7 / 10
El Toum is a charming, small halal Lebanese and Mediterranean restaurant in Jackson Heights that serves generous portions without hurting your wallet.
Start your meal with the El Toum Appetizer Platter—it’s easily the standout highlight of the menu. If you end up ordering the Chicken Shawarma Sandwich, just be sure to ask the kitchen for extra garlic sauce on the side!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is El Toum in Jackson Heights Halal?
Yes, El Toum serves 100% Halal Lebanese and Mediterranean cuisine.
What does "El Toum" mean?
"El Toum" translates to "the garlic" in Arabic, referencing the essential garlic sauce staple in Lebanese cooking.
What is the best dish to order at El Toum?
The El Toum Appetizer Platter is a must-order. It includes falafel, hummus, baba ganoush, tabouli, tahini, and warm pita bread on a large wooden board.
How close is El Toum to the subway?
It is about a 10 to 15-minute walk from the Jackson Heights–Roosevelt Ave / 74th St station (E, F, M, R, and 7 trains).
| Restaurant Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Restaurant | El Toum |
| Address | 35-62 76th St, Jackson Heights, NY 11372 |
| Cuisine | Lebanese / Mediterranean |
| Halal | Yes |
| My Favorite | El Toum Appetizer |
| Total Spent | $31.67 before tip |
| Best For | Friends, couples, families, and solo diners |
| Transit Options | E, F, M, R, or 7 train to Jackson Heights–Roosevelt Ave |
| Overall Rating | 8.7/10 |
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