Diners' Choice: Neighborhood gem restaurants in Queens

OpenTable

Updated November 05, 2026

Looking for the best restaurants that are the best neighborhood gems 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!

VIA VAI - Astoria

5.0

5 (312)

$31 to $50

Italian

Astoria

About the restaurant

VIA VAI is a Chef-Owner run restaurant, serving contemporary and authentic Italian food that one would find in the best restaurants and trattorie in today's Italy.

The restaurant is rustic cozy and charming, with a slate and marble top bar serving only select Italian wines, and local and imported tap and bottled beer, that pair perfectly with the artisanal food prepared every day on the premises, and the brick oven roman-style (thin crust) pizza cooked in the imported Italian oven.

Chef-owner Antonio Morichini is Roman born and bred. He did his culinary education and training in Italy, working in some of the best Michelin-starred restaurants in Rome. His food is loyal to tradition, but forward looking.

Top review

Robert

Dined on Oct 9, 2026

Always have a wonderful time here. The food is out of this world

Bistro Eloise

4.9

4.9 (539)

$30 and under

French

Jackson Heights

About the restaurant

A cozy and charming French bistro nestled in the heart of Jackson Heights, Bistro Eloise - French Restaurant offers an authentic taste of Parisian cuisine and ambiance. Our menu features timeless French classics like escargots, steak frites, and croque-monsieur, crafted with fresh, high-quality ingredients. Whether you're enjoying a leisurely Lunch, Brunch, romantic dinner, a cocktail or a glass of wine with friends, our warm, intimate setting and attentive service provide the perfect backdrop for a memorable dining experience. Join us for a slice of France, right here in Queens!

Top review

Danielle

Dined 7 days ago

Food was amazing. Escargot , steak frites and mashed potatoes were all mouthwatering. Floating island dessert was impressive. And free parking!

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.

Il Poeta

4.8

4.8 (98)

$31 to $50

Italian

Forest Hills

About the restaurant

Il Poeta is an Italian restaurant with a Northern Italian cuisine. Chef and co-owner Mario Di Chiara has over 20 years experience in the most famous Italian restaurant in Venice and NYC with 10 years work experience in Cipriani’s restaurant. In summer 2011 the Italian Government award Il Poeta with "Ospiutalita Italiana nel Mondo" meaning that it is a truly authentic Italian restaurant (so far we are the only Italian restaurant in all Queens to have this award from the Italian Government).

Top review

Carene

Dined on Oct 22, 2026

Attentive staff. Nice to have a Northern Italian restaurant in the neighborhood.

Zaab Zaab - Queens

4.8

4.8 (30)

$30 and under

Thai

Elmhurst

About the restaurant

Zaab Zaab is proud natives of Queens, opened their restaurant in the heart of Elmhurst’s Little Thailand in April of 2022 just before Songrkan, or Thai New Year. The destination for authentic Isaan cuisine from Northeastern Thailand has received numerous accolades, including a 3-star review from Pete Wells of The New York Times, and being listed two years in a row on the NYT’s 100 Best Restaurants in NYC as well as being nominated as a semifinalist in the outstanding Restaurateur category for the 2024 James Beard Foundation Awards. Zaab Zaab is also recognized as a Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant.  

“My original thinking when we opened the restaurant was to serve the local Thai community in Elmhurst,” says Chunton. “Clearly I underestimated New York City’s appetite for Northeastern Thai food. We now have five locations across Queens, Brooklyn, and Manhattan and are so proud to represent Thai food and culture in New York City.”

Top review

Adam

Dined on Sep 3, 2026

Really great food and friendly, casual service. Some of the best Thai food you are going to get in the NYC area. Been here several times now and it's consistently excellent.

Porta 23

4.8

4.8 (26)

$31 to $50

Brazilian

Astoria

About the restaurant

Good Food. Good Mood.

Porta 23 is a vibrant Brazilian-inspired restaurant in Astoria, Queens, blending bold flavors with a modern New York touch. Enjoy signature dishes like Picanha, Yuca Fritters, Pão de Queijo, and house-made Flan, alongside crafted cocktails and a lively atmosphere. Join us for dinner, weekend brunch, happy hour, live Bossa Nova nights, or a special celebration. Whether you're stopping in for drinks, date night, or a night out with friends, Porta 23 brings great food, music, and energy together under one roof.
📍 29-17 23rd Avenue, Astoria, NY 11105

Top review

David

Dined on Oct 25, 2026

it was Very good food and great service, we were very happily surprised as we have not been happy with some of the newer places in the area, but Porta is definitely a standout

Discover more

Experience

Taco Tuesday

Experience

Date Night Live Music!

