Romanians are amazing and cheerful people; everyone across the globe can testify to this. Not only do they possess the strength and ability to construct heavy and beautiful structures, they prepare one of the most delicious meals in the world. Romanian cuisine is one to be adored – it maintains its originality even after being influenced by several European cuisines.
Preparing tasty meals is one of the many activities Romanians take pride in doing, and they’re sure doing a great job at it. Luckily for New Yorkers and tourists in New York, there are quite a good number of restaurants that take it upon themselves to serve Romanian dishes to people who have cravings to satisfy.
Without further ado, here’s a couple of the best Romanian restaurants in Queens;
Restaurant Rundown
1. Sammy’s Roumanian Steakhouse
Located on the Lower Eastside is this Eastern European gem that brings joy to the belly of many. You could tell you’re in Sammy’s Roumanian Steakhouse when you see pitchers of schmaltz on every table. If you can’t seem to find this, you’ve definitely walked into the wrong restaurant.
Sammy’s is different from other restaurants, from their mode of service to the taste of their delicious steak. Since 1975, Sammy’s hasn’t seemed to have changed a bit, and I mean this in a good way. Every surface has hundreds of curled snapshots, old newspapers, and business cards pinned to it, which seems like a pretty lovely décor if you ask me. It is always lively here with people celebrating as they enjoy good music and vodka. Delicious steak cooked to taste just how you like it, and top-notch customer service will keep you coming to Sammy’s as much as you can.
2. Romanian Garden
Seeing servers and a couple of customers speaking Romanian is just about enough reason to confirm that dishes served here are 100% authentic. The music is just what you need to keep you happy for the longest time possible. How they keep this restaurant clean and tidy at all times is quite impressive.
It is always a fun time at Romanian Garden, and it sure is the right spot to chill with friends. You’d always meet a nice server on duty, willing to take you through the menu, making sure you get the best service you’ve always wanted. Order a plate of the eggplant salad, and watch your taste buds leap for joy.
3. 27 Morton
With an extensive menu filled with tasty comfort food from Eastern and Central, 27 Morton brings to New York, the beauty of the Romanian cuisine. Walking into this beautiful restaurant feels like entering a new dimension filled with joy and the aroma of dishes from Russia, Germany, Switzerland, and Romania.
Open from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.; there’s just enough time for you to fill your belly with Romanian beauty. Order a plate of palatschinke with honey for breakfast and notice how cheerful you’ll be for the rest of your day. The pork knuckle is filling and tasty to have, anytime. Whenever you need to quench your taste, there’s a long list of drinks to try out, ranging from cocktails to wines to coffee.
4. Boon European Bistro
Named after the Romanian translation for good, Boon European Bistro has always tried to keep up with its reputation, good. The atmosphere here is so welcoming – you’d feel like you’re dining comfortably in your living room. There are always enough tasty dishes to go round as this Eastern European influenced by Russian, Romanian, Ukrainian, and French cuisine.
You’d be welcomed with a piece of complimentary bread every time you visit this restaurant, absolutely tempting. If you’re one with a huge appetite, here’s a place for you, as portions are large and affordable. Servers here give their undivided attention to customers, and there are as quick as possible. Your meals will arrive fresh and right on time.
5. Turkish Grill
Since its establishment in 2004, Turkish Grill has been doing a great job serving Sunnyside authentic Turkish meals. You can host your small parties conveniently at Turkish Grill without choking your guests up. It is run and managed by a family, making it easier to lay complaints and expect improvements in no time.
The mixed grills served here is one of the major reasons why you see a couple of people dining here – it is irresistible and worth every penny. The staff here do their jobs from the bottom of their hearts. It is quite easy to tell, seeing how they are attentive and willing to help customers.
6. Cevabdzinica Sarajevo
Enjoy a variety of perfectly cooked Mediterranean dishes at Cevabdzinica Sarajevo. This restaurant is quite small, with enough capacity to conveniently accommodate 10 – 20 people. So, it isn’t the best spot for large groups and big events. Cevabdzinica Sarajevo has been in business since 1976, but it made its appearance in Queens in the ’90s.
Be sure to make a stop here if you happen to be around the Museum of the Moving Image – a little tummy stuffing is just what you need. The staff here are also great with people, working effortlessly to keep customers happy. Cevapi and Baklava are just two of their most famous and tastiest dishes, be sure to give it a try.
