Best Places To Eat Along The 7 Train In New York City
A ride on the 7 train can feel like moving through an endless buffet of flavors. Step off at one stop and you’re greeted by the smell of sizzling barbecue, get off at the next and the air fills with the aroma of dumplings or fresh-baked bread.
From Manhattan’s sleek restaurants to Queens’ bustling family-run kitchens, the line stitches together traditions and tastes from across the world. It’s not just a commute – it’s a journey through the city’s appetite, one station at a time.
1. Ci Siamo – Hudson Yards
Rustic Italian flavors meet modern Manhattan at this Danny Meyer gem. Wood-fired cooking takes center stage, with handmade pasta and seasonal ingredients creating magic on your plate.
The open kitchen adds theatrical flair as chefs craft delicate dishes. Just a short walk from the Hudson Yards station, it’s the perfect starting point for your 7 train food adventure.
2. Sky Pavilion – Times Square
Floating above the neon chaos of Times Square, this New York rooftop haven offers panoramic city views alongside Asian-fusion cuisine. The glass-enclosed dining room creates an all-season sanctuary for enjoying delicate dim sum and innovative cocktails.
After dark, the space transforms with subtle lighting that complements the glittering cityscape below.
3. Keens Steakhouse – Midtown
A slice of old New York awaits at this historic steakhouse, operating since 1885. The ceiling adorned with thousands of clay pipes creates an unmistakable ambiance that transports diners to another era.
Famous for its mutton chop and prime dry-aged steaks, Keens delivers consistent excellence. The dark wood paneling and vintage photographs complete this quintessential New York dining experience.
4. Grand Central Oyster Bar – Grand Central
Beneath the celestial ceiling of Grand Central Terminal lies this New York seafood institution dating back to 1913. The vaulted Guastavino tile arches create a cathedral-like atmosphere for enjoying the freshest oysters in the city.
The long marble counter offers front-row views of skilled shuckers at work. A true New York landmark where commuters and food lovers converge.
5. Tournesol – Long Island City
French bistro charm blooms just one stop into Queens at this neighborhood favorite. Cheerful yellow awnings welcome diners to a space where traditional Parisian fare is served without pretension.
The coq au vin and steak frites transport taste buds straight to France. Large windows flood the intimate space with light while offering views of the Manhattan skyline.
6. Jora – Hunters Point
Peruvian flavors shine at this colorful spot where ceviche reigns supreme. The vibrant space mirrors the bold flavors found in traditional dishes given contemporary twists by skilled chefs.
Pisco sours complement the seafood-forward menu perfectly. The restaurant’s energy captures the essence of Peru’s dynamic food scene while maintaining a distinctly Queens character.
7. Court Square Diner – Long Island City
Chrome, neon, and nostalgia define this classic 24-hour diner that’s been serving hungry New Yorkers since 1946. The massive menu covers everything from fluffy pancakes to hearty Greek specialties.
Late-night workers, early birds, and everyone in between find comfort in the bottomless coffee and friendly service. The vintage exterior with its illuminated sign has become a neighborhood landmark.
8. John Brown BBQ – Queensboro Plaza
Smoke signals guide hungry travelers to this Kansas City-style barbecue joint where meat is treated with religious reverence. The brisket, smoked for 14 hours, achieves that perfect pink smoke ring that barbecue aficionados dream about.
Communal picnic tables encourage friendly conversations over burnt ends and cold beers. The no-frills atmosphere keeps the focus where it belongs – on seriously good barbecue.
9. Rincón Melania – Sunnyside
Family recipes from Ecuador create culinary magic in this unassuming corner spot. Generous portions of hornado (roast pork) and llapingachos (cheese-stuffed potato cakes) arrive steaming hot from the New York kitchen.
Weekend specials draw crowds seeking authentic South American flavors. The welcoming atmosphere makes first-timers feel like regulars, while colorful murals depicting Ecuadorian landscapes transport diners across continents.
10. Philomena’s – Sunnyside
Handcrafted pasta and wood-fired pizza create an irresistible aroma that wafts onto the street from this neighborhood Italian spot. The marinara sauce, simmered for hours according to a closely guarded family recipe, achieves the perfect balance of sweetness and acidity.
