Best Greek Restaurants in Astoria: World Cup 2026 Guide

Astoria, Queens has been New York City's Greek neighborhood since Greek immigrants settled here in the 1960s and '70s, drawn by factory jobs and cheap rents in a borough that welcomed newcomers. Generations later, the neighborhood still has the highest concentration of Greek restaurants, Orthodox churches, and cultural organizations of any American city. The community is smaller than it once was, but the food scene is stronger than ever — refined by decades of competition and a clientele that knows exactly what authentic Greek cooking should taste like.

For World Cup visitors, Astoria is a must. Even without Greece in the tournament, these tavernas and their loyal regulars will be watching matches on screens throughout the summer, and the food alone is worth the trip from Manhattan.

Where to Eat in Astoria: The Best Greek Restaurants

Taverna Kyclades — 33-07 Ditmars Blvd

The most famous Greek seafood restaurant in Astoria, and arguably in New York City. Kyclades is named after the Greek island chain and has been serving fresh, simply prepared Mediterranean seafood since the 1990s. The fish comes in whole — ordered by weight, grilled with olive oil, lemon, and herbs. The octopus is the signature: charred on the outside, tender all the way through, dressed only with olive oil and dried oregano. There is almost always a wait for dinner. Go early or add your name to the list and drink ouzo at a nearby bar. Cash and credit both accepted. This is the one restaurant in Astoria that every food guide agrees on.

Telly's Taverna — 28-13 23rd Ave

A neighborhood institution and the best place in Astoria for a big, family-style Greek feast. The outdoor setup is excellent in summer — long tables, groups sharing plates, the kind of atmosphere that makes a three-hour dinner feel short. Start with the Dip Combination (hummus, tzatziki, taramosalata with their incredible house pita) and the grilled octopus. The Beeftekia — big, juicy Greek beef patties with fresh-cut fries — is a serious plate. Finish with loukoumades, the honey-soaked Greek doughnut holes that will ruin every other dessert for you. Telly's has a lively outdoor dining setup that becomes a de facto fan zone when big matches are on.

Agnanti — 19-06 Ditmars Blvd

One of the most loved Greek restaurants in Astoria, with a cozy interior and a menu that leans into the seafood and mezze traditions of the Greek islands. The lamb dishes are exceptional — braised lamb shank and lamb chops both get consistent praise. The mezze spread is the move for groups: order six or seven small plates and share. The wine list focuses on Greek varietals that most Americans have never tried — the sommelier recommendations are worth taking.

Loukoumi Taverna — 45-07 Ditmars Blvd

Off the main strip and often missed by visitors, Loukoumi has a large backyard patio that becomes one of the most pleasant outdoor dining spots in Queens during summer. The menu is traditional Greek — souvlaki, moussaka, grilled fish — done well and at prices that are reasonable compared to Manhattan. The backyard makes it a great option for watching a match on a warm evening. The loukoumades (the restaurant's namesake) are excellent.

Nisi Estiatorio — Astoria

One of the newer Greek restaurants in Astoria and quickly establishing itself as one of the best. Modern Greek cuisine with a focus on fresh ingredients and Mediterranean presentation. The happy hour (4–7pm daily) is excellent value — house-made Greek bites and discounted drinks. For groups celebrating a match result, the private event setup is worth knowing about.

Anassa Taverna — Astoria

Described by Forbes as a "destination Greek dining" experience and one of the more upscale options in the neighborhood. Anassa combines traditional Greek flavors with a refined presentation — grilled seafood, excellent mezze, and Greek wines. A good choice for a post-match celebration dinner where you want something more polished than a classic taverna.

Gregory's 26 Corner Taverna

The Michelin Guide has described this as an "old-time Greek retreat" and that's exactly what it is. Charming and rustic, with a menu that sticks to the classics. Regulars come for the lamb and the consistency — the food here has tasted the same for decades, and that's a compliment.

Greek Bakeries and Specialty Shops

Titan Foods — 25-56 31st St

The legendary Greek supermarket of Astoria — a full grocery store dedicated to Greek and Mediterranean products. Olive oils from Crete, Greek feta and halloumi, imported wines and spirits, prepared foods (spanakopita, pastitsio, fresh dips), and a bakery counter with Greek pastries. If you want to understand the depth of Greek food culture in Astoria, spend 20 minutes in Titan Foods. The prepared food section is excellent for World Cup picnics — grab spanakopita and tyropita (cheese pie) to go.

What to Order: Essential Greek Dishes

• Grilled Octopus — Astoria's signature dish. Charred, tender, dressed with olive oil and oregano. Order it everywhere and compare.
• Souvlaki — Pork or chicken skewers, grilled simply and served with pita, tzatziki, and onion. The street food of Greece, perfected in Queens.
• Spanakopita — Spinach and feta in crispy phyllo pastry. Order it at Titan Foods for grab-and-go or at any taverna as a starter.
• Moussaka — Layered baked dish with eggplant, spiced ground meat, and béchamel. A benchmark dish for any Greek restaurant.
• Grilled Whole Fish — Ordered by weight at seafood tavernas, cooked simply with olive oil and lemon. Ask what's fresh.
• Loukoumades — Honey-soaked Greek doughnut holes, sometimes with cinnamon and crushed nuts. The only dessert you need.
• Ouzo — The anise-flavored spirit of Greece, served cold. It turns white when you add ice or water. Sip it slowly, not as a shot.

Watching the World Cup in Astoria

Astoria is one of NYC's most diverse soccer neighborhoods — Greek, Moroccan, Brazilian, Croatian fans all within blocks of each other. Every major match of the tournament will have viewers in the tavernas and bars along Ditmars Boulevard and Steinway Street. The neighborhood has a multi-national energy that makes match days feel like a block party regardless of who's playing.

Greek fans will be following their favorite European and international teams throughout the tournament. When matches are on, most tavernas keep screens visible from the outdoor seating — the combination of grilled food, Greek wine, and World Cup football is a very good one.

Getting to Astoria from Manhattan

Take the N or W train from Midtown Manhattan to Ditmars Blvd — the end of the line, about 25–30 minutes from Times Square. You emerge directly in northern Astoria, two blocks from the main restaurant strip. The R train to Steinway St or N/W to Astoria–Ditmars also work depending on where you're coming from. No car needed.