Best Special Occasions Restaurants in Long Island City (11101)
9 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: January 2026
Our Top Pick
Meju
A fermentation-first Korean tasting counter built around house-aged sauces.
Essential Picks
#1
Meju
9.2
A chef’s-counter tasting menu centered on Korean fermentation and aged jangs, with a calm, minimalist pacing that lets the flavors build quietly over time. This is best approached like a set experience—show up curious, commit to the progression, and let the sauces and preserved ingredients do the storytelling.
Must-Try Dishes:
Fermentation-driven tasting menu progression, House-aged jang courses (doenjang/gochujang variations), Finale rice + kimchi course
What makes it special: A fermentation-first Korean tasting counter built around house-aged sauces.
Notable Picks
#2
Sushi Saint
8.8
A reservation-driven handroll counter that keeps the night sharp and high-intensity—premium fish, punchy combinations, and a pace that finishes clean. It’s a strong move for anniversaries when you want a splurge that doesn’t turn into a three-hour production.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bluefin tuna with black garlic handroll, A5 wagyu handroll, Ikura handroll with yuzu soy
What makes it special: Intimate handroll counter with chef-driven combinations and tight pacing.
#3
Casa Enrique
8.8
A long-running LIC destination for regionally rooted Mexican cooking that leans into big, slow-cooked plates as much as tacos. The room stays energetic, and the kitchen’s best dishes reward ordering beyond the basics—think mole, braises, and seafood with deep chile-driven flavor.
Must-Try Dishes:
Mole de Piaxtla, Braised lamb shank, Branzino “al pastor”
What makes it special: Michelin-recognized Mexican cooking anchored by mole, braises, and bigger plates.
#4
Tournesol
8.5
A tight, classic French bistro where the food leans traditional and satisfying rather than experimental—exactly what you want when you’re craving steak-frites energy and serious sauces. Order with restraint and balance (one rich entrée, one lighter starter) and it delivers a dependable, date-friendly night out.
Must-Try Dishes:
Steak frites, Duck confit, French onion soup
What makes it special: Old-school French bistro cooking that rewards classic ordering.
8.4
A New American small-plates spot that rewards decisive ordering and a shareable spread rather than solo mains. The best experience is built around contrast—one richer plate, one bright/acid-driven bite, and something crisp to reset the palate.
Must-Try Dishes:
Seasonal small plates, Chef’s daily specials, Shareable starters
What makes it special: New American small plates designed for sharing and pacing.
#6
Jora
8.4
A polished Peruvian kitchen with a brunch-adjacent midday rhythm: come here when you want chef-driven plates and cocktails instead of the usual eggs-and-bacon loop. Best when you order like a small feast—one ceviche, one hot grill item, and a starch anchor to round it out.
Must-Try Dishes:
Ceviche mixto, Grilled octopus, Lomo saltado
What makes it special: Peruvian-forward plates and pisco cocktails that feel “brunch-plus.”
#7
R40
8.3
An Argentinian parilla with smoke-forward grilling and a menu that shines when you order for contrast—one beef cut, one seafood or vegetable plate, and a shareable starter to set the pace. It’s a strong pick for steakhouse-style dining that feels modern and intentional, especially if you lean into the wood-grilled specialties rather than over-ordering sides.
Must-Try Dishes:
Empanadas, Skirt steak from the parilla, Parrillada-style mixed grill
What makes it special: Wood-fired Argentinian grilling with a Michelin Guide-listed profile.
#8
Hupo
8.1
A sleek Sichuan room that hits hardest when you order with structure—one dumpling, one noodle, one wok dish—then let spice and texture do the work. Great for group celebrations because the menu scales cleanly across the table.
Must-Try Dishes:
Mapo Tofu with Ground Sichuan Peppercorn, Cumin Lamb, Chengdu Cold Noodles
What makes it special: Only Michelin Bib Gourmand Sichuan restaurant in Long Island City with authentic mala heat profiles
8.0
Vibes:
Group Dining Gatherings
Birthday & Celebration Central
Outdoor Dining Oasis
Comfort Food Classics
Old-school Italian that’s built for birthdays: generous portions, a warm room, and a menu that stays in the comfort lane. It works best when you lean into classic red-sauce hits and treat it like a long, unhurried dinner with wine.
Must-Try Dishes:
Gnocchi, Pasta specials, Gelato
What makes it special: Old-school Italian hospitality with a backyard built for gatherings.