Charcoal Gardenia

Reviews

• KT

  Kaliope Tjutjulis

  Feb 16, 2026
  5.0
  We had an amazing experience and had to leave a 5-star review! Abraham was our waiter, and he was absolutely fantastic—knowledgeable, attentive, and genuinely friendly. He made great recommendations and made us feel really welcomed from start to finish. The food was out of this world. I had the half chicken, which was cooked perfectly and full of flavor. My family ordered the mixed grill, and everything was tender, well-seasoned, and delicious. The fried cheese was a 10/10—definitely a must-order—and the mixed dip plate was fresh, flavorful, and a great way to start the meal. Overall, an excellent dining experience with great service and incredible food. We’ll definitely be back
• DA

  Dahlia Abbas

  Feb 14, 2026
  2.0
  Let me just say this was probably the worst dining experience I had. First of all, I came all the way from NJ to eat here. I come in we get seated right away which was great. Service was horrible can’t catch a waiter. Some guy with a diamond watch took our order but we waited an hour before I addressed it with a waiter and it seemed like diamond watch didn’t even put our order in because he kept coming with dishes on the house which honestly if they put more effort they could’ve just given us the dishes we actually ordered. After an hour wait, you’d think the food would be worth it, WRONG. Fatoush salad and mint lemonade were good. I thought the burger tasted good but the buns were stale made it inedible. Then I was told the dessert was on the house too, took me awhile to catch a waiter and ask for a dessert menu, boxes for leftovers and the check. He came back only with the dessert menu. We got tired of waiting to order so we just got up. As we were walking out we got another apology. I was charged a service fee which I obviously didn’t pay. I would not come here again. Honestly food is overpriced for the quality. It’s way too overhyped.
• TT

  TwT

  Feb 14, 2026
  5.0
  Spectacular food and atmosphere! There is a beautiful Palestinian mural in the background and the greenery around the place is mesmerizing! The food was delicious with large portions! Everything is worth the price. The new crispy shawarma was the best shawarma I've had! It was at least a foot long. The service was excellent! The staff are friendly and accommodating, they make you feel welcome and comfortable! I can't wait to enjoy more dishes from this place soon! (Dishes in the photos: Original Hummus, Small Mixed Grill, and Crispy Shawarma)
• SS

  Shady Saleh

  Feb 13, 2026
  5.0
  We had an amazing experience at Charcoal Gardenia in Staten Island! From the moment we walked in, the decor immediately stood out. The beautiful Palestinian paintings and artwork on the walls make you feel like you’re transported back to Palestine. The atmosphere is warm, inviting, and full of culture. The food was absolutely delicious. We ordered the beef shawarma platter, the chicken shawarma wrap, and za’atar bread for dinner — everything was fresh, flavorful, and perfectly seasoned. You can truly taste the quality in every bite. The dessert menu is extensive and impressive. We tried the chocolate lava cake, which is a must for any chocolate lover, and the Dubai chocolate crepe — it was incredible and definitely a standout! The service was top notch. It was my daughter’s birthday, and the staff went out of their way to make it special by singing for her, which meant so much to us. We’ll definitely be going back again soon!
• DG

  DeNary G

  Jan 30, 2026
  5.0
  Service issues overshadowed the experience I came here on a friendly date and was really looking forward to the experience, but unfortunately the service was disappointing. Though the food was amazing, Our drinks arrived after all of our food, and they were served in plastic to-go cups, while other tables were given proper glassware. We ordered hookah, which initially came without charcoal. Even after asking, it took about 10 minutes to receive it, and the charcoal appeared used rather than fresh. The hookah itself was harsh barely pulling. When my date asked for it to be fixed, the staff member brought fresh charcoal but used it to fix the table next to us instead, completely ignoring ours.Another staff member later tried to help and was kind — he even offered me a disposable hose tip, which I appreciated. However, when those tips were brought, the staff who imma assume was in charge of the hookah leaned over me and placed them directly on the table instead of handing them to me, which felt uncomfortable and unprofessional especially bc I was holding my hand out. I wanted to enjoy this place, but the lack of attentiveness, inconsistent service, and uncomfortable interactions really took away from the experience. I hope management can address these issues, because the concept has potential.