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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Top picks in Long Island City

Interesting food spots

The routine has become predictable, and the appetite is ready for something genuinely interesting and new.

Based on 751 Opinions
+748
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Updated April 2026
01
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Japanese grocery store

Small space stocked with carefully curated Japanese imports creates a calm and elegant vibe. Outdoor seating with a few tables adds a relaxed touch. Known for fresh, high-quality sushi and specialty items not found elsewhere in the area.

Freshness stands out with a wide variety of Japanese foods like fruit, uni, dried kelp, and squid. Affordable prices pair with special chef collaborations that add excitement to the food offerings.

Offers interesting options like MOGMOG and hosts unique pop-ups that change regularly.

People are saying

"The sushi here is so fresh and delicious."

"The sushi and rice bowls here are so fresh and delicious."

"I found it to be an interesting little shop with affordable goodies."

Good to know

1

You should call a week in advance and pre-order the fatty tuna cuts.

2

On Mother’s Day, I had to call days ahead to order the Kaisen Don bowls to ensure availability.

3

Wheat is not noted as an allergen in items that contain soy sauce.

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Cocktail bar

Tiny cocktail bar channels Japanese city pop theme with meticulous decor and an immersive vibe. Music volume tends to be loud, creating a lively but noisy atmosphere. Seating is limited, often requiring reservations and featuring a strict time limit per seat.

Creative menus offer a mix of food and drinks with solid flavors. Snacks and dishes taste good and complement the overall amazing atmosphere.

Cocktail options stand out with interesting flavors and delicious drinks that offer variety beyond the usual.

People are saying

"The bar's vibe is super cute with a 90s Asian or J-pop theme."

"The food and drinks here are top quality."

"The cocktails here have Japanese names, which is interesting."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required to get a table.

2

They put walk-in customers on a waitlist.

3

Small walk-in groups of 1-2 people might get in if they are lucky.

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Chinese restaurant

Elegant interior channels old Hong Kong opulence with a modern touch, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere ideal for dates or family meals. A Baijiu Apothecary Bar offers uniquely crafted cocktails alongside a private dining room for larger groups or celebrations.

Food here is exceptional, with dishes that are beautifully presented and packed with flavor. The dining experience combines fantastic service with consistently excellent Chinese cuisine.

Baijiu cocktails and the Baijiu flight offer unique flavors that stand out. Vegetarian options and the dessert provide interesting variety.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be absolutely delicious and full of flavor."

"The soup dumplings and Chairman's pork are must-try Chinese food."

"The baiju cocktails here are interesting and tasty."

Good to know

1

Making a reservation is highly recommended for dinner on the weekend.

2

Expect long wait times during peak evening hours.

3

Customers with reservations are told they can only eat for 60 minutes if someone is waiting for the table.

04
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Chinese restaurant

Modern Chinese restaurant with elegant yet welcoming décor and soft lighting creates a relaxed atmosphere suited for couples and business banquets. Spacious, comfortable seating offers privacy while maintaining a lively vibe. Live music on weekend evenings adds a cozy, romantic touch.

Food features delicious authentic Chinese cuisine with exquisite presentation. Dining includes beautiful ambience and a clean, well-decorated space.

People are saying

"The Peking Duck here is lovely and crisp."

"I found the food here to be very good."

"The sweet and sour fish here is a classic, with a nicely balanced flavor."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for large groups, especially during busy times.

2

Happy hour runs from Monday to Friday before 6:30 PM with drink specials.

3

Complimentary mooncakes are offered during the Mid-Autumn Festival.

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Cocktail bar

Cocktail bar with retro decor and intimate, nostalgic vibe features vinyl records playing Mandarin and Cantonese songs. Space feels cozy and cramped, with close tables and a mini retro karaoke setup. Unique cocktails include ingredients like chrysanthemum tea-infused gin and winter melon syrup.

Limited bar food menu offers surprisingly good dishes. Food pairs well with fabulous cocktails and adds to a great night out.

Cocktails feature Asian ingredients like sesame oil, herbal syrup, and Chinese five spices. Names and flavors stay interesting and unique throughout the menu.

People are saying

"The cocktails here are creative and perfectly balanced."

"The food here is delicious and super unique."

"The drinks here are really interesting and experimental."

Good to know

1

Making reservations is recommended to avoid a long wait.

2

There is a strictly enforced 90-minute time limit for groups.

3

The establishment does not take reservations, so arriving earlier is advisable due to potential queues.

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Québécois restaurant

Open space converted from an old gas station features eclectic decor with antique wallpaper and art deco fixtures. Atmosphere feels cozy and inviting, with quiet music and plenty of space between tables. Offers a wide drink selection and a lovely patio area for relaxed dining.

