Everywhere You’ll Want to Eat in Long Island City

For a brief trip to Paris, sans airfare…

There are very few frills at Tournesol, but it still manages to make any occasion feel special. When we’re here, we like to go full Francophile and order the French onion soup, croque monsieur, homemade foie gras terrine, and a glass of something cold and bubbly. The breakfast happens to also be very good, if you feel so inclined.

For a burger best enjoyed by the water…

There are few pleasures so great as the opportunity to enjoy a meal next to a body of water. As New Yorkers, we’re lucky enough to have several nearby beaches and waterfronts, and LIC boasts one of the prettiest. Don’t try to rewrite the script at American Brass. Come here for a good burger, a seafood tower with shrimp cocktail and oysters, and maybe some mac and cheese. Sit outside, always, if you can.

For when you need to feel warm, literally or metaphorically…

When one is in need of comfort, few foods come close to the power that ramen has. There’s something about slurping up those noodles, the glistening broth, and the perfectly runny egg that just makes us feel cozy, no matter what the temperature is outside. At Takumen, we think the super-cilantro shio ramen with (duh) lots of cilantro, slow-cooked chicken, and thick-cut noodles could cure pretty much anything that ails you. Order a cold beer and some soy garlic wings, too, while you’re at it.

For people-pleasing pizza…

Head right to Beebe’s. Yes, it’s a restaurant in a hotel, but it’s not a hotel restaurant. And no, we won’t be elaborating on what we mean by that. At Beebe’s the crust is thin, and the cheese is perfectly browned and bubbling. Get a pie or two (or six) and some pepperoni chips (Bad Roman, who?!) or mussels to share. It’s a good spot to go with a group, or with anyone who enjoys good food.

For award-winning Mexican food…

For many years, chef Cosme Aguilar’s Casa Enrique was the city’s lone Michelin-starred Mexican restaurant. Times may have changed, but the food here is just as impeccable as it’s always been. Go for the guacamole that comes with freshly fried totopos (a tortilla chip’s sexier cousin), the slow-cooked lengua tacos, and whatever ice cream the kitchen has made that day.

For a speakeasy that doesn’t make you feel too old to be there…

It’s not just the name of a fabulous television show. The Newsroom in LIC is a speakeasy-style bar in the basement of what used to be the Z Hotel. Make your way through the 90’s-style subway station to the entrance (hint: try opening the Snapple fridge) to find yourself inside a decidedly swank bar. Order a drink (dealer’s choice), the grilled octopus and bone marrow, and the trio of sliders.

For a first date…

929 is what first-date dreams are made of. There’s low lighting, sexy, plush booths, and plenty of Cantonese and Mandarin pop memorabilia on the walls to discuss if conversation stalls. The themed drinks are worthy of a trip on their own; we happen to be partial to the Mystical Composer with gin, vodka, green tea, pineapple, and thyme. Grab a fried platter — it comes with popcorn chicken, cuttlefish balls, green beans, and bai ye tofu — to munch on.

For an elusive crab dish…

You’ve probably seen Rice Thief’s delivery of Korean soy-marinated crabs all over your For You page. They’re gelatinous and shining, and pretty much always sell out instantly. Luckily for you (and for everyone), they’ve now opened a restaurant in Long Island City after years serving out of a ghost kitchen in Queens. Come early, come hungry, and come not wearing something you don’t want to stain.

Call (917) 832-7108 to make a reservation.

For a listening room that’s about more than just listening…

We love the fact that New York is now home to several listening bars, each one seemingly cooler, more niche, and more exclusive than the next. Record Room happens to be a perfect balance of all these things, with a luxe red-lit space and easy-to-love food like truffle fries and beef sliders. Don’t forget an espresso martini and your most pensive listening face.

For a cheese plate straight from the masters…

Murray’s Cheese Bar is the best of all worlds. It’s a restaurant that is heavily focused on cheese, that happens to be attached to a shop where one can purchase said cheese. Plus, Murray’s is the master of the ingredient — just stop by their sprawling West Village store for further proof. Buckle up and pop a Lactaid, because you’ll want to order a cheese tower, grilled cheese and tomato soup, classic mac and cheese, and a burnt chocolate Basque cheesecake. Swoon.

For a casual dinner from a decidedly un-casual team…

You’ve probably heard about or been to at least one of Adda’s sister restaurants. There’s Semma, Dhamaka, Masalawala & Sons … all extremely heavy hitters with Notify lists that can be daunting to even the most practiced reservation hunter. Before all of them, though, there was Adda, a much humbler but equally tasty spot in LIC. Don’t be afraid to stick with the basics like the butter chicken, but be warned that it may sour you on all other butter chicken for the rest of time. Oh, and order one of each of the breads.

For an unconventional steakhouse experience…

It’s a steakhouse, so yeah, you’re probably thinking that you’ll order a steak when you come to M. Wells. It wouldn’t be the wrong move — the dry-aged ribeye for two is as indulgent as it sounds — but there’s plenty more to love at this Québécois spot. For instance, allow us to suggest the perfectly rich liver mousse bánh mì, mortadella mille-feuille, or the gnocchi and beef cheeks. You’ll probably want to grab a milk punch, too, for good measure.

P.S. M. Wells recently announced it will close at the end of this year, so you’ve only got until Dec. 31, 2024 to check it out; don’t delay.

Ellie Plass is a freelance writer based in Brooklyn. Follow her on Instagram and X. Follow Resy on Instagram and X, too.