Mundo Cafe & Restaurant

We've been coming to Mundo ever since we moved into the neighborhood and we've always found it to be good food, good wine and good company, but last night, we were extremely disappointed. We'd made a reservation but the couple who had planned to join us backed out, so it ended up being just my husband and me (which we did let Mundo know in advance). It was a $70 prix fixe, not including tax, tip and drinks--a little pricy for Astoria, but worth it for a great meal. The appetizer platter was unremarkable--Red Sonya was on there and it's always good, plus some sort of pastry thing, a veggie/cheese empanada that was quite good, and some sort of grape leaf-wrapped salmon that was overcooked. So we waited for the main course (...and we waited...and we waited--the pacing of the meal was definitely off). Of the three available choices, we ordered portabello ravioli (a standard on the menu) and squid ink pasta. The ravioli was very good as always--the squid ink pasta was not: congealed pasta, unremarkable sauce, overcooked and cold shrimp. It definitely didn't taste fresh--since it was a prix fixe, perhaps it had been sitting around all night instead of being made to order? We didn't want to make a scene, so we just asked for dessert--theoretically some sort of creme brulee with a cheese ball on top. Well, the cream wasn't brulee'd--none of the nice crust that you expect on that type of dessert. The flavor was good but the dish had the consistency of runny yogurt with two large cheese balls swimming in it. And above all, the service was definitely not what we have come to expect from Mundo. Usually the staff is very conversational and engaging, but last night they seemed to disregard most of the diners, except for a couple of larger tables, who seemed like they were friends of the owners. I don't begrudge them giving their friends special treatment, but the complete disregard of the other patrons was quite a surprise. Also, one of the large groups had brought a two-year-old with them--definitely a buzz-killer for a romantic night out. I don't have a problem with children in restaurants, but when I go into a restaurant that doesn't provide booster seats for a New Year's Eve reservation and I have to share my meal with an unsteady tot walking around tables and/or at times loudly voicing his exhaustion or disapproval, it definitely affects my experience. Overall, we paid over $200 for a disappointing meal. I'm actually relieved that our dining companions weren't able to join us, because we would have been very embarrassed that we recommended Mundo for such a special night. more

Arguably the best restaurant I've ever experienced. Food: Ridiculously Delicious Service: Superb Atmosphere: Cozy, Friendly I think I've found a new home in Astoria, Queens! more

My boyfriend and I recently ate at Mundo and had the most delectably romantic evening I have ever had in Astoria. The ambiance of the place is so warm and cozy and eclectic (with the local art on display and a gorgeous contemporary art chandelier in the center of the ceiling). One of the things that really set this place apart from the very beginning for me is the warmth of the hosts/chefs/owners (Willy and John) and the obvious joy they bring to sharing this food with their guests. Before the dishes had even touched our table, we were enchanted. The food itself is a blend of Mediterranean, Turkish, South American, Middles Eastern (did I miss anything?) and the mixing of all of these different tastes is accomplished so harmoniously. I really did tear up a bit when I had the 'Red Sonja' appetizer-it was that good. So clean, so well spiced and so exuberant a dish. We followed Willy's advice and tried the Peruvian Causa-such a fresh and cool counterpart to the Red Sonjas; we also had the crab croquettes (yum) and the halloumi cheese wrapped in grape leaves. (I am a sucker for Mediterranean food, and this was so clever and well executed.) For our main course we shared the squid-ink tagliolini with a divine assortment of shrimp, mussels, squid rings and I don't know what else. It was superb, and at this point my sweetie and I were getting absolutely lost in this sensual dining experience. To cap it all, we ordered dessert (which we only do when the evening is so fabulous that it demands dessert) and we went for the pot of Belgian chocolate. It was decadent. I live here in Astoria and I love visiting the local restaurants and am so excited to find these chic, well-run, intimate, and authentic restaurants with exceptional cuisine in my neighborhood. I think that Mundo is the best of all of these, I hope more restaurants to come take their cues from Willy and John. more

Mundo Cafe was great! The staff was so polite, the food was delicious, and the atmosphere was very comfortable and cozy. The Red Sonja appetizer was delicious, something I have never had before. I would recommend this restaurant for a nice low key night! more

