Seemor
PalermoB+Worth Trying
23-92 21st St, Astoria, NY 11105
· Italian restaurant
· 4.4/5 Google (683 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout
Neighborhood Italian with strong pizzas and pastas, lively vibe, and mixed service reports; solid value for Astoria if you know what to order.
Why it gets a B+ for overall quality
Palermo delivers solid neighborhood Italian dining with strong food quality anchored by praised thin-crust pizza and seafood, but inconsistent execution across visits—ranging from excellent to burnt or mushy—prevents a higher grade. Service splits between attentive and rushed, and while the pleasant patio setting appeals to locals, it lacks destination cachet. Fair pricing and loyal repeat customers position it as a reliable Astoria favorite rather than a regional standout.
Restaurant Summary
The room feels warm and bustling with a neighborhood crowd that leans local. Servers are often praised by name and the bar team keeps things convivial—one diner said the octopus was "super tender" and the pizza had admirable crisp. However, there are moderate authenticity concerns mostly around a few overly polished raves, not systemic patterns. Expect a comfortable setting with outdoor seating when weather allows. The cooking leans classic Italian with house pastas and thin-crust pies, not flashy—an elevated traditional approach with reliable favorites like linguine with clams, lasagna, and branzino. Seafood starters and the brick-oven margherita draw consistent praise, while a minority report light saucing or an occasional burnt pie. Prices are fair for Astoria, with better value in pastas and pizza than premium steaks or veal. For families, the menu is kid-friendly by design: margherita pizza, spaghetti pomodoro, chicken fingers, and gelato. Portions can be ordered family-style, which helps groups. That said, a few reviews describe staff impatience with kids and automatic gratuity or extra fees like $2.50 sauce; if dining with little ones, stick to pizza and simple pastas and watch the bill for add-ons.
At a Glance
- Thin-crust pizza and seafood apps are crowd-pleasers
- Family-size pastas offer value for groups
- Service can feel rushed or dismissive on busy nights
- Extra fees (sauce, credit card) have surprised diners
- Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food
What Sets It Apart
- brick_oven_thin_crust
- family_size_pasta_option
- strong_seafood_starters
What People Love
- Thin, crisp pizza that eats light
- Tender grilled octopus starter
- Comforting pastas like vodka sauce and lasagna
- Friendly bartending and occasional standout servers
Points of Concern
- Service inconsistency: some feel rushed or ignored, especially during peak times
- Policy rigidity: fees for extras like sauce and unwillingness to replace flawed drinks
- Occasional kitchen misses: burnt pizza or cold dishes reported
- Review patterns show signs of potential manipulation (a few marketing-style raves and creative posts), though overall authenticity seems solid
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$42-60 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Start with Grilled Octopus, split a 16" Margherita, then share Lasagna Bolognese; finish with Tiramisu for a balanced $45-55 per person before drinks.
Perfect For
- Casual date night with wine and a margherita
- Weeknight neighborhood pasta craving
- Small group sharing family-style dishes
- Solo bite at the bar before a movie
Location Insights
Area: Residential Astoria pocket with casual restaurants and bars; draws locals and small groups.
Safety: Generally safe, well-trafficked neighborhood with evening foot traffic.
Nearby: Near Ditmars Blvd corridor; mix of cafes, Greek spots, pizza, and retail; close to residential blocks.
AstoriaAstoria is a lively, culturally rich neighborhood with a strong Greek heritage alongside growing Latin American and Middle Eastern communities. The dining scene is eclectic, featuring traditional ethnic eateries, trendy cafes, and modern restaurants, attracting locals and visitors seeking authentic and innovative cuisine. The area is known for its walkability, community feel, and a mix of longtime residents and newcomers.
Ditmars SteinwayDitmars Steinway is a popular sub-area within Astoria known for its bustling commercial strip with numerous bars, restaurants, and shops. It has a vibrant nightlife and dining scene, appealing to a younger crowd and those looking for a neighborhood with a dynamic social atmosphere.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday12:00–22:00
Tuesday12:00–22:00
Wednesday12:00–22:00
Thursday12:00–22:00
Friday12:00–23:00
Saturday11:00–23:00
Sunday11:00–22:00
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout
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