Queens is located in the eastern part of New York and is the largest and second most populous of the five boroughs. It also has the most diverse community in New York, bringing together immigrants worldwide. In addition to countless famous landmarks, there is a wealth of food to be found here. Many immigrants have influenced the food culture of Queens, which is, therefore, very diverse. Queens is the temple of food, in addition to native American flavours, Turkish, Indian, Korean, Greek, Latin American, and other world cuisines. Dining here not only deepens the appreciation of food but also provides an experience of the culture of the community. Now, let’s look at highly recommended restaurants in Queens.
Quick Guide for Best Restaurants in Queens
Queens is the most ethnically diverse urban area in Manhattan, with authentic flavors from all over the world. Rent in Queens is typically 30%-50% lower than in Manhattan. Living in this area means that the best restaurants in Queens are right at your doorstep. Check out our list and pick your favorite cuisine and budget.
| Rank | Restaurant Name | Cuisine | Neighborhood | Best For | Budget |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jiang Nan | Chinese Fusion | Flushing | Group Dinners / Birthdays | |
| 2 | PappaRich | Malaysian | Flushing | Affordable Lunch | $ |
| 3 | Adda Indian Canteen | Indian | Long Island City | Date Night / Spice Lovers | |
| 4 | M. Wells | Quebecois / Steak | Long Island City | Special Occasions | $ |
| 5 | Astoria Seafood | Greek Seafood | Astoria | Lively Groups | |
| 6 | Sanford’s | New American | Astoria | Weekend Brunch | |
| 7 | Sripraphai | Thai | Woodside | The “Textbook” Thai | $ |
| 8 | Zaab Zaab | Thai (Isan) | Elmhurst | Michelin Rec. / Spicy | |
| 9 | Akino | Sushi / Japanese | Elmhurst | Budget Omakase | |
| 10 | Usha Foods | Indian Vegetarian | Floral Park | Snacks & Sweets | $ |
(Note: = Under $15 $ = $35+)
1. Flushing: Comfort Zone for Asian Food
Flushing offers the freshest ingredients and the most authentic flavors in NYC. Living in Flushing means you never have to worry about missing the taste of home.
1. Jiang Nan (江南)
Address: 133-42 39th Ave, Flushing
Vibe: Chinese Fusion / Upscale Casual
Must-Try: Peking Duck, Squirrel Whole Fish, Salted Egg Yolk Wings.
Tip: Have a reservation before you go.
If you are looking for a place in Flushing that is elegant, Instagram-worthy, and delicious, Jiang Nan has been the top choice in recent years. Unlike the typical hole-in-the-wall spots, Jiang Nan offers a refined dining experience and is perfect for student club gatherings or birthday parties. Their Peking Duck is a signature dish—crispy skin, perfect condiments—easily ranking in NYC’s top three. Additionally, their creative fusion dishes like Squirrel Fish and Braised Pork Belly are plated beautifully and seasoned to suit modern palates—rich but not overly greasy.
2. PappaRich
Address: 39-16 Prince St, Flushing
Vibe: Malaysian Chain / Comfort Food
Must-Try: Roti Canai with Curry Chicken, Hainanese Chicken Rice, Teh Tarik (Pulled Tea).
Best For: Students on a deadline, Solo diners.
When you are rushing to class or just want a satisfying lunch for $15, PappaRich is your “Flushing Canteen.” As a globally renowned Malaysian chain, their quality is incredibly consistent. The Hainanese Chicken Rice features tender chicken and fragrant oily rice. You can try Roti Canai, crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, served with curry dipping sauce. It is the peak of carb happiness.
2. Long Island City: Trendy Eats with Skyline Views
Long Island City (LIC) is the most modern neighborhood in Queens, filled with luxury high-rises popular among NYU and Parsons students. The food scene here is sophisticated, trendy, and international.
3. Adda Indian Canteen
Address: 31-31 Thomson Ave, Long Island City
Vibe: Authentic Indian / Michelin Bib Gourmand
Must-Try: Junglee Maas (Slow-cooked goat curry—very spicy!), Dahi Batata Puri (Yogurt bombs).
Tip: If you’re not particularly good with spicy food, just ask the staff for help when ordering.
Don’t be fooled by the watered-down “Chicken Tikka Masala” you find elsewhere. Adda teaches you what real Indian spice magic is. This spot consistently tops Eater NY’s best lists and holds a Michelin Bib Gourmand. “Adda” means “a place to hang out” in Hindi. The chef insists on recreating the bold and intense flavors of Indian street food, refusing to tone down the spice for American palates.
4. M. Wells
Address: 43-15 Crescent St, Long Island City
Vibe: Quebecois / Creative Steakhouse
- Must-Try: M. Wells Burger, Steak Frites, French Onion Soup.
Hidden near MoMA PS1, M. Wells is one of the coolest spots in LIC. Converted from an old garage, it exudes an industrial, retro-schoolhouse vibe. The menu is wild and creative, focusing on Quebec-style meaty feasts. If you want to celebrate the end of finals or a successful job interview, come here for a massive Steak or their signature Meat Pie (Tourtière) paired with a glass of red wine.
3. Astoria: Mediterranean Vibes & Lively Nights
Astoria is known as one of the safest neighborhoods in Queens, famous for its massive Greek community. The streets have a laid-back European feel, perfect for a weekend “City Walk.”
