The Best Long Island City Restaurants

Long Island City (LIC), once a hidden gem across the East River, is now a vibrant destination for food lovers. Whether you’re seeking a romantic dinner spot with skyline views or a casual café for weekend brunch, this Queens neighborhood offers a little bit of everything. From award-winning eateries to under-the-radar gems, here’s our curated list of the best Long Island City restaurants worth visiting right now.

This article includes:

long island city restaurants
blend on the water
tacos near me
michelin star restaurants nyc
chicken and waffles

Interested in more Long Island City recommendations? Check out 15 Things to Do in Long Island City: The Perfect Itinerary.

Let’s get to it!

1. Casa Enrique

Michelin-starred and deeply soulful, Casa Enrique brings the rich flavors of southern Mexico to LIC. The mole de piaxtla and cochinita pibil are standouts, served in a cozy, minimalist space. It’s perfect for a date night or a special celebration.

📍5-48 49th Ave

Check out Casa Enrique.

2. Maiella

This elegant Italian restaurant overlooks Gantry Plaza State Park with sweeping Manhattan skyline views. Maiella is known for its handmade pastas, elegant cocktails, and a terrace that’s hard to beat during golden hour.

📍4610 Center Blvd

Check out Maiella.

3. Tacombi LIC

What started as a VW van serving tacos on the beaches of Mexico has grown into a beloved NYC chain. Tacombi’s LIC location is casual, fun, and filled with flavor—especially their corn esquites and crispy baja fish tacos.

📍27-10 43rd Ave

Check out Tacombi.

4. Jora Restaurant & Bar

A taste of Peru in the heart of Queens. Jora’s ceviche, lomo saltado, and pisco cocktails are all stars. The space is intimate and welcoming—ideal for group dinners or festive weekends.

📍47-46 11th St

Check out Jora.

5. Sweet Chick

Comfort food with a twist. Sweet Chick serves some of the best chicken and waffles in the city, alongside bourbon cocktails and hip-hop vibes. Great for a laid-back dinner or indulgent weekend lunch.

📍46-42 Vernon Blvd

Check out Sweet Chick.

6. Levante

Levante blends Italian classics with a Brooklyn-style pizza bar. Their outdoor patio is a cozy escape, and the burrata with wood-fired bread is the kind of dish you’ll want to order twice.

📍26-21 Jackson Ave

Check out Levante.

7. Blend on the Water

Latin fusion with panoramic city views. Blend on the Water is both a lively bar scene and a scenic dining spot. From churrasco to lobster empanadas, the menu is packed with flavorful dishes perfect for sharing.

📍45-40 Center Blvd

Check out Blend on the Water.

8. Court Square Diner

An old-school classic. Open 24 hours, this chrome-accented diner is a neighborhood staple. Whether you’re craving pancakes at midnight or a hearty breakfast after a morning walk, Court Square Diner never disappoints.

📍45-30 23rd St

Check out Court Square Diner.

Final Thoughts

Long Island City’s dining scene is a reflection of its growing, diverse community—dynamic, flavorful, and constantly evolving. Whether you’re a local exploring your neighborhood or visiting Queens for the first time, these Long Island City restaurants offer an experience for every mood and moment.

Next, check out 15 Things to Do in SoHo, NYC: The Perfect Itinerary.

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FAQ: The Best Long Island City Restaurants

1. What types of cuisine can I find in Long Island City?

Long Island City is home to a wide variety of cuisines including Mexican, Italian, Indian, Peruvian, American, and more. The neighborhood’s food scene is known for its diversity and high quality.

2. Are there vegan or vegetarian-friendly restaurants in Long Island City?

Many LIC restaurants offer vegetarian options, and some like Adda and Levante include several plant-based dishes on their menus. For fully vegan dining, newer cafes and juice bars are also popping up in the neighborhood.

3. How do I get to Long Island City from Manhattan?

You can easily take the 7, E, M, or G subway lines to reach LIC from various parts of Manhattan and Brooklyn. It’s just one stop from Grand Central on the 7 train!

4. Is Long Island City good for brunch?

Absolutely. Spots like Bellwether, Sweet Chick, and Levante are popular for their creative brunch menus and relaxed atmospheres.

5. Are there any Michelin-starred restaurants in Long Island City?

Yes, Casa Enrique is a Michelin-starred restaurant known for its authentic and elevated Mexican cuisine.

The Best Long Island City Restaurants: A Local’s Guide to Where to Eat