Çka Ka Qëllue: An Authentic Albanian Gem in Manhattan

Çka Ka Qëllue Introduce

Çka Ka Qëllue, an exquisite Mediterranean restaurant nestled in the heart of Manhattan, offers a rare and delightful taste of authentic Albanian and Kosovan culinary traditions. Stepping into the restaurant is an experience in itself, as the interior is meticulously designed to evoke the feeling of a fine art museum, with every detail thoughtfully curated. The atmosphere is a perfect blend of casual and upscale, making it equally suitable for a romantic dinner for two or a lively celebration with a group. It's a true hidden gem for those who appreciate not just great food, but also a memorable and elegant dining environment.

The menu is a journey through the rich and hearty flavors of the Balkan region. Çka Ka Qëllue excels in its grilled dishes, with the **Tradita Mixed Grill Platter** and **Spring Lamb Chops** being standout options for those who love expertly cooked meat. The seafood is also a highlight, with the **Grilled Branzino** and **Grilled Octopus** receiving high praise for their freshness and perfect preparation. But the true soul of the menu lies in the "Brumat" (Savory Dishes) and "Tavë" (Clay Dishes). The **Fli**, a delicate layered pastry, and the **Mantia**, veal-filled dumplings, are must-try traditional dishes that you won't find on every menu in the city. For a rich, comforting meal, the **Tavë Dheut**, a creamy baked dish, is an excellent choice.

Beyond the food, the dining experience is elevated by the restaurant's superb service and attention to detail. The staff is known for being warm, professional, and attentive, offering excellent recommendations and ensuring that every guest feels welcome. This level of hospitality, combined with the restaurant's cozy and trendy ambiance, makes for a truly special night out. The restaurant also boasts a great wine list, with selections that perfectly complement the bold flavors of the Albanian cuisine. To cap off the meal, the homemade desserts, such as the traditional **Albanian Trileqe** and **Baklava**, are a fantastic way to end the evening.

Çka Ka Qëllue is more than just a restaurant; it’s a cultural experience. It is a place that transports you with its authenticity and elegance, providing a unique culinary adventure right in the middle of New York City. Its popularity among locals and tourists alike is a testament to its quality and the unforgettable experience it offers. It’s a great choice for those looking to try something different from the standard Mediterranean fare and discover the unique and delicious flavors of Albania.

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Location and Accessibility

Çka Ka Qëllue is situated at **118 E 31st St, New York, NY 10016, USA**, in the vibrant Nomad/Midtown East area of Manhattan. This central location makes it easily accessible from all over the city. It is a short walk from various subway stations and is well-served by bus routes, making it a convenient destination for a lunch meeting or a special dinner.

While the restaurant's specific accessibility features were not provided in the public data, it is a good practice for patrons with mobility needs to call ahead. It's common for many New York City restaurants to have accommodations, but it's always best to confirm directly with the establishment to ensure a comfortable visit. The restaurant's outdoor seating area, available when the weather is nice, also provides an additional option for guests to enjoy their meal.

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Services Offered

Dine-in: Enjoy a meal in the beautifully decorated and elegant dining space.
Outdoor Seating: The restaurant offers seating outside, perfect for a meal on a pleasant day or evening.
Takeout: Conveniently order your food to go and enjoy it at home or work.
Delivery: Çka Ka Qëllue provides delivery and no-contact delivery options, bringing their delicious dishes straight to your door.
Reservations: Reservations are accepted and highly recommended, especially for dinner and brunch, to secure your table and ensure a seamless dining experience.
Brunch: The restaurant offers brunch, making it a great destination for a weekend outing.
Catering: The restaurant offers catering services, allowing you to bring the unique flavors of Çka Ka Qëllue to your next event.

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Features / Highlights

Authentic Albanian Cuisine: The restaurant specializes in traditional Albanian and Kosovan dishes, providing a unique and authentic dining experience that is a rare find in the city.
Great Wine List: A well-curated selection of wines that beautifully complements the rich flavors of the food.
Great Dessert: The homemade desserts, like the **Albanian Trileqe** and **Baklava**, are highly praised and a perfect way to end the meal.
Serves Local Specialty: Çka Ka Qëllue is a great place to try traditional Balkan dishes and specialties.
Cozy & Romantic Ambiance: The intimate and artful design of the space makes it an excellent choice for a romantic evening or a special occasion.
Lively for Groups: The restaurant is popular for group dinners and celebrations, offering a vibrant yet comfortable atmosphere.
Late-Night Food: The kitchen is open late, catering to those looking for a delicious meal later in the evening.

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Contact Information

Address: 118 E 31st St, New York, NY 10016, USA

Phone: (212) 213-2082

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What is Worth Choosing

Çka Ka Qëllue is an exceptional choice for those in New York seeking a dining experience that is both unique and deeply authentic. What makes it truly worth choosing is its ability to transport you with its food and atmosphere. The restaurant serves as a cultural ambassador, introducing diners to the rich and complex flavors of Albanian cuisine. The authenticity of the dishes, from the savory baked "Tavë" to the hearty "Grill" platters, is a major draw. The **Tradita Mixed Grill Platter** is a fantastic option for a comprehensive taste of what they do best.

