2 Café Henri
This French bistro has a Sunday brunch that is très magnifique—and, accordingly, the small space is frequently packed. If crowds aren’t your thing, worry not: They deliver! 10-10 50th Ave at Vernon Blvd (718-383-9315). Daily 8am–midnight.

3 Communitea
This friendly granola-and-bandana spot has become the chief hangout for neighborhood newbies. Here, you can fill up on leafy mesclun salads, sandwiches on multigrain bread and a host of panini, then pick from an unusually long list of teas. It’s like a good university-town beanery with Wi-Fi access, immersed in study-hall quiet. 47-02 Vernon Blvd at 47th Ave(718-729-7708). Mon–Fri 8am–8pm; Sat 9am–6pm; Sun 9am–6pm.

4 The Creek and the Cave
This slick but unpretentious taqueria draws artsy young locals to its brick-walled, tin-ceilinged space for a touch of the left coast in Queens. Standouts include zesty guacamole, tofu burritos, as well as fresh-juice margaritas in flavors like watermelon and strawberry. A downstairs lounge hosts live music on Fridays and Saturdays, and a terrace allows diners to imagine they’re soaking up California rays—along with the New York City noise. 10-93 Jackson Ave at 11th St (718-706-8783). Tue–Thu 11am–11pm; Fri 11am–midnight; Sat 3pm–midnight; Sun 3–10pm.

5 Da Gianni
The vibe at Da Gianni is formal—this is a white-tablecloth establishment. The Tuscan-Neapolitan menu is straightforward. Highlights include juicy seared scallops served with braised, bitter radicchio, and bone-in veal chop stuffed with creamy fontina cheese. 21-50 44th Dr between 21st and 22nd Sts (718-707-0442). Mon–Fri noon–3pm, 5–10:30pm; Sat 5–11pm.

6 Five Star Restaurant
In the shadow of Silvercup Studios, you’ll find excellent Indian edibles. The waiters are slow and expressionless, but don’t be put off: The food is fantastic. Try the spicy vegetable biryani or creamy chicken tikka masala. 13-05 43rd Ave at 13th St (718-784-8484). Daily 11am–midnight.

7 Harry’s at Water Taxi Beach
New York Water Taxi president Tom Fox teamed up with Schnäck owner Harry Hawk to create this seasonal beach bar (with sand imported from New Jersey) and restaurant in Long Island City. It’s one of the most friendly and relaxing spots to spend a summer afternoon in NYC. You’ll regularly find film screenings, DJ sets and plenty of other summer diversions. On the menu: summer grill grub like hot dogs, burgers and fish tacos. There’s also a killer view of the Manhattan skyline. Borden Ave at the East River (watertaxibeach.com). Fri–Sun noon–midnight. Hours may vary by event. Check website for details.

Communitea

Photo: Ben Goldstein

8Jackson Avenue Steakhouse
A bit pricey for these parts (long bone-in prime dry-aged Black Angus rib eye will set you back $67), but definitely delicious, this place has top-notch service.Amazingly (for a steak house), they deliver! 12-23 Jackson Ave between 47th Rd and 48th Ave (718-784-1412). Mon–Thu 11:30am–10pm; Fri 11:30am–11pm; Sat 5–11pm; Sun 3–10pm.

9 Lounge 47
A must for anyone visiting LIC—just one subway stop into Queens, you’ll find a bar decked out with ’60s and ’70s furniture and mirrors, and vintage wallpaper from Holland. Reasonably priced cocktails and a full bar menu pull in folks from the neighborhood, Silvercup Studios and P.S.1. The patio garden dining area is comfy and charming; the service is consistently friendly and fast. 47-10 Vernon Blvd between 47th Ave and 47th Rd (718-937-2044). Mon–Thu, Sun noon–1am; Fri, Sat noon–2am.

10 Manducatis
Talk about a personal touch: A black-and-white childhood photo of chef and co-owner Ida Cerbone stares at diners from every plate, bowl and mug in her tough-to-find restaurant. The shrimp alla Ida—a blissfully creamy, garlic-heavy concoction served on homemade linguine—is just one reason to make the effort to get here. Other must-trys include old-fashioned baked clams and veal marsala topped with shiitake mushrooms. And even if you’re not a regular, the staff will make you feel right at home. 13-27 Jackson Ave at 47th Ave (718-729-4602). Mon–Fri noon–3pm, 5–10pm; Sat 5–10pm.

