Greek Town in Queens, New York – Recommended Spots in Astoria

If you're looking to explore a place in New York that offers a different atmosphere from Manhattan, we recommend visiting Astoria, an ethnic neighborhood in Queens.

Astoria has long been home to a large Greek immigrant community, resulting in numerous Greek restaurants and cafes. Strolling through this stylish neighborhood or indulging in delicious Greek cuisine are both highly recommended activities! Here, we introduce some of the best spots in Astoria.

1. What is Astoria?

Astoria is a neighborhood in Queens, New York, located in the northernmost part of the borough, closest to Manhattan. With its reputation for safety and convenient access to Times Square via subway in just 20 minutes, it is a popular residential area for people who work in Manhattan. The neighborhood is characterized by quiet residential streets.

This area has long been home to a large Greek immigrant community and is said to have the highest Greek population outside of Greece. As a result, you can find numerous Greek restaurants and grocery stores. There is also a significant Japanese community, with Japanese restaurants and supermarkets available.

2. Taverna Kyclades

Taverna Kyclades is a well-known restaurant in Queens' Astoria neighborhood. While Astoria is filled with Greek restaurants, this establishment stands out as one of the most popular.

The owner hails from the Greek island of Kefalonia, and the cuisine here features Mediterranean coastal flavors. It is famous for its fresh seafood dishes, which are prepared with generous amounts of olive oil in a simple style that appeals to Japanese palates as well.

From Monday to Saturday, the restaurant offers an excellent and affordable lunch menu. On weekends, it gets extremely crowded, so arriving early is recommended. On nice days, dining on the terrace is a great option for an enjoyable experience!

3. Titan Foods

Titan Foods is a Greek grocery store in Queens' Astoria neighborhood. It is one of the largest Greek supermarkets in the United States, offering an astonishing variety of Greek food products. Almost all of the items in the store are imported directly from Greece.

As soon as you enter, you’ll notice the sweets section, filled with Greek confections that are rarely seen in Japan. The store also carries rich Greek yogurt, feta cheese (an essential ingredient in Greek cuisine), hummus (chickpea dip), and taramosalata paste—perfect as souvenirs. Additionally, you can find Greece’s famous olive oil, as well as soaps and other products made from it, making it easy to lose track of time while browsing.

Greek music plays throughout the store, creating an immersive experience that transports you to another country!

4. St. Irene Church

St. Irene Church is a Greek Orthodox church in Queens' Astoria neighborhood. While it is not a particularly large church, it serves as the central hub for Astoria's Greek community. Inside, the church is illuminated by candlelight, with walls adorned with icons of saints and colorful stained-glass windows. Visitors are welcome to tour the interior outside of worship hours.

Every July, the church hosts a Greek Orthodox festival, featuring a grand parade where an icon of a saint is carried through the streets. The parade is a spectacular event, with participants ranging from young children dressed in white to formally attired adults, all taking part in this vibrant community tradition. In the plaza in front of the church, Greek food stalls are set up, adding to the lively atmosphere. If you have the chance, be sure to visit!

◎ Summary

Astoria was once predominantly inhabited by Greek immigrants, but in recent years, an increasing number of Japanese and other Asian residents have moved into the area. However, remnants of its Greek heritage can still be seen throughout the neighborhood, making it a fascinating place to explore.

If you're feeling overwhelmed by the fast-paced sightseeing in Manhattan, take a break and unwind in Queens' vibrant ethnic neighborhood of Astoria!

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Greek Town in Queens, New York – Recommended Spots in Astoria