Best Cheap Eats Restaurants in Astoria (North)-Ditmars-Steinway
33 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
Oishii Sushi Japanese
High-volume delivery sushi shop with customizable roll combos and strong value.
Notable Picks
8.8
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Hidden Gems Heaven
Oishii Sushi Japanese is a delivery-forward sushi shop at the east end of Ditmars that has built a large following on consistent, well-priced maki combos. People lean on its mix-and-match roll lunches and straightforward nigiri for weeknight dinners, late takeout, and casual gatherings at home.
Must-Try Dishes:
Volcano Roll, Crunch Roll, Any Three Roll lunch combo
What Makes it Special: High-volume delivery sushi shop with customizable roll combos and strong value.
8.8
Sal, Kris & Charlie's Deli has been stacking oversized heroes in Astoria since 1940, with The Bomb sandwich drawing regulars from across the city. Locals lean on it for giant, overstuffed cold-cut heroes that easily feed two or more people for the price of a single sandwich.
Must-Try Dishes:
The Bomb Sandwich, Italian Hero Sandwich, Roast Beef Sandwich
What Makes it Special: Old-school neighborhood deli turning out massive, stacked Italian heroes.
8.5
El Rey Del Taco runs a late-night taco truck at Ditmars and 31st Street, turning out Mexico City–style tacos deep into the night. Locals rely on it for quick, inexpensive suadero, al pastor, and carnitas after bars and shifts when most kitchens are long closed.
Must-Try Dishes:
Suadero Tacos, Al Pastor Tacos, Carnitas Tacos
What Makes it Special: High-volume taco truck slinging classic Mexico City–style tacos until late.
#4
Los Portales
8.5
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Family Friendly Favorites
Group Dining Gatherings
Hidden Gems Heaven
Los Portales is a long-running Broadway standby for sizzling fajitas, saucy enchiladas, and plates of tacos that feel built for regulars as much as first-timers. Portions are generous, prices stay low, and a steady stream of neighborhood diners gives it the feel of a default Mexican choice in this part of Astoria.
Must-Try Dishes:
Al Pastor Tacos, Bistec en Salsa Verde Plato, Chicken Enchiladas
What Makes it Special: Broadway’s go-to sit-down Mexican spot with big, affordable combo plates.
King of Falafel & Shawarma runs a long-standing Palestinian street food truck at Ditmars that’s famous for crispy falafel and generously loaded halal platters. It’s a classic grab-and-go option where big portions, bold sauces, and low prices make it a staple for neighborhood lunches and late-night cravings.
Must-Try Dishes:
Falafel Sandwich, Falafel Platter, Chicken and Falafel Platter
What Makes it Special: Palestinian-run truck serving generously loaded halal platters at low prices.
8.4
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Group Dining Gatherings
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Comfort Food Classics
Sakura Japanese Cuisine is a cozy Ditmars spot praised for fresh, straightforward sushi, strong lunch specials, and quick, friendly service. Regulars rely on it as an everyday Japanese option where rolls, teriyaki, hibachi-style plates, and bento-style combos deliver solid value for the price.
Must-Try Dishes:
Ditmars Roll (shrimp tempura with spicy crab), Spicy Girl Roll, Beef teriyaki
What Makes it Special: Neighborhood sushi-and-teriyaki spot with standout Ditmars Roll and generous lunch deals.
8.3
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Family Friendly Favorites
This Turkish-Mediterranean cafe serves everything from breakfast plates and wraps to mixed grills and kebabs in a casual, always-in-use dining room. It doubles as both a sit-down option and a reliable takeout spot for locals who want char-grilled meats and familiar flavors.
Must-Try Dishes:
Mixed grill platter, Lamb gyro platter, Kunefe dessert
What Makes it Special: Turkish-Mediterranean cafe where grilled meats, wraps, and sweets share the menu.
#8
Rosario's
8.3
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Hidden Gems Heaven
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Rosario's is a family-run Italian deli and pizzeria near Astoria Park known for fresh house-made mozzarella, loaded sandwiches, and classic New York slices. The space is more counter than dining room, but locals treat it as a go-to for takeout pies and substantial heroes at very friendly prices.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken cutlet hero with roasted peppers and fresh mozzarella, Prosciutto and fresh mozzarella sandwich, Cheese slice
What Makes it Special: Classic Italian deli and slice counter with house-made mozzarella, stacked heroes, and affordable pies locals have relied on for decades.
