Best of Astoria - Bars, Restaurants, Cafes, Pizza, Burgers and More
Let's meet some of the local businesses that Astoria residents and our readers refer to as their favorites! These are the go-to places that stand out and offer the best deals in town.
Gaudio's Pizza restaurant - Astoria
Gaudio's has been turning out delectable pizza since 1958 when it was opened by Louie Gaudio, a hard-working immigrant from Calabria, a place where they know a thing or two about making a great pie.
Still, in its' original location and recently renovated, this crown jewel of pizzerias is now under the ownership of Louie's personable son Dominic.
If you're a busy working mom with kids or a young couple who are too tired to cook, you'll love the fact that Gaudio's offers fast and reliable delivery. There's no need to miss out on Nick's pizza magic. Especially when it comes to his Grandma pie, the mushroom supreme or the light as a feather, but still hearty, Sicilian. A blend of herbs, fresh mozzarella and a touch of olive oil make all the difference.
Why not just stop by and enjoy a relaxing sit-down dinner with pizza or pasta accompanied by a nice glass of wine? The ambiance is beautiful. Your typical neighborhood pizzeria was never like this.
Old school pizza never goes out of style when it tastes this good.
Location and Contact Info
40-13 30th Avenue
Astoria, NY 11103
(718) 721-2882
Artichoke Pizza - Astoria
Artichoke Pizza is the place for you if you like your pizza a bit more on the edgy and unusual side. Founded in 2008 by cousins and best friends, Fran Garcia and Sal Basille, Artichoke Pizza started off in Manhattan, where their creative pies soon gained a huge fan following, including celebrities like The Rolling Stones' Keith Richards.
Relatively new to the Astoria pizza scene, Artichoke has made a huge impression on hungry locals.
Just about everyone seems to love their signature Artichoke pie, which consists of artichoke hearts, spinach, a very savory cream sauce, fresh mozzarella and sharp Pecorino Romano.
The Burnt Anchovy, with ripe and luscious plum tomatoes and imported anchovies, is right up there, as well.
Super convenient, Artichoke Pizza is located literally just a few steps from the N and W train on 31st Street.
Location and Contact Info
22-56 31st Street
Astoria, NY 11105
(718) 215-8100
The Strand Smokehouse - Astoria
Astoria definitely loves BBQ! One of the neighborhood's favorite BBQ joints and all-around spots to kick back and relax is the Strand Smokehouse. The Strand is the kind of authentic smokehouse that you would find down South in Texas or Tennessee where they take their BBQ very seriously.
From the minute that you walk through the door, the succulent, meaty aromas will make your mouth water while your taste buds do a line dance. At the Strand, their meats are smoked to perfection. you know that everything is fresh because they prepare only what their purveyors bring them that morning. Supplies are limited. When your favorite cut of meat is gone, it is long gone!
They've got all the meats you're craving, from dry-rubbed brisket, pulled pork and thick-cut bacon to roasted chicken and baby back ribs. their BBQ sauce is out of the box and outrageously tangy.
If all that wasn't enough to know why Astoria residents love The Strand, we'll give you a couple more reasons. Every week they have an incredible line-up of live music, ranging from rock to bluegrass.
And they have not one, but two, outdoor spaces in which to enjoy their BBQ and Mason Jar cocktails. Out front is a spacious patio that's great for people watching. In the back, there is a huge, inviting garden area. On a Summer evening, there is no place where you'd rather be.
Location and Contact Info
25-27 Broadway
Astoria, NY 11106
(718) 440-3231
Salt and Bone - Astoria
Another favorite BBQ spot that's busy for brunch, lunch, and dinner is newcomer Salt and Bone. With a rustic, welcoming ambiance and a compact but flavorful menu, Salt and Bone is the real deal when you are talking BBQ. That's precisely why tourists from down South go out of their way to take the subway into Astoria to check this place out for themselves.
The smoke masters here keep it simple and honest with tasty rubs and marinades that enhance, but never overpower, the hormone and antibiotic-free meats. Ribs are dressed in the house signature Tamarind, molasses and apple cider rub. It's way beyond delicious. You'll adore their Texas-style brisket. With a salt and pepper rub, it's smoked for four hours to achieve maximum flavor and tenderness.
Many Astoria foodies, though, feel that Salt and Bone's must-have dish is the Goffle farms Chicken with a spicy Moroccan Harissa rub. Then again the smoked beef sausage has its' share of fans, as well.
Awesome meats, however, demand equally compelling sides like the house-made potato chips that come loaded up with cheese sauce, baked beans, chopped brisket and pico de gallo.
Location and Contact Info
32-07 30th Avenue
Astoria, NY 11102
(917) 832-7819
Gianpiero Bakery - Astoria
Get your bakery fix on at Gianpiero bakery, one of the most well-loved bakeries in Astoria Who doesn't love a nice hot cup of coffee to start the day? Especially when your cup of java is paired up with a scrumptious cannoli, warm croissant or a couple of delectable butter cookies, which are, by the way, great for dunking.
