Astoria in Queens, New York

Astoria is a popular neighborhood in northwest Queens, New York, which has kept its longtime residents while attracting new ones. It's convenient to Manhattan, safe, urban but with some space and greenery, and offers decent, but appreciating, real estate prices. Eating and cultural options have grown, ensuring its reputation as a gem of Queens.

Astoria is a neighborhood often on the tongues of New Yorkers who love to eat. It's more casual and cheaper than Manhattan, the ethnic foods are more traditional and less nouveau, and there's a great neighborhood vibe. Here are recommendations for restaurants, cafes, bakeries, and markets.

Astoria restaurant picks from readers in Queens, New York

Italian in Astoria? That&'s no mistake. There's a common misconception about Astoria - people think it's mostly Greek. And though it&'s true, Astoria's Greek population is large and concentrated; there have always been more Italians and Italian-Americans. Italian influences are all over Astoria - from old-fashioned pastry shops and specialty pork stores to new avant-garde restaurants.

Photos of Astoria, Queens New York. Photo gallery of Astoria neighborhood images.

When the summer has come out in full bloom and the evenings are warm enough to lounge outside, we love to have dinner and relax in the beer garden at the Bohemian Hall. The garden is large and full of trees and picnic tables filled with folks sipping cold beer and tackling plates of hearty Czech cuisine.

The streets of Astoria, famed for their blend of cultures and cuisines, can be an exciting place to walk. If you don't want to break stride while you're exploring, stop at one of these tasty sandwich (or sandwich-ish) shops for a savory bite that won't slow you down.

If you're looking for a specialty ingredient, there's a good chance you can find it here in Astoria at one of these great grocery stores. The biggest and best grocery stores are on or around 30th Avenue, but a couple of smaller specialists are worth seeking out in other corners of the neighborhood.

Astoria, a neighborhood in Queens, is one of the best places to live in New York City. Here are a few reasons why.

Agnanti Restaurant overlooking Astoria Park serves tasty Greek home cooking, with a great selection of grilled seafood and refreshing salads.

Ali's famed Kabab Cafe in Astoria's Little Egypt proves that vibrant flavors can still be served up with gourmet verve at unbeatable prices. Ali's personality alone could spice up any room, and is matched by his culinary skill.

Astoria is one of the most popular neighborhoods in Queens for those commuting to Manhattan. Check this profile of life in Astoria and other neighborhoods in Western Queens.

An unassuming haven for Italian treats, D&F Italian Deli serves some of the best food to go in Astoria and all of Queens.

The Museum of the Moving Image in Astoria, Queens, celebrates the history, technology, and art of movies. It is a great museum with a balance of hands-on activities and information that will interest youngsters and adults. On the weekends enjoy a movie screening (usually classic or foreign) in the Rilkis Theater.

Due to Astoria's proximity to Manhattan, more professionals have been crossing the water to seek cheaper rents, thereby pushing up rental prices in the neighborhood.

Astoria now has its own Japanese convenience store -- Family Market on Broadway. One of the great pleasures of a Japanese convenience store is the variety of drinks available.

Judith Klein -- Astoria's Foodista blogger -- is a guest writer for the Queens site at About.com.

Zora O'Neill - Bio of Astoria's Roving Gastronome

The New York Times has published an article on real estate and life in Astoria, Queens, one of the borough's most well-known neighborhoods. The area is very appealing for its proximity to Manhattan and its variety of shopping and restaurants.

The Greater Astoria Historical Society preserves and shares local history of Astoria and Long Island City with the world. You can attend lectures, go on walking tours, and watch historical films, all at the Greater Astoria Historical Society in Queens.

Astoria's got some great coffee is percolating. You can find excellent espresso, fabulous frappes, and gratifying Greek coffee in the neighborhood.

Taverna Kyclades in Astoria, Queens, is great for seafood in the heart of Dimars, Astoria.

The Ditmars neighborhood in Astoria, Queens, has a lot to offer, from food and recreation, to great architecture and holiday celebrations. Learn more about Ditmars.

Astoria has a thriving indie shopping scene. Find profiles of unique local shops.

A non-profit that hosts the Astoria Symphony and the Lost Dog New Music Ensemble.

What to do in Astoria, Queens for the month of May.

How to reduce, reuse, recycle, and refuse, and help out Astoria's environment.

Here are the best bars and others spots in Astoria and Long Island City to enjoy cocktails and cocktail culture.

Yoga is popular in the Astoria neighborhood. Here are some great places to take yoga classes in Astoria.

Astoria Park Alliance is a community organization dedicated to improving Astoria Park.

Burgers! Here's our list of the tastiest ones in Astoria and Long Island City.

Did you know that the world-famous Steinway piano are made by hand in Astoria? Learn about visiting this fascinating factory.

Here are some of the best and most popular Thai restaurants in Astoria.

Calendar of concerts, outings, art, and more in Astoria and Long Island City this June.

Here's a round-up of some fine outdoor -- not sidewalk -- dining options in Astoria and Long Island City.

Explore the public art and monuments in Astoria and Long Island City through this photo tour.

The movies, the ice cream, the beer gardens ...all ways to keep cool in Astoria this summer.

Events in Astoria and Long Island City this July.

Subways in Astoria and Long Island City, Queens.

Astoria Park is home to a number of monuments and honors.

Astoria in the summer - here's how to have fun this summer in the city neighborhood.

Iced coffee can be found throughout Astoria and Long Island City, Queens.

Here are our favorite wine bars in Astoria and LIC. Enjoy!

Get your theater fix at The Secret Theater, Astoria Performing Arts Center, and the Chocolate Factory.

Ovelia Psistaria is a great Greek restaurant in Astoria, Queens. Ominivores, vegetarians, and vegans, as well as gluten-free folks will find something to eat here.

Find places where you can volunteer in western Queens.

Learn crafting, dancing, or using the flying trapeze at these outlets for your creativity in Astoria and Long Island City, Queens.

Here are some of the best pubs and bars to watch baseball, football, soccer, and more sports on the tv.

What's happening in Astoria and Long Island City, Queens, during the month of September 2011.

Here's a rundown on what's happening in Astoria this October.

Find a list of things you can do in western Queens.