Best Trendy Restaurants in Astoria (North)-Ditmars-Steinway
30 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
Martha's Country Bakery
High-energy dessert house with an enormous selection and late hours.
Notable Picks
8.9
Martha's Country Bakery is a high-volume dessert destination where towering cakes, cheesecakes, and pastries fill glass cases from morning to late night. Locals and visitors line up for reliable slices, strong coffee, and a lively sit-down space that works as well for solo laptop time as it does for dessert dates.
Must-Try Dishes:
red velvet cheesecake, tres leches cake, Nutella crepe
What Makes it Special: High-energy dessert house with an enormous selection and late hours.
#2
Watawa Sushi
8.7
Watawa Sushi is the go-to Ditmars sushi bar for creative special rolls, generous sashimi platters, and a long track record of consistently fresh fish. It balances neighborhood comfort with destination-level sushi, drawing steady crowds for birthday dinners, date nights, and delivery orders.
Must-Try Dishes:
Watawa Roll, Dynamite Roll, Chirashi
What Makes it Special: Neighborhood sushi bar with creative special rolls and consistently fresh fish.
#3
VIA VAI
8.6
VIA VAI is a chef-driven Roman Italian restaurant where house-made pasta, thin-crust brick-oven pizza, and a focused Italian wine list anchor a small, reservation-heavy dining room. It balances rustic warmth with polished execution, making it one of the most consistently praised Italian options in Ditmars-Steinway.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cacio e pepe pasta, Squid ink pasta, Margherita pizza
What Makes it Special: Chef-owner Antonio Morichini brings Michelin-trained Roman cooking to a cozy Astoria dining room with house-made pasta and thin-crust pizza.
#4
The Bonnie
8.6
The Bonnie is a gastropub and cocktail bar where elevated bar food shares the spotlight with one of Astoria’s more talked-about wing programs. Since 2014 it has built a reputation for creative comfort cooking, strong drinks, and a backyard setting that works for both dates and groups.
Must-Try Dishes:
Dry Nashville wings, Smash Burger, Buffalo Brussels Sprouts
What Makes it Special: Cocktail-focused gastropub with serious wings and a beer garden.
8.5
Hinomaru Ramen is a dedicated ramen-ya on Ditmars Boulevard known for its long-simmered Hakata-style pork bone broths and a focused menu of hearty bowls. Regulars come for the signature Hinomaru (New York Style) and Tonkotsu Shoyu ramen, plus a handful of small plates that make it a reliable noodle stop for both locals and destination ramen hunters.
Must-Try Dishes:
Hinomaru (New York Style) ramen, Tonkotsu Shoyu ramen, Lemongrass chicken
What Makes it Special: Serious ramen shop built around rich, slow-simmered pork bone broths.
8.4
Vibes:
Group Dining Gatherings
Family Friendly Favorites
Trendy Table Hotspots
Quick Bites Champions
A modern Middle Eastern dining room that hits hardest in shawarma-and-grill comfort with bright pickles, sauces, and fresh-baked breads. The most reliable move is to build the table around one laffa-style wrap and one mixed-grill plate, then let the salads do the balancing. It’s built for repeat orders, not menu wandering.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken laffa shawarma, Mixed grill platter, Kunafa
What Makes it Special: High-output shawarma and grill plates anchored by house pickles and sauces.
8.4
Artion Bakery Patisserie is a modern Greek bakery and flagship location for the Artion group, turning out meticulous versions of baklava, galaktoboureko, and cookies alongside more contemporary cakes. The bright space doubles as a café, making it a go-to for coffee-and-pastry meetups and takeaway dessert boxes.
Must-Try Dishes:
galaktoboureko, assorted baklava, portokalopita
What Makes it Special: Polished Greek patisserie where traditional recipes meet modern, photo-ready desserts.
