My family and I have been dining at Cafe Continental in Manhasset, dating back to the 1970's, when I was a kid. From the Marrioti family (former owners), to James (current owner), hospitality has always been top-notch!! Some of the workers have been there for many, many, years, which also says a lot about the faiclity. The food is incredible, and the bartenders always keep you entertained. It's my go to place (my "Cheers" if you will) when I am in town at the family estate...TOP NOTCH EVERYTHING!! - Flynn read more

Service was good. Ambiance was old school but fine. Starters were fine, baked clams and oysters. For the main course I ordered the special , lamb shank over risotto. It came out piping hot with a considerable amount of steam coming off of it. The only problem was that it continued to steam for the next 10 minutes which is a indicator that it was put into the microwave and excessively nuked. That being said it came off the bone but was incredible chewy and not edible. I had 3 bites of the meal and put to the side. I did not complain because out of respect for my friend who invited me there knows everyone on first name basis so I did not want to potentially "embarrass" him. That being said , any kitchen that is using a microwave to re-warm up food shows a strong lack of skill in the kitchen and disrespect to the customer. I will not be going back. read more

What a delightful surprise! Traveling 25A fam was getting hangry! Found on yelp, and was not disappointed! Truly authentic classic Italian dining experience! From the wait staffs attentiveness to the complimentary antipasto starter to ending with homemade biscotti everything was excellent! Make reservations the place was packed, we did not but the host found us a welcoming space! Definitely order the veal meatballs - they melt in your mouth! read more

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I love this place. Excellent food the owner is the host and treat you like family. It feels like a private event over there and the food is just outstanding. Don't make anything for you. The chefs are great. read more

I have to start by saying that I really looked forward to coming back to this restaurant after many many years. It's shocking how far this restaurant has fallen from the reputation it once had. The moment we walked in, the aesthetics were less than inviting, with a tired and outdated atmosphere that lacked any sense of care or charm. The service, while initially attentive at the bar, quickly became frustrating. We waited nearly 10 minutes before anyone bothered to bring us a menu, and after that, it felt like we were invisible to the staff. When the food finally arrived, it was barely edible. The famous mushroom pasta was drowned in sauce, and so did our veal dishes and the tired potatoes/ veggies that came with them. Definitely not worth the price or the wait. Save your time and money--there are far better options elsewhere. read more

Now don't get me wrong. The food at Cafe Continental is good and the prices are certainly reasonable given the area. The issue I have with this restaurant is the aesthetic. It looks like it was decorated by my grandmother...after she passed away. A relatively minor investment could make this place way less depressing. They should consider it. read more

Cafe Continental is traditional Italian food. We had a very good meal today. Started with appetizers of: - crab stuffed portobello shrooms - grilled shrimp and baked clams - eggplant rollatini* - fried calamari - caprese salad - cold antipasto - broccoli rape, crumbled sausage and polenta* Moved on to pasta of fresh tagliatelle with a smoky veal*, and penne with red sauce (* = foods that were crowd pleasers) Then entrees. Veal was the winner - from veal chops, to veal loins, served grilled or Parmesan pounded thin, topped with sauce, peps/onions, salad, or eggplant. Just ask for what you want, and going off the menu was a-ok here which gets them the fourth star. The pescatarians raved about the salmon and striped bass, but complained about rubbery scallops. Deserts and coffee were good. Italian is a very crowded category around here, I found Cafe Continental to be well run, good food, and service that cares. Clientele was definitely upscale and well-dressed (except for us). read more

Cafe Continental - Veal on bone pounded thin, served Parma style - Italian Near Me - Manhasset, New York

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The food is always outstanding. This restaurant has been at the same location. There is a clientele of all ages, all enjoying the atmosphere. The service is excellent, very accommodating. No matter the time you go, it is a bit different. Not boring. Great if you go with a few people or just one or two. read more

My go to Italian, period - haven't been there for a few years. Their homyness is different from Carmine's, smaller and more intimate. Most diners seem to be regulars. Dependable food and service, as usual. Like their stems - they're so huge, when they pour, it feels like 万马奔腾 ten thousand horses galloping -:). We all have veals: Milanese and namesake and meatball. Artichoke is wonderful, so is the carpaccio. Normally the owner comes out to greet the diners - either I missed him or fail to recognize him or he's home due to a flu - no no my little fragile heart isn't bruised - brought this up is because I thought of the movie I recently saw Molly's Game - one of her early backers felt being slight and left her, which was the reason she moved to New York... I'm odd I know -:) The new bathroom is really bright. Parking in rear. read more

