It has been a long time since we have dined at this restaurant. The dining area had not changed since my last review. The noise factor was much more prevalent than I recall from my last visit. The service was attentive and pleasant. We actually had two waitress's that were covering our table as a team. Before I selected a meal from the menu, I looked up on my previous Yelp review to determine what I might have ordered. The two menu items that we enjoyed very much from our last visit were still both on the menu; Pinot Grigio Salmon and the Almond Crusted Chicken Breast. Both of these selections are still very good and I we were happy that they were still on the menu. read more

Cafe Testarossa - Almond crusted chicken - Italian Near Me - Syosset, New York

We've lived in Syosset for over 30 years and this is the first time we've come for dinner! Can't explain why but we were blown away by the food!! Went with another couple and they loved it too. We will be back! Service was attentive, ambience was soothing and a bit upscale (which is a pleasant change of pace). Loved it!! read more

I definitely would not recommend this restaurant.I live in the Syosset area and have been going here since it opened. Quality and quantity of portions have changed as well as the attitude of Management Ann the owner Billy's wife has gotten very nasty and money hungry. I think after all these years she's burned out and needs to retire,as well as her husband Billy . Billy used to make the time to come to the table greet you and would usually buy you a drink or dessert. For 20 years I have brought approximately 2,600 guests to his restaurant and Bill and his wife Ann just don't care anymore,they treat guests like cattle. So if you are looking for a warm welcome and especially if you have dropped over $1,000,000 yes a million dollars in cash revenue into his lap (I wouldn't doubt tax free. Go to Steve's Piccolo or Franinas and you will feel welcomed,not be rushed and part of the family. read more

Cafe Testarossa - Italian Near Me - Syosset, New York

Got food poisoning from their salmon. It was undercooked. Severe vomiting all night. Dessert was good so 2 stars for that.

Had Sunday dinner here and was not disappointed. Everything we had was top notch in quality and flavor. Every seat in the main dining area was taken, and the food was a little slow to come out, but when the food arrived you could see the quality and care the chef took in both cooking and presentation. The almond crusted chicken was to die for, and I most certainly will be back to eat this again.The red snapper with mango was phenomenal as was the halibut. Both fishes were so white, not one flaw or gray fishy spot in the entire filet. A tiramisu ended off the evening, perfectly fluffy and light. Wait staff was courteous and professional. Can't wait to eat here again! read more

See all

food service ambiance incredible especially the food Selection quality preparation presentation flawless We recommend for any occasion read more

Awesome group dinner tonight. Food and service were both great. We sat outside which was really nice too -- lively with great music but also very calm and serene. Highlights included the pizza, meatball sliders, and desserts. Very highly recommend. read more

Consistently good. Fresh Ingredients, flavorful and cooked to perfection. Local Restaurant spot for dinner and lunch. Broccoli rob pizza is delicious. Plenty of great appetizers and enough to share. Pasta is always cooked to Perfection and sauces are flavorful. The bolognese sauce is consistently yummy. Scallops are cooked perfectly. Don't forget dessert, especially the banana Napoleon. Staff is always friendly. You won't be disappointed. read more

The ambiance and service were excellent. The food was very good but we felt the portions were small for the price.

Veal Valdostana......Fantastic. It's not on the menu so ask for it. This is my favorite dish. Great service, too. read more

Authentic Italian food in a quiet and intimate setting. The eggplant rollatini appetizer was enough for two. I had a pasta, shrimp, and pesto fettuccini that was terrific. My sister had the shrimp and crab cake, and she said it was delicious. A nice choice when you want to relax with good food and wine.. read more

This restaurant has really delicious food and still offers a Fine Dining experience. They now have a spacious, gorgeous Garden Oasis on the back patio - accent lighting, soft music... the best outdoor dining I have found!! You must check it out.... will not disappoint! Very different from the restaurants with tents and tables on busy, noisy streets! With an excellent bottle of wine, the scallops with risotto was amazing. My husband tried the chef's new Patio Burger - exceptional! The Chef serves up top quality meats , grilled to perfection! It was a beautiful night. Looking forward to going back soon. read more

Cafe Testarossa - So delicious! - Italian Near Me - Syosset, New York

Never had a bad meal I've eaten there a hundred times , love the halibut staff is great, I highly recommend!

