Though Astoria now has one of the most diverse restaurant scenes in NYC (people from over 100 different countries live there!), it still has plenty of spots from its primary cultural influence: Greece.
Whether you’re more in the mood for fresh seafood, gyros or baklava dripping in honey, NYC’s own “Little Athens” is the place to visit!
Here are our top picks for the best Greek restaurants (and food trucks!) in Astoria, Queens:
1. Stamatis
This family-run taverna is one of the oldest Greek restaurants in Astoria, and a favorite of many Greek-Americans. Don’t sleep on the lamb chops, octopus, saganaki (pan-seared cheese) and horiatiki (traditional Greek salad with tomato, cucumber, onion, feta and olives).
Where: 29-09 23rd Ave
2. Taverna Kyclades
Taverna Kyclades is one of the most well-known Greek spots in the neighborhood—which you’ll be able to tell from the long lines out the door on weekends. They have two other locations in Bayside and the East Village, but Astoria is the original. Definitely order the grilled octopus and/or calamari!
Where: 3307 Ditmars Blvd
3. Bahari Estiatorio
Bahari looks unassuming from the outside, with a simple wooden sign and tight storefront, but don’t let that turn you away. When you enter you’ll see the open kitchen on the left side so you can take a peek at all the dishes, and then it opens up into a much larger dining room. It’s actually from the same owners as Stamatis, so you know it has the same high quality and authenticity.
Where: 31-14 Broadway, Astoria
4. Zenon Taverna
Zenon Taverna is a homey spot for traditional Greek and Cypriot food off the less-frequented 31st Avenue, with hand-painted murals on the walls of seaside scenes. They offer daily specials every day of the week as well as special meze meals (Greek for “small plates”) including favorites like halloumi, octopus, sheftalia (pork meatballs) and kleftico (spring lamb). If you’re feeling under the weather, try the delicious Avgolemono soup (traditional Greek chicken rice soup with egg and lemon). They also do catering and have a party room.
Where: 34-10 31st Ave, Astoria
5. Telly’s Taverna
Telly’s Taverna has been in Astoria for over 28 years, and all their recipes come directly from family cookbooks. You can see how fresh their seafood is since it’s on display in the dining room with the likes of snapper, sea bass, and spearings. They also have outdoor dining in a backyard garden during warmer weather.
Where: 28-13 23rd Ave, Astoria
6. Loukoumi Taverna
You’ll be treated like family at Loukoumi, especially since husband-and-wife owners Maria and Kostas are often checking on tables. There is also an outdoor patio here for the summers, and the elegantly-designed dining room is equally perfect for group dining or date nights.
Where: 45-07 Ditmars Blvd, Queens
7. Amylos Taverna
Amylos is much newer to the Greek dining game than most of the other picks in Astoria (it opened in 2019), but it came to play. It offers a more modern, high-end twist on Greek cuisine that is just as delicious. Expect salmon tartare and homemade pastas alongside moussaka and grilled lamb chops on the menu. In the spring they have cafe tables on the sidewalk, so you can people-watch on busy Broadway.
Where: 33-19 Broadway, Astoria
8. Akrotiri Seafood
Seafood (of course) is the highlight at Akrotiri Seafood. The menu includes an extensive raw bar, and psaria (whole grilled fish) including branzino, black sea bass, dorado, sardines, red snapper, and sea bream. They also have $1 happy hour oyster from Monday to Friday.
Where: 29-20 30th Ave, Astoria
9. Franky’s Souvlaki
If you’re looking for souvlaki and gyros when craving Greek, head to Franky’s food cart. Run by a father and son duo from Greece, the meat is also grilled to perfection. Luckily, it’s always parked in the same spot. It’s also probably the most affordable option with $7.50 gyros and $10.50 for a platter.
Where: 31-02 Steinway St., Astoria
10. Omonia (for dessert!)
Though Omonia has a restaurant portion, we recommend stopping the bakery side for homemade Greek treats like sticky baklava (and even an amazing baklava cheesecake!), touloumba (fried dough balls in honey), portokalopita (sponge cake with fresh oranges and syrup), and maybe a cup of espresso!
Where: 32-20 Broadway, Astoria