Whether they are on the way to work or are simply fueling up on a Saturday prior to running some errands, Astoria residents swear by the amazing fresh bread and tasty pastries and cakes that GianPiero bakery has been serving up since 1995.
The Della Polla family takes a great deal of pride in what they do and it shows in the quality of their baked goods as well as the friendly service that makes you feel as though you are a guest in their home.
The founder, Michael Della Polla, together with son Gianni and daughter Laura, bakes bread just the way his mother used to in Italy.
Their traditional Italian breads are all natural with no preservatives or additives at all. This is bread the way it is meant to be enjoyed. Just put a dab of butter or Olivio spread on a chunk of Gianpiero's semolina bread and you are good to go!
The display case is filled with goodies like Tiramisu, Biscotti, rainbow cookies, cream puffs, as well as both Italian and New York style cheesecake.
When the weather cooperates, take a seat in their sidewalk cafe, sip a Lavazza coffee, nibble on a Pignoli or eclair and you really will feel as though you're in Milan or Naples enjoying the good life.
Location and Contact Info
44-17 30th Avenue
Astoria, NY 11103
(718) 274-8959
Artopolis - Astoria
There's no shortage of Greek bakeries in Astoria. But, few bakeries of any style can compare to Artopolis. Maybe that's why generations of Astoria residents, from ya-ya to her hipster grandchildren, turn to Artopolis when they want to purchase pastries and cakes for a special occasion. Or just to treat themselves after a long day at work. Even the Today Show's Al Roker stopped by to see what all the fuss was about.
Tucked away in a small, rather nondescript shopping plaza, Artopolis blends a cozy feel with sleek, modern decor. When you stroll through the shop you won't know which delectable pastry to choose first. Everything is so colorful and delicious.
Many of the items on display look too pretty to eat. They are like a 3-D painting come to life. Their spinach and cheese pies are a popular fave during lunchtime in Ditmars. Everyone from construction workers to the staff at the nearby Judge Peter Vallone School loves them. Here's a tip; ask one of the delightful ladies behind the counter to warm up your pie. The blend of warm feta and spinach is unbeatable.
The variety is spectacular. All of the pastries and cookies that you grew up eating (if you were lucky enough to be born into a Hellenic Household) are here; Baklava, Bougatsa, grape syrup cookies, olive bread as well as the hard to pronounce but always easy to eat Galaktoboureko.
Artopolis also carries some luscious pastries that are truly unique such as their famous pistachio mousse, chocolate waves and serrano almond confection.
Location and Contact Info
23-18 31st Street
Astoria, NY 11105
(718) 728-8484
Flattopps - Astoria
Astoria locals definitely love a good, juicy burger. The ultimate comfort food, the hamburger is a staple menu item at almost every restaurant, bar and cafe in Astoria. But few places offer the unique and tasty spin on the classic burger that Flattopps does.
Flattopps' kitchen dares to be different. So much so, in fact, that their Mac and Cheese topped offering is one of the more conservative burgers that you'll find on the menu here. All hamburgers are served with classic fries and you have a choice of a brioche, gluten-free or vegan bun.
The Hip tang burger consists of a sirloin patty that is topped with figs, Fontina cheese and caramelized onions. Named after the former NY Knick's coach, the Van Gundy Burger has a very unusual blend of toppings including blue cheese, sliced Granny Smith apples and a maple tabasco drizzle. Somehow, though, these disparate flavors come together for a great taste sensation!
A little more basic is the Herbie Hancock. Almost too big to hold in your hands, this luscious beef patty is enveloped by a ton of lettuce, tomato, pickles and red onions. The special house sauce, though, is so good, you don't really need any extras with this burger.
Flattopp's ambiance is just as interesting as are its' burgers and cocktails. The theme is throwback 1990's. The restaurant is decorated with photos of nineties pop and hip-hop music icons, collages of comic book covers and artwork and there are various arcade machines scattered around the premises.
At night, you can catch some of the Big Apple's hottest DJs spinning their beats inside the retro DJ Booth. You can rest assured that there is nothing like Flattopps anywhere in Ditmars. And that's a good thing.
Location and Contact Info
33-06 Ditmars Blvd.
Astoria, NY 11105
(718) 267-0400
The Bonnie - Astoria
Want a great burger and an even better (if that's possible), cocktail? Then do what your fellow Astorians do and head on over to the Bonnie.
The Bonnie has been a game-changer on the Ditmar's craft beer, cocktail and foodie scene for some time now. They have a fantastic team at the Bonnie, from the friendly and professional servers to the bar staff and kitchen crew.
However, some very special props deserve to go out to Chelsea Morse, Bonnie's very talented public relations wizard, executive chef Nick Testa and general manager/chief mixologist Mike Di Tota.
You may have recently caught Nick on the Food Network's hit series Chopped. Chef Nick did a fine job representing Astoria on the show. Mike DiTota is the man behind all of those delicious botanical based cocktails that you can't get enough of at brunch, Happy Hour and dinner.