Beyond the menu, the restaurant's commitment to creating a beautiful and welcoming space is a significant reason to visit. The elegant, museum-like interior and the option for cozy outdoor seating provide a stunning backdrop for any meal. The combination of excellent food, a top-notch wine list, and professional, friendly service makes Çka Ka Qëllue a standout destination. It’s a place where every detail is considered, from the presentation of the dishes to the decor on the walls, ensuring that your experience is nothing short of fantastic. For an unforgettable culinary journey to the Balkans without leaving Manhattan, Çka Ka Qëllue is the perfect choice.

Çka Ka Qëllue Menu

Seafood
Grilled Branzino $43.00
Grilled Mediterranean seabass served with baked potatoes and grilled seasonal vegetables
Grilled Octopus $34.75
Tender and flavorful grilled octopus.

Appetizers
Cheese Pickled Pepper $9.50
A traditional combination of creamy cheese and pickled pepper
Mixed Olives $12.75
A selection of marinated olives, seasoned with a delightful mix of herbs and olive oil
Pickled Pepper $6.80
Stuffed with a medley of seasonal pickled vegetables, prepared in the authentic, time honored way
Tarator $8.20
Chilled yogurt blend with minced cucumber and garlic drizzled with parsley
Sausage Dip $9.50
Slow-smoked sausage and two cheeses melt together in this creamy, savory dip
Roasted Pepper $8.40
Sautéed with garlic and olive oil
Cheese $7.85
Traditional feta cheese drizzled with olive oil and finished with a touch of seasoning
Ajvar $7.35
A roasted red pepper spread with hints of eggplant and garlic
Pepper Dip $8.40
A rich, velvety blend of roasted peppers and cheese with a bold, savory taste

Grill
Qofte $25.50
Flame-grilled medallions of seasoned ground beef and veal, paired with rich kajmak and a side of cabbage salad
Veal Meat $39.00
Juicy and flavorful grilled veal meat.
Filet Mignon Veal Shish Qebap $28.25
Succulent, marinated filet mignon veal, skewered and grilled to perfection. Served with creamy mashed potatoes and a side of grilled seasonal vegetables
Rib Eye Steak For One (16oz) $70.50
Served with grilled vegetables, baked potatoes, and kacamak
Spring Lamb Chops $43.50
Juicy, perfectly grilled lamb chops drizzled with a light red wine, honey, and garlic sauce. Served with creamy mashed potatoes and tender asparagus
Skenderbeg $42.85
Named after Albania’s national hero, Gjergj Kastrioti Skënderbeu, this crispy, deep fried, golden-breaded veal filet mignon roll is stuffed with melted cheese and smoked meat, then served with baked potatoes and seasonal vegetables for a taste of tradition and honor
Tradita Mixed Grill Platter $49.90
Combination of qebapa, qofte, sausage, chicken & liver
Grilled Chicken $28.25
Grilled chicken, herb-marinated and grilled to perfection, served alongside smoky grilled vegetables and a side of cabbage salad
Mixed Grill Platter $28.75
A traditional selection of qebapa, qofte, and suxhuk, grilled to perfection. This platter offers a rich, smoky, and spicy combination of flavors, perfect for one person to savor a true taste of Albanian cuisine
Qofte Shari $27.00
Flame-grilled seasoned veal and beef mix, filled with melted cheese and chopped smoked meat, served with golden potatoes topped with creamy house-made kajmak and a side of cabbage salad, bringing the rich flavors of the Shari Mountains to your table
Qebapa $23.50
Flame-grilled Qebapa, paired with rich kajmak and a side of cabbage salad
Suxhuk $21.75
Flame-grilled, handcrafted blend of ground veal and beef sausage, served in mazë, and with our leçenik (cornbread made with spinach and three cheeses, complemented by a rich pepper sauce)
Lamb Meat $61.85
Slow-roasted, tender lamb infused with our special house-blend spices

Desserts
Albanian Trileqe $12.00
A cake soaked in a blend of three milks, topped with rich caramel cream
Baklava $14.65
Layers of crisp filo dough, filled with chopped nuts, and sweetened with a honey-sugar syrup
Sheqerepare $12.00
Traditional Albanian soft, buttery cookie soaked in sweet lemon syrup

Soups
Çka Ka Qellu Soup $16.65
Chicken soup with tender chicken, rice, and a mix of veggies in a flavorful broth

Brumat (Savory Dishes)
Samuna $2.00
Albanian flatbread.
Leçenik $10.30
Cornbread made with spinach and three cheeses, complemented by a rich pepper sauce
Fli $15.75
Delicate, golden layers of hand-baked batter, brushed with rich butter for a soft, flaky texture—an Albanian culinary masterpiece
Mantia $14.65
Crispy, golden-baked dumplings filled with ground veal and aromatic spices, served hot with a touch of traditional yogurt

