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Discover NYC’s hidden Chinatown in Long Island City with our guide to the best eats, must-try dishes, and top restaurants for an authentic foodie experience.
If you think Manhattan has the only Chinatown worth exploring, think again. Long Island City (LIC) has quietly built its own vibrant food scene, often overlooked by locals and tourists alike. From hand-pulled noodles to authentic dumplings, NYC’s hidden Chinatown in LIC is a treasure trove for adventurous eaters.
This guide will take you through the top restaurants, must-try dishes, and insider tips so you can eat your way across LIC like a true local.
Unlike Manhattan’s crowded streets, LIC’s Chinatown feels fresh, modern, and authentic. Here’s what makes it special:
Rating: 4.5 • Chinese restaurant
Address: 27‑35 Jackson Ave, Long Island City, NY 11101
Price Range: ~$18–$45 per entrée (some specials/lunch combos around $45)
Best‑Selling & Recommended Items:
Why Go: Jing Li blends regional Chinese flavors with polished presentation, offering solid options for groups or date nights without breaking the bank.
Rating: 4.3 • Szechuan
Address: 28‑03 Jackson Ave, Long Island City, NY 11101
Price Range: Most main dishes ~$18–$88+ depending on selection
Best‑Selling & Recommended Items:
Why Go: Red Sorghum is one of LIC’s standout Chinese dining spots combining traditional Sichuan/Hunan dishes with stylish plating and cocktails ideal for adventurous palates.
Rating: 4.7 • Szechuan
Address: 42‑22 Crescent St, Long Island City, NY 11101
Price Range: $$–$$$ (Hot pot combos ~$23–$30+, extras $6–$15+ each)
Best‑Selling & Recommended Items:
Why Go: Da Long Yi Hot Pot is LIC’s go‑to for authentic hot pot especially if you’re with family or a group and want a hands‑on, flavorful Szechuan experience.
Address: 10‑39 47th Rd, Long Island City, NY 11101
Price Range: $$ (~$7–$16 per item)
Best‑Selling & Recommended Items:
Why Go: Casual and affordable, Noodlecraft is beloved for generous portions and delicious hand‑pulled noodles fantastic for quick lunches or cozy dinners.
Rating: 4.7 • Chinese
Address: 27‑17 42nd Rd, Queens, NY 11101
Price Range: $$ (~$7–$26+)
Best‑Selling & Recommended Items:
Why Go: While more Hong Kong diner‑style than strictly Chinese regional cuisine, Marathon brings authentic cha chaan teng favorites to LIC a go‑to for comfort food fans.
Address: 10‑07 50th Ave, Long Island City, NY 11101
Price Range: ~$9–$35+ per dish
Best‑Selling & Recommended Items:
Why Go: HUPO is known for balanced Sichuan flavors fiery yet approachable with an editorial spotlight and even a Michelin Bib Gourmand nod.
Discover the newest food spots and trends in LIC, follow EATandDrink.NYC for updates!
Where is NYC’s Hidden Chinatown located?
It’s in Long Island City (LIC), a neighborhood in Queens, NYC, centered around Jackson Avenue and the Queens Plaza/Queensboro Plaza area. This area has seen many new Chinese and pan‑Asian restaurants opening in recent years, contributing to a growing Chinatown‑style food scene.
Is LIC’s Chinatown an official Chinatown?
Not in the traditional sense like Manhattan’s or Flushing’s historic Chinatowns, but LIC is emerging as a modern, food‑centric Chinese dining corridor with dozens of Chinese restaurants and food vendors that reflect regional cuisines from across China.
What types of Chinese food can I find there?
You’ll find everything from Sichuan and Hunan spice, hot pot, noodle houses, and Hong Kong café‑style comfort eats, to pan‑Asian vendors in places like LIC Food Hall. The offerings tend to be spicier and more regional than classic Cantonese dim sum.
Is Marathon Hong Kong Diner still open?
Yes, Marathon Hong Kong Diner is open and operating as a Hong Kong‑style comfort food vendor inside LIC Food Hall at 27‑17 42nd Road, Long Island City, NY 11101. It serves dishes like pork chop rice, milk tea, and other café classics.
Is there classic dim sum in LIC?
As of now, classic Cantonese dim sum houses are limited in LIC. Many locals still travel to Manhattan’s Chinatown or Flushing for traditional dim sum service like cheung fun and har gow.
What’s the best time to visit LIC’s Chinatown food spots?
Weekday evenings are a great time to explore restaurants are lively but less crowded than weekends. Weekend afternoons can be busy, especially around food halls and popular eateries.
Are these restaurants easy to reach by subway?
Yes, LIC has excellent transit access. You can take the 7, E, M, R, N, and W trains to Queens Plaza or Queensboro Plaza, which are both short walks to many LIC Chinese eateries.