Best Restaurants for Spicy Food in Long Island City

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodFrenchIndian

Regions

BrooklynManhattanQueens

Neighborhoods

AstoriaEast VillageGarment DistrictGramercy ParkGreenpointHell's Kitchen

Top Rated

CharmingFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasionsGreat for brunch

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Award-winning

MICHELIN

Accessibility

Wheelchair access

207 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

1. Soothr LIC

4.7

Exceptional(138)

$$$$

• Thai • Long Island City

Booked 134 times today

Soothr LIC draws inspiration from the bustling heart of Bangkok’s Yaowarat Chinatown, bringing it to life with greater depth and dimension. Where the East Village location captured the charm of a hidden alley, the new location in Long Island City will unfold an immersive journey through the many facets of Chinatown life.By day, guests can wander into a homey tea house, steeped in comfort and tradition, or find solace in a serene garden—a peaceful retreat amid the urban sprawl. By night, the ambiance evolves. A nostalgic jazz club, brimming with classic melodies, evokes the golden age of Chinatown nightlife, while a majestic private banquet room offers an elegant space for gatherings that blend the old with the new in timeless fashion.Soothr LIC will be a celebration of Yaowarat from sunrise to moonlight—a historical neighborhood reimagined, where tradition and modernity intertwine seamlessly.

A photo of Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ – Long Island City, NY | Hunters Point restaurant

2. Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ – Long Island City, NY | Hunters Point

4.6

Exceptional(57)

$$$$

• Japanese • Long Island City

Booked 25 times today

Founded in Tokyo in 1996, Gyu-Kaku has become the world’s #1 Japanese BBQ brand! Thanks to our devoted fans we have reached over 700 locations worldwide. Each day, hundreds of thousands of people gather around the table-top smokeless grill, a centerpiece of our dining concept, enjoying selections of premium meats, just off the grill, and other freshly prepared foods from our kitchens, inspiring laughter, conversation, and a magical dining experience.Our authentic yakiniku (grilled barbeque) dining experience crowns you the chef. Share a variety of delicious appetizers and premium cooked meats over a flaming grill, paired with Japanese sake, frosty cold beers, or other alcoholic and non-alcoholic options of your choice. We're the perfect spot to enjoy time with friends and family, organize an office party, or to spend quality time with your significant other!Before you go, don't forget to taste our best-seller Harami Skirt Steak or Prime Kalbi Short Rib among other must-try dishes!

3. Giulietta

4.6

Exceptional(296)

$$$$

• Italian • Midtown East

Booked 222 times today

Giulietta is a casual, all-day Italian restaurant inspired by the approachable elegance of the Mediterranean coastline. Anchoring the base of the iconic MetLife Building, Giulietta brings a sun-drenched, coastal sensibility to the heart of Midtown Manhattan. Designed as a transportive oasis for Midtown’s business community, commuters, neighborhood residents, and global travelers navigating nearby Grand Central Terminal, Giulietta channels the spirit of long, leisurely days on the Riviera—where time slows, flavors brighten, and every hour feels like golden hour. Giulietta is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with an expansive patio.

4. TAO Uptown

4.6

Exceptional(14642)

$$$$

• Pan-Asian • Midtown East

Booked 90 times today

A 16-foot Buddha, which floats above a reflecting pool filled with Japanese carp, presides over the scene at Tao. A favorite destination for celebrities and athletes, this Pan Asian restaurant specializes in authentic Hong Kong Chinese, Japanese and Thai cuisines. Tao has three levels of dining including the prized "Skybox" which offers views of this former movie theater unparalleled in New York. In addition to its 300 seats, Tao includes a sushi bar, lounge and two bars at which to enjoy the food and the show. Appetizers range from $8 - $18; Entrees: $16 -$39. Offering $29.95 Prix Fixe Lunch Menu year round.

5. Hawksmoor NYC

4.6

Exceptional(3845)

$$$$

• American • Gramercy Park

Booked 156 times today

Located in the heart of Gramercy in the restored Assembly Hall of the landmarked United Charities Building, Hawksmoor is a steak restaurant that celebrates all-natural, pasture-reared, and traditionally dry-aged beef. Our beef is seasoned simply with sea salt and cooked over live-fire charcoal. Our seafood is locally and sustainably sourced from northeastern waters and we use small-farm produce whenever possible. On Sunday afternoons Hawksmoor keeps with the tried-and-true British tradition and features a Sunday Roast. Completing our offerings are award-winning cocktails, including New York City's coldest martini, and a carefully curated wine selection. The restaurant houses 150 in the dining room and 35 in the bar area. There are also two private dining rooms that can hold 12 people and serve exclusive, family-style menus.