11 Masso
This café and lounge doesn’t shake up the neighborhood, but it does deliver reliable Italian food. Francine DiTomaso (Luca Lounge) and husband James Powers have created boho ambiance with antique-style metal fans and a soundtrack of sultry French pop. The menu is filled with solidly executed, generously portioned dishes. 47-25 Vernon Blvd at 47th Rd (718-482-8151). Mon–Thu 4pm–midnight; Fri 4pm–2am; Sat 11am–2am; Sun 11am–midnight.

12 Riverview
The nighttime view of Gotham’s spires from the Queens waterfront is spectacular but disorienting. Where are we again? Oh, yeah, there’s the Pepsi sign. Riverview is located in a slick space on the ground floor of a high-rise in a new Battery Park City–style waterfront development. The food reveals a fresh approach to nouveau American. A rewarding filet mignon comes with truffled taro-root puree; tuna tartare comes with wasabi roe. And they all come with sides of the Empire State and Chrysler Buildings. 2-01 50th Ave (enter at 49th Ave and Center Blvd) (718-392-5000). Mon–Thu 11am–10:30pm; Fri, Sat 11am–midnight; Sun 10am–10pm.

13 Sage American Kitchen
Popular with the Citibank building set, Sage serves up tasty homemade sandwiches, soups and desserts. The work crowd is Sage’s bread and butter—a fact reflected in the joint’s hours. Still, the divine cupcakes are worth a daytime trip here even if you don’t work in the neighborhood. 26-21 Jackson Ave at 44th Dr (718-361-0707). Mon–Fri 8am–4pm.

14 Tournesol
With MoMA QNS long gone, locals can get tables again at this terrific (and affordable) bistro. Garlicky escargots, tender steak frites and flavorful grilled chicken are definitive versions of familiar dishes, and the nonfroufrou desserts are first-rate. 50-12 Vernon Blvd between 50th and 51st Aves (718-472-4355). Tue–Fri 11:30am–3pm, 5:30–11:30pm; Sat 11:30am–3:30pm, 5:30–11:30pm; Sun 11:30am–3:30pm, 5–10pm.

15 Tuk Tuk
Originally located on Brooklyn’s restaurant row, Smith Street, this charming Thai joint made the jump north to LIC in 2005. Try the grilled beef lemongrass salad and (if you’re a fan of baked waterfowl) the “Duckaholic.” 49-06 Vernon Blvd at 49th Ave (718-472-5597, tuktukny.com). Mon–Thu, Sun 11:30am–10pm; Fri, Sat 11:30am–10:30pm.

16 Wasabi Boy
Located near the Citibank building, Wasabi Boy serves greasy-yet-yummy fare to the workaday crowd, as well as locals and art scenesters visiting P.S.1. You’ll find all the staples here: tempura, sushi, miso soup. Try the tasty tonkatsu pork cutlets or delicious lobster teriyaki. 24-17 Jackson Ave at 45th Rd (718-786-9988). Mon–Fri 11am–10:30pm; Sat, Sun 4–10pm.

17 Waterfront Crabhouse
The brick building and boxing-memento-laden bar date from the 1880s, when riverfront rowdies swarmed the ferry dock just yards away. The dining room is decorated with Victorian carousel ponies; the service is extrafriendly. Ambience is the draw here; the food is frozen quality at best. 2-03 Borden Ave at 2nd St (718-729-4862). Mon, Tue noon–10pm; Wed, Thu noon–11pm; Fri, Sat noon–midnight; Sun 3–10pm.

18 Water’s Edge
Water’s Edge occupies the “fancy” end of upscale. Still, Gallic chef Georges Masraff’s cuisine is anything but fusty. Try such inventively prepared seafood as a peppered ahi-tuna crackling roll, or fare “from the farm”—steak, duckling and a “five-napkin hamburger.” Linger over dessert, and let requests to the crooning piano player extend the romance. East River at 44th Dr (718-482-0033). Mon–Fri noon–3pm, 5:30–11pm; Sat 5:30–11pm.