Astoria And LIC Represent In The 2018 New York Michelin Guide

Living in Astoria means you know there’s no shortage of amazing food from around the world. It’s a pretty nice place if you love to eat. But even nicer? Seeing those hardworking, dedicated spots getting the recognition they deserve.

Among the hundreds of NYC restaurants featured, this year’s New York City Michelin Guide has selected 51 restaurants in Queens, and 17 of those are in the Astoria and Long Island City areas. The restaurants specialize in all kinds of cuisines and have all kinds of personalities. Here are some of the local spots to earn recognition as Michelin’s Bib Gourmand designated restaurants.

Greek

Bahari Estiatorio features a selection of baked Greek dishes that are filling and perfect for colder weather. There are also plenty of classic dishes and a wine selection.

Bahari Estiatorio
31-14 Broadway, Astoria
718.204.8968
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Gregory’s 26 Corner Taverna also features plenty of classic Greek cuisine, including a good seafood selection, in a laid-back setting (we love the seafaring theme). Plus you get a little free dessert after ordering dinner, so that’s always nice — although you may be too full to eat it!

Gregory’s 26 Corner Taverna
26-02 23rd Ave., Astoria
718.777.5511

 

Taverna Kyclades is as famous in the neighborhood for its fresh seafood dishes as it is for its long waits; most people will tell you that the wait is worth it! This Astoria staple also has a second location in Manhattan. We suggest the lemon potatoes.

Taverna Kyclades
33-07 Ditmars Blvd., Astoria
718.545.8666
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Japanese

HinoMaru Ramen is the perfect solution to a cold, blustery day with its big bowls of steaming ramen in a variety of styles, including a vegetarian option. There are also plenty of small, sharable dishes, and beer and sake available.

HinoMaru Ramen
33-18 Ditmars Blvd., Astoria
718.777.0228
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Sushi Daizen features handcrafted sushi and sashimi, some of which are imported from Japan. Michelin notes its dedicated fans, which is always a great sign. The sushi course comes out in the traditional way, with one piece coming out after another in order. There are plenty of great appetizers to kick things off, too.

Sushi Daizen
47-38 Vernon Blvd., Long Island City
718.729.1297

Mu Ramen started as a pop-up spot, so its small location is often packed, but the ramen is worth it. It exploded in popularity after a glowing Times review, and has been an LIC favorite ever since. The place also boasts a surprising beer list.

Mu Ramen
12-09 Jackson Ave., Long Island City
917.868.8903
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Italian

Vesta, with a modern take on Italian cooking, is a favorite spot for brunch, lunch, and dinner with a selection of pastas, pizzas, and meat and fish dishes, as well as a dessert that translates to a “little baby Jesus” cake (it’s a traditional sticky toffee pudding, topped with caramel and cream.)

Vesta Trattoria
21-02 30th Ave., Astoria
718.545.5550
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Trattoria l’Incontro serves classic Italian-American fare full of rich, bold flavors. It’s an Astoria staple and a longtime favorite of many locals. Don’t forget some cannoli for dessert.

Trattoria L’incontro
21-76 31st St., Astoria
718.721.3532
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Piccola Venezia has been in business for over 40 years, and it doesn’t show any sign of quitting. It’s a classic Italian-American place whose dedication to a good meal and a cozy environment sets it apart from other places. Gluten-free pastas are available here, too.

Piccola Venezia
42-01 28th Ave., Astoria
718.721.8470
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Mexican

Casa Enríque serves up specialty dishes from different regions of Mexico, so you can taste the different flavors and recipes from all over the country. It’s been on Michelin’s lists for the past 3 years, and they describe the menu here as “amazingly complex” and there are even some of the chef’s mom’s recipes to choose from.

Casa Enríque
5-48 49th Ave., Long Island City
347.448.6040
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Barbecue

John Brown Smokehouse serves Kansas-style barbecue, complete with rib tips and burnt ends and all your barbecue favorites. There’s usually football playing on TV, and there’s corn pudding to finish off a meal.

John Brown Smokehouse
10-43 44th Dr., Long Island City
347.617.1120
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Seafood

Mar’s is all about seafood (ok, and steak. And kale salad, and…) There’s a large raw bar and a menu full of both New England-style seafood classics and Mediterranean small dishes. They also have a nice, simple brunch and a great outdoor space for when the weather permits. We’re also partial to their creative cocktail selection.

Mar’s
34-21 34th Ave., Astoria
718.685.2480
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Sabry’s seafood selection is the centerpiece of this Egyptian restaurant. The fish, on display on ice, is cooked to order in the Egyptian style, which is typically blackened with herbs and spices, then served with pita and a variety of dips. There’s no alcohol available in this halal establishment, but you’ll survive.

Sabry’s
24-25 Steinway St., Astoria
718.721.9010

Peruvian

Jora serves fare from all regions of Peru, all in a cozy atmosphere full of traditional pottery. The menu features both seafood and meat options, as well as vegetable dishes, all full pf plenty of spice and richness. It’s also known for its cocktails, particularly its pisco sours.

Jora
47-46 11th St., Long Island City
718.392.2033
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Indian

Kurry Qulture draws inspiration from different regions and sub-regions of India, with unique twists on classic dishes, like the vegetable biryani, which has a South Indian flair. There’s also a front bar and a patio out back for outdoor dining.

Kurry Qulture
36-05 30th Ave., Astoria
718.674.1212
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Steakhouse

M. Wells Steakhouse is more than just a steakhouse with a raw bar, a selection of unique appetizers, as well as fish entrees. It’s all housed in an unassuming-looking converted garage that opens into a swanky interior.

M. Wells Steakhouse
43-15 Crescent St., Long Island City
718.786.9060
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Christos is a steakhouse with Greek flair, Christos serves high-quality beef steaks alongside Greek appetizers and sides. Michelin likes the dry-aged wedge for two, and recommends the charred octopus for a starter. You can even get steaks and chops to take home.

Christos
41-08 23rd Ave., Astoria
718.777.8400

Did any of your Astoria or LIC favorites make the Michelin list this year? Let us know, and if you haven’t yet, be sure to give one of these places a try!

3 Comments

Al November 7th, 2018

The 2019 Michelin Bib Gourmand guide (published before this article) lists only Gregory’s and Mar’s.

See https://guide.michelin.com/us/new-york/news-and-views/michelin-guide-new-york-city-2019-bib-gourmands-results/news?

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Sarai November 9th, 2018

It also lists HinoMaru Ramen and Mu Ramen, but yeah the rest of this list was just reviewed in Michelin not designated with a Bib Gourmand. Also Casa Enrique has a Michelin star, which is a higher level than a Bib.

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Astoria And LIC Represent In The 2018 New York Michelin Guide November 6th, 2018

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