8.3
King Souvlaki has been grilling pork and chicken souvlaki on Steinway Street since the late 1970s, serving stuffed pitas and fries from a corner cart. It’s a go-to for quick, char-grilled Greek street food where you can eat well for well under twenty dollars.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pork Souvlaki Pita, Chicken Gyro Pita, Greek Fries
What Makes it Special: Long-running Greek street cart known for char-grilled souvlaki and gyro pitas.
#10
Xing's Chef
8.2
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Hidden Gems Heaven
Xing's Chef is a popular Ditmars takeout and delivery hub that mixes classic Chinese-American dishes with seafood specials like garlicky crawfish. It’s the go-to for quick, flavorful orders that arrive hot and with generous portions.
Must-Try Dishes:
Crawfish with Garlic Sauce, Pan-Fried Pork Dumplings, Spicy Cumin Lamb
What Makes it Special: Seafood-focused Chinese takeout where garlicky crawfish share space with standards.
8.1
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Hidden Gems Heaven
A Greek street-food setup built around charcoal-grilled souvlaki and fast, no-frills satisfaction. The best move is to keep it simple—sticks or a pita, plus one signature side—so the grill flavor stays the focus and the meal doesn’t get muddled.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pork souvlaki sticks, Chicken souvlaki pita, Franky Fries
What Makes it Special: Charcoal-grilled souvlaki with a true street-food pace.
8.1
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Family Friendly Favorites
Comfort Food Classics
Late Night Legends
Los Amigos Mexican Restaurant is a long-running sit-down spot just off the Ditmars train where a big menu of tacos, enchiladas, and combo plates runs nightly until around 2:30 a.m. It’s less about scene and more about dependable, late-night Mexican with TVs and margaritas.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tacos Suaves Dorados, Chicken Tacos, Enchiladas Verdes
What Makes it Special: Neighborhood Mexican restaurant with full plates and tacos served past 2 a.m.
8.1
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Comfort Food Classics
Family Friendly Favorites
Quick Bites Champions
Astoria Pizza Factory is a neighborhood slice shop founded in 2014 by third-generation pizza maker Filippo Rappa, known for creative pies atop a classic New York base. Locals lean on it for delivery-heavy nights, specialty slices, and reliable counter service in the Steinway corridor.
Must-Try Dishes:
Sweet Spicy Chicken slice, Caesar Salad Pizza, Buffalo wings
What Makes it Special: Family-run pizzeria balancing classic New York slices with inventive specialty pies.
8.1
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Late Night Legends
Quick Bites Champions
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Roseta Halal Grill is a fast-casual halal spot where char-grilled meats, over-rice platters, and wraps are the core draw. Portions run large, prices stay reasonable, and late-night hours make it a go-to for hearty grilled chicken and lamb after work or a night out.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken over rice with white and hot sauce, Mixed grill platter with chicken and lamb, Falafel sandwich or wrap
What Makes it Special: Halal grill focused on generous over-rice platters and smoky grilled meats.
8.1
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Business Lunch Power Players
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Fast-casual burritos and bowls built for repeatable lunch runs—quick assembly, reliable portions, and a choose-your-build rhythm that keeps lines moving. The best experience comes from a tight, classic burrito build that doesn’t get overstuffed or sauce-heavy.
Must-Try Dishes:
Build-your-own burrito, Burrito bowl, Quesadilla
What Makes it Special: Fast, customizable burritos that stay dependable for lunch repeat runs.
#16
Taste of Gyro
8
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Hidden Gems Heaven
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Taste of Gyro is a compact counter-service shop focused on gyro sandwiches, souvlaki platters, and home-style Greek specials. Regulars praise the tenderness of the meats and house tzatziki, treating it as a go-to for quick, filling Greek meals to eat in or take home.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lamb gyro, Pork souvlaki platter, Lemon potatoes
What Makes it Special: Tiny Greek counter shop turning out standout gyros, souvlaki, and homey specials at neighborhood-friendly prices.
