Tru Astoira brings a lot to the table. After recently changing management, Tru Astoria offers something for everyone. The cuisine can be described as Mediterranean and Latin fusion. The new owner, Evan Mougias, was born and raised in Astoria. He described his reasoning for purchasing the business on Ditmars, “It was a good location. I was a GM for a couple of night clubs and lounges. I always liked the restaurant business, and I wanted to live a different adventure.”

Tru Astoria serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The most popular dishes would be the mixed grill, watermelon salad, lamb chops, lomo saltado, and the spicy rigatoni. Great drink options include the Basil Beauty, Island Escape, and Take Me to Greece. The espresso martini is another must. Mougias noted, “Enjoy happy hour from 4-7 where I have $10 bites and two for one drinks. Every week, Monday to Friday.” About that happy hour. That beautiful, beautiful happy hour. The $10 bites include perfectly sized portions of sliders, chicken skewers, empanadas, calamari, taco, and Greek fries.

The design of Tru Astoria feels comfortable and unobtrusive, although an occasional flourish of greenery does catch the eye. Mougias described it, “Modern. The greenery, I made it look like a lot of energy.”

Brunch is definitely a thing at Tru Astoria. Mougias explained, “We have brunch. It’s sold out almost every weekend, Saturdays and Sundays from 10-4. Steak and eggs, huevos rancheros, chicken and red velvet waffles. Coffee is very important here, and I serve Illy as well. It’s the top European brand.”

In addition to brunch and happy hour, there are plenty of other events going on at Tru. Mougias explained, “I do a dinner party every Thursday. And Tuesday is Greek night. Live band, Greek music. I did it for five weeks and I was sold out.”

Mougias himself is remarkably humble, and at times, he talks like he might be the GM of a major sports team. He deflects most praise, and he constantly gives credit to his staff. “I have an amazing chef. I trust him. The kitchen cooks everything with passion. He makes sure that every dish is perfectly made. Every time.”

Mougias sees his role as working towards getting each member of his team into the best position to succeed. “It’s not about me. It’s all about Tru. Come to Tru and get the ambiance. This is a place where you can go on a daily basis, and you know that you’re getting great food. I want people to leave with great vibes and great memories. I want them to have a true experience.”

35-19 Ditmars Blvd. / Phone: 646.878.6000 / truastoria.com / Yelp 4.0