23 Cant-Miss Best Restaurants in Queens (New York)

Whether you are stepping out in the evening or coming from one of the picturesque places, Queens restaurants are ready for you.

This city is spectacular because it has lots of activities for locals and tourists, not only that, the city’s culinary scenes are fantastic with all manner of restaurants that offers the best dining experience.

If you can have a list of what to see or do in Queens City, you can also check out our list of restaurants in Queens, NY.

Moreover, this city is perfect for satisfying your cravings and diet without hurting your wallet.

Even if you crave high-quality steaks, fresh Sushi, the best BBQ,  seafood, omelet, or hand-tossed Pizza, you can be sure to find an excellent restaurant in Queens to come through for you.

Therefore, I have compiled a list of the best restaurants in Queens for you below.

Best Restaurants in Queens, New York

1. Austin’s Ale House

When it comes to an extensive menu and the use of fresh and local ingredients, there are no other restaurants in Queen than Austin’s Ale House.

This restaurant was established in 1991, located in the Kew Gardens area.

Austin’s Ale House stands out among other restaurants in Queens with its expansive dining area with a large mahogany bar, a comfortable lounge with a fireplace, and a casual dining room.

There is also an outdoor patio in warmer months.

The food at Austin’s Ale House is exceptional, with quick service and fantastic staff; its menu is full of delicious American cuisine.

From sandwiches and sliders to seafood and specialty salads, shrimp and rich dishes, appetizers, soup, and choice of entree, there is no end to what guests can enjoy here.

Also, its popular options include penny a la vodka, a chicken sandwich, and shepherd’s pie.

Furthermore, the bar features 40 bottled beers, 20 craft beers on tap, and wines and cocktails.

In Fact, you can watch any popular sports game while enjoying a drink and a meal.

Austin’s Ale House is the perfect place for brunch, launch, or dinner.

Address: 82-70 Austin St, Queens, NY 11415, United States

2. Park Side

This is one of the top Italian restaurants in the heart of Corona, Queens, whether you are out with family and friends for lunch or dinner in town.

For over 30 years, Park Side restaurant has been considered one of New York City’s Best Italian restaurants.

You will love the rustic design and inviting ambiance at Park Side. Also, the kitchen is open and serves high-class Italian classics that use fresh, local ingredients prepared well to satisfy your cravings.

Speaking of its menu, it’s your basic lunch and dinner selection of red pizza, crispy fried calamari, Salads, Pasta, shrimp parmigiana, and so on.

I recommend chicken and Veal dishes, but every meal here is great.

Also, the wait staff are professional and super-friendly.

Plan a visit to Park Side restaurant from 12 pm to 10 pm Mondays to Saturdays and 1 pm to 10 pm on Sundays.

Address: 107-01 Corona Ave., Queens, NY 11368, United States

3. MoCA Asian Bistro – Queens

No doubt, this award-winning Asian-fusion restaurant with creative cuisine deserves its name.

A restaurant in Queens with a heritage of passion for quality food and exceptional services, this restaurant truly transformed locally sourced ingredients into magical bites.

Though this place might seem a bit pricey, their ambiance and service quality totally makes up for that.

Speaking of its menu, it is large and designed in such a way that it contains everything to satisfy your cravings.

From its soups to signature entrees, salads, and sushi bar to noodles, sushi & sashimi, there are many options that suit every guest’s taste buds.

I recommend shrimp dumpling for an appetizer; you can even create your Benton Box.

Furthermore, you will catch all the fun live at MoCA Asian Bistro with its nightclub vibe and tasty drinks at the bar.

Plan a visit to MoCA Asian Bistro Mondays-Thursdays from 11:30 am – 11 pm; Fridays-Saturdays, 11:30 am – 12 am and Sundays, 12 pm – 11 pm.

Address: 10718 70th Rd, Queens, NY 11375, United States

4. Reef Restaurant & Bar

If you are looking for eye-catching, mouth-watering seafood, you should not miss the Reef Restaurant & Bar.

The service is lovely, the atmosphere is outstanding, and it is beautifully built and decorated to keep guests visiting every time.

Speaking of its menu, Reef Restaurant & Bar in Queens has something for everyone; the oysters, shrimp fra Diavolo, and ribeye are out of this world.

The swordfish, fried calamari, and burrata are a die-for, and the Risotto with shrimp scallops is highly recommended. Moreso, the spaghetti and meatballs are fantastic, and the crab cake hits well as an appetizer.

You are missing out if you don’t dine in Reef Restaurant & Bar while in or around Queens.