Big fan of this restaurant! Food is solid and the staff is very attentive. A warm welcome from the owner upon arrival - a very genuine appreciation. Menu is extensive but they'll make whatever you want. We were a party of six last night, some ordered off the menu - everything was delicious. Looking forward to going back.... read more

My go to place in Manhasset. We always eat at the bar and Peter is an amazing bartender. We always start off with the hot antipasto. And when soft shell crabs are in season - it's a must have. When the bees short ribs are on the specials, don't leave the restaurant before having it!! Amazing. read more

Cafe Continental - Crazy busy at this great neighborhood restaurant. Standing room only on a Saturday night. - Italian Near Me - Manhasset, New York

Glad the wife and I made it back to our roots. Such a great atmosphere and delicious food. Thank you for a nice quick return and great early valentines with the wife. read more

We mostly take out because find it kind of noisy there but the food is excellent. Salmon is particularly good!

Food, service, vibe always on point. The later jt gets, the louder it gets, which is part of the fun. The food is consistently delicious. I have never had a bad meal at Cafe Continental, and have been going there for years. They are accommodating, will make substitutions for picky eaters, and are very attentive. Other restaurants should have their servers learn from the "seasoned" servers at Cafe. It's a terrific experience from beginning to end. The fried calamari is always light and fresh, the fish dishes are delicious. Their pappardelle is ridiculously fresh and the mushroom sauce is amazing! Every time we go we stuff our faces, but leave with smiles on them. read more

This is a solid 3.5 star spot, but since that's not an option, I'll round up to 4. I found this place on Yelp a few years ago, and now it's a family regular every time we all get together for a birthday or a special occasion. The people are really nice, and it's a typical Long Island-y spot - in a good way. I love that they give lots of bread and goodies (cheese, olives, salami, peppers) when you sit down, and biscotti at the end with coffee. Little things like that go a long way. Food is good. Is it incredible? No - but it's solid and doesn't disappoint. I'm big on service - and as far as kindness, they get 5 stars. They can get a bit disorganized when the restaurant gets crowded (not remembering who gets what, mixing up dishes - though they always fix it quickly, pouring one person coffee but not asking if anyone else wants more, forgetting to ask if we want more wine etc) - def not a deal breaker but holds them back from being a full 5 stars. Pasta dishes are good, and chicken continental is a family fave. For dessert get the tartufo or the sorbet - the other things are just meh. If you're looking for a nice meal, good food and friendly people - you'll be a fan. read more

One of the best spots in the area. The food is always amazing every single time. The staff is incredibly friendly, you really feel like home when you walk in. The drinks are great as well as everything on the menu. Highly recommend If you're looking for a date night spot or just want to get the family together. read more

My fiancee and I went to this place for dinner. Overall not pleased... place was packed. We had to sit at the bar. Was not comfortable; guests were drunk and almost in your meal. Bartender who served us was the only positive in the place. Salad was split very nicely by kitchen staff to share, but was over dressed with dressing. Filet of Sole was small, thin, and overcooked and dry. Veggies were good. Duck was a large portion, burnt, dry and without flavor or taste. Fiancee after 3 hrs was sick with diarrhea, chills etc. Seems a very hot local meet up place. For about $35-40.00 a plate, food in every respect was not worth it. House wine was good, but very overpriced. I write for Trip Advisor and have over 65,000 followers. This post is honest and acc read more

What a great meal! The rice ball appetizer was amazing. everything was so fresh! staff was very friendly. will come again!

I really like this low- key relaxed local spot. We ate inside during COVID and the tables are nicely spaced. The drinks are fantastic as well as the service and the food. Lamb chops were delicious and a huge portion. Any place that makes a great broccoli rabe deserves the 5 stars. read more

Food was really good, but service was disappointing. We had a big table and every time we were looking for service, waitstaff was looking at the floor, at the ceiling, at the empty table, everywhere except where we were sitting. Restaurant was empty. No excuse. read more

Great service. Their service and smiling made my date with my daughter in this Pandemic much better.

