Best Restaurants in Queens You Need To Try This 2025

Julie Anne L.
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If you’re hungry in Queens, you’re in luck—this borough doesn’t mess around when it comes to food. From family-run spots with lines out the door to hole-in-the-wall joints that somehow know your order, the options are endless. People here take food seriously, and honestly, so should you. This isn’t the time for a sad salad or a soggy sandwich. You’re about to meet the best restaurants in Queens—the ones locals swear by and out-of-towners wish they knew sooner. Grab a fork. Bring your appetite. And maybe, wear pants with some stretch.

Best Restaurants in Queens | Top Places to Eat in NYC’s Tastiest Borough

Mojo

Photo via @mojo_foresthills and @mojo_rvc / Instagram

Latin American flavors get a bold, modern update at Mojo in Jackson Heights. Chef Emmanuel Piqueras blends dishes from Peru, Colombia, and beyond into a single menu. It’s not one country’s story—it’s all of them in one place. Every plate brings color, spice, and something unexpected.

Casa Enrique

Photo via @casaenrique and @chefcosme / Instagram

Mexican food takes a deeper, more personal route at Casa Enrique in Long Island City. Chef Cosme mixes fine techniques with recipes passed down in his family. Six Michelin stars in six years say a lot, but locals praise it for feeling honest. There’s care in every bite.

  • Cuisine: Mexican
  • Reservation: Click here.
  • Website: https://casaenriquelic.com 
  • Location:  5-48 49th Ave, Long Island City
  • Phone: 1 347-448-6040
  • Price: $-$$

Uncle Peter’s

Photo via @unclepeters / Instagram

A different kind of fusion happens at Uncle Peter’s in Elmhurst. The kitchen is from Italy, Spain, and France. You might start with pasta, follow it up with seafood, and end with crème brûlée. The menu covers a lot of ground, but it all feels connected.

Maiella

Photo via @maiella_lic / Instagram

Classic Italian meals meet Manhattan views at Maiella, located by Gantry State Park. The restaurant serves dishes that respect tradition but add fresh touches. The setting—with both indoor and terrace seating—adds to the experience, but the focus stays on the food.

Vetro Restaurant & Lounge

Photo via @vetronyc / Instagram

A broader take on Italian cooking shows up at Vetro Restaurant & Lounge in Howard Beach. The chef blends seasonal ingredients with international influence. Diners often start with pasta, move into seafood, and end up on the rooftop for a drink. The wine list is another reason regulars return.

  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Reservation: Click here.
  • Website: https://vetronyc.com    
  • Location:  164-49 Cross Bay Blvd, Howard Beach
  • Phone: 1 718-843-8387
  • Price: $-$$$$

Bahari Estiatorio

Photo via @bahariestiatorio / Instagram

Greek cooking gets the spotlight at Bahari Estiatorio in Astoria. The open-air kitchen sets the tone, with grilled meats, seafood, and shared plates. Staff members treat guests like regulars, and the warm service matches the hearty flavors.

  • Cuisine: Greek
  • Website: www.bahariestiatorio.com    
  • Location:  31-14 Broadway, Astoria
  • Phone: 1 718-204-8968
  • Price: $-$$

Rolo’s

Best Restaurants in Queens
Photo via @rolosnyc / Instagram

In Ridgewood, Rolo’s has built a reputation for wood-fired comfort food and house-baked bread. The team behind the restaurant shares ownership and runs the place with purpose. The result? A menu that feels both grounded and fresh. Think smoked meats, charred vegetables, and rotating seasonal picks.

Reef Restaurant & Bar

Best Restaurants in Queens
Photo via @reef.restaurant.bar / Instagram

Health-focused Mediterranean cooking defines the approach at Reef Restaurant & Bar in Forest Hills. Extra virgin olive oil replaces butter across the menu. Dishes feel light but don’t lack flavor. It’s a go-to for those who want clean eating without giving up taste.

The Queensboro

Best Restaurants in Queens
Photo via @thequeensboro / Instagram

In Jackson Heights, Queensboro plays the neighborhood favorite role well. Pizza, burgers, fresh salads, and seafood share the menu. The bar serves local beers and creative cocktails, making it a go-to for casual nights out.

Nick’s Bistro

Best Restaurants in Queens
Photo via @nicks.bistro / Instagrama

Greek-American comfort food continues at Nick’s Bistro in Forest Hills. Three generations of home-style recipes guide the menu. It’s simple, filling, and feels like a meal someone made for you.

Il Toscano

Best Restaurants in Queens
Photo via @iltoscano_ristorante / Instagram

Decades of experience shape the menu at Il Toscano in Douglaston. Chef Mauro Privilege brings his early training from cruise ships and NYC kitchens into every dish. He sticks to seasonal ingredients and time-tested recipes. Nothing feels rushed. Everything tastes considered.

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