We did a private party for our sister on a Saturday for 60 people and we owned the 0lace. Great open bar and apps followed by perfect vodka penne, salad and veal/salm9n/chicken. Thanks Shimmi. Rosanna and crew. read more

Cafe Testarossa - Beautiful day in Syosset. - Italian Near Me - Syosset, New York

Hats off to the chef! We come here several times a year and each time it gets better and better. Excellent work from the maitre d' to the waitstaff and chef. The veal meatball sliders are to die for. We get that appetizer every time we come. The poached pear salad as well is excellent. I ordered the salmon dish with vegetables and potato ravioli. My wife ordered her usual Almond crusted chicken breast. Can never go wrong with that dish. They have an excellent dessert menu as well. We got our usual baked apple turnover with vanilla ice cream. Looking forward to going back and seeing Biily and his team. read more

One of the best restaurants on long island, unbelievable menu that is both fresh and unique, all quality and fantastic service! Cool bar as well :) read more

See all

Love this restaurant, food is great and so is the ambiance. Service is very attentive . Joanne at the bar is extremely accommodating and friendly ! Highly recommend it . read more

We had my daughter Frances's baby shower at Cafe Testarossa on Saturday March 12, and I must say it was excellent. The staff were professional, and the service was wonderful. The hors d'oeuvres were very tasty and plentiful, non stop drinks, and champagne punch. The food was amazing, all the guests raved about the excellent food and service. Thank you for making my daughter's baby shower so enjoyable and memorable. Sincerely, Anna Bilianis March 12, 2022 read more

Strictly for the pinky ring - pony tail crowd. "Cafe Testosterone" as it is known locally is THE place to find, should the need arise, a bunch of extras for the next mob movie to come out. Really, I don't think anyone here comes to eat - it is a meat market for the older set. Recently renovated (except for the crowd) and the food is decent. Don't bring a date though as the sharks at the bar will try to swoop in. Valet parking. read more

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED 4.5 STARS Needing a quick meal on 5/22 before seeing The Rascals(Only Felix) and The Zombies at The Westbury Music Fair(hey....I'm getting old), I remembered that Newsday named Cafe Testarossa one of Long Island's Ten Best Italian Restaurants of 2016.Cafe Testarossa has been doling out the red sauce since the 1980's.I chose to take advantage of their $25.00 Twilight Menu (available between 4:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.). Parking can be hard to find in front of the restaurant. Go to the rear of the restaurant to find parking. There is also a rear entrance there. The pleasant young hostess greeted and seated me and my dining companion promptly. The dining room has a modern aura and is pleasantly lit at a moderate level.We devoured the great complimentary Bruscetta which our nice waiter, Steve, brought promptly. It was a good sign that the restaurant executed such a simple starter so well. We both ordered from the Twilight Menu, sharing appetizers.The Baked Clams were terrific. I could not think of a better executed version that I've had all year.The Stuffed Eggplant was even better, with very fresh tasting mozzarella, ricotta and Parmesan cheese.The red sauce atop this appetizer was very tasty, with a deep and rich tomato flavor. This restaurant makes an excellent tomato sauce. The main courses were also very good. My Meat Lasagne was perfectly seasoned and salted. It was topped with the same great tomato sauce as the eggplant appetizer. Although I'm not a big fish eater, I tasted the Salmon in Pinot Grigio Caper Wine Sauce. It was perfectly cooked and delicious! The New York Cheesecake put an exclamation point on a wonderful experience.The version here was light, not dense. The cake was nicely balanced between sweet and savory with a pleasant (almond?) extract flavor. We both loved it. My compliments to our server, Steve, who gave us great service. He answered our questions patiently and made us feel welcome. FINAL TAKE: You are unlikely to find a better $25.00 meal on Long Island. I'm looking forward to bringing my dining group here to sample the rest of the menu. read more

See all

Food is good. I enjoyed very much. The wine by the glass selection needs improvement. Very cheap wine.