Food here offers a unique dining experience with consistently exceptional and exploratory flavors that stand out.

Dishes show a genuine curiosity for making delicious and interesting food. The trout and Banh Mi stand out as very interesting and different from expectations.

People are saying

"The food here is so interesting and different, a real culinary masterpiece."

"The food here is exceptional, truly unlike any other meal."

"I found the menu and dishes here really interesting and different."

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Art center

Large indoor and outdoor spaces combine art galleries with live music and community events. The atmosphere is welcoming and chill, attracting people of all ages, including dogs and children. Views of the Manhattan skyline add to the creative and relaxed vibe.

Open-air events feature Asian food festivals with food trucks and a variety of drinks like beer, wine, and canned coffee. The space supports community gatherings with accessible food and live jazz music.

Something interesting is always happening here. The venue offers a consistently engaging atmosphere that keeps the evenings lively.

People are saying

"I loved the art exhibitions, especially the one on stage combat."

"I loved the free live music overlooking Manhattan."

"I loved the variety of Indonesian and Malaysian food options available."

Good to know

1

The event is free and runs from 5 PM to 9 PM Thursday to Sunday during the summer.

2

Restrooms are available in the back left area before the second art gallery room.

3

It is suggested to arrive early as the venue gets crowded very quickly.

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Korean restaurant

Small space with Korean traditional murals and artistic decor creates a vibrant, chic atmosphere. Music ranges from loud rave to K-pop hits, shaping a lively vibe. Seating includes bar and high tops, though some find it cramped and hard.

Fresh, high-quality seafood stands out in the dishes. The food is consistently delicious and well-tolerated, even with sensitive stomachs, paired with exceptional hospitality for a memorable meal.

Trying raw crabs offers an interesting new experience. The Soy Marinade Salmon bowl stands out but comes with too much rice.

People are saying

"You have to try the Korean food, especially the marinated raw crab."

"The soy marinated blue crabs are savory and fresh."

"Trying raw crab for the first time was an interesting experience."

Good to know

1

You should make a reservation if you plan to go, especially on weekends.

2

Reservations are recommended due to the small size of the restaurant.

3

The restaurant has a limited reservation time of approximately 1.5 hours.

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Peruvian restaurant

Peruvian restaurant blends Inca historic elements with a modern open design creating a warm, inviting atmosphere. Indoor and outdoor seating accommodate groups, with dog-friendly amenities like water bowls. A full bar offers standout pisco cocktails alongside flavorful ceviche and paella.

Food stands out for its delicious Peruvian dishes that impress every time. The menu offers a spectacular variety that matches authentic flavors found in Peru.

Dishes feature contrasting textures like crunchy calamari with chewy fish in the ceviche. Presentation uses interesting plates and bowls that stand out. Cocktails appear visually intriguing and varied.

People are saying

"The authentic Peruvian food here is bursting with bold, unique flavors."

"The cocktails here are amazing and delicious."

"The food here is delicious and a feast for the eyes."

Good to know

1

They only take walk-ins, no reservations.

2

There is a mandatory 20% or more surcharge for unpaid labor.

3

Be ready to spend over $140 for two people.

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Mexican restaurant

Bright white walls and rustic white-washed floors create an airy, open setting with a visually appealing bar inside. The atmosphere is loud with echoing sound, making conversations difficult, while outdoor seating offers a relaxed environment.

Offers consistently excellent Mexican cuisine with dishes that stand out as the highlight of the meal. Food quality remains outstanding across multiple visits.

Rice and beans feature anise-like seasoning that stands out. Rajas Con Crema offers a super delicious and interesting flavor combination.

People are saying

"The food here is authentic, packed with flavor and spice."

"The Mexican food here has such attentive and friendly service."

"The guacamole here is thick and creamy."

Good to know

1

Reservations should be made in advance to secure a table.

2

The restaurant allows walk-ins but can be very busy.

3

You should arrive at 12pm or 7pm to find a table.

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Space combines spacious seating with calming decor featuring plants and big windows. Atmosphere feels cozy and undisturbed, with a quiet outdoor courtyard offering breaks from noise. Energy suits both study and casual gatherings, often busy but relaxed.

Food comes out fresh and delicious, cooked to perfection with a delectable taste. Service complements the great food, making the overall experience solid.

A wide range of interesting beverages stands out here. The spot also hosts pop-up events that bring in interesting people to meet and unwind with.

People are saying

"The coffee here is smooth, rich, and well made."

"The food here is delicious and full of flavor."

"Their creative drink choices, like the osmanthus matcha, are really interesting."

Good to know

1

The kitchen is open until 3 PM.

2

Seating is only for brunch and service on Sundays.

3

Customers must be seated and accept table service to stay at the cafe.

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