This location hits all the stars for food, service, and the atmosphere it creates. When we entered we were immediately greeted by the workers and accommodated quickly. It happened to be a World Cup day, and without us really saying anything, the worker went out of his way adjusting the monitor to make it easier for us to view the game. We went with calamari and the variety of different authentic Palestinian spreads they had for appetizers. It was very fresh, as witnessed by pulling apart the bread. When you break the bread, steam flows out, indicating it was cooked fresh. When it came time for the entrees, each one was a masterpiece in itself. Every entree was delicious, served in good quantity, and also reflected the Palestinian roots this place represents. As we were eating, the server continued to check in on us asking how we liked the food. I plan to come back to this location when presented with another opportunity. Areas of growth: We stayed from 5-10. When I went to inform the employee that we plan to stay for the second game, he told us we should buy some dessert to justify the stay. It was a little off putting, as we just spent a lot of money on entrees and hookah. The Kunafa was not the best for me, as I am used to having Kunafa steamy hot so that when you pull your fork out the cheese melts and rises with your fork. My Arab friends informed me that there are different styles of Kunafa. Ramadan: Keep in mind during Ramadan the place switches to an all you can eat buffet style.

This is probably my favorite hookah spot in NJ and NYC. Yes, there are more high end spots that try to enter the nightlife territory (as if a hookah lounge is supposed to be a night club). That’s alright, but I personally enjoy a hookah lounge that is a place where I can lay back and relax at (which is what a lounge is). This spot genuinely makes me feel as if I’m taking a vacation from American culture. The hookah is very solid and is at a good price. They serve all the hookah on a grapefruit bowl which makes a huge difference in making the hookah smooth. They also have a device for heating the coals which also helps with the smoking experience. (I believe the owner told me he went on shark tank to market the hookah product.) The food here is very good. You can’t go wrong with many dishes here. You also have the opportunity to expand your palate since they do have many traditional dishes from Arabic/Mediterranean countries. The service is a bit more laid back, which is fine to me. This is the type of place where you can spend hours hanging out at. I typically stay at least 3 hours at this spot. They never rush me or try to kick me out. Highly recommend.

I celebrated my birthday with a group of friends at Charcoal Gardenia and WOW what an unforgettable night! 🎉 From the moment we walked in, the energy was amazing, and our waiter Ibrahim absolutely made the experience next-level with his outstanding service. He was attentive, friendly, and genuinely made us feel celebrated all night long 🥳. The food completely blew us away and the portion sizes were huge (we had tons of leftovers!) and every single bite was delicious. The bread was super fluffy and soft, meats were cooked to perfection 😋, juicy and packed with flavor, and the desserts were just as incredible 🍰. They even surprised me with a cheesecake slice and sang happy birthday, which made the night feel so special 🤩. Everything about this place exceeded expectations from the food, service, vibes, all 10/10. I had the best time and will 100% be back again!!

I have categorized my review into two main areas: atmosphere and food. 1. Atmosphere: 4 Stars Upon entering the restaurant, there was a very strong odor of mold. Additionally, the cleanliness of the furniture and restrooms does not appear to be a top priority for management. 2. Food and Customer Service: 5 Stars The food and service were exceptional. The filet mignon and beef chuck were incredibly tender and melted in your mouth. The chicken shish kabobs were well-proportioned and perfectly cooked. Overall, the dishes were delicious and well-served. However, at $50.00 per single serving, the pricing feels a bit too expensive.

Charcoal Gardenia was a good spot. The food was fresh, flavorful, and filling. I had the grilled chicken with rice, onions, pickled vegetables, and yogurt sauce. The chicken was seasoned well and had a nice grilled taste without being dry. The mint lemonade was amazing. Really refreshing and probably my favorite part of the meal. The service was good too. Everyone was nice and the food came out in a reasonable time. The ambiance was calm, clean, and comfortable, which made it a nice place to sit and eat. Overall, solid food, good portions, good service, and a nice variety. I would come back.