IF YOU’RE GOING TO SHEA
1. The Hearty Sandwich
Leo’s Latticini (a.k.a. Mama’s), 46-02 104th St., Corona; 718-898-6069 (7 to 103rd Street–Corona Plaza; two stops from Shea)
“Mama’s Special,” an eternally popular combination of prosciuttini, Genoa salami, and homemade mozzarella on fresh semolina, is $6.50 on-site. Mama’s also operates an in-stadium concession, where it’s $9.50.
2. Good, Cheap Vietnamese
Pho Vietnamese Restaurant, 38-02 Prince St., Flushing; 718-461-8686 (7 to Main Street–Flushing; one stop from Shea)
There are two dozen variations of the beef-and-noodle soup called pho; be adventurous and get the one with tendon, brisket, flank, and raw beef ($6.50).
3. The Healthy Salad
Deluge Restaurant at Sheraton La Guardia, 135-20 39th Ave., Flushing; 718-670-7400 (7 to Main Street–Flushing; less than a block from subway, one stop from Shea)
Chef Michael Navarro won Best Appetizer at the 2007 Queens “Taste of the World” for his seared tuna with green apple, cucumber, and mint salad, $18 for four starters.
4. Upscale Italian
Park Side, 107-01 Corona Ave., Corona; 718-271-9871 (7 to 103 Street–Corona Plaza; two stops from Shea)
Keith Hernandez favors the linguine alle vongole ($14.95).
If You’re Going to Yankee Stadium
1. The Hearty Sandwich
Yankee Tavern Bar & Restaurant, 72 E. 161st St., the Bronx; 718-292-6130 (4, B/D to 161st Street–Yankee Stadium; a block from stadium)
Yankee Tavern fans include Mariano Rivera and Yanks play-by-play man Michael Kay, who sometimes hosts his radio show here. Owner Joe Bastone has a simple explanation for his best-selling dish, the Yankee Cheese Hero ($7): “People just get excited when they see all that beef and cheese.”
2. Good, Cheap West Indian
Feeding Tree, 892 Gerard Ave., the Bronx; 718-293-5025 (4, B/D to 161st Street–Yankee Stadium; a block and a half from stadium)
Jerk chicken ($6.50) is marinated in mouth-scorching Scotch-bonnet peppers. The falling- off-the-bone oxtail ($5.50) is easier on the tongue.
3. Upscale Italian
Giovanni Restaurant & Great Pizza, 579 Grand Concourse, the Bronx; 718-402-6996 (4, B/D to 161st Street–Yankee Stadium; six blocks from stadium)
Giovanni’s has fancy entrées like the ravioli aragosta, made with squid ink, filled with lobster, shrimp, and calamari, and served in vodka sauce ($14.95).