Astoria might be best known for its Greek food—there’s a taverna on just about every corner—but there’s far more for foodies to discover in this neighborhood. In fact, you’d be hard-pressed to walk down an avenue that isn’t packed with eateries of all cultures, cuisines and cooking styles. Let’s put it this way: If you’ve ever wondered why your Astoria friends never leave their block on the weekends, now you know.
10 Great Places to Eat and Drink in Astoria
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Published Jul 2, 2018
Taverna Kyclades/Facebook
Best Greek: Taverna Kyclades
While there are a myriad of Greek spots to choose from in Astoria, Taverna Kyclades takes the cake. It’s about as authentic as you can get, which is what earned them additional locations in the East Village and Bayside, but the Astoria location was their first. Also, they’re known to serve up wine if you have a long wait for your table—how can you beat that? Things to order: all of their seafood, lemon potatoes and, of course, a Greek salad!
3307 Ditmars Blvd.; 718-545-8666 or tavernakyclades.com
Best Sushi: Pink Nori
Good sushi isn’t easy to come by around these parts, which is why Pink Nori is such a breath of fresh air—and a mouthful of fresh sushi. Primely located just off Steinway and a few blocks from Broadway, it has a buzzy dining scene and beers and sake are just $3 during happy hour.
36-06 30th Ave.; 718-685-2365 or pinknorinyc.com
Best For Date Night: Vesta Trattoria & Wine Bar
When it comes to romance, we’re not sure what’s better than a dimly lit authentic Italian restaurant with an amazing wine and food menu. Vesta serves up a smorgasbord of classics, from appetizers like burrata salad and tuna tartare to main dishes like pappardelle with short-rib ragù and roasted shrimp risotto.
21-02 30th Ave.; 718-545-5550 or vestavino.com
Best Barbecue: Butcher Bar
Craving burnt ends? Head over to this old-school butcher shop that has evolved into a modern-day smokehouse. They crank out mouthwatering ’cue cooked in traditional methods, using locally sourced 100 percent grass-fed and organic meats. (The creamy mac and cheese is no slouch, either.)
37-10 30th Ave.; 718-606-8140 or butcherbar.com
Best Hangover Brunch: Queens Comfort
Consider yourself inexperienced in the Astoria food scene if you haven’t been to this brunch (and weekend dinner) joint full of fried and cheese-covered goodness. The menu includes such wonders as a Cap’n Crunch—crusted chicken sandwich, breakfast lasagna Benedict and deep-fried French toast balls. Oh, and did we mention it’s BYOB (with no corkage fee)?
3618 30th Ave.; 718-721-3800 or queenscomfort.com
Milkflower
Best Pizza: Milkflower
The name is a translation of fior di latte (a type of mozzarella), but we prefer to think it’s because these wood-fired beauties are as exquisite as anything found in the New York Botanical Garden. Among the Neapolitan-style pies, we’re partial to the Van Dammer (Brussels sprouts, mozz, egg, black pepper and truffle oil) and the Abe Froman (pork sausage, tomato, shishitos, red onion, oregano, garlic and Grana Padano).
34-12 31st Ave.; 718-204-1300 or milkflowernyc.com
Seva Indian Cuisine
Best Indian: Seva Indian Cuisine
If you’re looking for top-notch Indian with mind-blowing flavors and incredibly fresh ingredients, head over to Seva Indian Cuisine, which delivers just that and more. Their broad menu is also extremely well priced—you can expect to pay under $6 for most appetizers and under $15 for most entrées.
30-07 34th St.; 718-626-4440 or sevaindianrestaurant.com
Maizal/ Yelp
Best Mexican: Maizal Mexican Restaurant
This family-owned Mexican restaurant is as authentic as it gets north of the border and in this neighborhood of Queens. Though it’s only been around for four years, it’s quickly captured the attention of locals and become one of the hottest dining venues in the area. They whip up killer margs and unique menu offerings such as tequila and lime fried shrimp.
32-07 34th Ave.; 718-406-9431 or maizalrestaurant.com
Best Beer Spot: Bohemian Hall
Don’t let the basic pub-like entrance to this beer drinker’s paradise fool you, for through the door, past the bar and around the corner is an unofficial adult playground. Opened in 1910, this authentic Czech beer garden offers tree-canopied picnic benches and a bar that serves up a solid offering of European and domestic beers.
29-19 24th Ave.; 718-274-4925 or bohemianhall.com
Justin Smith/George’s
Best Cocktails: George’s
If you’re craving a mean cocktail, head over to George’s at Kaufman Astoria Studios, formerly known as the Astor Room. The restaurant is housed in what was once the commissary for Paramount Pictures back in the ’20s and was frequented by all the stars of early cinema—the Marx brothers, Gloria Swanson, Rudolph Valentino. Order the Marx Brothers Mezcal (smoky mezcal, muddled mango, jalapeño and grapefruit bitters) and the chicken and waffles.
35-11 35th Ave.; 347-934-8924 or georges.nyc
