You are reading

New bites and brews in Astoria and LIC: The latest in Queens dining

Dubai chocolate crepe at the newly opened Melt N Dip at 33-04 Ditmars Blvd. in Astoria. Via @meltndip.us on Instagram

May 22, 2025 By Jessica Militello and Shane O’Brien

There is always something new to taste, try, or toast to in Astoria and LIC. These neighborhoods continues to thrive as a culinary destination, with new restaurants, cafés, bakeries and markets opening at a steady clip. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic Italian sandwich, halal Thai-Malay cuisine, or Brazilian sweets and coffee, the ever-expanding food scene in these neighborhoods offers something for every palate.

Here’s a look at some of the newest and soon-to-open establishments that are adding to the flavor of the borough.

Chicken parm sandwich by Massi’s NYC. Photo credit: Massi’s NYC.

Massi’s NYC

29-09 Broadway, Astoria
@massisnyc

Massi’s brings traditional Italian sandwich-making to Astoria with a menu that includes vodka chicken parm, eggplant parm, and Italian combos—all served on house-made semolina sourdough. The shop avoids seed oils and fries everything in beef tallow. Don’t skip the dirty fries, topped with any sandwich filling of your choice.

Off City

32-11 Broadway, Astoria
@offcity_astoria

With tropical cocktails, a selection of tapas, and a lively atmosphere, Off City is a great spot for happy hour or a weekend catch-up with friends. It’s a stylish and casual addition to Broadway’s nightlife.

Delicious Brazilian coffee and food from Bela Aurora. Photo credit; Bela Aurora.

Bela Aurora Café

32-30 Steinway St., Astoria
 @belaauroracoffee
718-255-1265

Bela Aurora recently opened its doors on Steinway Street, serving freshly brewed Brazilian coffee and traditional sweets like Brigadeiro and bem-casado. The café also offers savory Brazilian snacks and sandwiches in a cozy, welcoming environment.

Authentic Italian dishes from Bar Parioli. Photo credit: Bar Parioli.

Bar Parioli

35-01 Ditmars Blvd., Astoria
@botterestaurants
718-360-9472

A sister concept to Botte on Broadway, Bar Parioli brings Roman-style brick oven pizzas, skirt steak tagliata, and a range of small plates and fresh pasta dishes to Ditmars Boulevard. It’s a refined Italian dining experience with a neighborhood feel.

Ayam

40-13 35th Ave., Long Island City
@ayam.nyc

Ayam offers a unique menu of halal Thai and Malay cuisine, featuring dishes like nasi lemak, steamed chicken rice, and pad Thai, alongside drinks like iced Bandung and Thai cream soda. Opened in late April, it’s one of the few spots in NYC blending these two Southeast Asian traditions under one halal banner.

A new Food Hall is coming soon in LIC.

LIC Food Hall (Coming Soon)

27-17 42nd Rd., Long Island City

@licfoodhall

A new food hall is on its way to Long Island City, promising a curated mix of vendors including Hunan Noodle, U Ni Rice, Taipei Hang, Pho Vital The Vietnam House, and more. The official opening date next month is yet to be announced, but buzz is already building for this diverse and dynamic new space.

Meri’s Bakeshop Cafe is coming soon to the neighborhood. Photo credit: Shane O’Brien.

Meri’s Bakeshop Café

23-14 Ditmars Blvd., Astoria

@merisbakeshop

Replacing the bistro and wine bar Vintage, Meri’s Bakeshop Café brings a taste of Greece to Ditmars Boulevard. The café serves traditional pies, cakes, and pastries made with meraki—a Greek word for doing something with soul and passion—using recipes passed down through generations.

Mediterranean Mini Market will bring an array of diverse cuisine to the neighborhood. Photo credit: Shane O’Brien.

Mediterranean Mini Market

24-18 Ditmars Blvd., Astoria

@mediterranean_mini_market

Mediterranean Mini Market stocks a variety of goods from Greece, Morocco, Egypt, Yemen, and beyond. The market also carries Mexican and Latin fare, as well as fresh juices and a signature Araisi smoothie made with mangoes and dates.

Melt n Dip serves tasty ice cream and sweets. Photo credit: Shane O’Brien.

Melt n Dip

33-04 Ditmars Blvd., Astoria

@meltndip.ny

This popular dessert brand, known for crepes, waffles, and ice cream drizzled with rich Belgian chocolate, opened a new location on Ditmars Boulevard. It joins a dessert-heavy stretch of the block, already home to Van Leeuwen and Bianco Nero Gelateria.

Krave It brings tasty pizza and sandwich options to the area. Photo credit: Shane O’Brien.

Krave It

35-16 Ditmars Blvd., Astoria

@krave_it

Krave It, the Queens-based pizza and sandwich favorite, opened a new Ditmars location (after delays pushed back its opening). Known for over-the-top creations like grilled cheese pizza and steak truffle slices, the brand already has a devoted following from its Bayside and 30th Avenue locations.

Whether you’re looking to try something bold and new or indulge in comforting classics, Astoria and Long Island City continue to evolve with fresh culinary energy—making the neighborhood one of New York’s most exciting places to eat and explore.

*This story first appeared in the May Astoria/LIC Community Resource Guide.

email the author: news@queenspost.com
No comments yet

Leave a Comment
Reply to this Comment

All comments are subject to moderation before being posted.


The reCAPTCHA verification period has expired. Please reload the page.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Recent News

Advocates urge passage of New York for All Act as Assembly session nears end

Jun. 16, 2025 By Jimmy Robles

As the State Senate concluded its legislative session on Thursday, immigrant rights advocates renewed calls for lawmakers to pass the New York for All Act before the Assembly adjourns on Tuesday, June 17. The proposed legislation, along with several other immigration-related bills, remains pending as the clock winds down on this year’s session.

Queens gun buyback takes 74 firearms off streets, including ghost guns and assault weapons: DA

Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced Monday that 74 firearms were taken off the streets at the Greater Allen A.M.E. Cathedral of New York in Jamaica during a gun buyback event on Saturday, June 14. The weapons were exchanged for bank cards pre-loaded with cash, with no identification required and no questions asked.

“Gun buybacks serve as a critical tool for reducing gun violence and promoting public safety within our communities,” Katz said. “This Saturday, working with the NYPD and clergy leaders in Jamaica, we received 74 surrendered guns — including five automatic weapons. As a result, these firearms will not be used to cause heartache and tragedy.”

Queens Distance Runners hosts second annual track meet at St. John’s University, spotlighting Olympian and local talent

Jun. 16, 2025 By Paulina Albarracin

Dozens of runners gathered at the DaSilva Field Track in St. John’s University for the second annual track meet last month. Hosted by Queens Distance Runners (QDR), a grassroots running organization, the sporting competition welcomed sprinters and distance runners of all skill levels to test their abilities, vying for the podium in track events from 100 meters to 5,000 meters.