The World’s Borough, The City’s Best Food: Your Guide to Queens’ Culinary Crown
For decades, the narrative of New York City dining has been dominated by Manhattan’s white-tablecloth institutions and Brooklyn’s trend-setting bistros. That narrative is now outdated. Today, the undisputed culinary champion of New York is Queens. This is not a matter of opinion, but a fact supported by the city’s most discerning critics. In 2025, the New York Times named a remarkable fourteen Queens establishments to its prestigious list of the “100 Best Restaurants in New York City.” From Michelin-starred destinations to James Beard Award nominees, Queens offers the most authentic, diverse, and exciting food scene in the five boroughs. Forget the hype elsewhere; for a true taste of the world, you must come to Queens.
The Critics Agree: Queens is on Top
The borough’s culinary ascent is undeniable. The sheer quality and variety recognized by top critics in Queens is staggering. The New York Times‘ 2025 list is a powerful indicator, featuring both returning favorites like Birria-Landia and Zaab Zaab and exciting new additions like Hellbender and Dera Restaurant. This critical acclaim elevates Queens from a “hidden gem” for cheap eats to a bona fide center of culinary excellence.
Astoria: From Greek Classics to a Modern Mediterranean Mosaic
Astoria has long been celebrated as the heart of Greek-American culture, but today its culinary landscape is a vibrant mosaic of traditional and modern flavors.
- The Classics and Their Modern Counterparts: While historic spots remain, Amylos stands out with an “Exceptional” 4.7-star rating, offering authentic Greek flavors in a refined, contemporary setting.
- The New Wave of Flavor: The neighborhood’s diversity is exploding. The New York Times has recognized Levant for its outstanding Middle Eastern specialties. A wave of new openings in 2024 has further enriched the scene, including Barranco for Peruvian cuisine, BOSKÉ for Caribbean dishes, and Il Nonno for old-school Italian cooking.
Jackson Heights & Elmhurst: A Tour of Asia and Latin America
These adjacent neighborhoods are a world-renowned hub for some of the city’s best South Asian, Southeast Asian, and Latin American food.
- An Indian Institution: Jackson Diner is a legendary name in the neighborhood. An honest tip for newcomers: it can be “hit or miss,” and the spice levels can be inconsistent, so it’s wise to specify your preference when ordering.
- Critically-Acclaimed Gems: For a guaranteed great meal, follow the critics. Birria-Landia’s truck is famous for its rich, savory birria tacos. Dera Restaurant offers a comprehensive menu of South Asian delights. Zaab Zaab serves fiery and authentic Isan Thai food, while Taiwanese Gourmet provides an impeccable taste of Taiwan.
Woodhaven & South Ozone Park: Historic Haunts and Roti Shops
- A Piece of History: Neir’s Tavern in Woodhaven, established in 1829, is one of the oldest bars in the country. It famously appeared in Goodfellas and continues to earn “amazing” reviews for its food, especially the “outstanding” Goodfellas Deluxe burger.
- Caribbean and Italian-American Staples: This area is also home to two more New York Times-recognized establishments: Trinciti Roti Shop and Don Peppe.
Jamaica: Authentic Flavors and New Arrivals
- The Must-Try Patty: Jamaican Flavors has earned its reputation, being voted as serving “NY’s #1 Patties.” A stop here for a classic beef patty is a quintessential Queens experience.
- A Sign of Things to Come: Demonstrating the borough’s continued culinary growth, Summer 2025 will see the opening of Prima Di Carne, an upscale Glatt Kosher steakhouse in the Jamaica Estates area.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: With so many options, where should a first-time visitor to Queens start? A: For a classic and diverse experience, start in Jackson Heights. You can have incredible Indian food at Jackson Diner, world-famous tacos from the Birria-Landia truck, and authentic Thai food at Zaab Zaab, all within a few blocks.
Q: Is it necessary to have a car to explore the restaurants in Queens? A: Not at all. The 7 subway line is often called the “International Express” because it runs through many of these diverse neighborhoods like Jackson Heights and Woodside. Most of the restaurants mentioned are easily accessible via public transportation.
Q: Are the best restaurants in Queens expensive? A: One of the best things about dining in Queens is the incredible value. While there are high-end options, many of the most acclaimed and delicious spots—like taco trucks, roti shops, and neighborhood diners—are very affordable.
