Empanadas are readily found in Corona, a mostly Hispanic neighborhood in Queens.
Lunchtime is anything but monotonous in Queens, New York City's largest borough in size. Queens comprises many neighborhoods and ethnic enclaves that may make it the most diverse county in the United States. Not surprisingly, the borough offers cuisines from virtually every region of the world that make for a tasty meal any time of the day. Add this to my Recipe Box.
Astoria
The largest Greek population outside of Greece can be found in Astoria, Queens, where you'll encounter an amalgam of Greek restaurants, like Pinocchio Palace Restaurant, which serves Greek, Cyprian and Italian food. For lunch, you can enjoy a panini, a Greek salad, a gyro or souvlaki, which are the Greek version of shish kebabs. For Greek-style seafood, stop by the highly touted Taverna Kyclades on Ditmars Boulevard, which offers lunch specials Monday through Saturday from noon to 4 p.m.
Jackson Heights
The center of "Little India" in the Jackson Heights neighborhood is 74th Street between Roosevelt and 37th Avenue, which is a stop on the 7 subway line. Here you'll find restaurants like Jackson Diner that serve traditional Indian, Pakistani and Bangladeshi fare such as curries and tandoori spiced meats. Jackson Diner offers a daily lunch buffet with both vegetarian and non-vegetarian items. Included in the buffet price are appetizers, entrees and dessert.
Corona
Once an Italian enclave, the neighborhood of Corona is now mostly Hispanic. Dominicans, Mexicans and Colombians have bought their cuisine to the area. If you're craving Mexican for lunch, one option is Tortilleria Nixtamal, where you can feast on tacos and tamales (a mixture of cornmeal dough and meat steamed inside corn husks). If you're on the go, stop by Colombian-owned Empanadas Cafe, which sells a wide variety of corn and white flour empanadas (fried turnovers with sweet or savory fillings) that range in price to $1.10 to $1.75.
Flushing
The neighborhood of Flushing is the borough's major East Asian enclave or Chinatown, as it is commonly referred to. For modern Chinese food, visit Mulan Restaurant, which offers a prix fixe lunch menu. If you fancy Korean cuisine, try Kum Gang San, where you can munch on Pa Jun, crispy rice flour pancakes flavored with different ingredients. Kum Gang San also serves Japanese dishes, including raw fish sushi.
Bayside
Bayside is home to a number of Italian restaurants, where you'll find every kind of pizza and pasta dish imaginable. One option is Villa Rustica Ristorante and Pizzeria, which serves brick oven pizza and luscious Italian desserts. While you eat, be sure to admire the wall murals that depict the Italian countryside.
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