Kew Gardens, nestled between Forest Hills and Richmond Hill, is one of Queens’ most endearing—and delicious—neighborhoods. While it often flies under the radar compared to bustling food meccas like Astoria or Flushing, Kew Gardens boasts a surprisingly diverse dining scene, blending old-school charm with new culinary energy. Ready to eat like a local? Here’s your guide to the must-try restaurants, cozy cafés, sweet bakeries, and under-the-radar gems lining Kew Gardens’ tree-shaded streets.
Standout Restaurants: Global Flavors with a Local Twist
On and around Lefferts Boulevard between Metropolitan Avenue and Grenfell Street, you’ll find a vibrant mix of international eats, ranging from Eastern European comfort to contemporary Mediterranean fare.
- Tuscan Hills Italian Restaurant (115-20 Queens Blvd)
- A mainstay for Italian cuisine, Tuscan Hills feels like a true trattoria, with exposed brick walls and warm service. Their wood-fired pizzas, homemade pastas, and mozzarella panini are favorites. Expect $15–$30 entrées.
- Dani’s House of Pizza (81-28 Lefferts Blvd)
- New Yorkers love to debate the best slice, but locals know Dani’s is special. Since 1959, this unassuming pizzeria has kept crowds coming back for gooey, sweet-sauced pies and classic garlic knots (under $5 for a slice). Don’t miss a late-night stop after a movie at Kew Gardens Cinemas.
- Aghati Mediterranean Cuisine (81-32 Lefferts Blvd)
- For a Middle Eastern feast, Aghati dazzles with its bright mezze platters, kebabs, and lamb shank. The atmosphere is airy and modern, entrées hover at $18–$28. A favorite: their pillowy house-made pita served with creamy hummus.
- Homemade Taqueria (82-15 Lefferts Blvd)
- Craving tacos? This casual, colorful spot dishes out fantastic street-style tacos ($3-$4 each), birria, tortas, and more—plus fresh-made aguas frescas.
Cozy Cafés and Sweets: Homey Hangouts
Coffee and dessert lovers, rejoice: Kew Gardens is dotted with charming cafés and pastry shops—perfect for a catch-up or a solo treat. Most cluster near Lefferts Blvd and Austin Street.
- Kew & Willow Books Café (81-63 Lefferts Blvd)
- A bookshop with a cozy espresso bar! Sip Stumptown Coffee, nibble on locally sourced pastries, and browse indie reads at this community favorite.
- Baker’s Dozen (81-17 Lefferts Blvd)
- This pocket-sized bakery is a carb-lover’s paradise. Grab pillowy bagels, New York–style bialys, or decadent black-and-white cookies (most items $1–$4).
- Häagen-Dazs (81-46 Lefferts Blvd)
- Yes, it’s a chain, but with outdoor tables and late closing, it’s a friendly local hub for creamy scoops or espresso floats on summer nights.
- Cafe Orso (107-60 Queens Blvd)
- For brunch aficionados, Cafe Orso delivers with international breakfast platters, farm-to-table salads, and top-notch lattes ($7–$16 plates), all in a stylish, light-filled space near the Kew Gardens LIRR.
Bakeries and Sweet Treats: Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth
- Khawar Bakery & Sweets (82-64 Austin St)
- A hidden gem for authentic Pakistani and South Asian sweets like baklava, jalebi, and ras malai. Their samosas and chai are prime for snacking, usually $2–$6 per item.
- Main Street Bakery (107-17 Queens Blvd)
- Beloved for its Eastern European treats—think flaky apple strudel, babka, and poppy seed rolls—this old-school bakery has been a staple for generations.
Hidden Gems & Neighborhood-Only Finds
From one-of-a-kind burger trucks to cozy Indian takeout joints, these local treasures keep the food scene fresh.
- Arepas Cafe Food Truck (varies, often at Lefferts Blvd & Austin St)
- Track down this Venezuelan food truck for hand-pressed arepas stuffed with beef, cheese, or veggies. Fast, filling, and under $10!
- Sagar Chinese Restaurant (124-11 Metropolitan Ave)
- Specializing in Hakka Chinese-Indian fusion, Sagar delights with chili chicken, noodle stir-fries, and crisp pakoras. Super affordable—most dishes $10–$15.
- Vishnu Take-Out (118-16 Metropolitan Ave)
- Out-of-this-world Guyanese and Indo-Caribbean food: oxtail stew, doubles, roti, and legendary pepper pot. Prices are neighborhood-friendly, $8–$15.
Local Food Traditions & Community Flavor
Kew Gardens is fiercely proud of its neighborhood haunts. You’ll see lines at Dani’s after high school games, coffee meetups at Kew & Willow Books, and families sharing platters at Aghati or Sagar. In the summer, food trucks often appear near Forest Park or bustling intersections, serving everything from empanadas to bubble tea. Annual street fairs—especially along Metropolitan Avenue—showcase the best of local eats, from homemade knishes to fresh lemonade stands.
The Culinary Heartbeat: Great Eats, Walkable Streets
Dining in Kew Gardens isn’t just about what’s on the plate—it’s the charm of wandering leafy, walkable avenues, bumping into neighbors, and discovering your new favorite spot. Whether you’re after a late-night pizza, a cozy brunch, or ethnic cuisine from across the globe, this Queens neighborhood has you covered. Dig in—and prepare to fall in love with Kew Gardens, one delicious bite at a time.