Best Restaurants in Astoria, NY. The ethnic diversity that is a vital part of Astoria, is reflected in the kitchen of our communities best restaurants and in the faces and customs of our friends and next-door neighbors.

If you're tired of eating the same old standby lunch and dinner options and are interested in taking a global foodie tour just steps away from your apartment, then come along for the ride.

On one recent cold blustery afternoon, we gazed upon snow covering the sidewalks and decided that, now would be a great time to head over to Rio De Janiero! But with the planes grounded that day, we did the next best thing. We headed over to 33rd Street and 36th Avenue, right off the N/Q train, to visit the one-of-a-kind Rio Grill and Market in Astoria and bask in its warmth. Located inside a modern glass edifice with the colors of the Brazilian flag everywhere, Rio Grill offers your taste buds something truly different.

　
The house specialties are all reasonably priced and include three side dishes, such as their unique corn mix, roasted baby potatoes, farofa or black beans. Main dishes include Picanha (top sirloin), Bife Acebolado (beef with onions), chicken stroganoff or salmon filet topped with passion fruit sauce! Getting hungry? Well, in addition to pork chops and grilled chicken breast, Rio Grill in Astoria also offers their take on a classic Caesar salad. Delectable desserts include caramel flan and passion fruit mousse. Before or after indulging your appetite, you can browse through Rio Market in Astoria, which carries a full line of Brazillian groceries and products.

　
And don't forget to stop by their Rio Fashion department, which features the top names in Brazilian sexy styles from jeans and dresses to bikinis and a host of divalicious accessories. It's the flavor of Rio in Astoria. Who Knew? Now you do, and you'll love it!

Our next stop on the international foodie express is Broadway and 44th Street, home to one of the best Indian restaurants in Queens: Saffron Indian Cuisine in Astoria.

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Saffron's intimate vibe and romantic ambience are perfect for date night. But however great the atmosphere, it is the superb, authentic Indian cuisine that truly stands out. For those of you who may not be familiar with Indian food, Saffron's friendly, professional servers will guide you through their menu. There is something to suit everyone's taste, be they meat or fish aficiandos or vegetarian. For starters, the traditional and filling Mulligatawny soup will warm you up on even the coldest Astoria night. It's almost a stew, consisting of split peas and vegetables in a chicken broth, flavored with fresh curry leaves. 

　
Saffron's clay oven specialties include Tandoori Chicken and Salmon Tikka, each dish being seasoned with an array of Indian spices. The Saag Aloo is a vegetarian's dreamdish, featuring a blend of potatoes and spinach cooked with spices and tomatoes. At Saffron Indian Cuisine in Astoria, even the bread is a main event. Saffron's selection includes Tandoori Roti, a very tasty whole wheat bread, Kheema Naan, bread stuffed with ground lamb and spices, and Khandari Naan, a soft white flour bread, stuffed with raisins and nuts.

　
Saffron Indian Cuisine is always happy to offer budget-conscious Astoria foodies some great deals, including their $6.95 to $7.95 lunch box specials, which include a chicken, lamb or veggie entree complete with Naan, rice and Raita.

Our final stop on this edition of the Astoria international foodies express is Il Bambino, located on a quiet street over at 34-08 31st Avenue.

　
Astoria is home to many fine Italian-themed restaurants and cafes. But you have never tasted Italian food quite like the cuisine at Il Bambino in Astoria! Throw all your preconceived notions aside as you enter this cozy and clean, yet unpretentious eartery and prepare to be surprised and delighted! Your only problem will be deciding which delectable dish you will try first. IL Bambino's salad and tapas menu features a Fingerling potato salad with truffle aioli, fried shallots and pecorino cheese . The Baby String Beans are a blend of toasted bread, shaved parmesan and truffle vinaigrette. Il Bambino's panini selection is never-ending. Their innovative Italian Meatloaf is layered with onion jam, tomato pesto, spicy mayo and provolone. The Roast Mushroom is an expert blend of carmelized onions, dirty chips, truffle spread and fontina cheese.
　
On the weekend, you can get Bambino's brunch paninis, including The Pork Chopper which features porchetta, scrambled eggs, pickled jalapenos, Russian dressing and asiago. Wow!

　
Porchetta, by the way, is often referred to as the Italian version of pulled pork. It is a blend of slow-roasted pig, with a mixture of garlic and herbs! And dont forget to try The Big Booty, a zesty blend of mortadella, scrambled eggs, sweet pepper hash, mayo and provolone. As you can see (and taste), in Astoria, it definitely pays to be adventurous when it comes to finding that hidden gem of a restaurant or cafe that is just around the corner!

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