ASTORIA, QUEENS
Aliada
Astoria's Cypriot taverna — grilled halloumi, sheftalia and a long table of meze.
Astoria has Greek tavernas on nearly every block; Aliada, open since 2002, is the one its Cypriot owner started because he missed the food of home. Cypriot cooking is a cousin of Greek with its own accent — more grilling, more coriander and cinnamon, and the island's own cheese.
Order halloumi grilled until it squeaks, sheftalia (the caul-wrapped Cypriot sausage), keftedes, and grilled octopus, then build out a table of meze. The kitchen is strong on fresh fish. The room is relaxed and generous with time, and Broadway is lively outside after dinner.
Editor’s tip
Ask for sheftalia and halloumi to start — they're the Cypriot signatures, not on every Greek menu.
Make an evening of it — beautiful stops nearby
Also in the neighborhood
ASTORIA, QUEENS
Taverna Kyclades
Astoria's definitive Greek seafood house — whole fish, famous octopus, and a line that's part of the ritual.
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ASTORIA, QUEENS
Bohemian Hall & Beer Garden
The last of New York's original beer gardens — Czech lagers under the trees since 1910.
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Editorial draft — core details last reviewed October 13, 2026. Confirm practical details with the official site before you go.