Salad
Shop Salad $19.85
Sweet cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumber, and creamy shredded feta cheese
Village Salad $19.85
Romaine lettuce, tomatoes, sweet red onions, crunchy cucumber, feta cheese, and olives
Cabbage Salad $15.00
Refreshing salad made with crisp cabbage.
Mediterranean Salad $20.35
Arugula greens topped with goat cheese, sliced green apples, sweet red beets, crunchy walnuts, and dried cranberries, all tossed in a flavorful Çka Ka Qëllu dressing

Tavë
Kacamak $22.25
A creamy Balkan porridge made with slow-cooked cornmeal, house-churned butter, and melted cheese
Mazë E Zier $22.25
Comforting dish made with corn flour, butter, kaymak, and cheese.
Specë Në Mazë $20.65
Fire-grilled cubanelle pepper, delicately sautéed in homemade butter and crowned with rich, artisanal cream cheese
Suxhuk Në Tavë $25.75
A handcrafted blend of ground veal and beef sausage sautéed in olive oil, melted in a velvety fusion of three artisanal cheeses
Sarma $27.00
Cabbage leaves stuffed with seasoned ground meat, rice, and fresh vegetables
Tave Dheut $24.50
A creamy and flavorful baked dish made with tender liver, peppers, tomatoes, cheese, and spices
Fasulë $23.85
A staple in Albanian cuisine, this traditional white bean stew is slow-simmered with aromatic spices and olive oil, creating a rich, hearty broth. Enjoy it in its classic form or enhance it with home-made smoked meat $4 or suxhuk $4 for added depth and flavor
Stuffed Pepper $23.50
Tender peppers filled with a flavorful mix of seasonal vegetables, herbs, and rice
Mantia Ne Tave $23.50
Delicate veal-filled dumplings, baked to perfection and immersed in a luscious, house-made cheese sauce

Çka Ka Qëllue Details

Service options
Outdoor seating
No-contact delivery
Delivery
Takeout
Dine-in

Highlights
Fast service
Great coffee
Great dessert
Great wine list
Serves local specialty

Popular for
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining

Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible parking lot

Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Cocktails
Coffee
Comfort food
Hard liquor
Healthy options
Late-night food
Small plates
Wine

Dining options
Brunch
Lunch
Dinner
Dessert
Seating
Table service

Amenities
Bar onsite
Restroom

Atmosphere
Casual
Cozy
Romantic
Trendy

Crowd
Groups
Locals
Tourists

Planning
Brunch reservations recommended
Dinner reservations recommended
Accepts reservations

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards

Children
Good for kids
High chairs

Parking
Parking

Çka Ka Qëllue Photos

Çka Ka Qëllue Location

Çka Ka Qëllue

New York New York County New York East 31st Street

118 E 31st St, New York, NY 10016, USA

Çka Ka Qëllue Reviews

An average rating of ★4.8 from 1515 user reviews.

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★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

Dining at Çka Ka Qëllue was an unforgettable experience. The food was nothing short of a masterpiece—each dish a true work of art. From the moment I stepped in, I was struck by the atmosphere; the restaurant felt like an exquisite museum, with every detail carefully curated to create a unique and elegant ambiance.The service was excellent—warm, attentive, and professional. I started with the corn and spinach appetizer, which was both flavorful and beautifully prepared. For my main course, I had the chicken dish, and I was genuinely amazed. Both dishes were presented like something out of a high-end culinary magazine—visually stunning and just as delicious.Whether you're planning a cozy dinner with a friend or a lively group celebration, Çka Ka Qëllue is a fantastic choice. Highly recommend!
May 30 · rocco chiusano
We went to the Manhattan location this time and sat outside — the weather was perfect — and we absolutely loved it.Our server was incredibly friendly, gave us amazing recommendations, and made sure we were happy the entire time.The art and attention to detail in the restaurant are so thoughtful and truly transport you back to authentic Albania.The food was unreal — so flavorful, authentic, and delicious. The wine was also amazing. I just wish you had a location in Boston — we’d be coming every week!It’s worth all the hype. Truly a fantastic experience.
June 28 · Lorena Nikolli
One of my best experience ever! I walked in without a reservation, but the waiters didn’t take long to find me a perfect table. Everyone was super nice and polite. The cocktail, I ordered a Lycee Martini, was absolute pleasure for the palate. The food, Mantia, and the classic Albanian bread were delicious!!! I finished my dinner with my favorite dessert: Trilece, and an espresso. I’ll definitely come back!
March 26 · Rudy D.
What a find! This restaurant is amazing, one of the best ethnic restaurants I have eaten in in New York. The service was impeccable, the food outstanding and the ambiance superb.Before going, I did not know what to expect food wise from an Albanian/Kosovo restaurant but, I was blown away by the food and service. The waitstaff were outstanding in explaining the items on the menu. The dining areas are a delight to enjoy, and compliment the food perfectly.Absolutely on our list of favorite restaurants here in Manhattan.
July 21 · Terrence Leeder
First time trying Albanian food! The restaurant had indoor, outdoor and garden seating in the back. The cuisine is carb heavy, so I recommend getting at least one of the salads. Overall the food and atmosphere were great. The decor made our dinner feel like a cultural experience.
July 12 · Martina Ruseva