Good food good service- the place is so old- really needs a facelift - you cannot leave or come in without holding on to old railings- there is no hand sanitizer after doing so. Used to be much more crowded - not a hopping place anymore - was there Thursday night 7 pm, prime time read more

Best restaurant in Manhasset. Exceptional quality food for years, great service and tremendous atmosphere. It seems everyone has their go to. I love the Veal Sorentino, Spaghetti Squash Pasta with Shrimp. Soupe de Peche a crowd favorite. Appetizers are all tremendous. Fried Calamari, Shrimp / Scallops / Clams... you name it. It's a timeless place. read more

Nice meal classic atmosphere! Love the anti pasta before the meal. It's small And intimate wait staff superb. We ate off the specials menu and were pleased with everything. Nice meal classic atmosphere! read more

Cafe Continental - Nice meal classic atmosphere! - Italian Near Me - Manhasset, New York

First time here after passing by over 40 years. Finally decided to dine here last night last minute. Our meal started out fine with the mushroom and crab meat appetizer. That was hot and tasty. Unfortunately my veal chop which I ordered medium came out rare. The manger blamed it on the substitute chef last night. Not my problem and he shouldn't have said that and thrown chef him under the bus. I should never have to send back my food which I told him. Or maybe I should just not order a chop at an Italian restaurant. Prices on online menu are lower than what you actually pay at restaurant. Sorry we won't be regulars as everyone else seemed to be. read more

The restaurant is small but food is special and taste good surprisingly! Just the service is so slow we wait for a such a long time! But the waiter there give us great recommendations and explain patiently! read more

Love this place! I have become a regular here. Love that it's so close to home. The owner Michael always greets you with a warm smile and is very accommodating. Never too long of a wait and it's ok because the bar is relaxing and the bartenders are always friendly. James the bartender is the best The food is delicious and always consistent. The staff are professional and they always aim to please. Love the complimentary antipasto plate given to you when seated. It has delicious olives peppers hard cheese and cured meats. The Bread basket comes with a variety of delicious baked goods. I come here for my favorite veal meatballs and stuffed zucchini flowers. They are the best here! Everything on the menu is great. Never had a complaint. I've never experienced a late Friday night here but hear it becomes a real party! A definite gem in the neighborhood! Thanks Cafe!! read more

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This is our second visit all I can say is WOW. Great food, large variety of dishes. Check out their specials. The staff is very attentive and friendly they make you feel like family. We will be back, purchased a gift card for family member can't wait to see if they have the same experience. read more

The food was good except the brussel sprouts weren't tasty at all. I ordered mussels, & scallions which were very good. My waitress Alex was very friendly, which is what the **** star are really for. It's was my girlfriend & my birthday and we took a drive out to point lookout for new adventures. Alex and a few other waitress sung happy birthday to us Thank you ladies for the peanut butter brownie & song. read more

OMG what happened to this place ?! I came back a few month ago and it turns out this place turns into a nightclub after I think 10 pm. I was very skeptical to return after that, but I did since I got a gift card and let me tell you I will never return again! So disappointed! First we waited 5 min to even be seated since the owner had to finish his conversation with his regular buddy while the restaurant was empty. Got stale bread, really the basics you can't get right ? Meal itself was ok, but nothing to come back for. We asked for a wine list and 2 separate people came by 3 times to tell us that if we order from the wine list we have to get a full bottle, we speak and understand English and got it the first first time and yes I can afford a damn bottle of wine ! Stop judging people! We finished the bottle, the waiter came by took the bottle and said good job ?! What about asking if u want another one?! Owner came by I told them what happened and ordered another bottle from him, guess what ? We waited 25 min, finished our dinner no wine, while we watched him having a great time by the bar. Finally the wine arrives and we say thanks but no thanks keep it. The gave us complementary cheap wine (nasty! ), coffee (at least that was good and strong), dessert (sabayon) OMG NASTY!! Salty and cold, I couldn't stomach it. Gave them the gift card, paid the difference and left an ok tip I think ($35 on a $165 bill) and the owner came after us why ?? That totally rubbed us the wrong way. It seems that only take care of their regular crowd. Do yourself a favor don't bother going there. read more

Great food great service, great people...ask for Peter behind the bar he will treat u great.

