Arguably one of the most significant melting pot communities in Queens, the Astoria and Long Island City area has become the new food haven for adventurous foodies seeking out worldly and authentic cuisine. From Ditmars to Vernon Blvd, award-winning restaurants are popping up everywhere—with no signs of slowing down anytime soon. With plenty of options to choose from, buyer’s fatigue can undoubtedly make choosing a restaurant seem like a daunting task. Luckily, we’ve rounded up the 30 best restaurants in the area that have been deemed worthy by locals as well as all of us here at Give Me Astoria. Let the food crawl begin!

1) Kōyō 

Kōyō is a Michelin-recognized restaurant—and just a handful of New York restaurants that focus on kaiseki cuisine. Chef-Owner Jay Zheng’s vision has transformed Kōyō from a restaurant concentrated mainly on its omakase sushi offerings to a Kaiseki dining experience. In addition to an impressive selection of sushi, you’ll find plenty of hot dishes that Zheng has designed, infusing his Chinese cultural background with traditional Japanese cuisine. For Zheng’s debut, Kōyō highlights a seven-course tasting menu with an option to add on a sake pairing for a culinary adventure encompassing Asia. 

3712 31st Ave. | 929.328.2890 | @koyonewyork

2) Adda Indian Canteen

From the same group that operates the recently opened (and hard to book) Dhamaka, comes this unapologetically authentic Indian restaurant, Adda. The restaurant has become a Long Island City favorite for its award-winning cuisine and dishes such as butter chicken, tandoor-cooked meats, and masala fried chicken. While the decor may look simple on the outside, inside, this restaurant’s wonderfully modern riffs on Delhi food-stall classics are colorful, flavorful, and bursting with spice.

31-31 Thomson Ave. | 718.433.3888 | @addanyc

3) Penny Bridge

Award-winning chef Dan Kluger takes his passion for fresh and locally sourced cuisine across the East River to bring you Penny Bridge. A Long Island City joint serving upscale comfort food in an industrial-looking ambiance. From slowly roasted Chuck Steak to mouth-watering fried chicken to the Instagrammable passion fruit bread pudding french toast (served during brunch), this new restaurant needs to be added to your LIC list. 

28-03 Jackson Ave. | 718.785.3030 | @pennybridgelic 

4) Pig Beach Queens

Featuring a jumbotron, picnic-style tables, and juicy BBQ meat, Pig Beach Queens, has quickly become the new go-to spot in Astoria for all things barbecue. Initially based in Brooklyn, this restaurant thrives on slow-cooked meats, including the fan-favorite 15-hours smoked brisket that tastes like a succulent revelation! If you’re in the mood for a different kind of fare, try their award-winning Pig Burger or fabulous BBQ beef sandwich. For our fellow Greek Astorians, try their smoked lamb shoulder sandwich seasoned with Greek spices and served on a pita. Delicious!

35-37 36th St | @pigbeachnyc 

5) The Grand

Since 2017, The Grand has served coffee, desserts, food, and an impressive list of craft cocktails in Astoria. Try one of their seasonal cocktails, and enjoy their creative takes on margaritas, mules, mojitos, sangria, and more. If you’re feeling chilly this winter, have a look at their hot drinks menu for something that will warm you right up. From bottomless brunch with Nutella Pancakes to their stuffed avocado chicken served at dinner, The Grand is the perfect spot for a reasonably priced meal and a fun night out.

37-01 30th Ave. | (718) 806-1504 | @thegrandnyc

6) Psari

 “Psari” is Greek for “fish” and subsequently the inspiration behind the Psari Seafood Restaurant and Bar menu. This restaurant serves a variety of fresh whole fish (daily), including red snapper, black sea bass, and porgy, and is made-to-order. You can choose to have your fish grilled (drizzled with olive oil and fresh lemon juice), broiled (sprinkled with garlic and cooked in butter), or fried (dipped in a delicious batter and served crisp on the outside and tender on the inside). Plus, a variety of other seafood favorites like fried calamari, shrimp cocktail, and baked clams—just to name a few!

32-10 36th Ave. | 718.786.6015 | @psariseafoodrestaurandbar

7) Amylos Taverna

Amylos Taverna is the modern-meets-traditional Greek restaurant owned and operated by the Arvanitis family, who are also behind another local Astoria favorite Omonia Café. Located on Broadway, in the heart of Astoria, this restaurant is well known for its delicious Mediterranean dishes, such as Amylos’ superb astakomakaronada, which consists of a whole lobster braised in a tomato & white wine broth mixed with pasta. Other notable mentions include the sushi-grade octopus, Madagascar king prawn, and the Amylos’ lamb burger, which compliment the interior’s stylish, chic decor, which pays homage to Athens. 

