What People Say About Victory Garden Café

I came here for brunch on Sunday. It was delicious and very reasonable. Their pastries are tasty as well. The outdoor garden is beautiful and I'm looking forward to enjoying it when the weather warms up.

Victory Sweet Shop is a Hidden little gem in on Steinway Street. I used to go there all the time for cheese pies when it was just a bakery, when they expanded to a full restaurant and bar I was so impressed with the job they did. The decor, the food the customer service, every thing about this place Wowed me. My favorite part is the backyard Garden. They did a wonderful job and creating an ambience where you forget your in Queens and think your on a tropical Greek Island. It's beautiful at night with the lights.
I highly recommend for food and ambience.

Oh my goodness was everything delicious! Our souvlakia were melt in your mouth scrumptious... and the desserts we brought home for my mom, she is envious of Enough said.. Wish I just lived CLOSER!

Went with my wife and kid to meet up with some friends and family for lunch. Beautiful decor, awesome service and a very friendly staff. We sat in the back in a gorgeous garden. Great authentic Greek desserts and dishes. Looking forward to visiting again next time we visit Astoria.

Recently my girlfriend and I went to the Victory Sweet shop in Astoria and it was phenomenal. The inside is very nice but the outside is what really sold me on the spot. Elegant lighting and the waterfalls sounds are relaxing. The server was attentive and informative, suggesting the cocktail 'Victory Love Potion' which was tasty and surprisingly strong for what looks like 'fruity drink', and to munch we had the kria pikilla, which we enjoyed as well.

Amazing place. Awesome food. Great ambiance, family friendly. You don't have to wait for a table. You are greeted with a smile. The service us unbelievable, the waitress/waiter are very attentive. As soon as you walk in it reminds you off walking into a cafe on the beach.

This place makes you feel like you're on a Greek island. . We had the octopus, sea food salad and a couple glasses of their signature wine drinks (love potion) - the food was amazing and at a good price.. Can't wait for spring/summer so we can sit outside in the garden... We'll be back very soon.

This is my third time at Victory Garden Cafe. They are still pretty new, I think they opened last summer. I've been twice for coffee and dessert. This time we went for brunch. I had a Mediterranean omelet and my bf had the French Toast. Food was really fresh and reasonably priced. We went around noon and were able to get a table no problem. It's nice not to deal with the brunch crowds and long waits. 
They have a counter full of fresh pastries, a great way to finish your meal. We shared a baklava. See pic posted They have a pretty outdoor garden area, can't wait to try it when it gets warmer!!

Always a pleasure, my favorite bakery! Everything is always fresh! They are very accommodating and pleasant! I look forward to joining them for brunch very soon!

Came to Victory Garden Cafe for a business meeting and must say it was a great experience. The service was welcoming and the food and desserts were amazing. My co-workers and I tried the crispy calamari, the Euro panini & Chicken Balsamico. For dessert we had the Strawberry cheesecake & Tiramisu. I will be visiting again soon.

Awesome place. I love the garden cafè. The menu is great and staff is very welcoming

Amygdala. Amygdalota.
The Gray's Anatomy textbook describes Amygdala as almond shaped groups of nuclei located deep within the brain, shown by research to perform a primary role in the processing and memory of emotional reactions...and appear to play a role in binge drinking.


Amygdalota are Greek almond cookies that can similarly stimulate either pleasant emotions (from consumption) or negative emotions (from fear of scarcity or sadness from deprivation) - and play a role in binge eating as a result of addictive indulgence and withdrawal.



So, I wasn't born in Greece and have no childhood memories of visitors showing up at my house with a ribbon-tied box from a Greek bakery containing these simple, wholesome, and rewarding cookies. Light, perfect with coffee (or in my case: as breakfast!), or as a snack, these cookies outshine Amaretti, Pignoli, Macaroons, and any other category of cookies in the extended family. Crisp on the outside and soft and chewy on the inside, topped with sliced almonds, and infusing the air with a whiff of almond scent, Amygdalota are positively intoxicating - and would be the ode of many a poet. Particularly if they were from Victory Sweet Shop that makes the best version I've tried in the city, with the freshness preserved as they do in Greece - by wrapping them in plastic.

I've shared them with coworkers, who've raved about their lightness, having anticipated a heavier, traditional cookie instead.

Victory Sweet Shop may be the premier exponent of this cookie in the city, but they are not limited to one trick. Their Melomakarona (or Finikia) are also the best in the city, besting my prior favorite version at Artopolis bakery. These shortbread cookies have been soaked in syrup until they are almost like the Indian Besan Laddoo in texture, but Victory's version helped me understand that the texture is intended to hold its form right until the moment you bite into it, at which moment it crumbles into sandy pieces until it dissolves in the mouth and becomes one with the soul! Even people who aren't fans of honey syrup sweets (like my Mom) fall in love with Victory's Melomakarona (hints of cinnamon, clove, orange juice)!

Freshness.
That is not a word I use with Greek bakeries, for it is extremely difficult to maintain the necessary turnover to keep a fresh product on display. At Victory, the phone is ringing non-stop to place an order, and whatever remains is likely to be scooped up by the foot traffic. So, obviously, not everything will be as fresh as one could wish for, but a tell-tale visual sign is whether the tray is almost full. You can almost be guaranteed of freshness, unlike the same visual stimuli at other bakeries. I've had excellent Baklava, Saragli, Galaktoboureko, Kataifi here, as have I had wonderful Karidopita (walnut cake), Shamali and Ravani. In fact, I've learnt to tell the difference between the latter two - thanks to the exceptionally superior and light versions at Victory Sweet Shop.

So, yes: I've been cheating on you, macarons..... I blame the Amygdal(ot)a for overpowering my senses, and emotions.

Let me start off buy saying don't let the exterior of this place fool you! It's so unassuming but once you walk in past the mouth watering pastries you'll find yourself thinking you've

teleported to a Greek island! Just look at the photos on this page and you'll see. I came here during the day so I can imagine how romantic it feels during the evening. The decor simply stunning. The only negative is that it's a small place so if get's busy you might have to wait awhile be able to sit outside although I don't know how they'll manage in the winter since there are many tables indoors but anyhoos! The frappe here rocks! I had a cheese pie which is not the phyllo type which I like since I like a pie to have a hard crust.

They serve it with a small veggie salad. My friend ordered the chocolate platter and OMG he couldn't believe how good it was. He also ordered nescafe and they brought him two cookies complimentary! Lastly the service was very good. Everyone was smiling and went out of their way to make us feel comfortable. I see myself coming back here again.