Bukaleta Introduce
Welcome to Bukaleta, a true culinary destination in the heart of Astoria, Queens, bringing the rich flavors of Croatia and the Mediterranean to New York City. This restaurant, formerly known as the Istria Club, has a long-standing history in the neighborhood, a fact cherished by its loyal customers who have been returning for years. Bukaleta is more than just a place to eat; it's a place to experience authentic European dining, where every dish is prepared with tradition and passion. From the moment you step in, you're transported to a different part of the world, making it a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Bukaleta prides itself on its generous portion sizes and high-quality ingredients, ensuring that every meal is both satisfying and memorable. The menu is a delightful journey through classic Croatian and Mediterranean fare, featuring everything from hearty roasted meats to fresh seafood and handmade pasta. The restaurant’s atmosphere is designed for a relaxed and enjoyable dining experience, with a welcoming feel that is both professional and friendly. Whether you’re a long-time fan or a new visitor, the staff’s dedication to excellent service makes you feel right at home.
One of the standout features of Bukaleta is its beautiful back patio. This hidden gem offers a serene and charming outdoor dining space, making it a highly sought-after spot on a nice summer night. The combination of incredible food, a lovely ambiance, and impeccable service makes Bukaleta a must-visit restaurant in Astoria. It’s a testament to the idea that some of the best culinary experiences can be found right in your own neighborhood, provided you know where to look.
---Bukaleta is located at 28-09 Astoria Blvd, Astoria, NY 11102, USA. This prime location places it right on one of Astoria's main thoroughfares, making it easily accessible for anyone in the neighborhood and beyond. The restaurant's position on Astoria Blvd makes it a convenient stop for a meal, whether you're heading to or from work, or simply exploring the area.
For those planning to dine, Bukaleta accepts reservations, which is a great way to ensure you have a table, especially during peak dining hours. The restaurant offers seating both indoors and in its charming outdoor patio area, providing a choice of ambiance to suit your mood. The presence of outdoor seating is a significant draw, especially for those looking to enjoy their meal al fresco during pleasant weather.
While specific accessibility details were not fully available in public data, the restaurant’s location and known services suggest a focus on accommodating guests for a comfortable dining experience. Its established presence in the community points to its reliability and convenience for a wide range of patrons.
---Bukaleta offers a straightforward and focused set of services to ensure a seamless dining experience for its guests.
Dine-in: The primary service is the dine-in experience, allowing guests to enjoy their meals in the restaurant's cozy and welcoming atmosphere.
Outdoor Seating: A major highlight is the availability of outdoor seating. The back patio is a key feature, perfect for a special meal on a beautiful evening.
Reservations: The restaurant accepts reservations, which is highly recommended for those who want to secure a table, particularly for dinner or for larger groups.
These services are tailored to provide a quality, traditional restaurant experience, emphasizing a relaxed and enjoyable meal in a lovely setting.
---Bukaleta stands out from other restaurants in New York with its unique features and high-quality offerings.
Authentic European and Mediterranean Cuisine: The menu is the star of the show. It features a variety of authentic Croatian and Mediterranean dishes that are hard to find elsewhere. You can indulge in traditional favorites like Cevapcici, Roasted Veal, and Grilled Calamari. The menu also includes delightful appetizers like Grilled Octopus and Prosciutto and Cheese, along with homemade pasta options like Fuzi or Gnocchi with a traditional veal sauce.
Generous Portions: A consistent highlight mentioned by customers is the substantial size of the food portions. This ensures a satisfying meal and great value for your money.
Beautiful Outdoor Patio: The back patio is a major draw for the restaurant. It's a charming space that offers a relaxed and romantic setting for a meal, especially on a warm night.
Excellent Service: The staff is consistently praised for their amazing and friendly service. As one reviewer mentioned, "Our waiter Robin was amazing!" which speaks to the personalized and attentive experience guests receive.
Classic Atmosphere: The atmosphere is casual and comfortable, making it a place where you can feel at ease while enjoying high-quality food.
These features, from the authentic menu to the welcoming ambiance, make Bukaleta a unique and valuable addition to the Queens dining scene.
---To make a reservation or inquire about their menu, you can contact Bukaleta using the details below:
Address: 28-09 Astoria Blvd, Astoria, NY 11102, USA
Phone: (718) 728-3181
The friendly staff is ready to help you plan your visit and ensure you have a great dining experience.
---In a city filled with countless restaurants, what makes Bukaleta a worthwhile choice? The primary reason is its authenticity and unwavering commitment to traditional European and Mediterranean cuisine. While many places may offer similar dishes, Bukaleta provides an experience that feels genuine and rooted in heritage. The menu features true staples like Cevapcici, a type of grilled sausage, and Sarma, stuffed cabbage, which are both comforting and flavorful. The emphasis on classics like Roasted Veal and Branzino highlights the restaurant’s dedication to serving high-quality, delicious food.
The generous portion sizes are another major draw. It's rare to find a place that offers both quality and quantity, but Bukaleta masterfully combines the two. This makes it an excellent value for your money and ensures you leave feeling fully satisfied. The combination of rich flavors and ample portions is a winning formula that keeps diners coming back.
Lastly, the atmosphere and service are what truly elevate the experience. The beautiful back patio is a perfect setting for a romantic dinner or a celebratory meal with friends. It provides a quiet, charming escape from the urban environment. The service, as evidenced by glowing reviews, is top-notch. The staff is not just serving food; they are creating a welcoming and memorable experience for every guest. The fact that the restaurant has maintained a loyal following for years, even after a name change, speaks volumes about its enduring quality. Choosing Bukaleta is choosing to have a taste of Europe right here in Astoria, a choice that promises a wonderful meal and a great time.
Bukaleta Services
APPETIZERS
- Prosciutto and Cheese $19.00
assorted meat and cheese
- Baccala $28.00
toasted bread
- Caprese Salad $15.00
tomatoes and mozzarella
- Cabbage Salad $10.00
citrus vinaigrette
- Mixed Green Salad $12.00
assorted market greens
- Consomme con Pastina $10.00
pastina in broth
- Jota Soup $12.00
italian soup and cabbage
- Fried Calamari $16.00
spicy marinara sauce
- Grilled Octopus $28.00
agrodolce
ENTREES
- Fuzi or Gnocchi $22.00
traditional veal sauce
- Sarma $22.00
stuffed cabbage
- Tripe $23.00
venetian style
- Kobasice S Kapuzon $22.00
sausage with cabbage
- Cevapcici $23.00
grilled sausage and fries
- Stuffed Peppers $26.00
ground veal and tomatoes
- Veal Paillard $34.00
grilled veal
- Roasted Veal $28.00
potatoes and carrots
- Grilled Calamari $24.00
- Branzino $36.00
whole roasted branzino
- Steak Frites $39.00
12 oz NY strip, peppercorn sauce & fries
- Fileto di Manzo $44.00
12 oz beef fileted and beef jus
SIDES
- Asparagus $12.00
- Roasted Potatoes $10.00
- Spinach $11.00
- Broccoli Rabe $14.00
Bukaleta Details
Service options
- Outdoor seating
Dining options
- Seating
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Bukaleta Photos

Bukaleta Location
Bukaleta Reviews
Our waiter Robin was amazing! Food portion size is huge! Would definitely recommend eating on the back patio on a nice summer night.
August 09 · Luke GrgasBeen here so many times under the old name Istria Club.
September 23 · Annamaria CK- June 07 · Tena Bugarin
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