Diners' Choice: Hot spot restaurants in Queens

OpenTable

Updated November 05, 2026

Looking for restaurants that are the best hot spots in Queens? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Marbella Restaurant

4.8

4.8 (708)

$31 to $50

Spanish

Bayside

About the restaurant

Open Tuesday Thru Sunday at 11:30am. Closed Monday. Mauricio Sedacca Singer Guitarist every Thursday. Victor Gonzalez on the Harp Friday thru Sunday. Now Booking Private Events fro 20 to 150 Guests. Pick up or Delivery Available. 3 Blocks West of the Cross Islan Parkway. Monthly Flamenco. Pre Fixe Menus. Events Space

Top review

sherri

Dined on Oct 30, 2026

Always a delight to dine in a beautiful restaurant with attentive staff and delicious food.

Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ - Flushing, NY | Chinatown of Queens

4.8

4.8 (949)

$31 to $50

Japanese

Flushing

About the restaurant

Founded in Tokyo in 1996, Gyu-Kaku has become the world’s #1 Japanese BBQ brand! Thanks to our devoted fans we have reached over 700 locations worldwide. Each day, hundreds of thousands of people gather around the table-top smokeless grill, a centerpiece of our dining concept, enjoying selections of premium meats, just off the grill, and other freshly prepared foods from our kitchens, inspiring laughter, conversation, and a magical dining experience.

Our authentic yakiniku (grilled barbeque) dining experience crowns you the chef. Share a variety of delicious appetizers and premium cooked meats over a flaming grill, paired with Japanese sake, frosty cold beers, or other alcoholic and non-alcoholic options of your choice. We're the perfect spot to enjoy time with friends and family, organize an office party, or to spend quality time with your significant other!

Before you go, don't forget to taste our best-seller Harami Skirt Steak or Prime Kalbi Short Rib among other must-try dishes!

Top review

Byron

Dined 2 days ago

Alan provided top notch service. Gluten free concerns were so well handled. He knew details about every menu item (including allergens) and made sure everything was perfect. Food was great!! Thanks Alan!!!

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Experience

Prix-Fixe BBQ Courses for Everyone: Starting at...

Sushi on Me - Jackson Heights

4.8

4.8 (703)

$50 and over

Sushi

Jackson Heights

About the restaurant

Sushi On Me is a secret hideout where customers can enjoy premium omakase in a speakeasy vibe. Our chefs and staffs are committed to delivering not only the best omakase sushi but also the best omakase experience to all the guests!

Guests can enjoy both the 15-course omakase and the relaxing, speakeasy vibe in the 1-hour seating for the price of $99/person (tax and tip not included). [No vegetarian and celiac options, Can’t accommodate pregnant guests]

We have 4 slots as follows:
5.00pm - 6.00pm
6.30pm - 7.30pm
8.00pm - 9.00pm
9.30pm - 10.30pm

Private party and at-home omakase are available, all inquiries can be made via 917-821-5598 or @sushionme.nyc. 50% deposit is required as booking confirmation.

Cancellation/modification less than 24hours will result in a charge of $50/person (under all circumstances including COVID). Please make sure you can come before booking. Late arrival may not get the full experience. Inquiries can be made via IG @sushionme.nyc or text 917-821-5598.

Top review

Chenyao

Dined 6 days ago

Great food and so much fun!! Perfect for birthday or just a fun time! Thanks so much for the crew

THAI NIYOM

4.8

4.8 (10)

$30 and under

Thai

Astoria

About the restaurant

Thai Niyom is a vibrant, modern-vintage, street-style Thai restaurant located at 30-78 Steinway St in Astoria, Queens, NY. Founded by Jeff (Attasit Teeraattawet) and brought to you by the team behind Manhattan's Top Thai, it specializes in 100% halal-certified Thai cuisine, homestyle dishes, and creative mocktails/cocktails

Top review

Nicole

Dined on Oct 15, 2026

Lovely place with kind staff. This is our second time and the food is consistently delicious, if on the spendier side. It's noisy but fun.

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Experience

Happy Hour Reservation!

Essence

4.7

4.7 (15)

$30 and under

Asian

Sunnyside

About the restaurant

ESSENCE is a destination for modern Asian fusion cuisine, where contemporary flavors, carefully crafted sushi, and comforting ramen come together in an elegant and sophisticated atmosphere. Artisanal cocktails, premium hookah, and live music complete a sensorial experience designed to be enjoyed with style, day and night.

Top review

Crystal

Dined 7 days ago

Delicious food and drinks, amazing atmosphere and attentive staff

Zara - Austin

4.7

4.7 (94)

$30 and under

Turkish

Forest Hills

About the restaurant

Located in the heart of Queens, Zara Austin brings a fresh expression of Mediterranean dining to one of New York’s most vibrant neighborhoods. As part of the Zara family, known for warm hospitality and refined atmosphere, this location blends tradition with a modern, energetic spirit.

