By Jessica Militello and Shane O’Brien
There is always something new to taste, try, or toast to in Astoria and LIC. These neighborhoods continues to thrive as a culinary destination, with new restaurants, cafés, bakeries, and markets opening at a steady clip. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic Italian sandwich, halal Thai-Malay cuisine, or Brazilian sweets and coffee, the ever-expanding food scene in Western Queens offers something for every palate.
Here’s a look at some of the newest and soon-to-open establishments that are adding to the flavor of the world’s most diverse borough.
Chicken parm sandwich by Massi’s NYC. Photo credit: Massi’s NYC.
Massi’s NYC
29-09 Broadway, Astoria
Instagram: @massisnyc
Massi’s brings traditional Italian sandwich-making to Astoria with a menu that includes vodka chicken parm, eggplant parm, and Italian combos—all served on house-made semolina sourdough. The shop avoids seed oils and fries everything in beef tallow. Don’t skip the dirty fries, topped with any sandwich filling of your choice.
Off City
32-11 Broadway, Astoria
Instagram: @offcity_astoria
With tropical cocktails, a selection of tapas, and a lively atmosphere, Off City is a great spot for happy hour or a weekend catch-up with friends. It’s a stylish and casual addition to Broadway’s nightlife.
Delicious Brazilian coffee and food from Bela Aurora. Photo credit; Bela Aurora.
Bela Aurora Café
32-30 Steinway St., Astoria
Instagram: @belaauroracoffee
718-255-1265
Bela Aurora recently opened its doors on Steinway Street, serving freshly brewed Brazilian coffee and traditional sweets like Brigadeiro and bem-casado. The café also offers savory Brazilian snacks and sandwiches in a cozy, welcoming environment.
Authentic Italian dishes from Bar Parioli. Photo credit: Bar Parioli.
Bar Parioli
35-01 Ditmars Blvd., Astoria
Instagram: @botterestaurants
718-360-9472
A sister concept to Botte on Broadway, Bar Parioli brings Roman-style brick oven pizzas, skirt steak tagliata, and a range of small plates and fresh pasta dishes to Ditmars Boulevard. It’s a refined Italian dining experience with a neighborhood feel.
Ayam
40-13 35th Ave., Long Island City
Website: ayam.nyc
Instagram: @ayam.nyc
Ayam offers a unique menu of halal Thai and Malay cuisine, featuring dishes like nasi lemak, steamed chicken rice, and pad Thai, alongside drinks like iced Bandung and Thai cream soda. Opened in late April, it’s one of the few spots in NYC blending these two Southeast Asian traditions under one halal banner.
A new Food Hall is coming soon in LIC.
LIC Food Hall (Coming Soon)
27-17 42nd Rd., Long Island City
A new food hall is on its way to Long Island City, promising a curated mix of vendors including Hunan Noodle, U Ni Rice, Taipei Hang, Pho Vital The Vietnam House, and more. The official opening date is yet to be announced, but buzz is already building for this diverse and dynamic new space.
Meri’s Bakeshop Cafe is coming soon to the neighborhood. Photo credit: Shane O’Brien.
Meri’s Bakeshop Café (Coming Soon)
23-14 Ditmars Blvd., Astoria
Set to replace the beloved bistro and wine bar Vintage, Meri’s Bakeshop Café will bring a taste of Greece to Ditmars Boulevard. The café promises to serve traditional pies, cakes, and pastries made with meraki—a Greek word for doing something with soul and passion—using recipes passed down through generations.
Mediterranean Mini Market will bring an array of diverse cuisine to the neighborhood. Photo credit: Shane O’Brien.
Mediterranean Mini Market
24-18 Ditmars Blvd., Astoria
Opening just in time for spring, Mediterranean Mini Market will stock a variety of goods from Greece, Morocco, Egypt, Yemen, and beyond. The market also plans to carry Mexican and Latin fare, as well as fresh juices and a signature Araisi smoothie made with mangoes and dates.
Melt n Dip serves tasty ice cream and sweets. Photo credit: Shane O’Brien.
Melt n Dip (Coming Soon)
33-04 Ditmars Blvd., Astoria
This popular dessert brand, known for crepes, waffles, and ice cream drizzled with rich Belgian chocolate, is opening a new location on Ditmars Boulevard. It joins a dessert-heavy stretch of the block, already home to Van Leeuwen and Bianco Nero Gelateria.
Krave It brings tasty pizza and sandwich options to the area. Photo credit: Shane O’Brien.
Krave It (Coming Soon)
35-16 Ditmars Blvd., Astoria
Krave It, the Queens-based pizza and sandwich favorite, is planning a new Ditmars location after delays pushed back its opening. Known for over-the-top creations like grilled cheese pizza and steak truffle slices, the brand already has a devoted following from its Bayside and 30th Avenue locations.
Whether you’re looking to try something bold and new or indulge in comforting classics, Astoria and Long Island City continue to evolve with fresh culinary energy—making the neighborhood one of New York’s most exciting places to eat and explore.
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