I love you MUNDO! Thank you so much for catering my wedding...YES this wonderful restaurant in Astoria now does CATERING!!! It was great for us because they have so many delicious vegetarian options!!!! Even the meat eaters at the wedding (which were most of our guests) absolutely loved the vegetarian food. The food was absolutely and incredibly delicious and so were the drinks...and get me started on the desserts....they were phenomenal!!! My family (who came from Europe, Latin America and the US) could not get over how tasty and great the food was. The food was fresh and healthy and was made and served with so much love and care. Now, I know what ""Water for Chocolate"" was really about...the love for cooking by Mundo came through their dishes. You could taste the love in their food; which is perfect for our wedding! The manager at our event space said that this was the BEST catering she has tasted at a wedding; and they have wedding there every weekend. We agree! While selecting our menu for the wedding, we looked at other caterers and Mundo had the best tasting food at the most affordable prices. Thank you MUNDO again for all your hard work, great food and wonderful energy! more

This place is simply one of my favorite restaurants to go to. The ambiance is fantastic, the service is so friendly and efficient. You feel like you are home when you come to Mundo. Willy, one of the owners always remembers you when you walk through the door. The food is remarkable. The red sonja is my favorite appetizer. Even my 12 year old daughter always wants to go to Mundo for the red sonja. Their french fries are always crisp and flavorful. The Turkish meatballs are delicious and full of flavor. Everything I have ever had was delicious. Their sangria is so light and refreshing. Their chocolate souffle is pure heaven. I tell all my friends about this place because I simply love to go there. I always feel at home and leave feeling satisfied. Please try this place, you will love it!!!!! Pros: Great service, food, sangria, etc. more

Heard about this restaurant from a website and decided to try....food was really different and one of a kind. Started off with the sour cherry soup which was really refreshing....great soup for the Spring. Next had the Red Sonja which was very flavorful and so tasty! Then had the crab and artichoke dip with pita breads which was also very tasty and palatable. By that time I was about 70% full!!! Then for main course I had their daily special which was the roast beef and wow....it was good. The texture was not dry or extremely tender but in between and the gravy was a perfect match with it! My friend had the chicken cutlet which was a big portion and was really moist!! Would recommend this restaurant because it's not the typical food that most people would eat. Pros: unique food, great service more

Almost every review is glowing that is why I went. All 3 of us have different and picky palates. We all agreed that we will go back and very very soon. The service was very friendly and knowledgeable. Appetizer suggestion: Red Sonja. Unbelievable!! Go quickly my friend, and make a reservation, they will take care of you from start to finish! Pros: food, location, romantic, specials and service service service. Cons: somewhat difficult if more than two people in your party but worth it! more

Mundo is the place to go when you're tired of the typical sushi-mexican-thai-asianfusion places that all promise to be something new but never are. The 2 guys that own the place have created something very special. The menu is a wonderful combination of new, but not weird, things that up until now you may not have ever considered before. The shredded carrot dip served with pita is flavorful and light. The sour cherry soup is so unusual and distinctive- practically dessert. The beef empanada has cinnamon (?) and raisins in it, such a cool take on it. They even make lentils into something delicious with the Red Sonja patty thingy served in a lettuce leaf- LENTILS for goodness sake! This place has broken the mold with unusual, delicious offerings. Not a ton of stuff on the menu, but everything I tried on it was superb! The location is a bit tricky, it's not on Broadway but 32nd Street, a residential street. It's a find!! Pros: Unusual, interesting menu that takes eating to a new place Cons: Small, fills up quickly more

I finally tried Mundo with my girlfriend the other night and I thought it was exceptional. Sorry to repeat what's already been said about it being different (in a good way), but it is. I love the dining options in Astoria, but they can be a little repetitive. This place really offers something different and they pull it off. Mostly vegetarian (which I am not), but you won't notice. I would definitely recommend the crab and artichoke dip. This was not the overly mayonnaise -y version you get at generic restaurants. It was homemade and it was delicious. My girlfriend agreed but also told me to shut up when I told her how good I thought it was for the 10th time. \r \r Anyhow, long story short, this place is worth a visit. I don't usually write reviews (especially positive ones), but I was very impressed. I'll definitely be going back. Pros: Unique, well prepared, attentive service, inexpensive, THE CRAB DIP Cons: None that I noticed more

