For a borough as diverse and lauded for its innovative restaurant scene as Queens, it’s surprising that there aren’t more than a small handful of Argentinian restaurantsGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. R40 is looking to change thatGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.

Opened in late January, R40 is located in the heart of bustling Long Island City on Vernon BoulevardGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. The restaurant was opened by mother-son duo Miriam Dominguez & Giovanni PortoGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. If Dominguez’s name sounds familiar, it’s because she also owns Cuban restaurant Madera, also located in LICGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. Chef Porto has also had his share of culinary feats throughout the city, working at establishments such as Craftbar and MGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.Wells, as well as working as sous chef at Freeman’sGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.

R40 is named in honor of the national route of Argentina, stretching from the south to the northern border of the countryGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. The restaurant’s style is rustic, warm, and inviting to allGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. It is also home to a personally designed parrilla, underground wine cellar featuring over 70 different bottles, and a seasonal backyardGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.

As for the food? Diners can expect classic Argentinian dishes such as a parrillada for two, a mixed grill consisting of skirt steak, sweetbread, chorizo, short rib, chicken thighs, and morcillaGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. Other items include pasta dishes, Milanese plates, and empanadasGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.

Patrons can also expect delicious cocktails created by the likes of Sami Hamarneh of Westlight and R40’s beverage consultant, as well as pottery is handmade by Jane Herold, a locally well-known Connecticut based potter with clients such as Llama Inn, Liberty Street Bistro, Shuko and moreGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.

For additional information on R40, you may visit their website hereGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. Wishing the team the best of luck! 

Image by Jo BailonGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.

Image by Jo BailonGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.

Image by Jo BailonGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.

Image by Jo BailonGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.

Image by Jo BailonGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.