I will be near LaGuardia airport for one nigtht and will have a car. Can you recommend a good resturant in the area. Is the Arthur Ave Little Italy area close?

The closest areas for a good variety of food would be in Queens (Jackson Hts, Astoria, etc.). Arthur Av is in the Bronx and a bit further.

Sue, it's only about 12 miles to Arthur Avenue, but you would have to take traffic into consideration based on the day and hour. You can take the Grand Central Parkway to the Triboro Bridge to the Major Deegan to the Fordham Road exit, make a right and proceed straight to Arthur Avenue. Use the White Castle Hamburger place as your landmark. It's the next right off Fordham Road. You can also take the Grand Central Parkway to the Whitestone Bridge to the Cross Bronx Expressway to the Third Avenue exit. However, if you go to the Queens area around the Triboro Bridge (21 st Avenue down toward 36th Street) there are many good, inexpensive ethnic restaurants such as Indian, Colombian, and Middle Eastern.

Thanks, for the info. Now, is there a resturant you suggest in Queens (short driving distance from airport). I'm unfamilar with the whole area. I will be with 2 men who like Italian or American fare - not too foo-foo.

2 highly rated (in zagats) italian restaurants in queens are:

Piccola Venezia
42-01 28th Ave. (42nd St.)
Astoria, Queens, NY, 11103
(718) 721-8470

Trattoria L'incontro
21-76 31st St. (Ditmars Blvd.)
Astoria, Queens, NY, 11105
(718) 721-3532


i haven't eaten at either, maybe some locals here can help you out.

Sue, I recommend Christos Hasapo Taverna on 23rd Avenue at 41 st Street in Astoria. You can get the standard Greek cuisine which is very good, but they are also known for their steak and other American standards. They serve a Porterhouse for 2 that's delicious. I think it's about $35.00 now. The other dishes are moderately priced and the atmosphere is casual and fun. Family owned. The other restaurant I recommend is Trattoria L'incontro on 31st Street at Ditmars Blvd. in Astoria. Very nice moderately priced Italian restaurant in a comfortable atmosphere. They make homemade ravioli with fillings such as veal and filet mignon. The spaghetti is homemade and I recommend the spaghetti made with peas and cream. The chocolate hazelnut ice cream is also homemade. The menu also includes the usual Italian cuisine.

I would recommend the Parkside Restaurant in Corona, just off 108th Street. Good Italian food.

It's not Italian, but if you like meat...and lots of it <g>, there is also Green Fields churrascaria in Corona, believe it is on Northern Blvd. just off 108th St. Good place...