We just celebrated my brother's 30th birthday at Osteria Umbra, and it was truly an unforgettable…read moreexperience from start to finish. It was a surprise party for 15 people (his absolute favorite restaurant), and the entire night exceeded every expectation we had. The level of service we received was nothing short of incredible. Our main server, John, was absolutely out of this world. Not only was he attentive and on top of everything all night long, but he also took the time to share background and knowledge about the restaurant and each dish we were enjoying. That combination of service, passion, and education made the entire experience feel so elevated and special. Anything we needed, he was there immediately--he truly made us feel taken care of the entire evening. His assistant, Charles, was just as amazing--so attentive, kind, and dedicated to making sure we had the best possible time. And the food... absolutely phenomenal. Huge credit to Chef Marco--there are honestly no words. We opted for a family-style setup with multiple appetizers, salads, entrées, and desserts. I was a little skeptical at first, but it ended up being the BEST decision. We got to try so many different dishes--way more than you normally would--and there was not a single thing I didn't love. Every bite was incredible. Between the outstanding service, the amazing food, and the overall experience, I cannot recommend this restaurant enough. If you go, definitely request John--you will not regret it!

Base my reviews off what you pay:…read more *Place was packed on a Saturday at 7:30PM Price - $150 (appetizer, entree, 2 drinks, dessert, tip) Food - 4/5 - great tasting food. Service - 4/5 - friendly and attentive. Ambiance - 3/5 - nice vibe with open fire, slightly tacky and dark. Overall - 4/5 - this is one of those places that is worth visiting once then probably not again. Everything was good but for the price you can get equally as good food at a budget. Food was really good, particularly the Wild Boar Gnocchi Ragu & Pistachio Cake, both easily worth a try. Service was great as well. Friendly, attentive, some conversation there, was good service. Ambiance was a mixed bag. While the indoors is really nice with a cool open flame, it can be dark inside and a little tacky (easy 4 if it wasn't as dark). Definitely worth a visit at one point but not as a regular spot. Best Dish - Wild Boar Ragu Gnocchi, Pistachio Cake Would Return - Probably not

First, I would give this Italian restaurant 3-1/2 stars but that's not an option unfortunately…read more There were lots of good things but the inconsistencies makes it a 3-1/2 instead of a 4 star. Upon entering we were warmly welcomed. While we decided on what we would be having, we were given complimentary fried zucchini strips & bread. The wait staff is very attentive. Having never been here but using Yelp as my foodie guide, with its high star rating, I somehow missed that this establishment is prixe fixed so you cannot order a La carte anything. I honestly wish I had read more reviews instead of focusing on just the high-star rating. Anyway, the prize fixed menu includes appetizer, main entree, dessert and coffee for $38.95 with up charges for specific items that are clearly marked. Of course, both myself and my hubby chose entrees (veal parmigiana and meat lasagna) with a $5.95 up charge for each. On this Friday night, there was live music. It was very fitting for this Italian restaurant with its cozy Italian bistro/cafe atmosphere. It made it feel like date night. Hearing the music in the background was very enjoyable. Now the food, which came out in a nice even pace so we were not rushed. The appetizers of baked clams and eggplant rollatine were good. My veal parmigiana was absolutely delicious and prepared perfectly. My hubby's meat lasagna was good but in comparison to my dish it missed the mark. The desserts & coffee were fine, but certainly nothing overly special. I'm the person who looks at dessert first because I look forward to that extra special thing at the end of the meal. Overall a nice dinner out with my hubby.

Came here for a retirement party. The room layout was a bit odd and not great for a large group…read moreparty. Service was okay. The food wasnt bad. I had the chicken marsala. The chicken was good but the sauce was really salty. The pasta could have been cooked another minute. It was extra al dente.

Everything was amazing! From the host, to the waitress, to the rest of the staff this place was…read moreincredible. The food was exceptional. Since it was Family! style, we ordered several entrées for the five of us +2 appetizers and a Caesar salad. The Caesar salad was one of the best I've ever had! The appetizer of homemade meatballs in red sauce were delicious as well, both chicken dishes that we ordered and baked ziti! The service was way beyond expectation. The ambience was warm and lively. Exactly what you'd expect from a busy family style restaurant on a Friday night!!

Had dinner here last night. We called ahead for reservations and was told there was no need, which…read morewas true we ate early. Checked in with the waiter who wasn't sure where to seat us and he walked around aimlessly for a few minutes until the owner came out. The owner came out and greeted the party behind us and seated them before us. (Is my money no good here?) Got seated and the waiter couldn't have been nicer or more attentive. The owner came out and greeted his friends at the table next to us and upgraded all their drinks. I don't really care about that because I like what I like. The owner sat with his buddies and upgraded an old fashioned to Angels Envy. No big deal but if you're not his "friend" you get treated like a douche, he'll take your money but he won't take two seconds to say hi or ask how was the dinner. The food is fantastic but the owner is a douche if you're not one of his buddies.

