Restaurants

19 Best Waterfront Restaurants In Long Island City

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Long Island City boasts stunning views of the East River and Manhattan skyline. The area is home to some of the best waterfront restaurants in the city.

 Whether you're looking for seafood shacks or upscale eateries, Long Island City has something for everyone. So, let's explore the top waterfront restaurants in Long Island City, for a delicious treat and breathtaking views.

1. Blend on the Water

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Waterfront restaurants Long Island with gourmet Latin-inspired foods is served at Blend on the Water. The lounge is the perfect place to unwind and relax while relishing a cocktail and expansive waterfront view.

With seating for up to 160 diners, an outdoor quad that seats 60 people, and a private dining room, it can accommodate various group sizes. The restaurant also features a commodious bar with premium liquor and five large plasma screens.

What to order?

  • Churrasco
  • Pernil
  • Lime Crusted Salmon
  • Pollo A La Plancha
  • Birthday Tres Leches

Address: 45-40 Center Blvd

2. Maiella

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Long Island City restaurants by the water serving contemporary Italian dishes is at Maielia. This eatery offers a picturesque waterfront view while you enjoy some delicious cocktails.

The restaurant has a rustic space that can accommodate up to 180 guests indoors and nearly 100 guests on the outdoor terrace. You can indulge in modern Italian specialties like fresh charcuterie, and homemade pappardelle with lamb ragout and goat cheese.

Popular dishes:

  • Black Sea Bass
  • Grilled Octopus
  • Lamb Chops
  • Panna Cotta

Address: 4610 Center Blvd

3. Manducatis

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Manducati's serves a wide variety of classic Italian dishes specializing in old country Italian comfort food. It has a menu option for every appetite and also offers vegetarian options such as the ricotta gnocchi. 

The Almafi, sausage, broccoli rabe, and grilled ham and mozzarella on Italian bread all come highly recommended by frequent patrons. 

What to order?

  • Burrata
  • Calamari Fritti
  • Polipo alla Griglia
  • Orecchiette Barese

Address: 13-27 Jackson Ave

4. SHI

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SHI is a gorgeouse new waterside Pan-Asian restaurant featuring a full bar and lounge for a wonderful night on a date, or with friends together.

Their eclectic menu of Asian style serves Japanese style, Vietnamese style, Chinese style, and a full sushi bar. Also, they have an outdoor terrace for dining which you can seek out during warmer weather conditions.

What's delicious here?

  • Steak Cubes
  • Crab Rangoon
  • Bacon Wrapped Shrimp
  • Mango Chicken with Jumbo Shrimp

Address: 4720 Center Blvd

5. Skinny's Cantina

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Mexican restaurants in Long Island Skinny's Cantina is the perfect place to enjoy Mexican cuisine. This restaurant offers a medley of old-country Mexican dishes in a rustic, chic setting with Spanish tiling and exposed beams. 

Whether celebrating with friends, having a family dinner, or going on a date, this spot is the perfect destination for any occasion, big or small.

What's delicious here?

  • Fish Tacos
  • Chicken Fajitas
  • Chicken Wings
  • Mexican Burger
  • Chicken Quesadilla

Address: 4705 Center Blvd

6. BLVD Wine Bar

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BLVD Wine Bar is a cozy and chic hub with a full liquor bar. It also offers a spectacular vista of Manhattan and Gantry Plaza State Park.

Similarly, it offers myriad drinks such as wines, craft beers, champagne, and classic house cocktails. They also have a mouthwatering selection of artisanal cheeses, fine charcuterie, and other scrumptious eats set up to embellish your experience.

What to order?

  • Pulled Braised Pork
  • Chevre d' Argental, France
  • Idiazabal, Spain
  • Roasted Chicken Thigh Sliders
  • Ricotta Cheesecake

Address: 4720 Center Blvd, Hunters Point

7. American Brass

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American Brass can accommodate parties of upto 200 guests for brunch or dinner in a private dining space. If you are looking for a waterfront restaurant with a relaxed, upscale setting, it is the place to be.

They serves every dishe with fanatical attention to flavor and detail. Also, they have an extensive beer list where many excellent breweries have got featured.

Popular dishes to order -

  • Sourdough Focaccia
  • Fried Chicken Sandwich
  • Smoked Salmon Benedict
  • Dry Aged Burger

Address: 2-01 50th Ave

8. FRANK OTTOMANELLI’s

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FRANK OTTOMANELLI's has provided the highest quality prime meats, food service, and gourmet products for decades.

F. Ottomanelli's By The Water is located by the water in Long Island City, providing a stunning view of the magnificent Midtown Manhattan. The venue is perfect for hosting private events such as weddings, and you can relish the delicious cuisine while creating unforgettable memories.

What to order?

  • Otto Chicken Sandwich
  • Sweet & Spicy Chipotle Burger
  • Bacon & Cheese Dog
  • Chilli & Cheese Fries

Address: 52-10 Center Blvd

9. Jackson's Eatery | Bar

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Jackson's is open for indoor and outdoor dining, pick-up, delivery, catering, and private events. Their mission is to bring fresh, seasonally-inspired regional American food crafting many beloved childhood dishes with a light twist.

They can curate the best local food and beverages to offer LIC residents, friends, and family a wonderful dining experience. 

What to order?

