These are the winners for the best restaurants, bakeries, food trucks, and diners. Get your eat on!
Sanfords
30-13 Broadway, (718) 932-9569, sanfordsnyc.com
Survey says: “Upscale 24-hour diner with impeccable service that will appeal to all tastes.”
Queens Comfort
40-09 30th Ave, (718) 728-2350, queenscomfort.com
A unique Astoria institution, be prepared for a wait at brunch time to order your mac and cheese balls, Egg McRuffin and disco tots. The secret? Bring your beers (it’92s BYOB) and enjoy their funky dinner menu Tuesday-Saturday and generally get seated with little or no waiting time.
Bareburger
33-21 31st Ave, (718) 777-7011 and 23-01 31st St, (718) 204-7167, bareburger.com
While known for their burgers, their milkshakes and pickle platter are not to be missed.
Martha’s Country Bakery
36-21 Ditmars Blvd, (718) 545-9737, marthascountrybakery.com
Survey says: “Amazing Cake and pastry selection.”
Leli’s Bakery
35-14 30th Ave, (718) 626-8090
Survey says: “Good place to have coffee & pastries with friends.”
Rose & Joe’s Italian Bakery
22-40 31st St, (718) 721-9422
Survey says: “Excellent bread, cookies and pizza.”
Sanfords
30-13 Broadway, (718) 932-9569, sanfordsnyc.com
There aren’t many places open 24 hours, and even less where you can get s’mores french toast at all hours. With a cocktail and coffee included with your entrée, their brunch deal is a steal. You may have a wait but the friendly and efficient staff helps to make up for it.
Gastroteca
33-02 34th Ave, (718) 729-9080, gastrotecaastoria.com
Survey says: “Great food, no wait.”
The Sparrow Tavern
24-01 29th St, (718) 606-2260, thesparrowtavern.com
Survey says: “Chipotle Bloody Mary is the best.”
King of Falafel & Shawarma
30th St and Broadway, (718) 340-8068, thekingfalafel.com
Survey says: “Free falafel while standing on line. Need we say more!!!”
Duzan Mediterranean Grill
24-11 Steinway St, (718) 204-7488
Survey says: “Great falafel right on Steinway. It just makes sense.”
Mike’s Diner
22-37 31st St, (718) 721-9220
Survey says: “Mike’s has great coffee.”
Bareburger
33-21 31st Ave, (718) 777-7011 or 23-01 31st St, (718) 204-7167, bareburger.com
If you want to eat a burger that doesn’92t make you feel bloated for the rest of the day, go here. They have great toppings, and we highly recommend going out of your comfort zone to try the more exotic meats like bison or ostrich. Keep in mind those will cost extra, as well as adding on fries.
Petey’s Burger
30-17 30th Ave, (718) 267-6300, peteysburger.com
Survey says: “Everything about this burger is perfect. Try one, it will make you a believer!”
New Good One Chinese Restaurant
28-15 24th Ave, (718) 267-1688
Survey says: “After drinking at the Bohemian Beer Garden, there’s nothing better to fill your stomach and put you straight to bed. This place is take-out only.”
Kitaku Japanese and Chinese Restaurant
29-21 23rd Ave, (718) 606-8508
Survey says: “With a small amount of sit-down Chinese options, this place is fast and tasty.”
Dragon Restaurant
22-17 31st St, (718) 545-2228
Friendly staff and quality food at this take-out and delivery spot.
Martha’s Country Bakery
36-21 Ditmars Blvd, (718) 545-9737, marthascountrybakery.com
Survey says: “The Mississipi Mud Pie is to die for!”
Leli’s Bakery
35-14 30th Ave, (718) 626-8090
The display of baked goods is mouth-watering to look at. The sticky bun is extra sticky, and the chocolate croissant is extra chocolatey.
Omonia Cafe
32-20 Broadway, (718) 274-6650, omoniacafe.com
Greek dessert done right. They have some excellent pastries, cupcakes and cannolis, but the sleeper is their gelato. Buy some at Omonia Next Door and enjoy it in their garden patio in the back to add a bit of green to your winter.
Mike’s Diner
22-37 31st St, (718) 721-9220
This diner has an American flare and is well-known for its Hamburger Corners.
Bel-Aire Restaurant & Diner
31-91 21st St, (718) 721-3160
One of the best 24-hour options in Astoria. You can get there by bus, which will drop you off right in front, or have it brought to you by ordering online. They have a large selection of different cuisines and great desserts.
Survey says: “Bel-Aire never disappoints.”
Neptune Diner
31-05 Astoria Blvd, (718) 278-4853
This Greek-themed diner is a stone’s throw away from the Astoria Blvd subway station, and if you drive, they have a parking lot! While open 24 hours, best service is before the late night hours.
Taverna Kyclades
33-07 Ditmars Blvd, (718) 545-8666, tavernakyclades.com
Survey says: “Order the appetizers to sample more flavors.”
Agnanti
19-06 Ditmars Blvd, (718) 545-4554, agnantimeze.com
Survey says: “Delicious authentic Greek recipes and a rustic atmosphere right by Astoria Park.”
26 Corner Taverna
26-02 23rd Ave, (718) 777-5511
Survey says: “Not a big buzz, but still authentic. Great environment.”
