Best 5 Splurge Restaurants in Astoria

One of the most popular Italian restaurants in Astoria, L'Incontro is famous for its old world charm and modern spin on classic dishes. Families and friends linger and chat, celebrating special occasions around large round tables in the big main dining room.

Chef Rocco Sacramone is all about the daily specials, and you'll likely hear more than 20 in one sitting. The best ones I've had include the green apple and mascarpone ravioli ($18) and the braised short ribs with gnocchi ($24). A great communal appetizer is the antipasto platter, delle valli, with enough cured meats, cheeses, fragrant olives, and roasted red peppers, to easily make four people smile ($10).

• Trattoria L'Incontro, 21-76 31st St, Astoria, NY, 718-721-3532

Bistro 33, a fusion of French and Japanese styles, has come a long way since its humble beginnings on 31st Avenue. It's now on Ditmars near Astoria Park. The atmosphere is simple and unpretentious, and though its dining room is small, the ambiance makes for a relaxing evening.

Bistro 33 is run by chefs trained at the French Culinary Institute and it shows. I have yet to find a dish on the menu that I dislike. Creamy corn soup with crispy prosciutto ($7); lamb with garlic potato au gratin ($25)...these are a few of my favorite things. Chef Gary Anza prides himself on inventive sushi: try the island roll with mango and avocado ($6) or the red spider roll with soft shell crab ($9).

• Bistro 33, 19-33 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria, NY, 718-721-1933

Like L'Incontro, the atmosphere at Christos is celebratory but it's more intimate and quiet, a classic and classy steakhouse. You'll find couples sitting at private tables exchanging glances, and also groups of friends savoring their steaks.

What makes Christos a Greek steakhouse is a menu peppered with Greek classics. Saganaki (fried Valhotyri cheese $10) is next to Kobe steak tartar ($12). The seafood is wonderfully fresh and I recommend the baked clams (casino and oreganato $14). The steak range in cuts, from a 10-ounce filet mignon ($28) to a 63-ounce porterhouse for three ($96). For a luscious dessert, try the silky crème brulee with a dark chocolate bottom ($8).

• Christos Steakhouse, 41-08 23rd Ave, Astoria, NY, 718-777-8400

While its precious assets are somewhat hidden on a busy corner of 31st Street, El Boqueron offers an elegant dining area with hints of regal charm. Metal armor, swords, and conquistador paintings hang on the walls.

The tapas are, of course, the main event. The classic dish of gambas al ajillo (shrimp in garlic sauce) makes the nose and the tongue tingle ($9) and the chicken croquettes are a crispy, hearty delight ($6). For something unexpected, try the pimientos del piquillo (Spanish roasted peppers with asparagus and sweet peppers sauce); they're light and perfect for soaking up with bread ($8). The sangria is the real thing, packed with plenty of fresh fruit($6).

• El Boqueron, 31-01 34th Ave, Astoria, NY, 718-956-0107

Malagueta rests on the quiet side of 36th Avenue. A good-sized dining room with deep hues and vibrant paintings welcomes you, sending a message that a special evening is in store. Though the atmosphere is on the formal side, it's not stuffy.

You're likely to experience sticker shock at Malagueta, but not the kind you're expecting. Despite the beautiful dishes, all entrees remain below $20. The most famous dish is the moqueca de camarao (shrimp stew, palm oil, veggies, coconut milk, and rice $13). And, yes, there is steak to enjoy, like a picanha (grilled sliced top sirloin $14). The wine is especially good; you'll get a full glass of a lovely white or red for as low as $5.50.

• Malagueta 25-35 36th Ave, Astoria, NY, 718-937-4821