Our kitchen is rooted in Mediterranean and Turkish flavors, where timeless recipes meet contemporary techniques. From wood-fired specialties and grilled meats to vibrant mezes and fresh seafood, every dish is crafted with quality ingredients and bold flavor.

Zara Austin is more than a restaurant—it’s a social experience. With a stylish interior and lively ambiance, the space transitions from relaxed daytime dining to elevated evenings. Whether for lunch, date night, or celebrations with friends, every visit is designed to feel memorable.

Signature cocktails, curated wines, and genuine hospitality complete the experience.

Top review

Joann

Dined 4 days ago

The dining room has a really nice look to it, especially with those statement lights and the modern decor. It's got a little upscale feel without being intimidating. Definitely a beautiful setting for a meal.

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Experience

The Thanksgiving Table

Blend Astoria

4.6

4.6 (887)

$31 to $50

Latin / Spanish

Astoria

About the restaurant

Blend Astoria brings bold Latin Fusion and South American flavors — tacos, ceviche, empanadas, churrasco, and chaufa de mariscos — to the heart of Astoria, Queens, just off 30th Avenue. Our casual-elegant dining room and outdoor patio set the stage for business lunches, weekend brunch, daily happy hour, and late-night cocktails from our full bar, with a lively atmosphere perfect for date nights and group celebrations. Host your next corporate dinner, private party, or special occasion in our dedicated event space. Reserve your table at Blend Astoria for the Latin American dining experience Astoria locals keep coming back to.

Top review

Yardley

Dined on Oct 21, 2026

It was good. The taco Tuesday deal is worth it. We also came late but they were extremely accommodating!

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Experience

Birthday Dinner On Us!

Experience

Limitless Tacos & Margaritas Tuesday only $40!

Experience

Happy Hour at Blend Sunday - Friday! 🍹

Ruta Oaxaca - Astoria

4.6

4.6 (349)

$30 and under

Mexican

Astoria

About the restaurant

Our Story The goal – to guarantee a wonderful meal with authentic cuisine and fabulous margaritas, serve over 50 artisanal and ancestral mezcals, and over 100 different types of tequila brands in a vibrant unique atmosphere that boasts excellent service. Ruta Oaxaca Mexican Cuisine opened in Astoria in 2021 with such a wonderful and successful home run that a second location opened in Patchogue in March 2022. Ruta Oaxaca means “Road to Oaxaca,” a historic state in the southern part of Mexico. Mr. Castillo and his Partners are keenly focused on honoring Oaxacan culinary traditions, whose fame is derived in great part from its many varieties of moles. By legend, these ancient recipes are more than sauces, they are the very focus of the meal. Ruta Oaxaca proudly features four moles, each prepared using the Oaxacan mole recipes that have made the cuisine world famous. Visit us at our locations in Astoria 929-349-1228 Patchogue 631-569-2233 Woodbury 516-515-9620 Brooklyn 718-576-1507

Top review

Hilary Walker

Dined on Oct 9, 2026

Was a fantastic experience from the beginning of service to the end! We were here for a small birthday celebration and everything from the food to the incredible service was seamless! They even surprised us with a free churro dish at the end was the icing on the cake. Will definitely be back!!!

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Experience

Ruta Oaxaca - Astoria- Bottomless Brunch

Experience

Ruta Oaxaca - Astoria - Taco Tuesday!

Experience

CHEERS TO SUNDAYS!

Wabi Nori Queens

4.5

4.5 (68)

$50 and over

Sushi

Flushing

About the restaurant

Wabi Nori is a modern Japanese hand roll and sushi restaurant specializing in fresh seafood, premium sashimi, and made-to-order hand rolls. Located in Flushing, Queens, we offer an elevated yet approachable dining experience featuring high-quality fish, Asian-inspired small plates, craft cocktails, and curated sake. Our menu highlights signature hand rolls, sushi sets, and seasonal seafood dishes prepared with precision and premium ingredients. Whether you're joining us for dinner, happy hour, date night, or a group gathering, Wabi Nori delivers authentic Japanese flavors in a stylish, ambient atmosphere. Experience one of Queens’ go-to destinations for sushi, hand rolls, cocktails, and modern Japanese cuisine.

Top review

BennieGold

Dined on Sep 13, 2026

Amazing place! Definitely worth checking out! Great food and service!

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Experience

Hand Roll Tuesday!

VIDA NYC

4.0

4 (216)

$31 to $50

Steakhouse

Astoria

About the restaurant

With 20 years of experience cooking in the finest restaurants, our chef is excited to present their vision to you and all our guests. Our caring and committed staff make sure you have a fantastic experience with us

Top review

Thierno

Dined on Oct 25, 2026

Good in general Good service Good quality of food

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