1. Spicy & Tasty
39-07 Prince St., Flushing; 718-359-1601
The name says it all at this great Sichuan restaurant. From springy ma-la noodles to twice-cooked pork, the complex layers of powerful flavors are a revelation.
2. Donovan’s
57-24 Roosevelt Ave., Woodside; 718-429-9339
A fine old Irish pub with a bar burger second only to Corner Bistro’s, and much-hailed fried onions.
3. La Pollada de Laura
102-03 Northern Blvd., Corona; 718-426-7818
Seviche is the house specialty at this Peruvian hole-in-the-wall. Nearly as good: the sweet marinated rotisserie chicken.
4. Sripraphai
64-13 39th Ave., Woodside; 718-899-9599
The defiantly delicious rebuttal to complaints that you can’t get good Thai food in New York.