My friends and I have made Mundo Cafe our second home, we have been there many times and try to dine there at least once a month. The atmosphere is very cozy and though casual the space has a romantic feel as well. The staff is very friendly as are the owners and one feels very welcome. \r And then there is the food. The Red Sonja, a signature appetizer is simply addicting, made of lentils and delicious seasoning it is a hand formed soft cake which is wrapped in a lettuce leaf with lemon juice squeezed all over and eaten as a mini burrito. The other appetizers are just as worthy, though the Sonja alone will keep you coming back. The entrees are all very tasty, I really enjoy the crab burger and the breaded chicken (their fries are fantastic, seasoned well and always crisp and fresh). The last time we ate there they had started serving a special dish for the fall and winter, a whole pumpkin baked with a creamy but light sauce of veggies and shrimp (enormous amount of them) inside. It is meant to be an entree for 2, and it is very filling, but I found it hard to let anyone else have some, truly a perfection of a meal. \r With a great (and cheap) wine list and heavenly deserts to complete the menu, Mundo is truly a gem.\r \r Reservation is always a good idea, can be quite busy even on random weekday nights. Pros: very affordable, pleasant space and staff and amazing food more

We have been to Mundo twice and each time Willy has treated us like we were in his home. The first time we were there a few months ago, we were treated to gluhwein (warm and spiced red wine), because of an hour wait due to us forgetting to make a reservation. Drinking it felt like being in Europe only were actually in Astoria and not far from home. The wait was well worth it because the dishes that were prepared along with the service we received were the best I've ever experienced. We began with the red sonja, an appetizer i wish would never had finished so quickly. The combination of lentils in a lettuce wrap tasted so great and of course was one of the most unique appetizers I've had. Since we came in a group of five I also got to try some of the other appetizers and was impressed but the red sonja is certainly the top dish on the menu in my opinion. The main dishes served were quite tasty and we almost did not fit dessert due to our trying out most of the menu. Our second trip gave us quite a surprise as we managed to get the house special called camarao na moranga. It was a pumpkin stuffed with shrimp, cheese and a wine sauce. It was a dish that will certainly fill two to three people but with six people on the table we felt cheated having to share such a delicious dish. The veggie wrap that my brother in law had the pleasure of trying is a must have for vegetarians how are into lentils and wonderful vegetable combinations. The service was just as excellent as before and it was a pleasure to dine and see Willy again. Though the setting is certainly more romantic we managed to enjoy the experience as a family. It is definitely a place that deserves repeated visits due to its unique menu. Highly recommended for vegetarians as well. Pros: Cozy, Personal Attention, Excellent Food Cons: Not recommended for younger children due to small size more

I've been to Mundo several times and I usually have a good meal and a great time. :) The service is generally good, if a little slow (due to the fact that it's a small place, so there are only 2 servers), but the owners are extremely personable and genuinely care about their customers. it's a neighborhood place and doesn't pretend to be more than that--good food and good company, with a breezy atmosphere.\r The outside dining is lovely. \r Recommended: Kavaklidere Emir (white wine, light like a Sauvignon Blanc, but more interesting), Red Sonja and Halloumi in Vine Leaf (appetizers-WOW for both), lobster ravioli and seafood burger (entrees-burger is particularly good) and chocolate souffle (dessert). The chocolate souffle comes in a little rounded vase/mug, so you have to dig down there to get all of the chocolate. Ask for extra ice cream! Pros: food, ambiance, service Cons: outside seating can be warm in the summer, kitchen can be slow when busy more

Everyone else was served at my table, but me. I had to ask when mine was coming. They assured me in a few minutes. Ten minutes later I asked again; same response. Long story short: mine came cold after everyone else at my table had finished eating! Simply unacceptable. Pros: Seats Cons: Slow, incompetant service more

We were looking for greek food along astoria and stumbled upon Mundo. It is a very small restaurant that house max 30 people. However, the food was really delicious. We had their signature Red Sonja .It had a lettuce wrapped with a veggie pattie that was tasty and delightful. Then we had their veggie falafels and also their humus dip. We moved on to a simple spinanch salad. Their dessert was a toasted almond cake and a south african pudding with coconut and dried apricot. The food was FANTASTIC and the price was very reasonable. Most of the things we tried were below $9 range. With wine, dessert, our meal with tips came out to less than $30 per person. We left satisfied and wanting more of Mundo. I will definitely return and taste their menu some more. Note. The decor is very simple and not a place to bring to impress a first date. But if you want some great tasting vegetarian dishs , this is a wonderful place to try. THEY DO HAVE MEAT dishes but most of their menu is vegetarian. Pros: Great tasting vegetarian dishes , cheap prices Cons: Not good if you have a big group of people more