Ornella Trattoria Italiana
29-17 23rd Ave, (718) 777-9477, ornellatrattoria.com
Survey says: “True Italian cooking with delicious options. You must try the Imbustata!”
Vesta Trattoria & Wine Bar
21-02 30th Ave, (718) 545-5550, vestavino.com
Vesta is a great Astoria spot for a modern take on traditional Italian. The food is always a fresh mix of flavors, the wine is great, and the atmosphere is cozy. Portions are more than reasonable for the price.
Trattoria L’Incontro
21-76 31st St, (718) 721-3532, trattorialincontro.com
Their staff is warm and welcoming, wine and specials lists are extensive and it’s tough to leave hungry.
Survey says: “This is a wonderful restaurant for a special occasion.”
Watawa Sushi
33-10 Ditmars Blvd, (718) 545-9596, watawasushi.com
Survey says: “Simply the best Sushi around, and not just in Astoria.”
Aki Sushi Fusion
33-06 Ditmars Blvd, (718) 606-0548
Survey says: “Half-off sushi and lunch specials, even on weekends.”
Pink Nori
36-06 30th Ave, (718) 685-2365
This is a new addition to the Astoria sushi scene, which differentiates itself by the modern decor, expanded cocktails list (with a decent happy hour) and some unique rolls.
Pachanga Patterson
33-17 31st Ave, (718) 554-0525, pachangapatterson.com
Maybe some of the best tacos in the city. Highly recommended is the guacamole with any of the sauces, as well as their seasonal offerings.
Mojave
22-36 31st St, (718) 545-4100, mojaveny.com
Survey says: “A favorite restaurant for dates or family gatherings in Astoria.”
De Mole II
42-20 30th Avenue, (718) 777-1655, demolenyc.com
This place may seem quiet and unassuming from the outside but has quite the tasty tacos.
Sac’s Place
25-41 Broadway, (718) 204-5002, sacsplace.com
You can have a nice table service meal in the restaurant or a quick slice in the take out section. They serve crispy coal oven pizzas.
Milkflower
34-12 31st Ave, (718) 204-1300, milkflowernyc.com
More in keeping with the thinner crust style of pizza, Milkflower is a welcome addition to Astoria. The unique toppings are worth ordering, as are the starter crostini, meatballs, and one of their craft beers to wash it all down.
Basil Brick Oven Pizza
28-17 Astoria Blvd, (718) 204-1205, basilbrickoven.com
They have pizza your out-of-town guests will be talking about for years, salads large enough to share, and dessert you want to take home because you’re too full but can’t wait to try.
Sal, Kris, and Charlie’s Deli
33-12 23rd Ave, (718) 278-9240
Survey says: “A traditional Italian deli where you can get a huge hero for less than $10. The Bomb is a particularly great deal–it has everything on it!”
Il Bambino
34-08 31st Ave, (718) 626-0087, ilbambinonyc.com
Survey says: “Il Bambino serves interesting and upscale paninis and crostinis at affordable prices.”
Othello’s Deli
26-19 24th Ave, (718) 956-1337, othellodeli.com
Survey says: “Othello’s has top notch breakfast sandwiches.”
3E Taste of Thai
34-16 Broadway, (718) 932-8826, 3ethaiastoria.com
While the restaurant may be small in size, the flavor is anything but. The servers are really great if you have any food allergies.
Pye Boat Noodle
35-13 Broadway, (718) 685-2329, mainstreethub.com/pyeboatnoodle
The newest of the multitude of Thai restaurants in Astoria, this one stands out with its signature offering – a Thai noodle soup reminiscent of a more Japanese style. The classics like massaman curry are also worth ordering, and with the decor of an outdoor Thai market, it is worth stopping in and sitting at the table or the bar and enjoying an iced drink or two with your meal.
Thai Elephant
21-09 31st St, (718) 204-8827, thaielephant-astoria.com
They have authentic Thai food, but one of the best things on their menu is homemade ice cream that includes flavors like coconut and ginger.
The Queens Kickshaw
40-17 Broadway, (718) 777-0913, thequeenskickshaw.com
If you like cheese, alcohol or coffee, you’ll be in heaven at The Queens Kickshaw. The menu changes seasonally and is always inventive and delectable.
Aki Sushi Fusion
33-06 Ditmars Blvd, (718) 606-0548
Survey says: “I’m vegetarian and I don’t know of any all-vegetarian restaurants in Astoria, so I went with one I go to often that’s vegetarian-friendly.”
Mundo
37-06 36th St, Long Island City, (718) 706-8636, mundonewyork.com
This place is in Long Island City and may feature meat dishes on the menu, but the non-meat-centric dishes are out of this world.
Best Bagel:
Brooklyn Bagel & Coffee Co.
35-05 Broadway, (718) 204-0141; 36-14 30th Ave, (718) 956-1819; 35-09 Ditmars Blvd, (718) 932-8280, bkbagel.com
Best Latin Restaurant:
Arepas Cafe
33-07 36th Ave, (718) 937-3835, arepascafenyc.com
Best Columbian Restaurant:
Pollos A La Braza Mario
40-19 Broadway, (718) 932-2424
Survey results from January 2015