Italian romance is alive in Forest Hills. Well, perhaps not exactly romance—but the kind of culinary affection that makes you want to share a plate of cacio e pepe. If you’re craving authentic flavors without leaving Queens, winter shouldn’t deter your appetite. Here are 17 spots where pasta dreams meet neighborhood charm, perfect for solo indulgence or celebratory feasts.
Camillo
$$ | (718) 576-6886 | WEBSITE
Camillo serves some of the best Italian food in Brooklyn, but beyond that, the choice is yours. You could savor a slice of their fabulous pizza with its super crispy crust while perched at the lovely bar area, or your meal could feature the must-try funghi pinsa loaded with mushrooms alongside a glass of wine at one of their cozy indoor tables.
The fried artichokes appetizer is perfectly prepared and pairs wonderfully with their delicious cocktails, and for dessert, the Olive Oil Pistachio Cake is simply amazing. Whether you’re enjoying the simple yet flavorful pasta with its rich sauce or the baccala topped with tomatoes and olives, every dish feels like a bright spot in this neighborhood gem. The staff provides friendly service, making it a solid go-to spot where the atmosphere is as inviting as the food.
Lido
$$ | (646) 490-8575 | WEBSITE
Lido is an Italian spot in Forest Hills where you can get a glass of easy, light white wine and Parmesan garlic toast with someone who thinks your lunch special choices are inspired. You can also grab some calamari and salmon over risotto with the only person who knows your favorite neighborhood patio.
Fumo Harlem
$$ | (646) 692-6675 | WEBSITE
The lobster spaghetti at this Forest Hills favorite is one of our most satisfying pasta dishes in Queens. Enjoy it in the cozy dining room, and you’re sure to have a memorable meal.
Radici
$$ | (718) 535-5663 | WEBSITE
A standout menu of homemade pasta and a cozy full bar make Radici one of the best Italian restaurants in Forest Hills. As an added bonus, this place has a warm and inviting atmosphere that keeps guests coming back.
Tuscan Hills
$$ | (718) 487-4500 | WEBSITE
Not counting that time we shared a slice of pizza on a stoop in Queens, the cozy dining room at Tuscan Hills is our favorite Italian escape in Forest Hills. Sit in what feels like a charming Tuscan trattoria, and eat delicious zucchini flowers stuffed with creamy burrata and drizzled with olive oil.
Ai Fiori
$$$$ | (212) 613-8660 | WEBSITE
Also in The Langham Hotel, Ai Fiori shares the same upscale setting as other fine dining spots—but instead of standard hotel fare, this second-floor restaurant serves some of the best Italian cuisine in Forest Hills. The four-course prix fixe menu offers standout dishes like buttery lobster knuckles and perfectly grilled octopus, with refreshing cocktails like the Spice Trade expertly crafted to complement the meal.
The calm atmosphere gives a springtime vibe, and the friendly staff accommodates even casually dressed guests, making it ideal for both special occasions and relaxed dinners.
Il Poeta
$$$ | (718) 544-4223 | WEBSITE
Il Poeta is a standout Italian restaurant that serves sublime yet unpretentious dishes, like the delicious and fresh octopus and potato leek soup of the day, that come out about as quickly as the wine. So use this place for a romantic date or a slow supper when you mostly want excellent food but also need to get some reasonably priced wine in your glass.
Piccola Cucina Casa
$$$ | (929) 295-0015 | WEBSITE
Whether you crave classic Italian comfort food like cacio e pepe or want to try something heartier like wild boar ragu, head to Piccola Cucina Casa. This Forest Hills dinner spot has a cozy, lively dining room with warm lighting and rustic wooden tables. The homemade tiramisu, especially when served tableside, is a must-try, and the attentive staff provides excellent recommendations for dishes like Sicilian mushroom pasta or Branzino with grilled vegetables.
Pair your meal with a glass of wine and some of their divine homemade focaccia for a complete experience. With its friendly service and delicious food, this restaurant has quickly become a favorite in the area.
Graziella’s of Brooklyn Wood Burning Pizza
$$ | (718) 789-5663 | WEBSITE
Do you think the hot honey white pizza will finally be your new favorite? Sit in the cozy, no-frills dining room at this Forest Hills restaurant and discuss such things while enjoying shareable plates from the Italian food menu.
Lucciola
$$$$ | (347) 966-2861 | WEBSITE
Bond over your mutual love for authentic Italian cuisine at Lucciola. This Forest Hills restaurant, which typically offers a no-menu tasting experience guided by a passionate chef, is currently providing phenomenal food recommendations from staff like Alex and Anelle every day. The atmosphere is stunning with unique displays like wine bubbles, creating a creative and inviting setting where every dish is thoughtful and carefully crafted.
It’s highly recommended for a truly memorable and delicious dining experience with generous servings made from real ingredients.
Singas Famous Pizza
$ | (718) 459-3441 | WEBSITE
Grab a spot near the TV for game night, and you’ll have a prime seat for pizza and beer watching. Just be aware that your best bet will be the $25 Vegetarian Pie, with toppings like fresh vegetables and crispy chicken.
Chazz Palminteri Italian Restaurant
$$$ | (212) 355-5540 | WEBSITE
If you’re not comfortable with the sort of Italian restaurants that feel overly formal or stuffy, you’ll appreciate how Chazz Palminteri maintains sophistication while keeping the atmosphere genuinely warm and welcoming. Head to this Forest Hills spot for consistently exceptional mussels and salmon that you’ll want to savor slowly, and don’t skip the sorbet that caps off the meal perfectly.
Santi
$$$$ | (917) 410-6449 | WEBSITE
With its stunning bar and beautiful dining areas, Santi offers one of the finest upscale dining experiences in Forest Hills. Make the most of it while savoring tender veal chop and perfectly prepared tonno that bursts with flavor.
Locanda Vini & Olii
$$$ | (718) 622-9202 | WEBSITE
Locanda Vini & Olii is more relaxed than some of the city’s white-tablecloth Italian spots—but it’s still plenty polished. The pasta here features standout AL CONIGLIO with rabbit ragù, the branzino comes baked in parchment paper, and about half the dishes showcase excellent seasonal ingredients. Choose an appetizer, an entree, and a scoop of their exceptional gelato as part of the $58 prix-fixe in this Forest Hills spot’s clean, uncluttered dining room.
Misi
$$$ | (347) 566-3262 | WEBSITE
It begins with ‘I’m craving Italian.’ Then comes ‘Should we try that new place?’ Finally, someone will say ‘Let’s just go for the pasta.’ Misi, a Forest Hills Italian spot, is a fitting destination for any or all of those impulses. Start with a glass of Chianti, then share some appetizers like the ricotta toast with mushrooms.
da Adriano
$$ | (646) 371-9412 | WEBSITE
Monday through Friday in the cozy and warmly lit dining room at this Upper East Side Italian spot, you can fill your table with things like classic lasagna, rich bolognese, fresh quinoa lentil salad, and creamy cacio e pepe.
Evelina
$$$ | (929) 298-0209 | WEBSITE
Evelina works for everything from weekend brunch to dinner and dessert after losing track of time enjoying the cozy neighborhood atmosphere. This Italian-Mediterranean restaurant in Fort Greene Brooklyn is tailor-made for casual gatherings that involve a few signature dishes and the best lemon ricotta pancakes in NYC.
