The Best Restaurants In Ridgewood New York City

Close to trendy Brooklyn neighborhoods such as East Williamsburg and Bushwick, Ridgewood, Queens, has a rich history as one of the earliest Dutch settlements in New York. Today, flocks of locals have moved to this neighborhood’s European-influenced streets. Of course, you can expect a plethora of cafés, yoga studios, and other gentrifying gems, but the following culinary staples are guaranteed to keep you coming back for more.

1. Bun-Ker Vietnamese

Restaurant, Vietnamese

Bun-Ker is a neighborhood go-to for bánh mì, Cà Ri Gà, Phở, and lemongrass short ribs, alongside other curry-based favorites. Guests swear by the portion sizes and recommend starters such as shrimp pancakes and crab spring rolls. The space is small, bamboo-lined, and usually packed, so it’s ideal for solo dining or date nights. Keep in mind you’ll be spending a bit above average for the area, but the food is worth it. Opt for delivery or take-out, but heads up, Bun-Ker doesn’t take reservations.

2. Northeast Kingdom

Restaurant, American

Northeast Kingdom focusea on local and seasonal ingredients, and the menu ranges from snacks (late night, too, available in the basement) to burgers, shrimp, salads, chicken pot pies, and much more. If you’re a vegetarian, this place has you covered — in fact, it’s one of the highest rated eateries for vegetarian fare in Ridgewood. Northeast Kingdom also offers a specialized cocktail menu and late-night tunes. The menu changes often, so stop by to taste the season’s freshest flavors.

3. Zum Stammtisch

Restaurant, German

Zum Stammtisch offers authentic German delicacies and frosty brews, all served by Alpine-costumed waitresses. Schnitzel, potato salad, bratwursts, and goulash all pair perfectly with the beers. Zum Stammtisch also offers specials and a prix fixe menu on Mondays and Tuesdays, so stop by then for a great deal. Be warned, the portions are big, so come hungry and be prepared to feast.

4. Montana's Trail House

Restaurant, American

One of the latest additions to the Ridgewood community, Montana’s Trail House is very welcome. From the rustic, wooden exterior to the molasses hot sauce glaze, there’s nothing not to like here. Montana’s Trail House offers breakfast, brunch, and Appalachian Trail comfort delights. The baked eggs, pickled plate, biscuit and grits, and fried banana bread are just some of what you’ll find on the menu. The wooded interior, ceiling beams, and stuffed animal heads all add to the inviting atmosphere, come with a big group of friends for a lively meal.

5. Super Pollo

Restaurant, Spanish

Super Pollo is a staple of Mexican and Ecuadorian fare in the Ridgewood area. This colorful corner establishment, located right off of Woodward Avenue, dishes sizable portions of traditional favorites like avocado salad, rice dishes, and calamari. Super Pollo is great for groups, families, and kids, and it takes reservations, so need to worry about waiting in any weekend lines. Pair your meal with a handcrafted cocktail, from sangria to refreshing margaritas.

6. Lugo Lounge

Restaurant, Dessert Shop, American, Dessert

A relaxed Dominican restaurant, Lugo Lounge is an restaurant by day and a lounge by night, after dessert is served and you’re ready for drinks. Stop by for a reasonable meal, and try the lunch specials. The pernil (roast pork) and the sancocho (a traditional stew) are local favorites. This spot is open really late, so come to dine, drink, and dance.

7. Joe’s Restaurant

Restaurant, Italian

Joe’s is the place for authentic Italian fare in Queens. Roasted peppers in garlic and olive oil, ricotta and ziti, and linguini followed by traditional New York cheesecake will give your mother’s cooking a run for its money. Welcoming staff and a casual vibe make this the perfect place for a warm evening of delicious food with good friends.

8. Houdini Kitchen Laboratory

Restaurant, Italian, Fast Food

Houdini Kitchen Laboratory offers wood-fired pizza to write home about; try the ‘Houdini Green,’ the Habanera, the ‘Stinky Feet,’ and the ‘Guido BK.’ Second to the glorious pizza is the burrata dish,a traditional Italian cheese made with cream and mozzarella cheese. Despite this restaurants popularity, seating is plentiful even at peak hours and on weekends. Take note, however, that it doesn’t accept credit cards, so come bearing cash.

9. Cream

Market, Restaurant, Diner, Mexican, Indian, American

Cream is a neighborhood favorite for delicious New American fare. Although Cream is a relatively recent addition to the neighborhood, its inventive cocktails and killer menu have bolstered its reputation. The menu offers classics such as steak, burgers, salmon, and prawns, but dishes are peppered with Indian and Mexican influences. If you’re in the market for something more interesting than beer and wine, cocktails such as ‘The Babushka’ come highly recommended. Cream doesn’t take reservations or credit cards, and is not ideal for families with small children. Think chic city transplant, and arrive hungry for dinner.

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