7. Nita’s European Bakery
Ever wondered what Romanian pastries might taste like? Well, there’s no better way to find out than walking to Nita’s European Bakery. A look at the pastries displayed at the counter is enough to leave you hypnotized, and drooling for hours. They all smell fresh and tasty, worth fighting for if you ask me.
Of course, there’s a cake for every celebration – you won’t regret getting your birthday/wedding cake here. You don’t need to know much about Romanian baking style to place an order here; the staff will always be there to help just in case. They accept cash only, and there’s an ATM right outside just in case you need to make a withdrawal. Everything on their menu is recommendable.
8. Ryan’s BBQ
Having the generous and kind owners of this fine restaurant attend to you might make you fall in love with this place. Even without having to taste anything on their menu. The owners are kind and really helpful, especially to new customers that might find it difficult to place an order.
They prepare their meals to perfection with just the right amount of spice. The arrangement of this restaurant is simple and convenient, nothing fancy, but it still rocks. It is an amazing spot to have a BBQ with friends and family. The meals here are affordable and large enough to be shared.
9. Parrot Coffee Grocery
The Parrot Coffee Grocery is another haven for European dishes to satisfy New Yorkers’ cravings. Coffee in different taste and flavors are served here. There’s a wide range of smoked fish, smoked meat and roe, all perfect for a light brunch. They also have a couple of packaged foods that’ll make you feel nostalgic.
You’d be surprised how many amazing dishes you can get at Parrot Coffee Grocery. Most of which you’ll find difficult to access in restaurants. They also have a wide variety of cheese and yogurt to try out. The staff members are also helpful when it comes to locating an item on your list.
10. Family Corner
A perfect spot for comfort food, some may say, but Family Corner Restaurant is more than just a restaurant filled with comfort food to many. It was part of their growing up with memories to share. If you need to get something delicious and filling for breakfast, Family Corner has its menu crafted especially for you.
The blueberry muffins have got a lot of customers coming here for breakfast. They are delicious and fluffy, with just the right amount of sweetness. The owners are friendly, and they make it easier for you to feel comfortable. This restaurant isn’t big enough to accommodate a large number of people, so coming in smaller groups is the best way to eat conveniently or take out if necessary.
11. Souk El Shater
Visiting Souk El Shater is quite similar to taking a trip to Lebanon. This family operated business has surprisingly become one of the best eateries in Queens. It operates mostly as a takeout restaurant, so its small size isn’t much of a big deal to many customers.
Whenever you need a tummy-filling meal, Souk El Shater shawarma will do the trick. The good thing about coming here is, you get to shop for ingredients if you feel like making a homemade Lebanon dish. The ingredients are usually fresh, so you’ll get the best out of it when preparing your meal.
12. Krolewskie Jadlo
For delicious Polish-American dishes, Krolewskie Jadlo is just the right place to be. It is clean and comfortable to dine in. Spotting this restaurant isn’t so difficult with a statue of two royal guards right in front, protecting this gem. The interiors are also cool with a couple of paintings of their favorite Polish hero hung on the wall.
Staff members here are also nice and attentive to orders. The lights are dim, which is quite romantic, also making it easy to focus on the person right in front of you and your food. The Hungarian pancakes are delicious and huge – you could share if it’s a little too much for you. Try out the borscht soup and pierogis too.
13. Istria Sport Club
For authentic homemade Istrian dishes in Queens, Istria Sport Club is the best place to visit. There’s a kitchen with traditional cooks, who make sure whatever you order is served fresh and hot. This restaurant makes use of two floors; the upstairs is usually reserved for large parties and events, and the downstairs is the main dining area.
The service here is top-notch, with friendly staff ready to attend to you whenever you need help. Meals here are quite cheap compared to the portions you get. For delicious homemade plates of pasta, palacinke crepes and, Balkan sausages, Istria Sport Club is just where you want to be.
14. Maria’s Mediterranean
Growing up, Maria Petridis has always had a major interest in cooking and perfecting her culinary skills. From spending time with her mom in the kitchen, she became a master chef and finally established Maria’s Mediterranean. With the support of her family in crafting the menu and interiors of this restaurant, she finally got her dreams to come true.
