Best Trendy Restaurants in Forest Hills
31 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
Dee's
Big-neighborhood Italian with pizza-plus range and strong repeat-visit reliability.
Notable Picks
#1
Dee's
8.6
A lively Forest Hills staple that straddles Italian comfort and neighborhood-occasion dining, with a deep menu that goes beyond pizza. The move is to treat it like a full dinner spot—pastas and Italian mains hold their own, and the room is built for groups who want a polished but not fussy night.
Must-Try Dishes:
Forest Hills Pizza, Chicken Milanese, Truffle Delight
What Makes it Special: Big-neighborhood Italian with pizza-plus range and strong repeat-visit reliability.
8.6
A Forest Hills destination for brick-oven thin crust that rewards ordering a focused pie (or two) and letting the char and sauce balance do the work. It’s built for sit-down pacing—salads and classic Italian starters land best when you keep the table tight and pizza-forward.
Must-Try Dishes:
Old Fashioned Pie (thin crust), White Pie, Calzone
What Makes it Special: Brick-oven thin crust that stays crisp, balanced, and pie-worthy at scale.
#3
Forest Cafe
8.5
A bright, line-prone neighborhood cafe where the real draw is flavor-forward lattes and matcha drinks that actually taste like what they’re named. Treat breakfast here as a drink-plus-one move—grab a seasonal latte, pair it with a small sweet or sando, and keep it tight so everything stays crisp and fresh.
Must-Try Dishes:
Dirty Ube Latte, Matcha Latte, Japanese Sando
What Makes it Special: Seasonal latte execution with standout, clearly defined flavors.
#4
5 Burro Cafe
8.4
A big, lively Austin Street Mexican anchor built for margaritas and shareable plates, where the kitchen’s strength is straightforward crowd-pleasers done with confidence. Best used for group dinners: keep the order taco-and-entrée focused, add guac, and let the bar do the rest.
Must-Try Dishes:
3 Tacos, 3 Enchiladas, Margaritas
What Makes it Special: A high-volume Forest Hills Mexican staple with a strong margarita program and crowd-ready plates.
8.4
A Sichuan-forward dining room on Austin Street built around punchy chile heat, tingly peppercorn, and shareable mains that reward ordering family-style. It’s at its best when you lean into the signature cold starters and the deeper-braised dishes, then round things out with one comforting noodle or rice plate.
Must-Try Dishes:
Smashed cucumber salad, Crispy shredded beef, Mapo tofu
What Makes it Special: Sichuan-and-Hunan-leaning cooking with real spice precision and shareable depth.
8.4
A modern Forest Hills Korean kitchen that balances crispy fried chicken with stew-and-rice comfort, so you can build a full dinner instead of a one-note order. It’s most reliable when you anchor with one chicken style, add one bubbling jjigae, and keep the rest to a couple of banchan-friendly sides.
Must-Try Dishes:
Soy garlic fried chicken, Seafood pajeon, Soondubu jjigae
What Makes it Special: Fried chicken plus stew-first Korean comfort in a modern room.
8.4
A Greek seafood-leaning Austin Street mainstay where the strongest move is to treat it like a fish-and-mezze table: one whole-fish or branzino-style anchor, a couple of cold dips, and one grilled appetizer. It works best for a paced dinner when you want Mediterranean flavors that stay clean rather than heavy.
Must-Try Dishes:
Grilled octopus, Branzino (whole fish), Lamb shank
What Makes it Special: Seafood-forward Greek cooking that rewards a focused, mezze-plus-fish order.
8.4
A high-energy gastropub built for burgers, beer, and pre-train hangs, with a menu that leans comfort-forward but stays tight on execution. Order around one signature burger or sandwich plus one bar snack so the kitchen’s best hits stay hot and crisp.
Must-Try Dishes:
Forest Hills Garden Burger, Buttermilk Fried Chicken Sandwich, Poutine
What Makes it Special: A high-volume Forest Hills bar-kitchen that still delivers on burger-and-sandwich fundamentals.
#9
Cabana
8.3
A lively Nuevo Latino room that still works for romance if you lean into cocktails, shareable starters, and a paced entrée order. Best move is to treat it like a celebratory dinner—pick one classic plate, add one appetizer, and let the mojito-and-sangria rhythm do the rest.
Must-Try Dishes:
Churrasco, Ropa Vieja, Empanadas
What Makes it Special: A high-energy Latin dinner spot that shines on classic plates and cocktails.
8.3
A big-room ramen chain outpost that’s built for repeatable bowls at scale—rich tonkotsu, solid noodles, and a smooth ordering rhythm that rarely breaks. It’s strongest when you treat it like a set play: one ramen, one bun or small side, and stop before the table gets heavy.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tonkotsu shoyu ramen, Spicy miso ramen, Pork bao bun
What Makes it Special: High-volume ramen execution that stays steady bowl-to-bowl.
