It’s both a blessing and a curse to be this close to Flushing’s vibrant epicenter. The neighborhood’s legendary dumpling houses and noodle shops tend to dominate the conversation, but that overlooks the thrilling culinary alchemy happening here—where East meets West in ways that might just make this Queens enclave the most exciting Asian fusion destination in the entire Northeast.
Kulu Desserts
$ | (718) 886-3302 | WEBSITE
This dessert spot with its cozy seating, soft lighting, and nostalgic treats is a top destination for sweet cravings in Flushing. But despite all the typical dessert shop vibes, the real thing that makes this place shine is the not-too-sweet creations. Try the mango coconut pudding, with its creamy texture and perfectly ripe mango, or a Hong Kong style bubble waffle that’s crispy outside and soft inside.
When it’s time for drinks, we suggest the fresh taro coconut smoothie or the passion fruit green tea with boba.
Pelicana Chicken
$$ | (718) 460-8282 | WEBSITE
Nothing says comfort food like a meal at Pelicana Chicken. The bustling dining area in Flushing has a casual vibe with bright lighting and simple tables, along with a steady stream of groups sharing platters and friends catching up over crispy chicken. They do Korean-inspired dishes like honey garlic fried chicken and soy garlic wings with a spicy kick, along with a great selection of sauces that’ll get you dipping into some of the tastiest stuff from their varied menu.
Bonchon Flushing Northern
$$ | (347) 438-1478 | WEBSITE
Bonchon Flushing Northern serves excellent, Korean-inspired dishes that go heavy on flavor in a space that’s like a more polished version of a classic fast-food joint. Go for the magical-seasoning fries as a starter, then double down on the wings with skin that’s just the right level of crispy before considering extras like a soda or tea. This spot has a different vibe during peak hours, when it’s a bustling eatery filled with families grabbing dinner and friends catching up over a meal.
162 K-Town
$$ | (718) 445-2100 | WEBSITE
If your Korean grandmother had a cozy neighborhood cafe and a bubbling stew pot in her welcoming kitchen, it might feel a bit like 162 K-Town. Servers in aprons bring out generous portions of comforting food, sometimes there are groups sharing laughter over soju, and everybody is passing around bowls of budae-jjigae or gamjatang.
This is the place for a hearty meal and simple drink, like soju with the army stew served in a large communal pot or a steaming bowl of gamjatang with rich broth and tender pork bones. They even have extra side dishes on the table for the essentials, like kimchi and pickled radishes.
Bien Private Kitchen
There’s a steady stream of patrons at this Chinese restaurant—a diverse crowd of families, couples, and solo diners all seeking a satisfying meal. It’s easy to understand why. The food here is excellent, and the dishes are authentic. The best items on the menu lean traditional. You can order plates of Kung Pao Chicken, Chinese Pancake, and other classic Chinese specialties.
They also have a spacious dining room, which they put to use in creating a comfortable, well-ventilated atmosphere that fills up quickly once the dinner rush begins.
Tavern 157
$$ | (718) 412-9687 | WEBSITE
Flushing has no shortage of excellent Asian restaurants. But there aren’t nearly as many choices for creative Asian fusion with a sophisticated edge. That’s part of the reason you should go to Tavern 157, which specializes in elevated, thoughtful dishes. The other reason is for the Wagyu burger that satisfies and impresses in a single bite while flooding your senses with flavors usually reserved for a special occasion. Lots of Tavern 157’s beautifully presented plates have that effect.
The menu hums with rich, savory notes from bone marrow and foie gras. It’s cozy inside. You sit at intimate tables under warm lighting. You can walk in dressed up for a date night, or casually with friends in need of indulgence in the form of a braised short rib and a glass of sangria.
Xiang Tea
Xiang Tea is perfect for a casual feast of super fresh seafood and hotpot. Go for the all-you-can-eat option, that way you’ll get the impressive selection: the mantis shrimps that let the top-tier seafood quality do the heavy lifting, the large clams with their briny sweetness, and the ayce oysters that have a clean, oceanic flavor. Their attentive service means plates get refilled and tissues appear without asking, and complimentary beverages like iced tea go down just as easily.
Hearty cuts of lamb and beef in the hotpot have the power to rescue any chilly New York day, and some perfectly-sliced sashimi with fresh wasabi also make for great starters. This place is pretty spacious with plenty of seating, so expect a relaxed experience even during the weekend dinner rush.
Firefly Bar & Food (The Bandi – Korean Style Bar)
$$ | (718) 314-0888 | WEBSITE
Ask around for the best Korean-style bar in Flushing, and lots of folks will send you here (including us). This lively spot nails every aspect of a Korean bar experience. The cozy dining areas feel inviting when you settle in, and the food-to-drink-to-atmosphere ratios are all perfectly calibrated. They have a variety of food options, and our favorites are the savory-to-spicy-perfection bulgogi nachos and the spicy tteokbokki (the best choice if you’re really hungry).
There’s a nice bar section to sit on a stool and drink, but this is more of a hangout spot. So consider enjoying your food and drinks while exploring the options in this vibrant neighborhood, like other Asian fusion restaurants, an excellent late-night destination.
No. 1 Super Snack Inc
$ | (718) 886-2294 | WEBSITE
There are classic brunch spots, and then there’s No. 1 Super Snack Inc. It’s probably the only place in Flushing where you can find Fuzhou porridge, steamed buns, and tea eggs all at affordable prices right in front of the Q58 bus terminal. And somehow, it all works. Their tea eggs are also pretty good, especially with a side of porridge for dipping. Come for a convenient and quick meal, preferably during your commute.
HA Bakery
$ | (718) 886-8393 | WEBSITE
HA Bakery is morning magic, a breakfast experience where every bite delivers the same comforting warmth as your first cup of coffee. All the offerings are excellent, whether it’s fragrant percolator coffee, delicate wonton noodle soup, or generous breakfast buns with ham and cheese. Menus are reliably consistent and items get prepared with care—you might get hot piping buns one morning, and fried chicken cutlets another—so even regular customers will find something satisfying.
Each order is handled by the staff with the same passion and enthusiasm that they have for fresh food.