33-19 Broadway | 718.215.0228 | @amylos_taverna

8) The Thirsty Koala

Just a few steps away from the N train, this Australian-inspired restaurant will transport you to Oz. With seasonal menu items that incorporate organic, non-GMO, and robust indigenous Australian ingredients, The Thirsty Koala thrives in dolling out delicious, seasonal, and gluten-free menu options. They have a dedicated section in their kitchen just for gluten-free meal preparation, and the entire staff is super knowledgeable and helpful when choosing your craving. Try the award-winning Grilled Wattle Seed and Herb Crusted Lamb Lollies or one of their many wine selections from “Down Under.” 

35-12 Ditmars Blvd. | 718.626.5430 | @thethirstykoala

9) Anassa Taverna Astoria

At Anassa Taverna you will feel like Greek royalty, which derives its name from a Greek word similar to “queen.” With two other locations in Manhattan, this Queens location’s extensive menu of seafood and Greek-themed entrees will entice you with its upscale ambiance. If not for the food, the comprehensive cocktail list is bound to delight, with modern takes on the classics, like the Athena margarita, made with Espolon Reposado tequila, ginger, blood orange, and fresh lime. Be sure to reserve your very own private greenhouse in their latest project, Anassa Village, guaranteeing you and that special someone “A cozy, warm, and charming dining experience.”  

28-10 Astoria Blvd. | 718.721.5050 | @anassaastoria

10) Tantra

You can’t consider yourself a cocktail connoisseur without visiting Tantra, a contemporary Latin and Asian-inspired restaurant and lounge. Boasting an impressive selection of cocktails, Tantra’s Baijiu Buddha, made with Hunan Jiugui baijiu, Bacardi Silver rum, genmaicha (roasted rice with green tea and strawberry), Allspice, and fresh lemon juice, is served in a ceramic, smoking Buddha for an unforgettable experience. Why do you ask? Because baijiu is the most widely consumed spirit globally, but rare in the US–at least, outside of Tantra, that is. Their tapas menu is equally as impressive with classic dishes like pork bao buns, spring rolls, and rock shrimp tacos that provide a kick of flavor, thanks to the sriracha aioli. Yum!

35-50 31st St. | 718.937.4574 | tantraloungenyc.com | @tantra_astoria

11) Sweet Afton

Upon entering Sweet Afton, you’ll notice the dim-lit bar, exposed brick, and charmingly worn wooden beams that stretch across the ceiling (and bring a certain old-fashioned feel to an establishment that unironically serves avocado toast and french toast sticks for brunch). With an emphasis on modern American cuisine, this classic bar serves up grub-like fried pickles, buffalo wings, and, the main enticement, their self-proclaimed “best” burger in town. We’ll let you be the judge!

30-09 34th St. | 718.777.2570 | sweetaftonbar.com | @sweetaftonbar

12) Aliada

Serving Greek and Cypriot cuisine, Aliada proudly advertises that they offer “the heart of Greek and Cypriot culinary culture,” with a vast selection of gastronomic delicacies, consisting of hot and cold appetizers, and an emphasis on fresh, local, and imported ingredients from (you guessed it) Greece. Order a fish meze or their delicious char-grilled Octopus Salad, dressed in a delightful oregano vinaigrette and accompanied by capers, red onions, and tomatoes. Their fresh Branzino, a fresh Mediterranean sea bass, is also a highlight of this authentic eatery, deemed worthy by the locals of Queens.

29-19 Broadway | 718.932.2240 | @aliadarestaurant

13) Trattoria Lincontro 

Local chef, Rocco Sacramone, learned how to cook authentic Italian food from his mother, Tina Sacramone, and opened Trattoria L’incontro off Ditmars and 31st Street in 1999. The restaurant serves classic recipes from Sacramone’s hometown in Abruzzo, Italy, including an excellent spaghetti & meatballs (in addition to many other kinds of pasta). The restaurant offers an impressive selection of daily specials that, thanks to chef Sacramone’s creative culinary skills, are not to be missed!​​

21-76 31st St. | 718.721.3532 | @trattoria_lincontro

14) Taverna Kyclades

A perpetually-packed Greek restaurant that commands crowds, even in a neighborhood saturated with Greek restaurants, is what it means to dine at this classic seafood taverna—which is moving soon to a new location (just down the Street). The blue and white adorning exterior honors the Greek flag, as does this establishment’s menu. Inspired by the daily catch of the Aegean Sea, you’ll find most of their dishes, like a perfectly grilled Branzino (Lavraki in Greek), are Greek-inspired and cooked to perfection. If you haven’t tried Greek wine, be sure to order a glass of their traditional Greek Retsina, which is made by exposing the wine to pine resin, resulting in a pleasant aroma and somewhat bitter, yet sweet, taste.