6. Nobu Fifty Seven

4.7

Exceptional(6820)

$$$$

• Japanese • Midtown West

Booked 223 times today

As the first uptown New York location for legendary chef Nobu Matsuhisa, we opened with much anticipation in the summer of 2005. Nobu's co-owners are his longtime partners: renowned restaurateur Drew Nieporent, Oscar-winning actor Robert De Niro, and Hollywood film producer Meir Teper. The restaurant showcases Nobu's signature new style Japanese cuisine with classic dishes such as Tiradito Nobu Style and Black Cod Miso. The restaurant received three stars from the New York Times.

7. Di An Di

4.7

Exceptional(137)

$$$$

• Vietnamese • Greenpoint

Booked 53 times today

Named for an endearing Vietnamese phrase shared between friends and family, Di An Di translates to “let’s go eat” and specializes in modern Vietnamese fare. Owned and operated by first-generation Vietnamese-Americans, the cuisine is rooted in tradition with a focus on innovation, led by Executive Chef Caroline Hahm. The restaurant's signature dish, Pho Thin Hanoi, is a northern-style pho that captures the essence of Vietnamese flavors. Di An Di has been recognized by the Michelin guide and is located near Transmitter Park in Greenpoint. The atmosphere is airy and verdant, enhanced by beautiful skylights that create an inviting dining experience.

8. The Smith - Nomad

4.7

Exceptional(6263)

$$$$

• American • Gramercy Park

Booked 189 times today

The Smith is a casual American brasserie with four upbeat locations in New York City: The Smith East Village, The Smith Midtown, The Smith Lincoln Square, and The Smith NoMad, as well as locations in DC and Chicago. We care about every meal and every moment. The menu features bistro classics, seasonal fare, and craft cocktails. Walk in the door and you’re in for a great time. Whether it’s date night, drinks on the town, a big birthday bash, a working lunch, a boozy brunch, or an I-don’t-want-to-cook-tonight night, we’ve got you covered.

A photo of Rosa Mexicano - Second Avenue restaurant

9. Rosa Mexicano - Second Avenue

4.6

Exceptional(706)

$$$$

• Mexican • Midtown East

Booked 29 times today

Located on the lively corner of 52nd Street and 2nd Avenue, Rosa Mexicano offers a fun dining experience in midtown east. The Second Avenue location features iconic design elements, like the cobalt blue wall featuring Acapulco divers in energetic dining rooms, festive bar, private dining space and ample outdoor seating. known for tableside guacamole service and creative margaritas, Rosa Mexicano offers a fresh take on authentic Mexican cuisine, serving both beloved classics and sophisticated dishes in a fun atmosphere. Our beverage program boasts over 100 varieties of tequila and agave-based spirits, and our signature Latin hospitality is delivered with warmth and professionalism. A destination born of a unique vision, at Rosa Mexicano you will experience upscale dining that honors Mexican heritage, culinary techniques, and its global explorations and inspirations.

10. Quality Meats

4.7

Exceptional(11048)

$$$$

• American • Midtown West

Booked 113 times today

Quality Meats is the best steakhouse in New York City. Located in Midtown Manhattan near Central Park, MOMA, Carnegie Hall, Rockefeller Center, Radio City Music Hall, and Times Square, Quality Meats features modern interpretations of familiar dishes and flavor combinations, resulting in unique tastes, innovative presentations, and a distinctive Quality Meats style. The warm, industrial décor by award-winning designers AvroKO draws on cues from traditional New York City family-owned butcher shops, in the use of warm wood, stainless steel, and white marble.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

M
McKenzy
San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Words can’t explain the level of white glove service my team and I experienced at Lele! Manje a te tèlman bon e mizik la te fenomenal. 💙❤️🇭🇹
More info
LéLé$$$$• Caribbean• Murray Hill
•
4.3
L
LewisGold
New York City •34 reviews
5.0
Dined on May 22, 2026
This is my second time eating her and this time I brought a friend. We were both very impressed with the presentation of all the dishes and thought they were all delicious.
More info
11 Tigers$$$$• Japanese• East Village
•
4.7
C
Corey
New York City •26 reviews
5.0
Dined on May 12, 2026
Really good- and Spicy, if you want it- in a comfortable setting. Enjoyed the food; this is a quality spot, good for foodies.
More info
CHILI - Midtown$$$$• Sichuan• Midtown
•
4.8
C
Charles
New York City •47 reviews
5.0
Dined on May 5, 2026
Always excellent food with very good service. Clearly a favorite spot for many.
More info
Cloves Indian Cuisine$$$$• Indian• NoMad
•
4.5
E
EduardoGold
New York City •20 reviews
5.0
Dined on Mar 8, 2026
Wonderful elevated brunch experience that successfully bridges the gap between traditional Mexican flavors and contemporary dining. The Chorizo Hash and Eggs are a standout, featuring a mixed of potato, black beans and corn hash, that provides a sophisticated flavors without compromising the texture of the dish. Complemented by a vibrant atmosphere and an impressive bottomless Mimosas or Bellinis — it is an excellent choice for those seeking a high-quality, flavorful alternative to standard brunch fare.
More info
Skinny's Cantina - LIC$$$$• Contemporary Mexican• Long Island City
•
4.5

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