8.4
Jack Jones Gastropub is an Irish-leaning neighborhood pub where a serious burger program anchors a menu of comfort food, whiskey, and cocktails. Locals call out the double smash burger and sliders as some of the strongest in Astoria, backed by late-night hours and both indoor and outdoor seating on Ditmars.
Must-Try Dishes:
Double Smash Burger, Smashburger with gravy and steak fries, Cheeseburger sliders
What Makes it Special: Neighborhood gastropub known for one of Astoria’s standout smash burgers.
#9
Porta 23
8.4
Porta 23 is a neighborhood restaurant and bar where globally inspired plates, cocktails, and a softly lit dining room create an intimate, slightly upscale feel. It leans romantic without being formal, making it a comfortable choice for lingering date-night dinners.
Must-Try Dishes:
Milanese, Porta 23 Burger, Passion Fruit Brûlée
What Makes it Special: Globally inspired plates and cocktails in a cozy, softly lit room.
8.3
Tufino Pizzeria Napoletana is a wood-fired Neapolitan spot on Ditmars turning out blistered pies with chewy crusts and balanced toppings. It draws steady crowds for classic margherita-style pizzas, simple antipasti, and a casual but slightly polished taverna feel that works for dates and small groups.
Must-Try Dishes:
Margherita pizza, Spicy salami or diavola-style pie, White pie with arugula and shaved parmesan
What Makes it Special: Wood-fired Neapolitan pies with chewy crusts in a cozy taverna setting.
#11
Tootles & French
8.3
Tootles & French is an intimate wine bar and kitchen where owner-driven hospitality meets a concise menu of pastas, snacks, and seasonal plates. It doubles as a neighborhood destination for tastings and events, drawing diners who treat dinner here as a slow, lingering evening.
Must-Try Dishes:
Rigatoni Bolognese, Charcuterie and cheese board, Seasonal pot pie
What Makes it Special: Owner-driven wine bar pairing serious pours with seasonal small plates.
#12
Rice K
8.3
Rice K is a compact, modern Asian-fusion spot on 23rd Avenue where Chinese stir-fries, fried rice, and pan-Asian noodle dishes share the menu with sushi. It’s a slightly more polished option for casual date nights and small-group dinners in the neighborhood.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spicy General Tso's Chicken, Pineapple Fried Rice, Pad Thai
What Makes it Special: Pan-Asian kitchen that gives Chinese standards a slightly sleeker setting.
#13
Ayy Chihuahua
8.3
Ayy Chihuahua is a Ditmars Mexican restaurant and bar where frozen margaritas, fajitas, and brunch plates meet a lively, neon-accented dining room. It leans more festive than formal, pulling in groups for casual nights out as much as couples sharing sizzling skillets.
Must-Try Dishes:
Birria Egg & Cheese Sandwich, Chicken Fajitas, Enchiladas Suizas
What Makes it Special: Colorful Ditmars cantina mixing big margaritas, fajitas, and brunch plates.
#14
Queen's Room
8.2
Queen's Room is a bistro-bar that shifts from laptop-friendly café by day to cocktail-forward brunch and dinner spot by night, with a menu of comfort-leaning New American plates. Since opening in 2017, it’s become a go-to for stylish brunches, date nights, and wine-fueled evenings on Ditmars.
Must-Try Dishes:
Queen's Room Burger, Chicken and NOT Waffles, Buttermilk Pancakes
What Makes it Special: Day-to-night bistro where brunch, burgers, and cocktails share the spotlight.
#15
The Last Word
8.2
The Last Word is a dim, speakeasy-style cocktail bar on Ditmars where martinis, towers, and small plates turn drinks into a full night out. Between the bar, booths, and occasional live music, it reads more like a date-night lounge than a traditional restaurant.
Must-Try Dishes:
Oysters, Spicy Salmon Tartare, Grilled Cheese
What Makes it Special: Speakeasy-style cocktail bar with $1 oysters and polished small plates.