Besides, Reef Restaurant & Bar has a great layout, lounge, and bar area perfect for hanging with family and friends while enjoying your favorite wine, beer, cocktail, or whisky.

Address: 108-02 72nd Ave, Queens, NY 11375, United States

5. Queens Bully

Queens Bully is a gastropub that offers American BBQ and dishes with global flavors.

However, it was established in 2017, with its unique menu and local vibe to the Forest Hill community.

Queens Bully has made its mark as Queens’ favorite gastropub since it opened, serving the best American BBQ and dishes together with special cocktails.

Just so you know, this is such an outstanding and fantastic restaurant in Queens. The service is top-notch, and the food is absolutely amazing.

The menu at Queens Bully is full of delicious American dishes ranging from Sandwiches, burgers, pretzels, and samosas to BBQ chicken and pulled pork to fried avocados and cheesecake.

Furthermore, the restaurant has a variety of signature cocktails comprising the drink menu, mango frozen margarita, and frozen sangria, which are made in-house.

Also, Queens Bully has an extensive wine menu than other gastropubs in Queens.

Address: 113-30 Queens Blvd, Queens, NY 11375, United States

6. The Door

The food here is delicious and slightly more affordable than other nice restaurants in Queens.

A colorful restaurant in Queens with eye-catching decorations that serves the best Jamaican cuisine and seafood.

With a mix of Jamaican and Caribbean food, The Door features local ingredients, homemade recipes, and die-for meals.

Sincerely, you can never be disappointed whenever you visit The Door restaurant.

The owners run with the mission to Serve Authentic Jamaican Cuisine Paired with Excellent Service.

Therefore, The Door stands out as one of the best restaurants in Queens.

The menu at The Door boasts many options, including signature dishes like mouth-watering oxtail, tasty curry goat, and savory-flavor-packed jerk chicken.

Curry shrimp with rice and pea is highly recommended, but all the meals here are exceptions.

Plan a visit from 11 am to 10:30 pm, Mondays – Thursdays; Fridays, 11 am – 11:30 pm; Saturdays, 10 am – 11:30 pm; Sundays, 10 am – 10:30 pm.

Address: 163-07 Baisley Blvd, Jamaica, NY 11434, United States

7. Tu Casa

This restaurant is one of the most popular in Queens, serving the best Latin American/Peruvian dishes.

Established in 2004, this family-owned restaurant strives to serve the best foods at affordable prices.

However, Tu Casa boasts its beautiful landscape, rustic design, and inviting ambiance.

Hence, the menu offers fresh salads, vegetarian dishes, steak, Rotisserie chicken, and homemade desserts compensated by Italian and United States wines, classic cocktails, and craft beers.

Whether you want to dine indoors or outdoors, this restaurant in Queens has seating inside and on the patio.

The staff at Tu Casa are attentive and knowledgeable; they usually offer excellent options for you and always check back to ensure you are happy with your meal.

Address: 10311 Queens Blvd, Queens, NY 11375, United States

8. Shogun Hibachi

This is one of the best restaurants in Queens, serving the best Japanese cuisine.

Shogun Hibachi should be your next stop when you crave fresh and high-quality Japanese food, from Sushi to hibachi grilled-fare, to spicy tuna rolls.

You can order and eat in their extremely clean dining area, or it can be well-packed so you can take it away.

However, the menu has a ton of options, including Teriyaki, Chinese, and Thai food, so everyone can always find something they would enjoy.

Fresh Sushi/ hibachi, crispy rice ball, shrimp and lobster tempura roll, expertly prepared noodles and soup, traditional Chinese dishes, and also Japanese specialties.

Speaking of their ingredients, they are always fresh, and the food presentation is top-notch.

It’s open Mondays – Thursdays from 2:30 pm – 9 pm; Fridays, 3:30 pm – 10 pm; Saturdays, 12:30 pm – 10 pm; Sundays, 12:30 pm – 9 pm.

Address: 111-16 Queens Blvd, Queens, NY 11375, United States

9. Hooters

The list is definitely not complete without mentioning Hooters.

Having an extensive menu, a great selection of beers, including domestics, and a wide open seating plan, The Hooters will surely please all who take in the venue.

However, their prices are reasonable; the services from the beautiful-looking hostesses are exceptional.

The wide open seating plan mainly concerns the bar area as there are other closed dining rooms away from the bar, so you are not constantly bombarded by those watching the games on the 10+ flat screen TVs filling the bar area.

Also, they have outdoor seating. And the restrooms are very clean and well kept.

Hence, their menu has a lot of variety, including Philly cheese steak and curly fries, Buffalo chicken tacos, Honey Thai Chicken wings, and more.