Ventured back to Casa Rustica after several years due to an issue given lobster sizes that were…read moreinconsistent with the size & prices we were paying. Hence, oysters Rockefeller were excellent. Shrimp pasta special was great & the stuffed veal chop cooked perfectly. Salads were fresh and dessert all great. Am glad we came back, look forward coming back again soon.

Great little gem in Smithtown, def worth checking it out...The service and the food from the apps…read moreto the desert were fantastic.

Trattoria Saint James in Saint James, NY, is an absolute five star Italian extravaganza that had me…read moretwirling my fork like a conductor leading a pasta orchestra from the moment I stepped through the door until I waddled out stuffed happier than a meatball in Sunday gravy. This place is a cozy slice of Tuscany tucked into Long Island suburbia, with warm terracotta walls glowing under soft Edison bulbs that flicker like fireflies at a vineyard wedding, exposed brick that whispers old world romance, and tables draped in crisp white linens spaced just right so you can whisper sweet nothings to your date without the next table joining the conversation. The ambience is pure magic, a perfect blend of rustic charm and upscale elegance where the air swirls with garlic, basil, and the faint strum of Italian crooners that makes you feel like you have been transported to a Nonna's kitchen in Naples, but with air conditioning and zero chance of getting pinched on the cheek. Twinkling string lights over the bar add a festive sparkle, fresh flowers bloom on every table like edible centerpieces, and the open kitchen lets you peek at chefs tossing dough like pizza frisbees, turning dinner into delicious theater. The food, mamma mia, where do I even begin without needing a second stomach? We kicked off with the burrata that arrived like a creamy cloud from cheese heaven, draped over heirloom tomatoes so juicy they burst like summer fireworks, drizzled with 25 year aged balsamic that danced on the tongue sweeter than a love song. The arancini were golden orbs of risotto joy, crispy outside, gooey with fontina inside, served with a marinara so rich and tangy it should have its own fan club. For mains, the veal osso buco fell off the bone softer than a lullaby, braised in a red wine reduction that hugged the meat like a cashmere blanket, paired with a saffron risotto that glowed brighter than the ambience lights. My partner's seafood linguine was a briny ocean party, clams, mussels, shrimp, and scallops twirling in a white wine garlic broth so flavorful I caught myself mopping the plate with housemade focaccia like it was my job. Desserts? The tiramisu was a fluffy espresso soaked dream layered with mascarpone lighter than air, and the cannoli cracked with a satisfying snap before revealing ricotta filling piped with chocolate chips and candied orange that tasted like Sicily in every bite. Portions are generous without being overwhelming, prices feel like a steal for the quality (entrees $25 to $40), and the wine list is a curated love letter to Italian regions with a Barolo that paired like it was destiny. Service was the cherry on this gelato sundae, no, the entire sundae stand, with a team that operates like a well oiled Vespa zooming through narrow streets with precision and pizzazz. Our server Marco greeted us with a megawatt smile and a complimentary prosecco toast "for beautiful people on a beautiful night," then guided us through the menu like a tour guide in the Colosseum, suggesting the perfect pairings with enthusiasm that bubbled like the sparkling water he kept refilling without us asking. Every course arrived at the ideal tempo, hot dishes steaming, cold apps chilled, and when I mentioned a gluten sensitivity he whisked away potential pitfalls faster than a Ferrari on the Autostrada, even surprising us with gluten free bread that tasted like the real deal. The manager swung by not once but twice, once to check on our experience and again to gift us limoncello shots "for the road, but sip it slow," turning a great meal into a memorable party. Busboys cleared plates ninja style, water glasses stayed full like magic, and the entire staff radiated genuine warmth that made us feel like VIPs at a family reunion we actually wanted to attend. Trattoria Saint James is the kind of gem that makes you want to cancel all future dinner plans and just rotate through their menu on repeat, a five star symphony of sensational food, enchanting ambience, and service that spoils you rotten in the best way. Whether you are celebrating an anniversary, wooing a date, or just treating yourself because you deserve it, book a table, bring your stretchy pants, and prepare for an Italian love affair that will have you shouting "bravissimo" between bites. I am already counting down the days until my next visit, this place doesn't just serve dinner, it serves pure joy on a plate!

Excellent quality wonderful presentation. Impeccable service cost ambiance couldn't ask for moreread more

It had been year since I've gotten from Branchinelli's and my return visit after almost a decade…read moredid not disappoint. Their Sicilian pie is a standout. It's beautifully pillowy with a crisp undercarriage. It's perfectly oily without being greasy. It's (IMO) too saucy which tends to make it a little sloppy but it's a balanced sauce of sweet and tart with just the right amount of cheese. Their regular pie is a benchmark pie for Long Island pizza. It's just right. No notes. The chicken parm and meatball parm heroes are also benchmark sandwiches. I judge all heroes against theirs. Personally, I prefer the chicken parm, but it's a 1A/1B situation. There's no wrong choice. My only complaint would be that I wish they were a little bit larger.