  • Buttermilk Fried Chicken Sliders
  • Jackson's Grass Fed Burger
  • Mississippi Meatloaf Sandwich
  • St. Louis BBQ Ribs

Address: 10-37 Jackson Ave

10. Café Henri

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Cafe Henri specializes in classic French dishes, including crepes. The restaurant offers an authentic and reliable experience with onion soup, beef stew, and chocolate mousse dishes. 

The menu includes traditional French plates like croque monsieur, a grilled ham and cheese sandwich enhanced with an egg, a mushroom and chèvre crêpe, and quiche Lorraine. For those looking for more adventurous options, there's Salad Henri with ratatouille, roasted chicken, potatoes, and mesclun greens.

Popular dishes to order -

  • La Salade Nicoise Au Thon Grille
  • Assiette De Charcuterie
  • Mousse De Foie De Poulet
  • Wild Roasted Salmon

Address: 1010 50th Ave

11. Blend LIC

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Best restaurants in Queens Long Island include Blend LIC. This Latin Fusion restaurant serves dinner every night, lunch, and brunch on weekends.

They offer a blend of dishes that incorporate the rich cultures of Latin America to entice your taste buds. As a casual cafe and lounge, they serve dishes from various Latin cuisines and cocktails. The romantic and dimly lit environment makes it a perfect place for a night out.

What to order?

  • Filet Mignon
  • Chorizo Mac & Cheese
  • Arroz con Mariscos
  • Pollo a La Plancha

Address: 47-04 Vernon Blvd

12. Jora

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Top restaurants in Long Island serving delicious Peruvian-inspired dishes is Jora. This eatery and cocktail spot boasts an elegant decor and specializes in Peruvian dishes and pisco cocktails.

From national staples like ceviches, causas, Afro-Peruvian anticuchos to pre-colonial stews and Asian-influenced stir-fries, Jora offers diverse dishes that cater to different tastes. 

What's delicious here?

  • Grilled Skirt Steak
  • Arroz Con Mariscos
  • Handmade Basil Ravioli
  • Empanadas

Address: 47-46 11th St, Hunters Point

13. M. Wells

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M. Wells is known as a world-class neighborhoodood steakhouse that leans left-of-center and meets most desired with grand raw bar, grass-fed and heritage meats.

You can also enjoy cakes, homemade ice creams and classy desserts, stellar spirits and cellar of special wines. It has a flare and a focus on taking good care of guests.

What to order?

  • Cod Fritters
  • Wedge Salad
  • Toulouse Sausage With Lentils
  • Steak Au Poivre

Address: 43-15 Crescent St

14. Woodbines

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Woodbines is a local pub specializing in serving Irish and American cuisine with a touch of elegance. The menu features lamb burgers, pork tacos, nachos, and truffle fries. 

The full-service bar offers various craft beers, house wines, and stylish cocktails such as the Bloody Mary or Peachy Old Fashioned. If you have dietary restrictions, gluten-free and vegan options are also available.

What to order?

  • Woodbines Chilli Cheese Nachos
  • The Chicken Cubano
  • Irish Sausage Roll
  • Mojito Shrimp Lettuce Wraps

Address: 47-10 Vernon Blvd

15. Levante

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Best Italian restaurants Long Island is Levante. It is a casual, cool restaurant and bar mainly focusing on pizza. It is situated two blocks away from the historic Court Square. 

Try some antipasti dishes such as burrata, rice balls, eggplant parmes, or homemade meatballs to start your meal. You can also enjoy homemade spaghetti and gnocchi pasta dishes. 

Popular dishes -

  • Burrata
  • Spaghetti all'Amatriciana
  • Fettuccine al Pomodoro
  • Pizza Quadrata

Address: 26-21 Jackson Ave

16. R40

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R40 is an innovative Argentinian restaurant that features an open kitchen equipped with a custom parilla, a seasonal backyard oasis, and locally sourced food.

The restaurant helps embrace the love for hospitality through community culture and creativity.

Popular dishes -

  • Chicken Milanesa
  • Dry Aged NY Strip
  • Parrillada For Two
  • Papas Provencal

Address: 47-16 Vernon Blvd

17. Top Quality

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Restaurants in Long Island City with Mexican fare include Top Quality. The restaurant has a hip, industrial-chic atmosphere and a terrace.

It is a Coeval Mexican restaurant with an agave bar. The restaurant's majestic beverage program includes an extensive agave collection, a well-crafted cocktail menu, and a great selection of craft beers.

What to order?

  • Baja Fried Fish Taco
  • Grille Chili-Rubbed Shrimp
  • Texas Smoked Brisket
  • Grilled Carne Asada

Address: 10-29 44th Rd, Hunters Point

18. JACX&CO Food Hall

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JACX&CO Food Hall is a spacious, industrial-style food hall in Long Island City's center. 

The hall features a full bar and outdoor seating options, making it an ideal place to enjoy a meal and drink or host events. It is a vibrant gathering spot where positive energy meets friendly people.

Must Try Food Items:

  • Paper Plate
  • Essex squeeze
  • Sushi Nikko
  • Bobwhite Counter
  • Lotus and the Cleaver

Address: 28-17 Jackson Ave

19. THE BARONESS burgers + beers

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The BARONESS Burgers + Beers is famous for its delicious burgers, crafted beers, and extensive wine collection.

The menu boasts a range of burgers, including the famous Baroness Burger made with two juicy beef patties; the Thelma Burger and Swiss cheese, and the Elvis Burger.

Address: 47-18 Vernon Blvd, Hunters Point