#11
Tourmaline
8.3
A French-leaning, special-occasion room on Metropolitan Avenue built around fine-dining pacing and showpiece dishes (including a preorder duck à la presse). It’s strongest when you treat the night like a tight tasting: 2–3 starters, one luxe pasta or main, then dessert—letting the intimate, polished service carry the rest.
Must-Try Dishes:
Duck à la presse (preorder), Truffle pasta, Celery root latkes
What Makes it Special: French-inspired fine dining with rare tableside-style showpieces in Forest Hills.
#12
Radici
8.2
A newer Forest Hills Italian that’s winning locals with a warm, owner-forward room and food that leans handmade—especially pastas—without feeling heavy. It’s a strong pick when you want modern neighborhood Italian with a little more finesse than a standard red-sauce stop.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tagliatelle Bolognese, Mushroom Calzone, Tiramisu
What Makes it Special: Newer neighborhood Italian with standout handmade pasta and unusually warm hospitality.
8.2
A seafood-forward dining room with a calmer daytime rhythm that works well for longer business lunches—especially when you want something a touch more polished than Austin Street’s casual lane. Anchor the table with one seafood starter and one clean entrée lane so the meal stays paced and professional.
Must-Try Dishes:
Oysters, Calamari, Salmon
What Makes it Special: Seafood-centric lunches that feel polished without being formal.
#14
Mito
8.2
Vibes:
Girls Night Out Approved
Trendy Table Hotspots
Group Dining Gatherings
Instagram Worthy Wonders
A polished lounge-y dining room where sushi shares the spotlight with broader Japanese-leaning comfort and cocktails. Best for groups who want a lively setting and a menu that can cover rolls, apps, and shareable plates without overthinking it.
Must-Try Dishes:
Joker roll, Monster Lobster roll, Sushi & sashimi entrée
What Makes it Special: A modern sushi-and-cocktails room that plays well for groups.
#15
Meli Estiatorio
8.2
A more upscale Greek dining room that leans mezze-forward with a polished cocktail-and-raw-bar vibe, best used for a paced, shareable meal. The strongest order is two dips or cold starters, one hot appetizer, then one grill or fish main to finish without the table getting muddy.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lamb chops, Grilled calamari, Mezze spreads (dips)
What Makes it Special: Polished Greek mezze-and-grill dining with a cocktail-friendly room.
#16
White Radish
8.2
A polished New American room that balances comfort and technique—pastas, seafood, and a few standout plates that reward a focused order. It’s at its best when you go “one luxe starter + one main + one dessert” instead of trying to cover the whole menu.
Must-Try Dishes:
Short Rib Ravioli, Oxtail Croquettes, Duck Two Ways
What Makes it Special: A Forest Hills New American kitchen with legit pasta-and-seafood range.
8.1
A true wine-bar date-night setup—dim, conversational, and built for grazing with a glass instead of a heavy three-course march. Best move is to treat it like a board-and-small-plates evening, keeping the order snackable and paced around wine.
Must-Try Dishes:
Crab 'n' Avocado, Braised Short Rib, Fish Tacos
What Makes it Special: Wine-bar pacing with small plates designed for sharing.
8.1
A modern Austin Street slice-and-pie shop that leans into higher-quality builds without turning precious. It’s strongest when you order like a regular: one signature pie or a couple standout slices, then keep the rest of the order minimal so crust and cheese stay crisp.
Must-Try Dishes:
NY 2.0, Margherita, Truffle & Mushroom slice
What Makes it Special: Signature pies that feel upgraded while still working as a slice stop.
#19
Mojo Restaurant
8.1
Vibes:
Girls Night Out Approved
Trendy Table Hotspots
Group Dining Gatherings
Instagram Worthy Wonders
A high-energy Latin fusion room where tacos shine as the smart, focused order—crispy shells, bold sauces, and a cocktail-driven night-out vibe. Treat it like tacos plus one starter, then stop before the table turns heavy.
Must-Try Dishes:
Baja shrimp tacos, Chorizo tostada, Maduros
What Makes it Special: A cocktail-forward Latin spot where tacos are the cleanest win.
#20
Bamboo Ya
8
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Group Dining Gatherings
Instagram Worthy Wonders
Trendy Table Hotspots
A full-service Japanese spot on Austin Street with a steady sushi bar and a menu that works for both casual rolls and cooked plates. It’s strongest when you mix one clean, fish-forward roll with one hot appetizer so the meal has contrast.
Must-Try Dishes:
Yellowtail jalapeño roll, Hamachi kama (yellowtail collar), Agedashi tofu
What Makes it Special: A versatile, full-service sushi bar that fits both groups and casual dinners.
Worthy Picks
7.9
A fast-casual dumpling counter built around soup dumplings and a few supporting hits, ideal for a quick, reliable dim-sum-style fix. It’s strongest when you run the set play—one soup dumpling order plus one crisp side—so everything stays hot and tight.
