Your Guide to the Best Restaurants this Summer

We all love a good pasta or steak, but it’s summertime now and it’s time to switch it up from that heavy, winter comfort food to some refreshing dishes! Here are five restaurants serving up the best summer eats that you’ll be obsessed with until next winter.

Poke Burrito

POKEBURRITO / Instagram

If you love sushi, Poke Burrito is the perfect summer spot for you. As you can probably tell by the name, Poke Burrito is known for their sushi burritos (Regular $9.99, Large $11.99), which are as delicious as they are beautiful. They’re also totally customizable, so if you’re not in the mood for one of their signatures, you can create your own.

3707 30th Ave. | 929.328.0041 @pokeburritonyc | pokeburrito.nyc

Blend

At Blend, it’s hard to name something they don’t have, as their menu perfectly “blends” every cuisine for every appetite. On a perfect summer day, we wish you luck in trying to decide between Poke Tacos or “Chicharron de Pollo” Skewers, Slow-roasted Pernil or Citrus-crusted Salmon, Pina Colada Tres Leches or Dulce de Leche Cheesecake. Did we mention their tropical cocktail list, all of which are only $12 each? What are you waiting for?

37-17 30th Ave. | 718.606.6383 @blendastoria

Yumpling

Famous for their dumplings, Yumpling is perfect if you’re looking for something to grab-and-go. You can choose between pork or veggie dumplings (8 pieces ~$11, 12 pieces ~$14), which are pan-fried and topped with homemade chili oil, sesame seeds, scallions and cilantro. They also serve bubble tea (~$4) which is another summer favorite.

49-11 Vernon Blvd. 718.713.1839 @yumpling / yumpling.com

SoBol

We’re talking about summer foods, so we have to include acai bowls! SoBol is serving up acai bowls that are so beautiful you won’t even want to eat them! If you don’t already love acai bowls, you will after you try one of theirs. Try a bowl from their menu (8oz $8.75+, 16oz $11.60+, 32oz $18.70+), or build your own.

35-04 Ditmars Blvd./ 347.474.6077 / @sobol_astoria / mysobol.com

Madera Cuban Grill

If you’ve never tried Cuban food, you’re missing out! Madera Cuban Grill is the perfect place to spend a summer night, and their food is so good that you might just go there every day! Their menu has everything from skirt steak ($29) to Creole style shrimp ($29), so we guarantee you’ll be able to find something you love. Add a sangria ($6.50) and you’ll have a night to remember.

47-29 Vernon Blvd. | 718.606.1236 / @maderacubangrill.lic / maderacubangrill.com

Off the Hook Raw Bar

You can’t have summer without seafood, which is why you need to visit Off the Hook Raw Bar immediately! They’re known for their oyster bar (12 for $30) and cocktails ($11) which is the perfect combination for a chill summer evening. They also have a happy hour Monday-Friday from 4pm-6pm where you can get $1 oysters and $8 drinks, so you really don’t have an excuse not to try them out.

2808 34th St. | 718.721.2112 / @offthehookrawbar / offthehookrawbar.com