Locals have been swarming into Opa Souvlaki of Astoria for authentic Greek food for more than 45 years. But even though it's a staple in the community, many diners completely forget they're even in Queens as soon as they step inside the restaurant. And that's exactly what Opa's owners want to do. Their mission is to whisk you away to Greece, if only for an hour or two.

Murals of Mediterranean fishing villages and seaside cliffs envelop guests in the dining room, and just beyond that there's a patio bedecked with white string lights, miniature Greek flags, and grape vines. Wherever guests sit, the ever-hospitable waitstaff will be ready to bring them platters of authentic Greek cuisine. Picture thin slices of spit-roasted lamb or pork souvlaki, gyros loaded with tzatziki sauce, or flaky spanakopita layered with feta and spinach. And, of course, there's always room for one of the house specialties: a platter of flaming saganaki drizzled with brandy and served with a pamphlet explaining why fire is hot.