Astoria’s Greek community arrived in large numbers in the 1950s and 1960s and built a neighborhood infrastructure that includes restaurants, bakeries, fish markets, churches, and social clubs that have been operating continuously for decades. The restaurants that have survived this long have survived on quality, not novelty.
The Essential Restaurants
Taverna Kyclades at 33-07 Ditmars Boulevard is the most acclaimed Greek seafood restaurant in Queens. The whole grilled fish — lavraki (sea bass), dorado (sea bream), or whatever arrived that day — is the signature. Order it with grilled vegetables and the house spread. The octopus marinated in red wine vinegar and grilled over charcoal is excellent. The taramosalata (fish roe dip) is better here than at most Greek restaurants in New York. Reservations fill in advance for weekend evenings.
MP Taverna on 31st Street is Michael Psilakis’s Greek restaurant — a more polished room and a broader menu than Kyclades, with the same commitment to quality ingredients. The lamb dishes are particularly good. Better for groups or occasions that need a more formal setting.
Uncle George’s at 33-19 Broadway has been open 24 hours for decades and serves the neighborhood’s Greek community with traditional food at prices that haven’t moved with the neighborhood’s gentrification. The lamb chops, the souvlaki, and the spanakopita are all solid. Go late — the room gets more interesting after midnight.
The Bakeries
Artopolis Bakery at 23-18 31st Street is Astoria’s most well-known Greek bakery — kourambiedes, baklava, galaktoboureko, and traditional Greek bread are all made daily. The loukoumades (Greek honey doughnuts, served warm with cinnamon) are excellent. Titan Foods on 31st Street is the neighborhood’s Greek supermarket — fresh feta, olives, olive oils, Greek cheeses, and specialty ingredients for cooking at home.
What to Order
The seafood is the primary reason to go to Astoria’s Greek restaurants. Whole grilled fish, grilled octopus, and the fresh fish displays that characterize the best Greek seafood restaurants are what distinguishes Astoria’s scene from the generic gyro-and-souvlaki version of Greek food available elsewhere. The spreads (taramosalata, tzatziki, melitzanosalata) as a table starter are essential. For dessert, loukoumades from a bakery rather than the restaurant.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best Greek restaurant in Astoria?
Taverna Kyclades on Ditmars Boulevard for seafood. MP Taverna on 31st Street for a broader menu in a more upscale setting. Uncle George’s on Broadway for 24-hour traditional Greek food at low prices.
Is Astoria Queens good for Greek food?
Yes — Astoria has the largest Greek community in the United States outside of Greece and has maintained a concentration of Greek restaurants, bakeries, and food shops for decades. The quality of the seafood and the spreads at the best restaurants matches or exceeds what you’d find in many Greek cities.
What Greek foods should I try in Astoria?
Grilled whole fish (lavraki or dorado), octopus, taramosalata (fish roe dip), tzatziki, spanakopita, lamb chops, and loukoumades (Greek honey doughnuts). The seafood is the particular strength of Astoria’s Greek restaurants.
Are there Greek bakeries in Astoria?
Yes — several traditional Greek bakeries operate on and around Ditmars Boulevard and 31st Street, selling kourambiedes (almond shortbread), baklava, galaktoboureko (custard pastry), and bread. Artopolis Bakery on 23rd Avenue is the most well-known.
Also see: our Astoria neighborhood guide
Also see: our Queens cheap eats guide
Also see: our Queens food tour
