Location: Long Island City
Top Restaurants in Long Island City
Top 10 restaurants in Long Island City, United States
Long Island City (LIC) is the westernmost residential and commercial neighborhood of the New York City borough of Queens. LIC is noted for its rapid and ongoing residential growth and gentrification, its waterfront parks, and its thriving arts community. LIC has among the highest concentration of art galleries, art institutions, and studio space of any neighborhood in New York City. It is bordered by Astoria to the north; the East River to the west; Hazen Street, 49th Street, and New Calvary Cemetery in Sunnyside to the east; and Newtown Creek—which separates Queens from Greenpoint, Brooklyn—to the south. It originally was the seat of government of the Town of Newtown, and remains the largest neighborhood in Queens. The area is part of Queens Community Board 1, located north of the Queensboro Bridge and Queens Plaza; it is also of Queens Community Board 2 to the south.
Things to do in Long Island City
1. LIC Market
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 163 reviews
Reviewed By nyspeedbird - New York City, New York
I stumbled on LIC Market one day and it quickly became one of my favorite restaurants in the neighborhood. It is relatively small but has a pretty outdoor courtyard in the back and comfortable seating. The menu is consistently interesting and always features many locally grown/caught choices. I'm a particular fan of the risotto, grouper (or whatever market fish they're offering), and carrots with carmelized onions. The wine and beer list is not extensive but it has a decent range of choices and is fairly priced. They also sell Transmitter beer, which is a local craft beer that is excellent.
2. Daniel
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
Reviewed By Ahmad H - Vancouver, Canada
Just a very memorable meal! Service was top notch and unbeatable and the restaurant setting is incredible! Food was also great (though not perfect) and very much enjoyable. They served me two extra complimentary courses. Try the rabbit, it was delicious! ANd def go for the guava desert. The meal just ended on such a high note with a variety of deserts. A huge thank you to the team! For pictures and full reviews, check out my instagram where I have shared my deeper thoughts about each dish: @life_on_a_pause (Ahmad Abdullah)
3. Pete's Grill
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 223 reviews
Reviewed By LuxuryLoverWA - Mandurah, Australia
Impromptu visit to Pete’s as a recommendation by our hotel and it was a good one. Service was exceptional and food quick to be delivered.
Fajitas Combo was fantastic with a very large sampling of beef pork and prawns with a great selection of vegetables included. Served sizzling on a cast hot plate.
Fried Chicken was also excellent but the vegetables as a side were brilliant
4. Casa Enrique
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 190 reviews
Reviewed By LeonaJoy - Greenwich, Connecticut
We just came back from 2 week trip to Guanajuato Mexico and we were seriously craving real Mexican food. Casa Enrique did not disappoint! We had the best experience! Totally hip, crisp white decor. The restaurant is spotlessly clean.
The staff were very professionally trained and the service was on point.
We ordered tamarind margaritas which were delicious. Food was outstanding and authentic. Rajas con crema, which is one of my fave dishes, tasted better than what we had in Mexico. We also ordered the guacamole, crab tostadas, chicken mole and roasted pork ribs. Do not miss dessert! Tres Leches CAKE !!!
Can't wait to go back and try more dishes.
Be sure to make a reservation because this place is packed on the weekends.
5. John Brown Smokehouse
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 285 reviews
Reviewed By Mike O - Miami
He did the court Square Diner which is a block for my daughter's new apartment it is delicious and it is a true Diner experience from the food to the servers to the location.
We ate breakfast there but you could eat lunch dinner or dessert. The food was fabulous and it was a true New York experience.
Don't miss out on this foodie paradise
6. Butcher Bar
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 228 reviews
The Best Barbecue in Astoria, Queens! We're not only a Barbecue Smokehouse, but we are actually a full scale Butcher Shop as well!
Reviewed By TheHungerJames - Astoria, New York
Great local spot for fresh bbq and great drinks! I try to come here often for their nachos, (huge) brisket philly cheesesteak and a side of their creamy and delicious mac & cheese! Very nice waitstaff and an overall comfortable spot for some great comfort food. Highly recommend!
7. Manetta's Ristorante
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 148 reviews
Reviewed By VicEdee - New York City
As Long Island City is changing, this is an old-style, family owned and operated Italian restaurant, in a good location, with EXCELLENT food, and service, and a very pleasant atmosphere.
Standard italian food favorites: I had an excellent eggplant parmagiana, and my wife had a delicious pesto pasta. Food quality is well-above average, excellent in fact!, for this type of restaurant. Service is excellent too, and the price (because we weren't drinking alcohol) was actually quite reasonable.
8. Dutch Kills Centraal
Overall Ratings
4 based on 503 reviews
New Gastro Pub in the Dutch Kills area of L.I.C. Local hub, area game-changer, dedicated to our community and beyond!
Reviewed By Ebone L
This place is one of a kind everything we ordered was Awesome!!! Staff were friendly and attentive. I already had it in mind to order the “Seared shrimp with cheddar mashed potatoes” which I saw on another persons’ review but they no longer served the dish however the waitress suggested the Risotto with shrimp OMG deliciousness!!!
We got there right before happy hour ended so my wine was $6 and it was good.
I’ve read some reviews that complained about the lighting but honestly I would prefer the dim lighting the ambience was inviting! I would suggest anyone to stop in.
9. Brooklyn Bagel & Coffee Co
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 91 reviews
Reviewed By Aska W - New York City, New York
Love their cinnamon raisin bagel with strawberry cream cheese - I wish they still made the cream cheese with chunks of strawberries, rather than whipped pink paste it is right now, however still my fav. Pretty decent pastrami as well. Great spot for a quick New York breakfast.
10. Bahari Estiatorio
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 170 reviews
Reviewed By Heidi D - Lambertville, New Jersey
Delicious Greek menu with specialties found only in the nicest Greek restaurants. Variety of appetizers, all flavorful, including feta saganaki and Loukaniko sausage. Mains including specialties found in classic Greek restaurants (moussaka, etc) as well as other options. The shrimp saganaki (shrimp, tomato and feta) was so tasty, and big portions. Service was hit or miss with little checking in to see if all is ok. Desserts seem to be included with the meal, only 2 of us got our desserts, and the third was never delivered. While that was ok, since I was full, it's not great policy to forget a guest and not check in. Other waiters appeared much more attentive, so it's definitely hot or miss, but given the price point, good service should be a must. Definitely a popular spot, and despite some minor things would definitely return due to the food quality and taste.
