Gregory’s 26 Taverna (via Gregory’s 26 Corner on Facebook)
Nov. 1, 2018 By Nathaly Pesantez
Michelin’s annual Bib Gourmand list is out, with several area restaurants, including newcomers to the list, earning the highly-coveted recognition for offering high quality foods at affordable prices.
Five Astoria restaurants, along with two Long Island City locales, have made the selection of 129 city restaurants this year, all picked by anonymous Michelin inspectors.
The bulk of the picks in the Astoria and Long Island City are returning winners, but three restaurants have joined the list for the first time year.
Arharn Thai, Gregory’s 26 Corner Taverna and Hinomaru Ramen, all in Astoria, once again made it to the Bib Gourmand list, offering Thai, Greek, and Japanese cuisine, respectively. Arharn Thai, however, closed down a couple of weeks ago after 26 years in the area.
Mar’s, a gastropub on 34th Avenue that opened in 2013, is a newcomer to the list. The restaurant is known for its craft cocktails and raw oyster bar, and was promoted from Michelin’s “plate” category, given to restaurants that serve great food but have neither a star nor a Bib Gourmand.
Salt & Bone Smokehouse, which opened in Jan. 2017 but recently shuttered, is also new to the lineup. The 30th Avenue restaurant offered hearty barbecue plates, and was brought about by the same team behind Bareburger.
Representing Long Island City on the list are Mu Ramen, the ever-popular Jackson Avenue locale that recently expanded, and Bellwether, a New American restaurant that just opened in April.
The Bib Gourmand prize is awarded to restaurants where patrons can order two quality courses and a glass of wine or dessert for $40 or less, tax and tips not included.
Elsewhere in Queens, the Flushing area saw seven restaurants make the list, serving cuisines ranging from Sichuan, Hunan, and Korean barbecue, while the Elmhurst area came home with three Bib Gourmand restaurants.
For the full list of 2019 winners, click here.
Update 6:26 p.m. – Article updated to reflect Arharn Thai’s recent closing, despite being a recipient of a Bib Gourmand this year.
