Naomi's Kosher Pizza & Falafel: From College Days to Today
Kosher Restaurant in New York City's Queens Neighborhood of Flushing ✈
Naomi's Kosher Pizza & Falafel has been a mainstay in New York City’s Queens neighborhood of Flushing at 68-28 Main Street since 1970. When I was a student at Queens College, just a few blocks away, Naomi's was my go-to spot for pizza. In my opinion, it was the best kosher pizza in Queens at the time, and it quickly became a regular part of my routine.
Queens College, part of the City University of New York (CUNY) system, has a long history of academic excellence and is known for its diverse student body. Over the years, it has been home to many notable alumni, including comedian Jerry Seinfeld, musician Paul Simon, and former U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell. The campus is just a short walk from Naomi's, making it a popular stop for students looking for a quick and satisfying kosher meal between classes.
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“Whether you're stopping by for a quick slice, grabbing a falafel platter, or indulging in a pasta dish, the menu has plenty to offer. For me, it remains a nostalgic spot that brings back memories of my college days and continues to deliver the same great flavors I remember.”
Main Street in Flushing is known for its large selection of kosher establishments serving the large Jewish community in the area. Walking down the street, you'll find several kosher bakeries, supermarkets, and restaurants that serve everything from traditional Jewish deli to Middle Eastern specialties. This concentration of kosher businesses reflects the needs of the surrounding Jewish population, which includes a mix of Ashkenazi and Sephardic communities. Many families in the area observe kosher dietary laws and rely on these establishments for their daily meals and special occasions.
Queens is home to a significant Jewish population, with communities spread across several neighborhoods, including Kew Gardens Hills, Forest Hills, Rego Park, and Hillcrest. Each of these areas has its own character and caters to different segments of the Jewish community, ranging from Modern Orthodox to more traditional Hasidic groups. Kew Gardens Hills has a dense concentration of synagogues, yeshivas, and kosher stores, making it a focal point for Jewish life in the borough. Forest Hills and Rego Park have long been known for their large Bukharian Jewish communities, while Hillcrest serves as a quieter residential area with a strong Jewish presence. The availability of kosher establishments along Main Street reflects the needs of these diverse communities, ensuring that residents have access to kosher dining options that align with their religious observances.
The store has a long history in the community. The interior is simple with paintings on the walls that add a touch of character. The focus here has always been on the food, and over the years, the menu has grown to include not just pizza but also a selection of Middle Eastern dishes. Naomi's has also grown into a popular establishment for catered events.
Naomi's offers a variety of pizza options. The classic cheese pie remains a popular choice, featuring a perfectly crisp crust topped with premium mozzarella and a well-balanced tomato sauce. For those looking to customize their meal, a range of toppings is available. The vegetable pizza, loaded with mushrooms, onions, green peppers, black olives, and tomatoes, is another favorite. The white pie, which comes without sauce and is topped with ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan, is a solid choice for those who prefer a cheesier option.
The Sicilian pizza stands out with its thick, doughy crust and robust flavor. Other options include specialty pies like the mushroom, spinach, and ziti combinations. The menu offers something for everyone, whether you're in the mood for a classic slice or something a little different.
Beyond pizza, Naomi's is known for its Middle Eastern cuisine. The falafel is a highlight, served with tossed salad and tahina. It can be ordered in a pita or as a platter with a side of pita and additional tahina. The falafel balls are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside as they should be.
Several appetizers are available to start your meal, including mozzarella sticks, garlic knots, fries, and onion rings. The menu also includes calzones and rolls, such as the cheese calzone, eggplant roll, and spinach roll, all of which come with dipping sauce.
For those looking to try something different, the Mediterranean-inspired items are worth exploring. Options like Turkish pita and cheese boreka offer a savory pastry experience. Traditional Mideast specials such as Jahnun, a dish made with thinly rolled pastry dough, crushed tomatoes, sechug, and a hard-boiled egg, and Shakshuka, which consists of poached eggs in a tomato and onion sauce, provide unique flavors that are hard to find elsewhere in the neighborhood.
Pasta dishes are also featured on the menu, with options like penne vodka and baked ziti. The eggplant parmesan, which consists of breaded eggplant topped with mozzarella and tomato sauce, served with pasta, is another solid choice.
During my visit, I took some time to check out their beverage selection, which includes a variety of drinks to complement the meal. The beverage menu features soft drinks, juices, and other refreshing options that pair well with both the pizza and the Middle Eastern dishes.
For those visiting Naomi's, there are plenty of things to do in Queens before or after grabbing a bite. Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, one of the largest parks in New York City, is just a short drive away. The park is home to iconic landmarks such as the Unisphere, the Queens Museum, and the New York Hall of Science. Citi Field, where the New York Mets play, is also nearby for baseball fans looking to catch a game.
If you're in the mood for shopping, Queens Center Mall offers a wide range of stores, while downtown Flushing boasts a bustling mix of shops and cultural attractions. For those interested in exploring the borough's rich history, the Louis Armstrong House Museum in Corona provides insight into the legendary musician's life. Queens is also known for its diverse food scene, so visitors can explore different neighborhoods to try cuisines from around the world.
Naomi's Kosher Pizza & Falafel continues to be one my top choices for those seeking quality kosher food in Flushing. Whether you're stopping by for a quick slice, grabbing a falafel platter, or indulging in a pasta dish, the menu has plenty to offer. For me, it remains a nostalgic spot that brings back memories of my college days and continues to deliver the same great flavors I remember.
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