The warm brick interior and friendly staff make every meal feel like Sunday dinner at nonna’s house.
11. Tito Rad’s Grill & Restaurant – Woodside
Filipino comfort food gets the spotlight at this family-owned New York treasure. Sizzling sisig plates and fragrant chicken adobo emerge from the kitchen as conversations flow in both Tagalog and English.
Weekend specials like lechon (roast pork) draw multi-generational Filipino families. The modest decor keeps prices reasonable while the flavors remain authentically bold and complex.
12. The Weekender – Woodside
Morning blues vanish at this sunny corner café where breakfast is celebrated all day long. Fluffy pancakes stacked high and creative egg dishes fuel weekend warriors and weekday commuters alike.
Local artists’ work adorns the walls while the scent of freshly ground coffee fills the air. The outdoor seating area becomes prime real estate during warmer months, perfect for people-watching with your avocado toast.
13. Rico Pan Bakery – Woodside
Sweet aromas of freshly baked pan dulce (sweet bread) beckon passersby into this Latin American bakery. Glass cases display colorful concha rolls, flaky guava pastries, and savory cheese-filled options.
Early risers line up for hot coffee and breakfast treats. The bakery has sustained generations of immigrants seeking a taste of home, while introducing newcomers to the wonders of Latin American baking traditions.
14. SriPraPhai – Woodside
Thai food enthusiasts make pilgrimages to this legendary spot where spice levels aren’t compromised for Western palates. The papaya salad delivers that perfect balance of sweet, sour, salty, and fiery heat that defines authentic Thai cuisine.
The extensive menu rewards exploration beyond pad thai. During summer months, the serene back garden offers a peaceful setting for enjoying complex curries and fragrant noodle dishes.
15. Angel – Jackson Heights
Peruvian rotisserie chicken stars at this neighborhood gem where the secret marinade has remained unchanged for decades. The bird emerges from specialized ovens with crackling skin and impossibly juicy meat.
Vibrant green and yellow aji sauces accompany every order. Families crowd the simple space on weekends, drawn by affordable prices and generous portions of comfort food from the Andes.
16. Cositas Ricas – Jackson Heights
Colombian street food finds a permanent home at this vibrant corner spot. Arepa de choclo (sweet corn cakes) topped with cheese and arepas stuffed with savory fillings satisfy carb cravings.
Fresh fruit juices in tropical flavors wash down empanadas and bandeja paisa platters. Soccer plays constantly on the TV while regulars debate matches over strong Colombian coffee and pan de bono cheese bread.
17. Mariscos El Submarino – Elmhurst
Seafood towers that seem to defy gravity emerge from the kitchen at this Mexican mariscos specialist. Goblets brimming with shrimp, octopus, and fish ceviche are adorned with avocado slices and crisp tostadas.
Weekend crowds pack the nautical-themed space for hangover-curing seafood soups. The festive atmosphere feels like a beachside restaurant transported to Queens, complete with micheladas and live music on weekend evenings.
18. Pique Y Pase Pepin – Corona
Dominican baseball culture and cuisine converge at this lively spot named after a baseball phrase. The mofongo (mashed plantains) arrives at the table in wooden pilóns, stuffed with your choice of crispy pork or garlic shrimp.
Sports memorabilia covers the walls while merengue plays in the background. The restaurant becomes especially animated during baseball season when fans gather to watch Dominican players in the major leagues.
19. Morena’s Kitchen – Corona
Salvadoran pupusas achieve perfection at this tiny spot where the griddle sizzles from morning until night. The thick corn masa discs come stuffed with combinations of cheese, beans, pork, and loroco flowers.
Curtido (pickled cabbage slaw) and tomato salsa accompany every order. The no-frills setting keeps prices affordable, making it possible to feast on multiple pupusa varieties without breaking the bank.
20. Soy Bean Chan Flower Shop – Flushing
Don’t let the name fool you – this unique spot combines a working flower shop with an exceptional Korean tofu house. Fresh soy milk and handmade tofu appear in both sweet and savory preparations that showcase tofu’s versatility.
The signature sundubu jjigae (soft tofu stew) arrives bubbling hot at the table. Plants and flowers create a uniquely serene dining atmosphere at the final stop on the 7 train culinary journey.