#16
Riviera Maya
8.2
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Group Dining Gatherings
Birthday & Celebration Central
Trendy Table Hotspots
A lively, colorful dining room built around crowd-pleasing Mexican standards with a noticeable Peruvian crossover, which makes the menu broader than most in the ZIP. The best move is to anchor your meal with one standout entrée and a bright starter, then keep the rest simple so the kitchen’s strengths stay clear.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lomo saltado, Carne asada tacos, Ceviche
What Makes it Special: A Mexican-Peruvian menu in a high-energy, colorful room.
8.2
Tipsy Scoop Queens is a boozy ice cream "barlour" where liquor-infused pints, sundaes, and flights turn dessert into a pregame. The Astoria outpost runs ice cream cocktails and exclusive flavors like Bourbon & Baklava in a space that feels equal parts scoop shop and social bar.
Must-Try Dishes:
Vanilla Bean Bourbon, Dark Chocolate Whiskey Salted Caramel, Bourbon & Baklava Ice Cream
What Makes it Special: Liquor-infused ice cream served like a cocktail bar.
8.2
Spanglish NYC Astoria is a Ditmars Mexican kitchen and bar where tacos, quesadillas, and shareable appetizers are matched with cocktails and late hours. The space feels more polished than a basic taqueria, with a crowd that leans toward date nights, small groups, and brunch meetups.
Must-Try Dishes:
Steak Tacos, Chicken Quesadillas, Guacamole & Chips
What Makes it Special: Polished Ditmars Mexican spot blending tacos, cocktails, and a social bar scene.
Krave It is a loud, creative pizzeria and sandwich shop where over-the-top pies share the menu with stuffed heroes. It skews younger and more experimental than a classic slice joint, with toppings and combinations that are designed as much for indulgence as for social feeds.
Must-Try Dishes:
Signature loaded specialty pizza, Stuffed cheesesteak or chicken cutlet hero, Fries or tots loaded with toppings
What Makes it Special: Maxed-out pizzas and sandwiches built for serious cravings and sharing.
#20
The Pomeroy
8
The Pomeroy is a chef-driven New American spot where a compact menu of burgers, fried chicken, and seasonal plates pairs with cocktails and a lively bar. Locals use it for casual-but-considered dinners and brunch on Ditmars when they want something more polished than a diner without feeling formal.
Must-Try Dishes:
The Pomeroy Burger, Mac & Cheese, Honey Chipotle Chicken Wings
What Makes it Special: Compact New American kitchen turning out dialed-in comfort plates and cocktails.
#21
Tokyo Ya
8
Tokyo Ya is a newer Ditmars sushi spot leaning into value-driven specials, all-you-can-eat style offerings, and playful rolls in a small but photogenic room. Diners talk about thick-cut sashimi, creative signature rolls, and fast service that makes it a practical choice for casual sushi nights.
Must-Try Dishes:
Volcano Roll (deep-fried spicy tuna and avocado), Tokyo Ya Roll, Cupid Roll
What Makes it Special: Compact, design-forward sushi room focused on creative rolls and value-heavy specials.
#22
Loukoumi Taverna
8
Vibes:
Date Night Magic
Group Dining Gatherings
Birthday & Celebration Central
Trendy Table Hotspots
Loukoumi Taverna is chef-owned and focused on classic Greek taverna cooking, from charred octopus to grilled lamb and seafood. The stone-and-wood dining room stays busy with dates and celebrations that treat it as a more polished, sit-down alternative along Ditmars.
Must-Try Dishes:
Grilled octopus, Baby lamb chops, Grilled seafood platter
What Makes it Special: Chef-led Greek taverna with a cozy room and a focus on grilled seafood and lamb.
#23
Figlia
8
Figlia is a neighborhood Italian spot and wine bar focused on neo-Neapolitan pies and creative pastas in a compact, modern room just off Ditmars. The mood leans buzzy and social, with a short menu where a few pizzas and pastas get most of the attention from repeat diners.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cacio e pepe pizza, Spicy vodka pizza, Radiatore pasta
What Makes it Special: A compact pizza-and-pasta wine bar with neo-Neapolitan pies and modern pastas that feel designed for sharing.