5. Astoria Seafood
Address: 37-10 33rd St, Long Island City (Astoria border)
Vibe: Greek Fish Market / Interactive Dining
Must-Try: Grilled Octopus (Essential! Tender and juicy), Fried Calamari, Greek Salad.
Tip: Go before 5:00 PM to avoid the rush hour.
Walking into this Queens restaurant feels like entering a fish market. Beds of ice are covered with fresh fish, octopus, squid, and shrimp. You are guaranteed absolute freshness here. Once walking into Astoria Seafood, you can grab a bag, pick your own seafood, weigh it, and tell the staff how you want it cooked (Fried, Grilled, or Stewed). The atmosphere is loud, chaotic, and incredibly joyful.
6. Sanford’s
Address: 30-13 Broadway, Astoria
Vibe: New American / Brunch
- Must-Try: Duck Confit & Waffles, Truffle Mac & Cheese.
Sanford’s is a restaurant located on Broadway in Astoria. It evolved from a standard diner into the upscale spot it is today, boasting one of the best whiskey lists in Queens. For students, this is the perfect destination for Weekend Brunch. The massive portions of Eggs Benedict and Duck Confit Waffles will wake you up from any slumber.
4. Elmhurst & Woodside: Authentic Thailand Food
If you love spicy food and Southeast Asian flavors but want to save money, Elmhurst and Woodside are your paradise. Rents here are cheaper than in Flushing, and the area hides Michelin-level food at budget prices.
7. Sripraphai
Address: 64-13 39th Ave, Woodside
Vibe: Traditional Thai
- Must-Try: Crispy Watercress Salad (A table essential), Green Curry, Crispy Pork Belly.
Sripraphai is a haven for New Yorkers. Even Manhattan foodies take the subway for 30 minutes just to eat here. The menu is as thick as a book, covering everything from Southern to Northern Thai dishes. You can’t go wrong with anything here, and the portions are generous. Compared to $25 Pad Thai in Manhattan, prices here remain student-friendly. There’s also a beautiful garden in the back for outdoor summer dining.
8. Zaab Zaab
Address: 76-04 Woodside Ave, Elmhurst
Vibe: Thai Isan / Michelin Recommended
- Must-Try: Larb Ped (Spicy Duck Salad), Crying Tiger (Grilled Beef).
If Sripraphai is the classic textbook, Zaab Zaab is the rebellious genius. They specialize in Northeastern Thai (Isan) cuisine, characterized by flavors that are sour, spicy, and funky. Their signature LarB Ped Udon (Spicy Duck Salad) uses duck liver, skin, and intense spices for a complex flavor profile. This uniqueness landed them in the New York Times and the Michelin Guide.
9. Akino
Address: 82-80 Broadway, Elmhurst
Vibe: Sushi / Omakase
- Must-Try: Sushi Deluxe Set, Omakase Course.
Akino is a savior for students. It offers good value for high-quality fish. If you live near Elmhurst, this should be your go-to spot.
5. Floral Park: Hidden Gem Worth the Trip
10. Usha Foods
Address: 255-03 Hillside Ave, Floral Park
Vibe: Indian Vegetarian / Snacks
- Tip: Buy a huge bag to take back to your dorm for a movie night
Usha Foods offers Indian vegetarian food and snacks. You’ll find colorful Indian sweets and fried treats. Even if you aren’t a vegetarian, the rich Samosas and Chickpea Curry will win you over.
Tips for Dining in Queens Restraurants
When it comes to dining in Queens, the options are as diverse as the borough itself. If you are now a college student, after you are sure of the location of your housing in NYC, why don’t you spend time experiencing the best restaurants nearby? Whether you crave authentic international flavours or innovative local creations, Queens is a culinary melting pot waiting to be explored. Here are three practical tips for eating your way through Queens:
Cash is King:
Many authentic old-school restaurants in Queens (especially in Flushing and Chinatown areas) are cash-only or offer tax-free incentives for cash payments. Always carry $50 in cash to avoid hassle.Lunch Specials:
Many restaurants (including Jiang Nan and Sripraphai mentioned above) offer special lunch menus from Monday to Friday. The same dish might cost $12+ at lunch but $20+ at dinner. Arrange your class schedule to take advantage of these deals!Portion Sizes:
Queens’ portion sizes are generally larger than in Manhattan. If you are eating with roommates, try Family Style dining—order a few dishes to share. You get to taste more variety, and the cost per person is lower.
Conclusion
Whether you are a food enthusiast or an adventurer looking for a memorable culinary experience in Queens, We hope this guide to the best restaurants in Queens has got you covered. These best restaurants Queens in New York City are not just places to eat. Their unique atmosphere and remarkable cuisine can bring you an unforgettable dining experience. Each restaurant has its own story and serves authentic and innovative dishes that showcase the best of global flavours.
FAQ
What food are Queens known for?
Spinach pie or acai is recommended as breakfast;
Colombian seafood stew or award-winning Nepalese momos in Jackson Heights can be taken as lunch;
Sichuan hot pot or Korean barbecue in Flushing and Murray Hill is popular in people living in Queens.
What are the cheapest restaurants in Queens?
According to recommendations by netizens, Alimama Tea, Zeppola Bakery and Los Tacos No. 1 are the top three cheap restaurants in Queens.
What are the warm and cozy restaurants near Queens?
Aged Steakhouse & Best Bar Forest Hills
C Kew Gardens
Magna Restaurant
Fillmore’s Tavern
Diner Bar