Experience

Sip, Snack & Unwind

Jade Eatery and Lounge

4.6

4.6 (194)

$31 to $50

Contemporary Asian

Forest Hills

About the restaurant

Jade Eatery & Lounge: Modern Asian Fusion

An evening worth savoring. Step into our thoughtfully designed dining space, centered around a serene koi pond and anchored by a striking 9-foot Buddha statue, to experience modern Asian fusion done with intention.

We craft cuisine from Chinese, Thai, Indian, and Japanese traditions: from signature sushi rolls to shareable appetizers and bold entrées, alongside an elevated cocktail program in our bar and lounge.

Perfect for date nights, celebrations, or business dinners. Daily Happy Hour 12–7 PM (bar & lounge).
Prix fixe lunch and dinner menus available; private events and catering by request.

Call 516-900-5233 for reservations, catering inquiries, or private dining.

* 15-minute grace period per reservation
* 90-minute maximum seating time
* Kitchen closes at 10:00 PM
* Parking available (check website for details)

Top review

Cassandra

Dined on Oct 14, 2026

I visited today and wanted to give special recognition to our waiter, Tashi, for his absolutely outstanding customer service. He was courteous, polite, professional, attentive, and incredibly helpful. His patience, understanding, and prompt service made us feel welcomed and well taken care of throughout our visit. Tashi truly deserves recognition for the care he puts into his work. Every restaurant would benefit from having someone like him on its team! I also want to recognize Lama, who helped us as well and provided wonderful customer service. Both were great, but Tashi especially made our experience memorable. The food was phenomenal, too! Between the delicious food and exceptional service, I couldn’t have asked for a better experience. I will definitely be back, and I’ll be encouraging everyone I know to come and check out this exceptional restaurant. Thank you, Tashi and Lama!

Discover more

Experience

$5 Wine Wednesday | Every Wednesday

Experience

Everyday Happy Hour | 12pm-7pm

SHI

4.6

4.6 (1035)

$31 to $50

Asian

Long Island City

About the restaurant

SHI is a gorgeous waterside Pan-Asian restaurant in Long Island City. Featuring a full bar and lounge it is the perfect spot to start a wonderful night on a date, or just friends going out together. It’s gorgeous dining room has floor to ceiling bay windows that showcase the city skyline. SHI's eclectic menu of Asian style serves Japanese, Szechuan, Vietnamese and Chinese style. Some of the signature dishes are Crispy Rice with Spicy Tuna, Procuitto Shrimp Fried Rice, Szechuan style fried chicken. When the weather is warmer, seek the outdoor for your dining pleasure.

Top review

George

Dined on Sep 19, 2026

We had a wonderful time and look forward to coming back soon!

Nick's Bistro

4.4

4.4 (770)

$30 and under

Greek

Forest Hills

About the restaurant

Nick’s Bistro is a full service bar and restaurant providing unique Greek American cuisine in a contemporary, neighborhood bistro setting. The owner’s, Mario and Alfred, set out with the goal of creating an elegant establishment that will make you feel right at home.
Sitting at the corner of 72nd and Metropolitan in Forest Hills, Nick’s Bistro, lights up the night, welcoming in all patrons with the promise of authentic Greek home cooking. The upbeat service, dark wood décor, black granite bar, and glowing bottles, create a warm and friendly environment for all those who dine.

Top review

Suzanne

Dined on Oct 17, 2026

Excellent food as usual. Never disappointed! Looking forward to going back!

Aged Steakhouse

4.4

4.4 (49)

$31 to $50

Steakhouse

Forest Hills

About the restaurant

Welcome to (aged.), an iconic steakhouse nestled in the heart of Forest Hills, NY. Since 2009, we’ve been perfecting the art of serving exceptional steaks, offering an unparalleled dining experience that combines timeless tradition with modern flavor.

Our specialty lies in our carefully aged, hand-cut steaks prepared to perfection to satisfy even the most discerning palates. From tender filets to robust ribeyes, every dish reflects our passion for quality and our commitment to excellence.

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging in a memorable meal, (aged.) is where great food, warm hospitality, and a cozy atmosphere come together. Come savor the flavors of tradition with us!

Top review

Paul

Dined on Aug 6, 2026

Excellent neighborhood restaurant. Superb service, warm inviting and (thankfully) unpretentious ambiance, very good to excellent food. We thoroughly enjoyed a leisurely dinner and recommend this restaurant without reservation.

Discover more

Experience

Dessert

Experience

Three Course Prix Fixe Dinner

Explore Diners' Choice best of Queens

Explore more Diners' Choice lists