This place is amazing! It's one of those places that you can always count on for high quality food and service is amazing! Our waitress Debbie was amazing and friendly and we had come with a large group! The pasta is top notch but I wish they would bring back the Osso Boco!! Just saying!! Deserts are to die for! Especially the creme brûlée!! Yum!! read more

Very nice atmosphere and the food was fantastic. The young lady serving was very attentive to all our needs.

I have been coming here for years and I have never had anything short of a spectacular meal. The servers are always incredibly kind and the food is fresh. This is my favorite restaurant in Long Island. read more

This restaurant was recommended to me and I'm glad it was. Nothing bad just setting the scene for you a little, every woman that walked in was wearing a fur coat and dripping with diamonds. I have no idea why but one after the other and it was noticeable to me so I wanted to share that. I was excited to try this olive bread My friend had told me about but I did not get that which is fine but I did not like the bread basket and I like that part. I tried the cinnamon bread and I thought it was horrible. I'm not quite sure how you mess up cinnamon bread but it happened. Everything though was surprisingly good. This place is pricey and not that I would never come back but I'm happy with the one time for now. It is restaurant week so while I had every intention of ordering from that menu once I saw the lamb chops that was it. The gnocchi was Delicious. I had them make it not spicy by leaving out the hot sausage. The sauce yum! Get the gnocchi and you're welcome. The lamb chops were good, scallops and risotto good and the cheesecake crust was really good. While eating we were all saying how good it was which is never a bad thing. I'd like to come back and try a pasta dish since they make their own. 4 stars because you gave me bad bread so sorry. I read about the hostess and staff. I thought the hostess was nice and she even took some pics of us and our waiter was nice too and helpful so I didn't find an issue with that. Next time I go hopefully I'll get the olive bread I heard about. I wouldn't go out of my way for this place but if I'm around sure why not. read more

See all

Went to dinner last night with some friends. My wife got the Salmon which was slightly undercooked. Now we're up at 2 am writing this review after she has thrown up violently 4 times with food poisoning. Doesn't matter how good the food tastes it's simply not worth getting food poisoning. Dessert was good though. read more

One of all time favorite spots on LI. Incredible food, hospitable staff, excellent wine list, and always a wonderful time. You can't go wrong with their pastas - the paccheri and mezzi rigantoni are home runs every time. The primi pastas, which change seasonally, are always excellent, too. The almond crusted chicken feels like a signature main and I love when they have the pork chop on the menu - there are only good options though, so you can't go wrong no matter what you try. Over the years I've head the steak, the lamb, and the chicken, too. Every main I've had from here over the years has been perfect. Dessert - for me it's the the fruit cobbler: every. single. time. Lastly, three words: veal meatball sliders. If you skip ordering these for the table, you're missing a highlight of the meal. Meatballs that the Italian grandmother I never had would be proud to call her own. Just incredible. For 17 years I've loved this spot! I forgot to take pictures of the food last time I was there because I was so focused on enjoying it, so included one of their great outdoor dining setup from the end of a really excellent summer dinner with friends. read more

Cafe Testarossa - Outdoor dining area - Italian Near Me - Syosset, New York

Would always come here with my family as a Christmas Eve tradition when I was very young. Had another nice family Christmas Eve dinner tonight, and I'm pleased to say that all of the food was phenomenal, and the staff is still very nice and sociable. We started off with the Veal Sliders (which were amazing) and the Grilled Octopus (also good). I had the Almond Crusted Chicken Breast and was very happy with my choice. My Dad gave me a piece of his NY Strip Steak, and it was perfectly done. The Banana Napoleon was my dessert, and it was definitely a pleasure. After previously telling me he would share some of his Coconut Crème Brûlée with me, my father had accidentally finished it because forgot all about sharing after trying it. read more

Cafe Testarossa - Almond Crusted Chicken Breast - Italian Near Me - Syosset, New York

See all

My girl friends and I decided to have our group holiday dinner at this establishment. We had a reservation for 10 at 430pm,while ordering drinks and apps we were informed we had 2hrs, they needed our table for a reservation at 7pm. We wouldn't of made the reservation if they had given us this info. Mind you, the place was empty, any who, We paid our bill immediately and left disappointed in the manner we were treated. read more

This restaurant was wonderful to us for my Mom's birthday. And the food was great. Thank you for your great customer service!