They also have some delicious cocktails, a good variety of wines, and several beer options on tap.

Bottom line, Hooters has achieved tremendous success over the years, making it one of the best restaurants in Queens as well as in the States.

Address: 53-61 190th St, Queens, NY 11365, United States

10. O Lavrador

Since 1981, O Lavrador Restaurant and Bar has dazzled the neighborhood with authentic cuisine from Portugal and Spain.

Undoubtedly, this is one of the best restaurants in Queens and lives up to its name and reputation.

The service is lovely, the atmosphere is outstanding, and it is beautifully built with exposed brick and classic wood frames found in old-school buildings.

Speaking of its menu,  O Lavrador Restaurant and bar has something for everyone; the “Paelha Marinheira,” a savory seafood combination with lobster, clams, mussels, shrimp, scallops, and calamari in saffron rice.

A must have is Chouriço Caseiro,  homemade Portuguese sausage flambéed tableside with aguardente (Portuguese grappa).

Besides, the full-service bar is casual and relaxed; you will enjoy their signature appetizers and drinks amidst a décor of hanging lanterns and a rustic wood canopy.

Moreover, this restaurant is elegant, with a magnificent hand-painted mural, hardwood floors, and marble arches.

Address: 138-40 101st Ave, Queens, NY 11435, United States

11. Sugar Freak

You don’t have to travel far to New Orleans to enjoy standard meals; Sugar Freak restaurant in Queens is up to the rescue.

A restaurant with great decor and ambiance, also the perfect atmosphere for any occasion.

Besides, there are great restaurants in Queens, but if you want to feel special in a Creole restaurant with tasty Southern cuisine? Then there is no better place than Sugar Freak.

Interestingly,  Sugar Freak offers novel cocktails and mega-rich desserts; every dish you eat is full of the perfect mix of flavors.

Speaking of its menu, try out the Oysters Rockefeller, which is tender, flavorful, and out of this world. The Seafood jambalaya is an exquisite combination of flavors, and the pumpkin/scallop soup is warm and hearty.

The shrimp po’ boys and gumbo are fantastic.

Also, try a few desserts; I assure you nothing will disappoint, and everything is great.

Address: 37-11 30th Ave., Queens, NY 11103, United States

Planning a road trip around New York? Check out the list of our best Restaurants in Ithaca and Rochester!

12. Nick’s Bistro

Nick’s Bistro is a full-service bar and restaurant providing unique Greek – American cuisine in a contemporary, neighborhood bistro setting.

This restaurant sits at the corner of 72nd and Metropolitan in Forest Hills, creating a warm and friendly environment with the upbeat service, dark wood décor, black granite bar, and glowing bottles.

The food at Nick’s Bistro is exceptional, with quick service and fantastic staff; the menu is outstanding, and difficult to limit oneself to a meal.

Although the dining area is small,  the outdoor dining area is big and spread out.

The grilled Calamari, pork souvlaki platter, and filet mignon are die-for, and the pastrami sandwich and lamp gyro are highly recommended.

Also, the signature cocktails, such as homemade Sangria, are nothing but the best; even the full bar with extensive beers and wine list at  Nick’s Bistro can’t be compared to any restaurants in Queens.

Address: 104-20 Metropolitan Ave, Forest Hills, NY 11375, United States

13. Tofu Story

Let no aspect of Korean Cuisine get overlooked; consider everything: flavor, textures, color, and presentation.

Tofu Story in Queens should be your next stop when you crave the freshest and highest quality Korean food, from Kimchi to tofu soups and salad.

Hands down, the best Korean restaurants In Queens, where you can order and dine in their extremely clean area; you can take away or even order online.

However, the menu has a ton of options, including Seafood tofu soup, combination tofu soup, Banchan, La Galbi, Haemul Pajeon combo A, Japchae, and more.

There is always something for everyone to enjoy here.

The best is learning about Korean culture through cuisine; Tofu Story restaurant in Queens does it right.

Plan a visit to Tofu Story daily from 11 am to 11 pm.

Address: 15222 Northern Blvd, Queens, NY 11358, United States

14. The Hot Spot BBQ & Grill

Good solid menu with attention to sides, so often BBQ joints hit the mark with the meat, but not so much with the sides.

However, here at The Hot Spot BBQ & Grill Restaurant, you get a whole plate of great food.

The juicy bone-in chicken, the tender wings, and the sauce are fantastic. They have a hot barbecue that is spicy and super yummy if you are inclined to heat it up a little bit.

However, this spot is one of those BBQ restaurants in Queens with compact and kosher settings.

