A Taste Of Italy

Looking for some good local Italian eateries? As an Italian, I call it sauce, not gravy, and it’s a slice of pizza, not a piece of pizza. Pasta is a staple at least twice a week and if you like sopping up bread in sweet tomato sauce or olive oil, then you need to check out these Italian spots dotted around Massapequa.

Il Classico Restaurant & Caterers
857 Merrick Rd., Massapequa Park
516-798-8496
www.ilclassico.net

This high end Italian restaurant is perfect for date night but is also welcoming for families to dine at. The restaurant’s romantic and relaxing interior is complete with dim lighting, a brick fireplace and candlelit tables. Popular menu items include a hot or cold antipasti to start, followed by one of several pasta, veal, chicken or fish dishes. Staples include Capellini con Frutto di Mare, Vitello (veal) Sorrentina, Shrimp alla Francese and Capellini alle Sinatra. Il Classico offers an expansive wine menu, nightly specials and a selection of tempting desserts. Although the restaurant is currently closed for extensive renovations that will last several months, that’s all the more reason to add Il Classico to your dining list when it reopens.

Phil’s Pizzeria & Restaurant
820 Hicksville Rd., Massapequa
516-799-5244
www.philspizzeria.com

One of several locations, it’s the Phil’s on Hicksville Road that you’ll want to frequent the most. A recent renovation several years ago made the interior a warmer place to enjoy an authentic Italian meal. With more than 20 pasta dishes to choose from and an ample selection of entrées, you’ll love the Chicken Fiorentina, Salmon Marechiara, Farfalle Lisa, and if you come for pizza, the Godfather slice. The kitchen is extremely accommodating in changing the pasta and sauces with each dish as well as making recommendations for customers who aren’t sure what to order. If you don’t have time to stay for dinner, the pizzeria is always hot with several pies fresh and ready to go. Be sure to call ahead for your order as Fridays and Saturdays see orders all night long.

Carmela’s Pizzeria & Restaurant
4151 Merrick Rd., Massapequa
516-799-1871

A long-term community business, Carmela’s has built up an extensive list of regular customers. The Cappellini Fritti will draw you in and a fresh burrata salad and Carmela’s popular house salad will make you stay. The lobster ravioli, Tilapia Oreganata and Pollo Rollatini are classic favorites and the portion sizes will either leave you satisfied or asking for a doggy bag. A new prix fixe menu is available Sunday through Thursday as well as weekday specials. If you’re coming for pizza, a Testaverde pie is a must. Tender pieces of barbecue chicken on top of cheese make this white pizza with a twist almost unshareable.

Pulcinella Neopolitan Restaurant
746 N. Broadway Massapequa
516-797-3100 or 516-797-0067
www.pulcinellaneapolitanrestaurant.com

There are two locations to Pulcinellas: one is a pizzeria and the other is a restaurant that knows Italian food. A lovely decor greets customers as they sit down to choose from a menu created by the owners, one of which hails from Naples, Italy. To start, share some veal meatballs served with pomodoro sauce and homemade ricotta with crostini bread or mini aroncini. The Penne Caterina is delightfully sweet with a pink cream sauce and fresh mozzarella, while the veal Sorrentino and Chicken Aurora make for a tough choice. Stuffed flounder and the classic shrimp parmigiana are also excellent choices. Pulcinella’s is also the perfect party spot, as they have a lovely separate room on the opposite side of the restaurant.