My favorite foods in Astoria (Part 1)

This area is a wealth of authentic, delicious foods.  This is a list of the things I love most.  This is not a list of all things good in Astoria, just my personal favorites.  This is part 1, there is a 2nd part that will be up soon with more goodies!

Grilled Octopus @ Zenon Taverna

The best I’ve had in Astoria (although Sabry’s version is also excellent), this is very tender on the inside, yet the outside is often charred almost to a burnt crisp, which I love!  Excellent flavor and texture, this is my absolute favorite thing to eat in all of Astoria.  The meat is delicate yet rich, with that extra tang from the vinegar and lemon.  The Meze Meal is a close 2^nd for my favorite thing in Astoria, its an insane amount of items for a bout $20 each person (meat, fish or veg), I cannot recommend this enough.

 

 Fried Artechokes @ Sac's Place

Amazingly delicious, memorable little bites, not greasy, not deep fried, perfect appetizer.  Ravioli here is also excellent.

Tiropita Toast with Cream Cheese, Apples & Bacon @ Ovalia

The best breakfast sandwich I think ive ever had.  It’s a perfect mix of salty, savory, sweet bites that are soft from the bread and cheese and crunchy from the bacon and apples, perfect balance.  Order the lamb sausage on the side, excellent herbs and spices inside.

Imbustata @ Ornella

Packed with flavor, so many things inside this envelope of pasta that it all becomes one cohesive flavor.  Great dish!  Also recommended: Chestnut Pasta, Gnocchi and the Sanguinaccio (Pork Blood Chocolate Pudding).

Chef Ali @ Kebab Cafe

He is a legend.  The man who introduced me to the pleasures of eating offal.  Greets you like you are family, wonderful experience.  The lamb cheeks and the sweetbreads are my favorites but lamb brains are quite good as well.

 

Burnt Ends @ John Brown Smokehouse

The best BBQ I’ve ever had in NYC.  Nothing has come close.  This is BBQ perfection to me.

 Anything @ William Hallet
(Pictued below: Perogies with Foie & Bone Marrow)

Amazing flavor and diversity, this food is fun and exciting!  I recommend just about anything.

 Burek @ Djerdan

Light and crispy for something filled with cheese/meat/and or spinach.  Great crunchy outside, soft fresh baked inside, perfect bite of food.

Casu Marzu cheese @ Ornella

Bizarre and delicious, this is not on the menu, but it is around.  Tasty cheese (and worms)!

Baklava Cheesecake @ Amonia 

Never seen this anywhere else, but it’s a perfect mix of salty/sweet, crunchy and soft.  Creative dish that really reflects the area well.

Suckling Pig @ La Rioja

Huge portion of perfectly cooked, tender as anything, pig.  They even give you the option of what cut you would like (rib or leg).  Highly recommended, only served on the weekends.

 

Sushi B @ JJ's

This is the best Sushi I’ve had in Astoria.  It’s a wonderful mix of whatever is freshest, although its not quite omakase, it is somewhat standard.  In the past this included White Tuna and fatty Salmon belly which were amazingly delicious.  Sadly they don’t offer those portions anymore, but the mackerel and the rest of the box (sans the fake crab) are delicious.  Also the miso is above average.

Shrimp & Grits @ Queens Comfort

Had this once, was so memorable it makes the list.  It was packed with bacon, rich, deep flavor, perfectly cooked shrimp that still had a bite to them.  Huge fan of this place.

Pork schnitzel in potato pancake batter-topped with cheese @ Koliba

Pure indulgence, this is a crazy rich heavy dish that I just love.  Nice tender pork in a very crunchy flavorful crust with mild cheese on top.  Heavy yes, but perfection for what it is.  The garlic soup with egg yolk and cheese is also excellent.