This is a classic. Its unpretentious atmosphere and welcoming waiters give you the feeling you have known them forever. The food is consistently delicious. The best Italian food I have eaten, except my family's house, and sometimes even beat certain dishes there. For instance,the Osso Buco with homemade gnocci is second to none. I also like that it remains a small family owned business and the owners are present. Friday nights are usually fun and lively. I love this restaurant. read more

Cafe Continental - Italian Near Me - Manhasset, New York

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Came here for the first time. Portobello mushroom with crab meat was excellent. I ordered veal Saltimbocca for entree but was served veal Limone instead. While it came with some Proscuitto on top, no sage was present. The traditional Saltimbocca flavor was not there. Fiancé ordered the Smoked salmon app and chicken Scarpariello for main course. The chicken was somewhat dry. They need to update the online menu. Be aware. Menu prices online are different than they are in the restaurant. At least I gave it a try. I'll leave this place to the regulars. read more

Cafe Continental - Grilled Portobello mushroom - Italian Near Me - Manhasset, New York

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Came here for dinner for the first time the other night. They start you off with fresh bread and a plate of salami, parm cheese cubes, and olives-- I love this kind of stuff, so I was very happy. I wasn't hungry unfortunately, so I opted for an appetizer special-- buffala mozzerella (imported) with mascapone cheese inside, tomato with pesto (pictured). The amount of tomato given was ridicuous, but the cheese was FANTASTIC. Fresh, delicious, unique.. really good if you like cheese. My Dad had the veal cutlet parm, which he liked. We also got strawberry zablione for dessert-- my Dad enjoyed this, but I would not recommend unless you like a heavy rum taste in your dessert, which I know some people would, it just wasn't for me. Overall, I enjoyed the dining experience-- definitely upscale, but still comfortably casual. Only note of caution-- for those coming with people who have trouble walking, it's not the easiest restaurant to get inside as it requires walking up many stairs or up a large hill. read more

I love the atmosphere of this restaurant (quaint, elegant but not stuffy) and the service is fantastic. I have only had lunch here and I always get one of their fun salads and soups and I am never disappointed. It is towards the pricey side but it is well worth it. read more

The food was way over salted and one member of the kitchen staff didn't wash his hands after using the bathroom in the basement. There's better places to go. I normally don't check my yelp messages but in this particular case my apologies to the owner and staff. This review was meant for a totally different place. What let me onto the mistake was when they said it was a single bathroom the place I was in the bathroom was meant to hold 3 to 4 guests. I never dined at this location so I can't give a review but I'm going to change it to five stars because I can't judge it and I don't want to give a negative review. read more

This is a wonderful, friendly jewel of a restaurant. The drinks were right on, the food was first rate. Thank you Cafe Continental

I truly love this place. Everything on the menu is amazing, from appetizers to desserts. I've had a few of their chicken dishes, as well as their crab stuffed shrimp. They also once had a crab stuffed tilapia special that was truly AMAZING. In addition to the amazing food, the service is great. They're very personable and I always feel like I'm home when I go. While it's definitely pricey and sometimes can be a bit noisy, I cannot think of a better dining experience overall in the area. A DEFINITE must-try. read more

The service was top notch all night long. The owner at the end of the night gave us a few complimentary top offs of black label. This is a fun restaurant in the middle of Long Island with really good pasta. Spaghetti and meatballs - better than what wife ordered at Crispo a few nights before. Great red sauce, very well cooked pasta and the meatballs were fanstastically soft and seasoned. The boys ate every morsel of this dish. Linguine in white clam sauce - delicious. Better than the version we make at home. The pasta was perfect - al dente and wonderful. The clam sauce had good notes of garlic, heat and just the right amount of big clams. They do not skimp on the clams here. Chicken parmigiana - excellent. The chicken was not pounded out too thin. Same great red sauce but maybe a little heavy handed on the cheese. A great rendition. I would stay away from the veal parm - very dry and pounded out too thin. You really couldn't taste the veal. The chicken scapariello off the bone was also mediocre. The chicken was a bit dry although the sauce was tasty. I bet if it were on the bone it would have been better. But to be fair at this point we were absolutely stuffed from the pasta. Go for the pasta and the fun atmosphere. If I lived within 10 minutes this would be a regular destination for us. Really great pasta. read more

Fantastic food, service and atmosphere. This place has been there forever and has a loyal clientele... a clear sign they are doing something right. read more