36-01 Ditmars Blvd | 718.545.8666 | @tavernakyclades

15) Oliver’s

With $6 Mimosas and Bloody Mary’s, tasty dishes like lemon ricotta pancakes and a brunch platter for two make Oliver’s the perfect spot for some day dining. They’ve got a massive outdoor seating section that’s not only COVID-friendly but one that’s as satisfying on the eyes as their food is on the belly. The Curbside Canvas Project recently painted their outdoor structure, adding a beautiful splash of color to their already colorful menu on the corner of Broadway and 38th Street.

37-19 Broadway Ave. | 718.806.1476 | @oliversastoria

16) Mojave

Located on 22-36 31st St Astoria, you’ll love the warm, inviting, and authentic Southwestern decor this eatery is serving up in addition to their delicious food. In winters, the fireplace adds a glow, welcoming you in with the warm embrace of a crackling fire. In the warmer months, guests can take to the garden and enjoy alfresco dining among the greenery with a quaint little bar serving up refreshing cocktails, like their signature frozen margaritas. When it comes to the food, you can expect to find Southwestern American classics like guac and chips, classic quesadillas, fajitas, tacos, empanadas, and more. Delicioso!

22-36 31st St Astoria | 718.545.4100 | @mojave.astoria

17) Palermo

Locals dine at Palermo for their fresh pasta and rustic pizzas. However, we’d argue their main selling point would be the Chicken Parm Soup. Topped off with a super thick layer of mozzarella, which you can string along bite by bite, this riff on the classic tomato soup is the cold-weather staple you didn’t know you needed in your life—until now.

23-92 21st St. | 718.267.0010 | @palermonyc

18) Arepa Lady

With plenty of taco trucks and skewer carts lining Roosevelt Avenue, a sweet little Colombian woman with a vast following rose to fame for her Arepas in Queens. Dubbed “The Arepa Lady,” Maria Piedad Cano started her family business in Jackson Heights with a new location coming to Astoria at the highly anticipated World Astoria Market (WAM) food hall. Her flat golden corn arepa, folded over omelet-style with queso bubbling inside, has been the draw of hungry foodies for years. Cano’s food provides joy for your taste buds in a setting reminiscent of Abuela’s cocina for families from all over the world (and especially from Queens) to enjoy.

77-17 37 Ave | @arepalady

19) Casa Enrique

New York City’s only Michelin-starred Mexican spot has drawn crowds from the other side of the river for years. Inspired by the local cuisine of his hometown in Chiapas, Mexico, chef Cosme Aguilar’s menu includes an exclusive selection of Southern Mexican dishes, such as the earthy pork and hominy soup pozole and enchiladas de pollo en salsa verde. Chamorro de Borrego, a tender lamb shank stewed with chickpeas in a ruddy sauce of chili pulla, huajes, and epazote—eats like a South of the Border osso buco bursting with flavor. As for the tacos? Cradled between house-made tortillas, you’ll find authentic recipes, including one stuffed with slow-cooked cow tongue—a gastronomical adventure for an unforgettable experience.

5-48 49th Ave. | @casaenrique

20) Maiella 

A casually elegant restaurant located in the picturesque waterfront section of Long Island City serves authentic Italian dishes and cocktails with a modern flair and the freshest ingredients. Maiella sits at the base of the iconic Pepsi sign in Gantry State Park and features spectacular sweeping views of the city. The waterfront restaurant serves seasonal contemporary Italian plates such as house-made pasta (like the ricotta gnocchi) to pizzas (try the pancetta with braised radicchio, white shrimp with artichoke) and meaty mains like pistachio-crusted rack of lamb with Sicilian caponata and polenta. Buon Appetito!

4610 Center Blvd | 718.606.1770 | @maiella_lic

21) Astoria Seafood

People of all ages and ethnicities are drawn here for the fresh seafood, lemony olive oil preparation, and prices. This family-owned seafood market with create-your-own eats is as authentic as it gets to old-school eateries. First, you select your seafood from the market-style display—the seafood is sold by the pound at market prices. Then, once you choose your seafood of choice, you decide how you’d like it to be prepared (in olive oil, steamed, or fried). Locals will tell you the calamari is best fried, the Branzino is best grilled, and the clams should always be baked. If you can finagle an extra slice of bread—do it! It’s essential for soaking up all that lemony butter goodness. 

37-10 33rd St. | 718.392.2680 | @astoria.seafood

22) Bellwether

If you’re looking to fill up on contemporary American fare, Bellwether is the place for you. Using sustainably-sourced and seasonal ingredients, the menu at Bellwether reflects your favorite classic restaurant with elevated execution and reasonable prices. You’ll find exceptional dishes like wild mushroom linguine with pine nut pesto and fluke Crudo with kohlrabi and aguachile granite—which are outstanding. 

