Imagine stepping into a place where dimmed lights, velvet seating, and soft melodies greet you like an old friend. That’s the atmosphere at Majlis of New York, a place that invites guests not just to dine, but to experience. As soon as you walk in, you sense the mood: refined, relaxed, and unmistakably elegant.
Majlis isn’t your typical halal restaurant or hookah bar. It's a modern bistro lounge, a sophisticated lounge with culinary depth. In a city flooded with casual halal spots, Majlis stands out by offering quality, comfort, and class wrapped into one night out.
A Vision Transformed into Reality
The Inspiration Behind the Lounge
When founder Rizwan Siddiqui started Majlis in 2011, his aim wasn’t just to serve food. He intended to recreate the elegance of Dubai lounges and European cafés right in Queens. The goal: transform evenings into experiences.
Milestones of Growth
-
2011: Majlis opens its doors with a bold vision.
-
2015: Hookah offerings expand to over 70 premium flavors.
-
2019: Signature Mediterranean–European tasting menus debut.
-
2023: Surpasses 900 online reviews with a consistent 4.4–4.5-star average.
These markers represent Majlis’s dedication to both evolution and consistency in quality.
Entering the Ambience of Elegance
Design That Speaks of Comfort and Class
Majlis’s design blends two worlds: lush Middle Eastern decor grounded in plush, contemporary elegance. Velvet textures, ambient lighting, and brass accents converge into a setting that feels both lived-in and luxurious.
The Dress Code That Elevates Everywhere
A simple policy, no hoodies, hats, or overly casual attire, encourages guests to embrace the ambiance. This unwritten “get dressed for the night” rule sets the tone for how Majlis sees its space: a sanctuary for style and connection.
Hookah Reimagined
A Flavor Catalog Like No Other
Majlis offers over 70 shisha flavors, from classic mint to bespoke blends like pomegranate-mint and lychee-rose. Seasonal specials like cardamom-cinnamon and lavender-honey make the menu feel alive and evolving.
Quality You Can Taste
Every hookah is handled professionally. Staff monitor charcoal, tobacco density, and water temperature, ensuring every session offers smooth, clean, aromatic smoke. Hygiene is emphasized with single-use mouthpieces and sanitized hoses.
Flavor Pairing Insights
Majlis staff happily suggest flavor pairings, for example, light fruity shishas to accompany seafood dishes, or richer blends to enhance red meat entrees. It’s the kind of thoughtful detail that shows refined hospitality.
Cuisine That Elevates Halal Standards
Crafting a Culinary Journey
Majlis takes halal seriously from sourcing to plating. Fresh produce arrives weekly from local farms, meat comes from halal-certified vendors, and spices are globally selected for authentic, layered flavors.
Starters That Set the Tone
-
Truffle Labneh: Rich yogurt cheese spotlighted with black truffle, served with crostini.
-
Mezze Assortment: Grape leaves, muhammara, hummus, and olives presented beautifully.
-
Stuffed Zucchini Blossoms: Delicate cheese pockets with lemon-garlic aioli.
Mains Made Memorable
-
Sumac Lamb Chops: Herb-crusted with saffron rice and grilled vegetables.
-
Seafood Paella Royale: Queens-style paella teeming with shrimp, mussels, and chorizo.
-
Vegetarian Moussaka: Layers of eggplant, tomato, and béchamel baked until golden.
Service That Makes You Feel Noticed
Not Just Servers, But Hosts
Over 35% of monthly bookings come from repeat guests. Staff greet returning patrons by name and make personalized recommendations, like the cocktail or hookah pairing that would suit their mood.
Staff Training That Shows
From service protocol to menu knowledge and shisha mechanics, every team member undergoes rigorous training. The result: consistently seamless guest experiences.
Celebrations That Stand Out
Majlis as an Event Space
Majlis accommodates private events from birthdays to Nikah dinners. Packages include curated menus, private hookah stations, and ambiance customizations to suit the event.
Crafted Moments, Curated Ambiance
Art installations may adorn the walls for an art launch. Soft oud music can accompany Iftar dinners. Majlis adapts beautifully to the culture, mood, and spirit of each gathering.
Real Numbers, Real Testimonials
Reputation That Speaks Volumes
-
918+ LocalGrubber reviews at 4.4 stars
-
232 Yelp reviews at 3.6 stars
-
1,030 Google reviews at 4.5 stars
Numbers reflect consistency, and Majlis maintains a strong reputation across platforms.
Growth and Loyalty Stats
-
Served 5,631+ happy customers since opening
-
Offers 70+ hookah flavors and 33+ plated dishes
-
Holds a 35% repeat-visitor rate
These stats underline Majlis’s sustained quality, innovation, and relational charm.
Trends in Culture and Cuisine
Hookah and Social Spaces on the Rise
Queens has grown by 15% in hookah venues since 2018. Majlis remains at the forefront through thoughtful design, flavor variety, and elevated service.
Halal Dining Gaining Ground
Food industry reports show halal-certified American dining has grown 12% over the past three years. And with a global market exceeding $2 trillion, Majlis is part of the wave raising expected standards.
Sustainably Savvy
Ethical Sourcing
Majlis prioritizes responsible sourcing of grass-fed meats, non-GMO produce, and eco-conscious seafood. Culinary delight paired with ethics.
Green in Practice
-
60% reduction in single-use plastics via glassware
-
Composting and food-donation programs are active.
-
Partnerships with Queens-based suppliers supporting the local economy
How to Join the Experience
Booking Made Easy
Secure your table or hookah session through Majlis’s website or by calling. Whether it’s a Friday palette of courses or a late-night hookah session, Majlis adapts to your schedule.
Recognized in Style
As a standout halal bistro lounge in NYC, Majlis continues to attract Queens locals and New York food explorers alike, curated, considerate, and consistently excellent.
Conclusion
Majlis of New York isn’t just a place to eat, it’s a place to experience. From elevated halal cuisine to an ambiance that blends elegance with comfort, it’s redefining what a modern halal bistro lounge can be. Whether you're gathering with friends, celebrating a milestone, or simply treating yourself, Majlis offers a luxurious escape right in the heart of Queens. Discover the taste of culture, class, and community all under one roof.
Comments
0 comment