Worthy Picks
7.9
Poke & Roll Sushi is a fast-casual spot near 33rd Street where customizable poke bowls share space with a trio of elaborate chef’s special rolls. It’s more of a bright, health-leaning counter than a traditional sushi bar, ideal when you want modern rolls and bowls built around seafood, veggies, and toppings.
Must-Try Dishes:
Poke & Roll Signature Roll, Lucky Roll, King Of Queens Roll
What Makes it Special: Modern poke-and-roll concept where chef’s special rolls share billing with build-your-own bowls.
#25
Ya Valio
7.8
Ya Valio is a Mexican cantina on the corner of Steinway and 23rd Avenue that blends tacos, hookah nights, and DJs into a late-leaning party atmosphere. It’s less a quiet dinner spot and more a place to pair drinks and tacos with music, neon lights, and a social crowd.
Must-Try Dishes:
Monday Special: 3 Tacos & Margarita, Burrito El Chapo, Street-Style Tacos
What Makes it Special: Loud Steinway cantina where DJs, hookah, and tacos run late.
#26
Botte Ditmars
7.8
Botte Ditmars (Bar Parioli by Botte) brings a Roman-accented Italian menu, cocktails, and an aperitivo feel to the Ditmars strip. Guests come for wood-fired-leaning pizzas, pastas, and a comfortable dining room that works for casual date nights and small celebrations.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spicy rigatoni alla vodka, House meatballs, Chicken marsala
What Makes it Special: Italian date-night spot for cocktails, wood-fired pies, and pastas.
7.8
Vibes:
Date Night Magic
Girls Night Out Approved
Trendy Table Hotspots
Birthday & Celebration Central
A nightlife-leaning steakhouse with a dark, loungey dining room where the best meals come from sticking to the kitchen’s comfort-forward hits instead of over-ordering. Make it a tight two-plate read: one steak-or-chop main and one shareable starter, then stop before the meal turns into menu sprawl.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lamb chops, Wagyu sliders, Filet egg rolls
What Makes it Special: A lounge-style steakhouse format that’s strongest on shareable starters and chops.
#28
Taco Tumba
7.7
Vibes:
Late Night Legends
Girls Night Out Approved
Birthday & Celebration Central
Trendy Table Hotspots
A nightlife-leaning Mexican spot where the room, music, and cocktails are the headline, and the food is best treated as shareable support for the party. Keep the order strategic—two taco plates plus one larger starter—and let the drinks and energy carry the rest.
Must-Try Dishes:
Birria tacos, Truffle nachos, Margarita tower
What Makes it Special: A Mexican dinner-and-nightlife hybrid with high-energy ambience.
#29
TRU Astoria
7.6
TRU Astoria is a modern Mediterranean cafe and lounge pairing brunch plates, burgers, and seafood with cocktails in a buzzy indoor-outdoor setting. It’s less about purist regional cooking and more about a social, all-day hangout with a broad menu.
Must-Try Dishes:
Grilled octopus, Ceviche, Skirt steak
What Makes it Special: Lounge-style Mediterranean spot balancing brunch, cocktails, and dinner in one space.
#30
Nonnas 1977
7.5
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Comfort Food Classics
Group Dining Gatherings
Trendy Table Hotspots
Nonnas 1977 brings a decades-old square-slice tradition to 23rd Avenue, serving saucy pies, penne vodka, and classic parm platters in a casual, family-leaning setting. The Astoria outpost builds on the original 1977 recipe, giving local families another option for Italian comfort food that feels both nostalgic and new.
Must-Try Dishes:
Proud Mary Square Pizza, Penne Vodka, Chicken Parm
What Makes it Special: Square-slice specialists bringing a 1970s New York recipe to Astoria.