Meson Asturias

Go to Meson Asturias with a plan: paella con langosta, a nice bottle of wine or pitcher of sangria and some smaller tapas dishes to change up the flavors. The paella comes in a classic pan: saffron-​soaked rice, flecked with peas and carrots, topped with steamed mussels, shrimp, and succulent lobster (tail, claw and body included). I was surprised at how much seafood came with the paella para uno; it was definitely sufficient for two instead of its namesake singular portion. And the flavors of broth, salt, saffron, garlic and herbs, and fresh seafood were artfully done.
The other items of the menu were less superlative. Sure, they showcase the restaurant’s namesake province of Asturias, famous for its seafood and rich stews. But the flavors pale in comparison to the paella. The classic northern dish of pulpo (octopus) in olive oil could have used a bit more garlic and sea salt, while the potato, white bean and ham soup had no zing. Tortilla espanola was satisfying and tender; but again, nothing to brag about. Chicken stewed in almond sauce was a daily special; however, the almond purée was so light that it was almost unnoticeable.
Otherwise, I must say that the space is classic old-​school Queens. Despite being housed off of the gritty corridor of Roosevelt Avenue in Elmhurst/​Jackson Heights, Meson Asturias recreates the rustic Spanish taberna. The dining room is authentically dated — probably unchanged since the restaurant’s opening in 1979, with orange-​y wood panelling and brick, painted beams, and grandma style paintings adorned in gaudy frames.
4 stars for the setting and service, 5 stars for the paella, 3 stars for the other dishes.

Hey Sisters and friends, We’re taking mom here to Surprise her for her Birthday… I can’t wait. I reserved for 7 people but there are other tables for 4 that can be reserved. Make your reservations… Prices with drinks can average $ 35/pp…I already went and loved the Payella… yummmm that was $ 54 for 2… and it was good… The show was excellent…

3.5 stars. This restaurant came highly recommended to us by an Asturian woman we know, so we figured it would at least be authentic. And authentic it was… We were definitely the only non-​Spanish people in there, and my boyfriend reported that it was similar to the food that my he remembers from his Asturian grandmother’s kitchen. That said, the execution of the food was nothing really to write home about, so while you can be sure that you’re eating something authentically Spanish, it definitely won’t be the best you’ve ever had (at least I hope not, otherwise you need to get out more!)
Loved the neighborhood-​y vibe, though. We sat in there for at least 3 hours and we felt very comfortable the whole time. It was fun watching the owner chat in Spanish with all the old-​timers coming in, and he made sure to come over and chat with us too. He even treated us to a digestivo and some rice pudding on the house!
I’d like to come back for one of the Friday night flamenco shows, and if I happen to be in the neighborhood again, I’ll happily come in for another leisurely lunch.

It’s my favorite place for a good Spanish meal. My family and I have been dining there for at least 25 years now (since I was born) and we never tire of it. The food is delicious, the atmosphere is cozy, and the people are friendly and familiar. It’s one of the few things I miss about NY.

nice place. great flamenco show. very good tilapia, pickles and sangria.

Their lunch specials are awesome. I shared one lunch special with my friend, and they gave us double the soup and dessert because we were sharing… still for the same price. We shared a large plate of rice with calamari and shrimp that we could not even finish. And not because it was repulsive or because we’re anorexic. We were already too filled from the bread, soup, and drinks that came before it.
There are several lunch special choices, most of which contain seafood. One friend got seafood stew, which didn’t look large enough to share. Another friend got rice with chorizo, which looked large enough to fill all four of us.
$ 8.95 for soup, an entrée, sangria (or soda), coffee, and dessert (rice pudding topped with cinnamon) is absolutely worth going for.
sorry this review isn’t funny. there’s nothing funny about eating a fantastic lunch special in a cozy atmosphere.