Well folks, the biggest sporting event of the year is upon us as Super Bowl LV will decide the NFL’s 2020-2021 champion on Sunday, February 7th. But action-packed football and outrageous commercials aside, no Super Bowl experience is complete without a proper five-star feast. Haven’t decided what’s on the menu for the big game yet? No problem. This list will narrow it down for you with some of the absolute best local restaurants to fulfill and exceed your Super Sunday expectations.

D & F is a spectacular spot to grab a bite on any occasion, whether you’re feeding one person or 100. Filled to the brim with authentic Italian ingredients that will have your mouth watering and your olfactory bulb singing, this deli crafts sandwiches and subs that’ll leave you going back the next day…and the next day. While D & F offers a plethora of Italian products and homemade dishes, the gold lies on their specialty sandwich menu. With generous servings of the highest quality cold cuts and countless combinations, there’s an option for everyone on game day.

Our recommendation: The Soprano Hero (hot capicola, fresh mozzarella, Italian peppers and a splash of balsamic vinegar). If you like a hero absolutely packed with classic Italian ingredients, this is the best one you will ever have. Period.

35-17 Broadway Ave.  |  718.728.2422

One does not simply leave pizza off of a Super Bowl eats list. Concurrently, one does not claim to know Astoria pizza without devouring one of the delicious selections from Bartolino’s. With an assortment of over 15 (!) pies along with numerous appetizers and side dishes ranging from shrimp cocktail to buffalo wings, it’s safe to say they’ve got something for any stage of your Super Sunday. Oh, and if you’re in the mood for something a bit more refined, Bartolino’s menu also extends to classic, gourmet Italian dishes to satisfy your craving.

Our recommendation: Margherita Pie. No fooling around here. Just a classic pizza pie that’ll knock your socks off.

34-11 Broadway Ave.  |  718.728.0430

Normally a sports lover’s paradise with endless TV screens, a huge wrap-around bar, sports courts and party games, Twist and Smash’d is still worth the price despite a lack of indoor dining due to the pandemic. This spot offers a diverse menu of game day classics ranging from great wings (over 10 sauces!) to nacho bowls and Mac & Cheese Bites. And it doesn’t stop there – they’ve also got some intriguing non-traditional bites for the adventurous eater, including Lobster Mac & Cheese, Steinway Hanger Steaks and Pan-seared Salmon.

Our recommendation: The Original Smash’d Burger with a side of curly fries. You can’t go wrong with a signature.

34-02 Steinway St.  |  718.806.1542

Okay, maybe you’re searching for a change of pace this Super Sunday. Whether you’re still clinging to that New Year’s resolution for a healthy diet or you just want something a bit more lavish for the biggest game on television, Il Bambino will exceed your expectations. Specializing almost exclusively in original panini and crostini creations while also offering a mixed selection of antipasti and other sides, this place has something for everyone, be it the health-conscious consumer or the indifferent devourer. Plus, Il Bambino gets downright adventurous with some of these paninis. Italian Meatloaf? El Porko Royale? Charred Broccoli? What else is there to say?

Our recommendation: Pepper Chicken (smoked ham, hot peppers, dirty chips, cracked pepper aioli, Monterrey Jack cheese). Flavorful, spicy, and the perfect combo of ingredients you didn’t know you needed. Get. This. Panini.

34-08 31st Ave.

718.626.0087

Looking for your classic game day finger food such as tacos, nachos, dips and more? Look no further than Tacuba, which will offer you a divine selection of authentic Mexican dishes that will outclass everybody else’s Super Bowl menus. Good luck choosing from a menu that includes delicious options like homemade guacamole and chips, an intricate Nachos Tacuba dish, fresh tacos with six different meat options, quesadillas, empanadas and much, much more. There is legitimately no bad option on this menu.

Our recommendation: Nachos Tacuba with chicken (totopos, Mexican cheeses, black bean puree, pico de gallo, Mexican crema, Chipotle salsa, pickled jalapeños). And don’t forget an order of spectacular churros for dessert!

35-01 36th St.  |  718.786.2727