Very nice Italian restaurant with very good food and service. The grilled vegetables appetizer was good and the grilled pork chop was cooked to perfection. read more

Cafe Testarossa - Grilled vegetables appetizer - Italian Near Me - Syosset, New York

See all

My family and I love Cafe Testarossa. The food is consistently delicious and the service is excellent. I like that, while there are mainstays on the menu, the chef is always innovating, so you have great options with the specials too. We've also had several celebratory dinners and parties here over the years and our guests are always so impressed that many of them come back to dine on their own. read more

We felt safe and well taken care of on a cold Sunday evening at Testarossa. Tables are spaced apart, servers are masked, the food was excellent, and the room is not noisy. We were not rushed but often asked if we needed anything. It was a very pleasant dinner. Crusty bread, not salty, and good olive oil was a nice start, with a tasting of crunchy bruschetta. Gnocchi pomadoro instead of meat sauce was a good switch, fresh tasting with not too much garlic. The faro salad was a revelation. What's faro? Something good. Then a perfect rack of lamb. Finally, really hot espresso, which no one else takes the trouble to make sure it's served like that. It was our first time here but can't wait to return. read more

I've been going to this restaurant for years and can't put into words how amazing the food is. From Billy's famous veal sliders to homemade pasta dishes and desserts we always leave blown away by the flavors, FULL and with leftovers for the next day! the menu is constantly changing and the staff are friendly, extremely attentive, and kind. This is a MUST GO TO SPOT!!!! Ive never left disappointed! read more

This is the best italian restaurant in Long Island. The food is top notch with unsurpassed service. They have an extremely flexible kitchen and can cater to all types of appetites. I have been left extremely satisfied every time I have come here. read more

First let me say that the food was good enough Italian and the service from our waitress, Debbie, was good. This restaurant was a third choice for our group of 4 women as it is the Holiday season and we were unable to get to the restaurant in the City we had planned. However, when the wine list was brought, we ordered what we thought was a $37 bottle of Malbec and the waitress asked if it was a certain number on the list. Then she said there is only one Malbec so we never questioned it. After spending over $200 there, we were brought the bill and the price was now $57. We asked to see the manager. Someone came over, I think she is the hostess, who had an attitude like we were trying to get away with something. She treated us like criminals. No offer to split the difference or bring coffee or anything. Even that would have been OK if she apologized for the mixup. I have never seen such a bad attitude in a person who is in the "hospitality" business. She informed me that she did not care about Yelp reviews. So here it is... There are plenty of better Italian restaurants to go to on LI where they actually want my business. In fact, instead of staying for dessert and coffee, another $60, we went to Cinque Terre and were warmly welcomed there. Do yourself a favor and avoid this place like the plague, especially if the blonde "hostess" is at the front desk. read more

I've been going to Cafe Testarossa for years and this is our go to spot for Italian food! The staff is wonderful and very accommodating and the food is DELICIOUS (I highly recommend the veal sliders.) The new patio is stunning and feels like we were dining in Tuscany. I have nothing but great things to say about this restaurant. I've already made a reservation for next week! read more

The food from Cafe Testarossa was so outstanding,. We ordered the family weekend special and two salads. Everything from the appetizers, to the entrees, to the dessert was hot, extremely delicious, and perfectly cooked. Although they say it feeds four people, it fed more like five to six, closer to six. I highly, highly, highly recommend ordering curbside. In a time like this, Cafe Testarossa still finds a way to impress read more

Food was good however the restaurant was very noisy. Maybe it was were we were seated that it was so noisy.

Came here for my birthday. Seated at 5 pm. We had other members of our party that arrived at 5:45. We were never notified that we needed to order before 6pm. Once the other members arrived the witness informed us that the twilight menu was null. Our waitress was rude and the rest of the evening made our part feel unwelcome. So disappointed seeing that it was my birthday and the awkwardness that followed. Would not recommend at all! read more