Affectionately dubbed "the mad scientist of cocktails" by his Astoria fan base, Mike is responsible for killer drinks such as the Winter Punch. This flavorful cocktail will do the trick on a cold winter's day. Ingredients include chai tea infused rye, bourbon, brandy, vermouth, grapefruit juice, honey, cinnamon and lemon.
Another Mike Di Tota signature sip is Lost In the Rain. A combination of white rum, Teeling whiskey, Aperol, pineapple juice, Benedictine, lemon juice and Peychaud's bitters provide just the right amount of buzz and refreshment.
Now, about that burger! Chef Nick's sterling burger has consistently been voted the best brunch burger in Astoria. Forget the lettuce and tomato that most places give you. Nick dresses his special blend of dry-aged beef with double American cheese, crispy pork belly, house-made pickles, and frizzled onions along with a sauce that is simply out of this world.
Location and Contact Info
29-12 23rd Avenue
Astoria, NY 11105
(718) 274-2105
D and F Italian Deli - Astoria
Astoria is home to some of the finest specialty food shops in the city. Which is only fitting as Queens has long enjoyed a reputation as the most diverse borough in New York. Interested in purchasing imported, hard to find items from Cyprus, Albania, Greece, Italy, Japan or India? You'll find what you're looking for in Queens.
Since 1973, proud Astoria residents have been flocking to D and F Italian Deli for delicious sandwiches, fresh pasta, home-made meals and a wide array of grocery items flown in direct from Italy.
The first thing that you notice upon entering the store is how clean everything is. You could practically eat off the floor! The guys and gals behind the counter have a smile and friendly greeting for you, whether you're a long time customer or this is your first time at D and F. The professionalism and courtesy the staff exhibits is no surprise since they take their cue from the personable owner Gary.
Gary just about grew up at D and F. He started out working there after school, stocking shelves and helping out behind the counter. Over the years Gary worked his way up to a manager and then became a partner. Upon the retirement of the other owner, Gary took over the shop. Born in Naples and having come here as a small child, Gary is the personification of the American dream.
You can order a variety of cheeses like Parmesan or Pecorino Romano grated fresh to sprinkle with your pasta. Hanging over the counter is a mouth-watering selection of cured meats like salami and soppressata. This is as authentic as it gets!
D and F are famous throughout Astoria for their thick, hearty sandwiches and homemade soups.Their Lentil, Italian wedding and minestrone soups are big hits with the local community.
Whether you like your sandwich on a roll or hero, you'll love the fact that they don't skimp on the meat and cheese. Astoria residents, however, can't stop raving about the D and F signature Italian combo.
For around ten bucks you will have quite a meal. Choose your bread and then watch as a helpful counter person layers slice upon slice of Prosciutto, Mortadella, Genoa Salami, Pepperoni and Provolone onto the bread. Then comes a mound of lettuce, juicy slices of tomatoes and a little olive oil and red wine vinegar thrown in for good measure.
Like most New Yorkers, Astoria residents don't have enough time in the day to accomplish everything they need to do. The last thing a busy working person wants is to come home from work and then hit the kitchen. Thanks to the folks at D and F Deli, you won't have to worry about that.
Gary and his team cook up some amazing dishes that come from old family recipes. In the freezer case, you'll find classic Italian foods like stuffed shells, chicken Parmigiana, Manicotti, tripe, Fettuccine Alfredo, sausage, onions and peppers along with spaghetti with meatballs. All you need to do is heat, serve and enjoy.
D and F Deli, where every bite is a delight.
Location and Contact Info
35-17 Broadway
Astoria, NY 11106
(718) 728-2422
Yes Chef Wine Bar - Astoria
This charming restaurant, which has the ambiance of a French bistro, is creating a lot of buzz in the neighborhood. Everyone is super excited about Chef Laszlo Beregszaszi's farm-to-table concept and delicious menu.
Besides being a combination wine bar and a full-service restaurant, Yes Chef also offers a beautiful setting for wedding receptions, birthday celebrations and corporate gatherings.
A graduate of the Culinary Institute of Hungary, Chef Laszlo started off his professional career in the Greek islands. He first fell in love with the farm to table way of doing things when managing a restaurant on the island of Thessaloniki. After achieving a well-deserved reputation as one of the best chefs in Greece, Laszlo moved to the United States. Always up for a challenge, Laszlo wanted to make his mark on the New York food scene.
The charismatic Laszlo has over twenty years of experience as a private chef in the Hamptons, as executive chef at several high-end French restaurants in Manhattan and as the banquet and event chef at the Pierre Hotel. Laszlo has fallen in love with the Astoria neighborhood and would not want to be anywhere else. As a person and chef Laszlo loves the energy of Astoria and delights in cooking for the community.
When you dine at his table, you will enjoy dishes like Baked Chicken Cordon Bleu, Macademian crusted Atlantic salmon, beef Bourguignon and his signature creation, ratatouille risotto.
Yes, Chef Wine bar is now open for brunch. Besides an extensive wine list, you can enjoy delicious Mimosas, Bellinis and Sangria, as well as a very refreshing and tasty Elder Flower Spritz.
Location and Contact Info
44-10 30th Avenue
Astoria, NY 11103
(718) 433-9794
Comments