The food here is great, especially its signature chili fries. Portion sizes are huge, prices are great, and the flavors are there.

Hence, the wraps, sandwiches, tacos, and popcorn chicken are exceptional.

Also, their Southern-style food is incredibly good; the buffalo wings are to die for and extra spicy too. Suppose you are tired of the burger and sandwich fair and want an authentic meal. This is the place to go.

Address: 179-08 Union Tpke, Queens, NY 11366, United States

15. BKNY Thai Restaurant

Surprisingly, there are many Thai food restaurants in Queens, but  BKNY Thai Restaurant is a hidden gem in the heart of Queens.

There’re indoor and outdoor options, and the seating outdoors is more secluded than right near the road, which is preferable for me.

However, get seated and order their pad thai. The presentation is very colorful and appetizing; it comes with a small egg roll which is light and nice, while the pad itself is full of flavor.

Also, the staff is so kind that they all deserve a raise and some very good tips. They do very well on the phone, are interested in pleasing, and are as fast as possible during the high season.

Honestly, everyone who likes Thai food will be pleasantly surprised by any dish they choose to order.

This place looks like a hole in the wall, but this is the spot you should go. The portion is amazingly big, and you can take food home if you want to.

Lastly, everything is very authentically flavored and seasoned. Undoubtedly, hands down the best place you will eat in town if you love Thai food.

Address: 47-11 Francis Lewis Blvd, Bayside, NY 11361, United States

16. Africana Restaurant

Undoubtedly, this award-winning restaurant in Queens serving the best African cuisine with fresh food deserves its name.

A restaurant in Queens with a heritage of passion for food, it delivers delicious traditional favorites from scratch with local freshly prepared, highest-quality ingredients.

Though the restaurant doesn’t look fancy but trust me, a trial will convince you.

Speaking of its menu, there are many options, including Jollof rice with Goat stew, White rice with beans and dodo, and Rice with goat curry spinach.

Solid food such as Fufu with oha soup and goat meat, Pounded yam served with Egushi soup, tripe, and cow skin.

Pepper soups such as Ngwongwo isiewu, Ugba, and Okporoko, Snapper fish, and Goat meat are exceptional.

Honestly, this is one of the best African restaurants in Queens, with reasonable prices and fantastic sides.

Plan a visit to Africana from 11 am to 7 pm on Mondays to Saturdays.

Address: 14612 Liberty Ave, Queens, NY 11435, United States

17. Smile of the Beyond

If it’s for vegetarian dishes, fresh juices, and smoothies, you should find your way to Smile of the Beyond.

Opened in 1972, The Smile of the Beyond is the first vegetarian diner in New York City.

The setting is beautiful with its gorgeous decor, and every single bite of food is absolutely perfect, fresh, cooked to perfection, and bursting with flavor.

Also, the wait staffs are tentative, not too little or too much, super friendly, and helpful.

The menu at  Smile of the Beyond is full of delicious vegetarian cuisine, ranging from steak burgers, pancake deluxe, Vegan mushroom and truffle to Asparagus and shallot omelets.

Honestly, this is one of the best restaurants in Queens, with reasonable prices.

Everyone is exceptionally nice, accommodating, and kid-friendly, with fresh food for the kids.

Address: 8614 Parsons Blvd, Queens, NY 11432, United States

18. La Fusta

Want to wake up those taste buds? You should find your way to La fusta restaurant in Queens.

Hands down the best  Argentinian restaurant in Queens with quick service and fantastic staff

From its ambiance to music to the staff dressed in traditional gaucho gear, La fusta is one of the best restaurants in Queens that serves more than 15 different meats which are roasted and hand-carved for juicy potential.

Whether you crave fillet mignon, chicken Breast, ribeye, beef short ribs, pork sausage, Boneless Half Chicken, pork tenderloin, and so on, you can have as many as you want.

Furthermore, La fusta offers meat, a salad bar with all the fixings, fresh vegetables, cured meats, cheeses, and smoked salmon.

Lastly, you should try its seafood, which is absolutely delicious.

And did I mention the service is exquisite? Yes, it is! Enjoy Brasao.

Finally, La fusta offers a wide selection of cocktails and wines.

Address: 80-32 Baxter Ave, Queens, NY 11373, United States

19. Casa Enrique

Mexico is as diverse as it is vast, so defining Mexican cuisine is impossible. People literally have no idea how many different cuisine styles are in Mexico.

However, if you are visiting Queens and looking for one of the best Mexican restaurants in Queens, be sure to find your way to Casa Enrique.

This particular cuisine of Mexico is a great place for you to experience new cuisine and gateway cuisine of the south.