Must-Try Dishes:
Signature soup dumplings, Crispy bottom buns, Pork pot stickers
What Makes it Special: Soup-dumpling-forward ordering with a streamlined, grab-and-go rhythm.
7.9
A contemporary Asian-fusion lounge with outdoor tables that make it a practical, pet-friendly pre-show or group bite near the station. It’s strongest when you order for variety—one hot shareable, one sushi-leaning item, then a main—so the table feels cohesive instead of chaotic. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
Must-Try Dishes:
Sushi burrito, Beef empanadas, Specialty rolls
What Makes it Special: Station-adjacent outdoor seating with a fun Asian-fusion menu mix.
7.9
A bright, modern taqueria built for quick taco runs—clean tortillas, consistent fillings, and a streamlined ordering rhythm. It’s best when you keep it classic with 2–3 tacos and one side, rather than trying to turn it into a long sit-down feast.
Must-Try Dishes:
Baja fish taco, Al pastor taco, Birria taco
What Makes it Special: Fast, modern tacos with a dependable, repeatable build.
7.9
A compact smash-burger stop built for quick hits: thin patties, aggressive sear, and straightforward toppings that reward a simple order. It shines when you keep it classic—burger, fries, and out—rather than trying to turn it into a long sit-down.
Must-Try Dishes:
Double smash burger, Fries, Cheeseburger
What Makes it Special: Smash-burger simplicity with a real sear and fast payoff.
7.9
A design-forward, nightlife-leaning New American bistro that mixes playful plates with a cocktail-bar rhythm. The move is to treat it like a curated order—one signature starter, one main, then call it—so value stays intact and the table doesn’t sprawl.
Must-Try Dishes:
Red Beet Wellington, Kung Pao Calamari, Braised Short Rib
What Makes it Special: A cocktail-forward bistro where the room and plating are part of the meal.
7.8
Vibes:
Group Dining Gatherings
Trendy Table Hotspots
Girls Night Out Approved
Birthday & Celebration Central
A big, lively Asian-fusion dining room where sushi rolls play best as part of a shared spread. The smartest order is one signature roll plus one clean classic roll, then pivot to one hot entrée—too many rolls gets heavy fast in this format.
Must-Try Dishes:
Dragon roll, Spicy tuna roll, Kani salad
What Makes it Special: A high-volume fusion room where one signature roll anchors the table.
7.6
A newer Austin Street counter where the fries lane is the move—nacho cheese fries and avocado fries that work best as a snack-plate with a simple bowl or wrap. Keep the order tight so the fries stay hot and structured.
Must-Try Dishes:
Nacho Cheese Fries, Avocado Fries, Fries' Dipper
What Makes it Special: A fries-forward side menu (avocado fries + nacho cheese fries) in a late-hours counter setup.
#28
Daikon Sushi Bar
7.6
A smaller, newer sushi option that fits a quiet, low-key date when you want an unhurried meal and a simple order. Best move is to keep it classic—one roll, one nigiri set or sashimi plate, and don’t turn it into a long checklist.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chef's Sushi Roll, Nigiri Assortment, Sashimi Assortment
What Makes it Special: A quieter sushi-room vibe that works best with a classic order.
#29
Aged
7.6
Vibes:
Date Night Magic
Birthday & Celebration Central
Group Dining Gatherings
Trendy Table Hotspots
A long-running Forest Hills steakhouse with a classic menu mix of strip steak, skirt steak, and steakhouse sides, plus a full bar for celebratory dinners. It’s best when you order traditionally—one prime cut, one side, and one starter—because execution can swing, but the room still draws locals for occasions and late dinners.
Must-Try Dishes:
NY Strip Steak, Skirt Steak, French Onion Soup
What Makes it Special: A Forest Hills staple steakhouse with a big-cut, classic-order comfort zone.
7.5
A modern Mediterranean-leaning nightlife room where food is part of the experience, not the whole point—best approached as a shared-plates-and-drinks night. Order a tight set of starters and one main dish to match the vibe, then let the room do the rest.
Must-Try Dishes:
Mediterranean mezze platter, Grilled branzino-style fish, Crispy calamari
What Makes it Special: A nightlife-forward Mediterranean room where ambiance carries the night.
#31
Rafaelis Palace
7.5
Vibes:
Birthday & Celebration Central
Group Dining Gatherings
Trendy Table Hotspots
Instagram Worthy Wonders
A chef-driven, kosher Mediterranean room that reads like a lounge and event-friendly dining space, with a menu that spans grilled meats and richer, banquet-style mains. It’s best when you keep the order centered on one standout kebab or grilled plate plus a couple of bright sides so the meal doesn’t feel overly heavy.
Must-Try Dishes:
Mixed kebab platter, Grilled steak skewer, Fresh chopped salad
What Makes it Special: Kosher, chef-led Mediterranean with a celebration-ready dining-room format.