Worthy Picks
#17
Retro Pizza LLC
7.9
Retro Pizza is a counter-service neighborhood pizzeria on Ditmars known for thin-crust pies, specialty slices, and friendly owners. It’s a go-to for locals who want straightforward New York slices, decent delivery, and pricing that still feels accessible for regular visits.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cheese slice or whole cheese pie, Burrata-topped specialty slice, Buffalo chicken slice
What Makes it Special: Classic counter-service slice shop with specialty pies and notably friendly staff.
7.9
Hong Kong & Amei House is a straightforward Chinese takeout shop on Steinway Street turning out big portions of fried rice, lo mein, and saucy combo plates. It’s a reliable option when you want fast, filling Chinese without fuss.
Must-Try Dishes:
Roast Pork Fried Rice, Beef with Broccoli, Shrimp with Lobster Sauce
What Makes it Special: Old-school counter-service Chinese with big portions at modest prices.
7.9
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Family Friendly Favorites
Moho Mexican Grill is a halal-friendly, build-your-own Mexican counter on Ditmars where burritos, bowls, and quesadillas are assembled fast with customizable toppings. It’s more about speed and convenience than lingering, but locals rely on it for quick, filling lunches and weeknight takeout.
Must-Try Dishes:
Build-Your-Own Burrito Bowl, Chicken Tinga Burrito, Carne Asada Quesadilla
What Makes it Special: Halal-friendly Mexican counter service where you build burritos, bowls, and quesadillas.
7.9
Vibes:
Comfort Food Classics
Family Friendly Favorites
Group Dining Gatherings
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Alba's Pizza & Restaurant is a long-running Ditmars institution pairing big New York–style pies with a full Italian-American menu and a comfortable, neighborhood-dining feel. Portions are generous, prices sit in the middle range, and locals treat it as an all-purpose spot for family dinners, slice runs, and casual celebrations.
Must-Try Dishes:
Penne alla Vodka, Chicken Parm Hot Hero, Buffalo Chicken Pizza
What Makes it Special: Decades-old Ditmars pizzeria with a full red-sauce menu, big portions, and prices that still feel fair for the neighborhood.
7.9
Delicias Calenas Astoria is a 24-hour Colombian bakery and restaurant where bandeja paisa plates, fried mojarra, and fresh empanadas share counter space with sweet pastries. It’s a reliable stop at almost any hour for big portions of homestyle Colombian food in a casual, fluorescent-lit room.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bandeja paisa, Mojarra frita, Empanadas
What Makes it Special: Round-the-clock Colombian spot where full plates and bakery cases stay busy.
#22
Emoji Burger
7.9
Emoji Burger is a compact, counter-service spot on Ditmars focused on customizable burgers, wings, and sides, staying open until around midnight for late cravings. It’s more about juicy patties on soft buns and quick service than atmosphere, making it a dependable option when you want a straightforward burger after most kitchens close.
Must-Try Dishes:
House Burgers, Chicken Wings, Bread Pudding Dessert
What Makes it Special: A neighborhood burger counter staying open late with customizable patties and quick service.
7.9
Vibes:
Comfort Food Classics
Family Friendly Favorites
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Family Corner is a long-running, family-operated diner blending Greek favorites with straightforward American comfort food in a compact corner space. Regulars treat it as a true neighborhood standby for big breakfasts, casual lunches, and no-frills dinners that feel home-cooked more than polished.
Must-Try Dishes:
Banana Pancakes, French Toast, Grilled Cheese with Fries
What Makes it Special: Decades-old family-run diner serving Greek and American comfort food all day.
7.7
Vibes:
Comfort Food Classics
Family Friendly Favorites
Group Dining Gatherings
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Chicken Festival Astoria is a longtime Peruvian rotisserie and barbecue spot where charcoal-roasted chicken, ribs, and fried rice-style sides anchor the menu. Locals rely on it for hearty, affordable platters and takeout in a no-frills, always-casual setting right on Ditmars.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pollo a la brasa (rotisserie chicken) with fried rice, Spare ribs and quarter chicken combo, Tostones with green sauce
What Makes it Special: Peruvian-style rotisserie chicken and ribs served as hearty, affordable platters.
