Dinner in Forest Hills

[LloydG]

My daughter is going to camp for two weeks in Forest Hills and I'd love to go out to dinner after picking her up one day if there is anything worthwhile. We're not picky about cuisine, but is there anything worth sticking around for? I haven't seen much on the boards.

Thanks.

Lloyd

[diprey]

Nick's Pizza for a good slice (or 2, or even.. .gulp... 3) and a house salad;
Andy's Kitchen for an authentic Chinatown-style experience and unforgettable Taiwanese food (they offer Sichuan as well but I wouldn't be tempted except as a supplementary dish, please indicate if you like real Chinese food as I could recommend more);
East Ocean Palace for some Oriental-style (HK) really fresh seafood;
Q Bistro for more upscale and romantic Thai/French offerings, plus some good wine at a reasonable price;
Katsuno for a real honest Japanese (ah noodles, oh noodles);
Alpina for Austrian/South German staples (don't ever discount that!);
Wafa for a cheap (a pearl in the dirt) Middle Eastern food

[Val55]

Except Nick's does not sell slices. Go to Nick's and have a pie.

[diprey]

That's right: I stand corrected! Tastes good anyway.

[bigjeff]

if wafa's open, that's a great pick. and, I like andy's as well.

[LloydG]

Thanks for all of the great suggestions. Unfortunately, I didn't remember that the Harry Potter movie opened last week, so our nice dinner after camp became HP and then Cheeburger Cheeburger. Not what I was hoping for, but an ideal night for a 9-year old, and that's what matters.

We'll be back in Forest Hills in the fall (my daughter takes a cooking class there) so I'll find an excuse to try some of the places you all mentioned.

[diprey]

I am happy to report: Wafa is open for business.... 11 AM thru 9PM, every day except Mon (I know, I know...). I came for lunch alone, had a terrific falafel in a pita, some yummy European eggplant with tomatoes and chickpeas (sorry: can't recall the Arabic name of the dish), and a couple other items to take out. The food was both simple and delicious, as usual...

[getbusyeating]

I'm not sure what's "worth sticking around for" since I don't know what options you have back home, but I would recommend Danny Brown, 5 Burros, Sushi Yasu, Dirty Pierre and East Ocean Palace.

[EricMM]

There's also London Lennie's on Woodhaven in Rego Park...or for decent ordinary food Woodhaven House across the street...

[pellegrino31]

I'm not sure where you're coming from, but honestly I don't know there is all that much that is worth sticking around for where you'll feel like you're really missing out.

That said, if you're interested in staying in the 'hood to eat, I agree with the recommendation for Nick's and Danny Brown's. And while it's true what one poster said that the website menu hasn't been updated, the menu in the restaurant has - not exactly sure why. They make some seasonal modifications.

I find Cabana to be way overpriced for what it is and you can do far better elsewhere without the fake Miami Beach vibe. I used to like Dee's but I find the pizza doesn't stay together very well and the pastas are a bit Olive Garden-like. I do like Da Silvana on Yellowstone - they are short on atmosphere but the red sauce Italian food they serve is quite good. Don't expect much on the wine list though.

I will get shot down for this but I will suggest 5 Burros. If you're picking up from a camp drop-off I imagine it will be on the earlier side so going here won't be as crowded, the crowd there is a huge turn-off. But I have always liked the food. I have brought kids there, just usually earlier in the evening and it's fine. Generally the kids behave better than some of the adults.

[janie]

5 burro's food can be good, but their seating is so uncomfortable. What has Danny Brown's added to the menu that's good?

[pellegrino31]

I know the 5 Burros' seating sucks. If we go, we only sit in the back past the bar, or in the upper level - even if it means waiting longer for a table. We've had too many experiences sitting at those 2-tops near the bar where people are basically leaning into us.

The last time I was at Danny Brown's it was about a month ago so my memory of specifics is foggy...but I recall they had some different pasta dishes and some modified preparations of a few of the other entrees to reflect what's in season.

[steviejeebie]

Mardi Gras on Austin St

[Val55]

Don't forget the Metropolitan Avenue choices. Danny Brown Wine Bar is excellent. I've heard good things about My Kitchen on Metro Ave. I like Dee's, which has an interesting menu and would be kid friendly. I love Cabana, also.

[flower_puppy]

I completely agree about Danny Brown Wine Bar. They are probably the best restaurant in Forest Hills, and every time I go there I discover a new favorite dish.

In my experience, My Kitchen has gone rapidly downhill, and it's very expensive for what it is. Their food is overly salted and inconsistent, the chef cuts corners and service is sloppy.

Nicks is excellent for pizza, and I enjoyed everything I've had at Dees. Q Thai Bistro is fun, especially for young people. Eddie's Sweet Shop is a fun place to get old fashioned ice cream sundaes for dessert.

[janie]

You could go to Nick's on Ascan Ave for pizza, good pizza and house salad, cannoli, and capuccino. You could go to Wafa's, tiny little spot with only a couple small tables inside and one small one outside for some good lebanese inexpensive food. You could go to Dee's for pizza or pasta, salads, on Metropolitan for nicer atmosphere and decent food--You could go to DB Wine Bar on Metropolitan for more upscale food, nice atmosphere, and food is good, but menu has not been updated since opening--but, for Forest Hills, it feels like a manhattan place--http://www.dannybrownwinekitchen.com/...

Cabana is okay that someone else mentioned, but can be pretty loud in evenings--There is a small place in the upstairs store area on Austin called Corfu, for decent greek, nothing really special, but affordable, and they try hard to please...good befteki--the thai places that are around are nothing special,--and Q, a thai bistro, the more upscale looking place recently had DOH problems---Do not go to Family restaurant, that place is a poison pit, known too many casualities from that place, including my own misguided visit years ago--

You might want to take her to some of the Bukarian places, nearby in Rego Park, Chechynbur--forget the spelling on 63rd drive is good..if she's into kebabs, and carrot salad, and garlic french fries---there are a few others as well--

The new chinese Place Andy's has gotten some favorable reviews, it's in Rego Park, we've gotten takeout a few times, it's been fresh and they are very nice there.

Some people like Di Silvano for Italian on Yellowstone, I've never been so can't offer opinion. Newish place, Bonfire is always crowded, on Austin, but it's nothing special in any way.

There's a little wrap place called Ripe which is good and fresh, and quick on Austin, in the same complex as Corfu the greek place.

Let us know where you end up. For great rugelach, check out Andre's in Forest Hills, that's worth the trip. The best you'll have anywhere, expensive but worth it.

[hana]

Star of Siam on Metropolitan is one of the best Thai places. I have taken many people to this place, and all had nothing but great things to say.

[frankie5angels]

Cabana on 70th road. Great Cuban food but a little crowded at night. Good to go at an off time.

[ibbrody]

When I lived in the area The Family Restauarant on Queens Blvd was great. Really good Italian food and you can smell the garlic bread as you walk by!

[NYJewboy]

Yeah, Family is not bad. Good standard red sauce place.