Ingredients used are fresh and easy on your stomach. There’s a ton of deliciously cooked Greek food here. From the Greek salad to the grilled octopus, every dish on the menu will make you happy. The customer service here is also top-notch with friendly and helpful staff members willing to give you a memorable experience. Maria is good at what she does, this is why Maria’s Mediterranean is everyone’s favorite spot.
15. Rudy’s Pastry Shop
Rudy’s Pastry Shop is one of the oldest pastries selling shops in queens. Pretty sure most of our parents who grew up in Queens had wonderful moments here. They’ve been running for over eighty years, and it is great to see the improvements they’ve made over the years to fit into the modern ways.
The menu is eclectic, selecting what to have could be hectic sometimes, but not to worry, the employees are welcoming, and they let you ask as many questions as possible. Anything to get your orders right. There’s always something delicious to eat at Rudy’s, be sure to pay a visit when you’re in Ridgewood.
16. Nerai
Elegance and a modernized Greek cuisine are what you get from dining in this classy diner. With Chef Laonnis from the Island of Rhodes, preparing traditional Greek dishes to suit the taste of several customers that walk in. Like the lobster with black linguine, duck moussaka, or char-grilled octopus – all tasty and delicious.
Seafood is sold by how much they weigh. Meals served here seem a little too expensive when compared to the small portions, but are totally worth it when compared to quality. Tips are also included in your bills. The décor here is also lovely with lighting that seems lantern-like and white brick walls. You’d always get your money’s worth at Nerai.
17. Miss Ada
The spirit of Middle Eastern cuisine fills the air at Miss Ada, with influence from European cuisine, creating a combination of great taste and appealing aroma. The hummus served here is unlike any other around the globe. Miss Ada is a magnificent restaurant finished with woods and a marble bar. It also features an open backyard, with a seating capacity of about 30 people and a magnificent mural on the rear wall, making it the perfect spot to enjoy tasty European/Middle Eastern dishes in summer.
Delicious brick chicken swimming in a pool of juices is just enough to make your taste buds go crazy. The addition of a few Eastern European ingredients like the smoked herrings and house made labneh gives dishes a unique taste like no other. Dishes are reasonably-priced and extremely delicious – you won’t be forgetting your trip to Miss Ada anytime soon.
18. Pastrami Express
Welcome to the world of delicious Pastrami, located on Merrick Rd, Seaford. It isn’t just called Pastrami Express for nothing. All you’ll get from Pastrami Express is a full tummy and excited taste buds. Customer service here is one of the best you’d ever get in New York.
The meat is tender, juicy, and chewable. Try out the stuffed cabbage, they seem to have mastered the art of making that too. Every dish on the menu is made fresh, and who doesn’t want a fresh plate of delight? It is not the biggest restaurant and is quite old-fashioned, but beyond these, it is one of the best places to enjoy delicious Deli food.
19. Katz’s Delicatessen
Quite a surprise to see New York’s oldest Delicatessen up and running since the ‘80s. They sure are doing a great job managing it – for over a century. Katz’s is quite ancient, but they keep making modern adjustments to keep their customers satisfied. They also serve delicious pastrami sandwiches here, with the special abilities to blow your tongues out.
Whether you’re dining in or taking out, their customer services remain top-notch and satisfying. The Matzo ball soup is also great to try out, you’d ask for more. Meals might seem a bit pricey, but after a bite and kind gesture from the employees, you’d understand exactly why it is worth it.
20. Nai Tapas
Looking for a restaurant that makes delicious tapas in varieties? Look no further, Nai Tapas is just what you’ve been looking for. The ambiance is friendly and fun, making it the perfect spot to grab a bite in groups. They also play nice music, loud enough to vibe to and silent enough to be able to communicate without yelling.
Servers here are easy to get comfortable with, as they take their time listening to your questions and taking details of your orders. The prices on the menu are fixed, so you won’t be spending more than you planned for. Overall, Nai Tapas is an amazing and loveable restaurant.
Final Thoughts
As beautiful as Romanian cuisine is, there are fewer restaurants that cook Romanian meals than you must’ve thought. Due to the massive influence, the European cuisine has on it, it is quite difficult to find a diner that focuses solely on it. Surprisingly, it still stands out on menus, and make other meals tastier.
The above-reviewed restaurants are doing a great job serving Romanian meals, give them a try if you’re a fan of Romanian cuisine. You won’t regret it.
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