Meanwhile, Casa Enrique opened its doors on March 15th, 2012, and quickly established itself as a local hotspot in the heart of Queens.

Chef Cosme Aguilar’s passion for quality Mexican cuisine is what distinguishes Casa Enrique from other restaurants in Queens serving fresh meals.

Its menu contains mouth-watering delicacies, including Guacamole with chips, fish tacos, carne asada, ceviche de pescado, and more.

You will love the signature cocktails such as Margaritas and sangria.

Also, the ten-course tasting menu will take you through a culinary tour of the Chiapas region of southern Mexico. Then each course will be presented with a brief explanation of the ingredients and their place in the region’s history.

The best is learning about Mexican culture through cuisine, and the Mixtli restaurant in San Antonio does it right.

Address: 5-48 49th Ave, Long Island City, NY 11101, United States

20. Lucia Pizza

This list is not complete without a pizza joint on it. This is why this family-owned pizza joint, started in 1962, must be on this list.

Unlike other restaurants in Naperville,  Pizza Lucia Pizza specializes in Thin-crust Italian Inspired pizza baked in an authentic gas oven.

Lucia Pizza believes in sticking to red pies, green vegetables, and gourmet toppings.

Here at Lucia Pizza, you grab a slice or order a whole pizza; the service is so professional and fast to the extent that you can typically order a whole pizza and wait for it to be made right in front of you.

These pies are made from simple ingredients, crispy, almost cracker-type quality. The sauce is flavorful, and the cheese is good and holds up well.

Hence, order its signature pizza with a variety of toppings like pepperoni, garlic, sausages, mushrooms, and many more to order for.

Plan a visit on Mondays – Saturdays from 10:30 am – 10:30 pm; Sundays, 11 am -10 pm.

Address: 136-55B, Roosevelt Ave, Queens, NY 11354, United States

21. Elena’s 43 Restaurant

For over 20 years, Elena’s 43 Restaurant has lived up to its reputation as one of the best restaurants in Queens, serving high-quality Spanish and American food.

First, the restaurant is conveniently located near the Long Island Expressway, Grand Central Parkway, and Clearview Expressway, just a short drive from your home!

You can sit outside, enjoy drinks and a meal, or be seated inside the dining room or expansive bar.

Whichever way, you cannot go wrong wherever you sit! Then you can order some excellent wine and start your meal with a cheese plate and some crab dip (out of this world).

For the menu, try the Rotisserie Chicken or chicken breast in spicy garlic sauce with many delicious flavors.

Or try the flank steak; it is perfectly cooked, a rarity from other restaurants in Queens, and unbelievably tender.

Then, you can have some homemade sangria and apple crisps for your dessert. Yum pretty much sums it up.

You will really enjoy the food because you will taste the difference in the ingredients used that are farm-to-table fresh.

However, the presentation of the dishes is over the top and unique. The ambiance and decor add to the experience, rounding out a perfect date night or lunch outing.  Definitely, a must-try!

Address: 8948 Francis Lewis Blvd, Queens, NY 11427, United States

22. CJ’s Cafe

This restaurant is one of the most popular in Queens, serving the best-pressed sandwich.

However, CJ’s Cafe restaurant in Queens boasts its beautiful landscape and rustic design.

Hence, the menu offers fresh sandwiches, pressed homemade baked panini sandwiches, shrimp po boy, cheeseburger deluxe, and more.

Hands down the best restaurant In Queens, where you can order and dine in their extremely clean area; you can take away or even order online.

You can never be disappointed when you visit CJ’s Cafe; the owner always ensures the highest quality of food and service to all his customers.

Plan a visit on Mondays to Saturdays from 10 am – 7 pm.

Address: 177-15 Union Tpke, Fresh Meadows, NY 11366, United States

23. Halalbee’s

If you want a simple, casual-to-eat spot in Queens, look no further than Halalbee’s. This cute restaurant offers a menu of burgers and shakes.

Although its decor is not as fancy as other restaurants in Queen, it is still the local’s favorite and the tourists.

Overall, the food is delicious, the best grass-fed beef burger and potato pierogies/sauerkraut you will ever have. And they make very good meatball appetizers.

Also, the BBQ sauce is superb, with a nice roasting on the top and thick, crisp chips to dip with.

Definitely, a must-try when you are visiting Queens.

Address: 182-26 Hillside Avenue, Queens, NY 11432, United States

Final Remarks

Sit down, relax, and choose from any of these restaurants in Queens; I’m sure your taste bud will thank you.

Because each of these restaurants has its unique style of cooking, which leaves you the option to choose whichever one you might want to dine in.