The best of the world cuisine can be found in one place. Mundo is the best place for those who enjoy variety. Be adventurous!!! I have been trying different dishes for over three months and I still haven't run out of new options. The food is fantastic, always fresh and tastes amazing. The attentive staff makes me feel like a guest at a friend's house. The space is very cozy and well appointed with interesting works of art. Mundo is under priced compared to the quality of food and service provided. I strongly recommend this dining experience. Pros: Excellent food and service more

We love Mundo! It's the kind of place you always feel welcome and where we often have a hard time deciding on which dishes to eat. To remedy the situation, we often order several appetizers until we have customized a meal of some of our favorite dishes. Unlike some restaurants which frown on this style of ordering, Mundo is always happy to accommodate. Some favorites include: Red Sonja (a flavorful red lentil/bulgar wheat ""patty"" which looks somewhat unappetizing b/c of the ""knuckle marks"" but tastes out of this world; it's SO DELICIOUS that we sometimes get more than one order), Crab and Artichoke Dip (the perfect blend of veggie, crab and cheese), Halloumi in Vine Leaf (Saganaki-like cheese with a tiny slice of red pepper wrapped in an edible vine leaf) Cold Cherry Soup (so yummy that a friend recently slurped it up with a straw!) and Green Mix (salad of seeds, carrots, sun dried tomatoes, olives, lettuce, and a touch of honey in the dressing). The owners are from Argentina and Turkey, one from each country, and the mix of culinary styles truly makes for ""a journey at the table."" Some other favorite ""ingredients"" of the place are the intimate feeling of the space, the rotating artwork, the warm hospitality, the candle light, the fantastic world music selection, the value for the price paid, the consistent high-quality food, a clean bathroom, interesting vegetarian options and a location just off of Broadway in Astoria. We have also hosted a few larger dinners there where the staff has worked closely with us to create menus which not only met our budget but also delighted our guests while taking into consideration allergies and dietary restrictions. Mundo requires a sense of adventure in that there will be things you haven't tried before or combinations/ preparations you may not be familiar with, but once you decide to take the ""journey"", you will want to take it again and again. We certainly have! And we hope to continue to do so for many years to come! Pros: Definite Thumbs UP: Location, Food, Ambiance, Value, Music, Hospitality, Menu Planning for parties Cons: Minor areas for improvement: Water-refilling frequency, Tip policy (cash only) more

As someone who has lived both in Manhattan and the boroughs, I can honestly say this is one of the best places to eat in NYC! The atmosphere is great, always good tunes playing at a comfortable and conversation friendly volume, a changing display of artists work, and intimate tables. The host and entire staff are always friendly and recognize all of their regulars, of which there are many! I have been a regular since they opened for all the aforementioned reasons, but mostly because their eclectic menu is one of a kind and everything I have ordered is delicious! Every time I have friends visiting I take them to Mundo and they become fans instantly. Order their signature dish called the red sonja, you won't be disappointed. Pros: Excellent food, unique menu, one-of-a-kind, friendly servers and host Cons: small, but cozy more

Whenever I have friends or family from overseas, Mundo is the first place I take them to! It has a large variety of 'meze's to make everyone happy (empanada & Red Sonja are my personal favorites!) and the main course (Ottoman Dumplings: yummieee!) & desserts (best TiRaMiSu ever) that follow are absolutely scrumptious! \r \r Pros: Great food; homey, warm atmosphere; friendly, welcoming wait staff, and cool world music in the background.\r Cons: There is always a wait if you dont have resevations, sometimes even on weekdays. Pros: Food, Service, Ambiance Cons: The wait w/o reservation more

Every time I go to Astoria I make a plans to go to Mundo. It has great food with no pretenses. I have tried most of what they have on the menu and have been happy with every dish. A great meal usually starts with empanadas or the red sonja. The dips with pita are delicious too. Then it's on to an entree (I enjoy many but the chicken milanesa with french fries and the grilled shrimp on couscous with berry sauce I especially love). I like their wine selection and at wintertime the warm red wine is a special treat. Desserts are great and lately my weakness is the semolina and ice cream. The staff is very friendly -including the owners who are there all the time- and will go out of their way to make you feel at home. Pros: food, ambience, lighting, open air in summer Cons: reservation recommended on weekends more