47-25 Vernon Blvd. | 718.392.3257 | @bellwethernyc

23) HinoMaru Ramen

It’s not uncommon to find Japanese transplants eating at HinoMaru’s whose authentic recipes and barebones decor belies the exceptional ramen served at the restaurant. There’s a creamy pork-based tonkatsu broth ramen and izakaya-style dishes. Try the Hamachi Carpaccio (sliced yellowtail with jalapeno) or crisp broccoli tempura piled high and drizzled in sticky sweet soy sauce.

33-18 Ditmars Blvd. | 718.777.0228 | @hinomaruramen

24) The Bonnie

The hospitality group Sleeping Giant (behind the Wren, the Spaniard, Bua, Wilfie & Nell, the Penrose, and Astoria’s own Sweet Afton) runs this sleek gastropub adorned with exposed brick and a sizeable backyard entertaining space. The menu leans on robust offerings and elevated pub fare with menu items like fried pickles, spicy fried chicken sandwiches, and a burger utilizing Pat LaFrieda beef adorned with pork belly and fried onions. Their cocktail list hums a similar tune with fun twists on the classics, like the dirty pickle martini—available until the late hours of the night for your (drinking) pleasure. 

29-12 23rd Ave | 718.274.2105 | @thebonniebar

25) Sanfords Astoria

Sanfords executes American standards with sophistication and style. From lobster mac and cheese to a gouda-stuffed duck burger, decadence is a key component of this restaurant’s cuisine. The chic setting includes a backlit bar with an expansive (and affordable) whiskey, bourbon, and cocktail selection that always makes going out feel like a special occasion. Cheers!

30-13 Broadway | 718.932.9569 | @sanfordsastoria

26) Vesta Trattoria & Wine Bar

Vesta Trattoria is a classic Italian restaurant and wine bar where the atmosphere is always friendly. It’s a go-to neighborhood spot where you can find several kinds of pasta (including a delicious wild boar lasagna), a mouth-watering osso buco, a turkey dinner, and pan-seared halibut. This cozy place is ideal for a romantic night out—or for those flying solo looking to take advantage of a great weekday happy hour from 5-7pm.

21-02 30th Ave. | 718.545.5550 | @vestavino

27) Milkflower

If we had to describe Milkflower in just a few words, we’d say it’s a hip, rustic choice for gourmet wood-fired pizzas, small Italian plates, salads, and craft beers. What makes these Neapolitan-style pies so enticing is their creative combos like spicy soppressata and thyme honey, or the Van Dammer topped with brussels sprouts, a farm egg, and truffle oil. The beer list also skews seasonal, highlighting American sips from Dogfish Head, Victory Brewing Company, Firestone, and other local breweries. 

34-12 31st Ave. | 718.204.1300 | @milkflowernyc

28) Pye Boat Noodle

This cozy, brightly colored Thai restaurant has a full bar, complete with a romantic back garden ideal for warm summer days. Featuring a simple menu of Thai street food, called Hawker food, you’ll find dumplings, chive pancakes, and yum woon sen (glass noodle salad), which all perfectly hit the four principles of Thai cooking—salty, sweet, sour, and spicy. Signature boat noodles offer the option of four types of noodles (rice, wide ribbon, egg, or vermicelli) dunked in a deep bath of broth (pork, beef, or vegetarian) alongside toppings like meatballs and pork rinds for an extra crunch. On the table, you’ll find traditional caddies of sugar, vinegary peppers, chili, and garlic, which allow diners to customize their dishes, just like you’re in Bangkok, Thailand.

35 13 Broadway | (718) 685-2329 | @pyeboatnoodle

29) Pao de Queijo

This quaint, no-frills Brazilian restaurant is famous for its fluffy pieces of tapioca cheese bread, which are a traditional snack among locals in Brazil. The food here is comforting and richly flavored, as in the X Calabrese (or Brazilian) burger decked with beef, smoked sausage, cheese, corn, and potato sticks. Fresh fruit juices, smoothies, and the famous Brazilian soda, Guarana, round out refreshing memories from the Rio Grande at this hidden gem tucked away in Astoria. 

31-90 30th St | (718) 204-1979 | @ny_paodequeijo

30) Mar’s

Tucked away on a bustling corner, this warm, moodily lit bar and restaurant are a popular local hangout and date-night hang. Featuring a seafood-centric menu that melds Mediterranean influences with New England traditions, you can order oysters on the half shell, clams, or fresh shrimp cocktail with bubbles (aka champagne). There’s also a decent food menu in addition to their raw bar and adventurous cocktails, which highlight exotic ingredients like elderflower and applejack-soaked Mission figs.

34-21 34th Ave | 718.685.2480 | @life_at_mars