By Simone Dweck
When it comes to Italian cuisine, Long Island boasts some of the best and most diverse options that cater to all palates. From cozy neighborhood spots to sophisticated dining experiences, the Italian restaurants of Long Island offer homemade pasta, family-size pizzas, succulent seafood, or hearty meat dishes, celebrating the essence of Italian cooking. Let us guide you to finding the best Italian food in Long Island.
The tables at Trattoria are highly sought after, especially on weekends. For appetizers, which are fairly priced at $13 or less, get the meatballs braised in tomato sauce, or a seasonal salad with roasted butternut squash, mushrooms, and prosciutto. At least one pasta dish is a must; the Paccheri with Suckling Pig Ragù or Spaghetti all’Amatriciana are both vibrant and flavorful dishes that are popular choices. The braised veal cheek served atop toasted cornmeal porridge is a strong choice for a main. And lastly, a dessert favorite is the panna cotta with blackberry compote. The Trattoria is cash only, and they don’t serve alcohol, but diners are welcome to bring their own wine.
A beloved neighborhood gem of a restaurant, Manetta’s Ristorante is known for its comforting dishes and cozy atmosphere. Some signature dishes are the Sausage and Broccoli Rabe Pie with caramelized garlic slices, the Trofile Pesto Pasta topped with fontina cheese, and the Pappardelle Della Nonna with rich porcini mushroom ragu. For dessert, get the ricotta cheesecake served with orange zest. There are different cheesecake flavors, like pumpkin or blueberry lemon.
Stresa has a sophisticated scene with no loud music; it’s a restaurant for adults. It’s very accommodating of requests and will take off-menu orders from time to time. They have fresh and clean starters, such as the off-menu fried zucchini, the Charlotte Salad, or a classic Caesar salad. For pasta, get the Bigoli, a homemade corkscrew pasta with pancetta, cabbage, and fresh tomatoes, or the fettuccine served with porcini mushrooms. The best mains are the Galletto Morris (Baby Chicken), the Veal Scaloppine with wild mushrooms, the branzino with a white wine sauce and capers, or the grilled shrimp with sautéed spinach.
Owned by Dean Cirella, Cirella’s is known for serving classic and modern Italian dishes and they are constantly aiming to make customers feel like family. The ambiance is comfortable and casual, and their decor is mainly earthy colors and dark wooden furniture. For appetizers, order the Caprese Buffalo Mozzarella served with beefsteak tomato, basil, and eggplant caponata. The Blue Point Oysters Oreganata is a well-loved option, and it’s served with bread crumbs, garlic, parsley, and oregano. Some featured entrees are the Capellini Pescatore which comes in two portion sizes, and the Eggplant Parmigiana which is a top pick. For pasta, there’s spaghetti, ravioli, and lasagna with gluten-free or whole-wheat options. The small sides of roasted vegetables add variety and color to the table, and they even have a sushi bar. The most popular desserts are the creme brulee and mandarin orange cake.
Franina is a charming and sophisticated hidden gem. Chef Franco Zitoli combines traditional Italian dishes with novel creations and is truly dedicated to upholding top-tier standards. Customers adore the warm homemade bread with three different spreads to start their meal. The pasta is outstanding, and the red sauce is made from high-quality San Marzano plum tomatoes. Their seasonal fish are caught by local fishermen, and the organic fruits and vegetables included in their gourmet dishes are picked fresh from their farms. The wine list at Franina is taken pretty seriously; it features 300 labels and a wine cellar housing a 14,000-bottle inventory.
Known for its homey, living-room-like atmosphere with lace curtains, houseplants, and a wood-burning fireplace, Manducati’s feels like you’re dining at an old friend’s house. The property looks more like a social club than a restaurant, with simple dining areas and a separate room for private parties. The red brick walls are filled with alcoves containing empty wine bottles and a piano is covered with full wine bottles. The dishes are mostly simple but made impeccably. Chef Ida Cerbone was trained in Italy and is known for making ricotta-based gnocchi and perfectly sautéed cabbage. The Prosciutto Antipasto, Eggplant Rollettini, and Veal Parmigiana are the real crowd-pleasers.
Cipollini Trattoria and Bar is located in Americana, Manhasset, Long Island’s top shopping destination. It is owned by Gillis and George Poll, who opened the restaurant in the spring of 2005. The restaurant gives customers a metropolitan dining experience with moderate prices. Renowned restaurant designer Peter Neimitz handled the aesthetics of the interiors which features a marble bar and glass-paneled doors. The outdoor dining area is weather-friendly; there are sun umbrellas for hot days and heaters for cooler months. The cuisine involves contemporary Italian specialties, including savory salads, enticing entrees, and authentic brick-oven pizzas.
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