#25
Apicius Pizzeria
7.7
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Comfort Food Classics
Quick Bites Champions
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Apicius Pizzeria is a compact Steinway slice shop best known for its classic round pies, vodka-sauce pies, and square Grandma slices. It leans heavily takeout, but a few counter seats make it workable for a quick solo slice between errands.
Must-Try Dishes:
Regular pie, Vodka pie, Grandma pie
What Makes it Special: Straightforward neighborhood slice shop with classic round and Grandma pies.
7.7
Wen Ming Chinese Restaurant is a cozy neighborhood Chinese spot just off Astoria Park that focuses on straightforward stir-fries, noodles, and rice plates. Regulars lean on it for quick takeout dinners and simple, satisfying lunches.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken Lo Mein, Pork Fried Rice, Fried Dumplings
What Makes it Special: Low-key Chinese counter near the park with reliably hearty combos.
#27
Flaming Grill
7.7
Flaming Grill is a casual halal counter on Ditmars where smash burgers, bowls, and grilled chicken plates share the menu. It’s a practical stop for customizable, filling burgers and platters that stay friendly to both budgets and quick weeknight schedules.
Must-Try Dishes:
Classic Smash Burger, Sunrise Burger, Mexican Burger
What Makes it Special: Halal-friendly smash burgers and bowls with a build-your-own, budget-conscious feel.
7.7
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Late Night Legends
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
A late-hours counter spot where wings work best as a straightforward, repeatable craving order rather than a complicated meal. Go crispy, go spicy if you want heat, and keep sides simple so the chicken stays the point.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spicy chicken wings, Fried chicken wings, Chicken sandwich
What Makes it Special: Late-night wings and fried chicken with fast counter pacing.
7.6
Vibes:
Group Dining Gatherings
Comfort Food Classics
Family Friendly Favorites
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Dragon Gate Chinese Cuisine is a sit-down neighborhood restaurant tucked just off Astoria Boulevard, offering a broad Chinese menu with seafood, chef specials, and American-Chinese standards. It’s a comfortable choice for families or groups who want to linger over shared plates.
Must-Try Dishes:
Happy Family, Lemon Chicken, General Tso's Chicken
What Makes it Special: Full-service Chinese restaurant with a big menu of classics and seafood.
Fresca Tortilla is an old-school counter-service Tex-Mex spot where fried and soft corn tacos stay firmly in the under-$10 zone. Locals lean on it for quick, filling taco plates built on house-made tortillas and no-frills portions that feel geared toward hungry regulars more than scene-chasing.
Must-Try Dishes:
Grilled Chicken Taco Plate, Grilled Steak Taco Plate, Fish Taco Plate
What Makes it Special: Old-school Tex-Mex counter with a huge, ultra-cheap taco menu.
7.5
Vibes:
Late Night Legends
Quick Bites Champions
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
A 24-hour deli option on Steinway that’s more about convenience than polish, best approached with classic deli orders that don’t need finesse. Go for a straightforward hot sandwich and keep expectations aligned with late-night utility.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chopped cheese, Bacon egg and cheese, Turkey sandwich
What Makes it Special: 24-hour deli safety net on Steinway.
#32
Sarkus Japan
7.5
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Comfort Food Classics
A grab-and-go teriyaki counter that’s about speed, familiarity, and a straightforward hot-plate routine. Treat it like a quick fuel stop—one teriyaki plate, extra sauce if you need it—and keep expectations aligned with the fast-casual format.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken teriyaki plate, Beef teriyaki plate, California roll
What Makes it Special: Teriyaki-and-roll basics built for fast, low-drama meals.
#33
Jack's Pizza
7.5
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Comfort Food Classics
Jack's Pizza is a corner slice shop near the train where families swing in for Sicilian squares, grandma slices, and hot heroes before or after local errands. It’s strictly casual, but fair pricing, quick service, and familiar flavors make it a dependable family fallback.
Must-Try Dishes:
Grandma Pizza, Sicilian Slice, Chicken Parm Hero
What Makes it Special: Neighborhood corner pizzeria with fast slices and kid-friendly heroes.