Excellent sauce and food. Both the Chicken Parm and Pizza were excellent. Even the crust on the…read morepizza was perfect. Only one problem... Caveat Emptor! No, that isn't a dish. It means buyer beware. But when it comes to dishes, you might have noticed there is no pasta with my Chicken Parm. That's because the Chicken Parm is $32 freaking dollars if you order it with pasta. The owner and staff seem super friendly, but I have never in my life seen this price for Chicken Parm and pasta. I told the owner that and he said it's $16 and change for the Chicken Parm and $15 and change for the pasta. If you don't know, after alcohol, an Italian restaurant's biggest profit margin is pasta. For this restaurant, it might be number one. Pasta is incredibly cheap to make so the markup here is beyond insane. The price for pasta is so high that they almost definitely miss the ideal price point. In other words, this price will drive down orders and keep customers away. At a lower price point, it will drive more groups of people spending more money. Aside from that, the food is excellent and I still recommend this place. It really is great food. Just don't order pasta.

5 + stars We had gluten allergy…read moreWe had tough time finding place We had delays at work. What did this place do to get 5? Accommodated Were aware of allergies and made a difference in the experience of dining out Allowed us to enjoy an authentic Italian meal without worrying about health issues Bathrooms clean Parking ample HOLIDAY was outta this world and worth the 1 hour drive!! Good food was plentiful They're was not one thing they wouldn't do to accommodate us. Each and every staff. Member went out of their way to ensure we had a wonderful end of year celebration. Delicious Meats cheeses desserts salads ...shrimp cocktail Drinks Breads galore It was also SAFE °A MUST.TRY

Mother's day brunch was awesome. Ambiance and service was great. They gave each mother a rose …read more The food portions family style was with a fantastic variety.

I went to Mezza Luna with my daughter last night for a spur of the moment late night dinner. She…read morehad passed by the restaurant and it caught her eye, so we went. Now, I knew nothing about Mezza Luna, never heard of it or looked for reviews first, so I had no idea what the night would bring! We called from the car to make sure they were still serving dinner, the owner answered and told us he would have a table ready when we arrived. My first thought... impressive and a very nice man! We found the restaurant, pull into the parking lot, it was so full we literally got the last spot! My second thought....it's going to be an expensive night, but I was looking forward so I was prepared, it was pay day! LOL! The owner greeted us as we walked in, Mezza Luna is a classy, romantic restaurant with a warm, comfortable feel to it! I already had the feeling anything we ordered would be extremely well prepared and delicious, I was right! Friday evenings there is live music! A guy playing an acoustic guitar was set up in a nice spot when we walked in, very talented and played some great classic rock songs! Our table was perfect, could easily seat four people! Right away, glasses of ice water were served with a basket of fresh semolina bread! Our waiter, Fred, came over shortly after. I have to say the service is superb! He was very courteous and attentive throughout the evening! I can't even count how many times someone came to our table to fill our glass with water! The menu is very nice, you will without a doubt find any of your favorite dishes to choose from. Decisions, decisions, decisions...It was tough but I went with the Filet of Sole Francaise. My daughter chose a pasta dish. Fred read off the specials, all great choices, but I still ordered my favorite dish! However, beef barley soup was part of the specials so I ordered that. It was over the top delicious and a nice size serving! They don't skimp on anything, lots of beef with tiny pasta and vegetables. Even though finely chopped so no big pieces, there was a big taste of everything in each spoonful. I finished it all! The presentation was also beautiful and served piping hot! As everything on the menu is ala carte, your dish comes as is, so we didn't order any pasta or appetizers. It was a little pricey but believe me, it won't matter to you! The portions are big enough and a complimentary bowl of fresh mixed vegetables are served with your dinner. The francaise sauce was perfection and my fish was succulent, very fresh! My daughter enjoyed her pasta dish tremendously! There is always room for dessert, even though I felt like I couldn't eat another bite, I couldn't pass up dessert. My favorite was one of the choices (of course it was) but so were 3 or 4 others. They offer two kinds of tartufo which was a first for me! I went with the tiramisu! It was one of the best I ever had! It was so over the top delicious I finished it all!! Last nights dinner was one of the best I have had in a long time, even better than the Country House, where we went for Easter! This was just different, a very elegant experience. I highly recommend Mezza Luna. Especially if you have a SO, you must dine here! I will absolutely be back soon, not one negative about the evening I can think of, it was really a perfect night!

Celebrated my bachelorette dinner here. This place is fantastic! The atmosphere is very upscale yet…read morethey are not a pretentious place. Everyone my party encountered was hospitable and gracious. From the moment you walk in this place screams class and elegance. The design of the restaurant is so beautiful. All of the food was delicious! Flavorful, yet not overly salty one bit. I loved the atmosphere and the food. This place was a winner!

Wonderful restaurant to eat at! Wife and I really enjoyed…read morethe service, food, and holiday spirit! I highly recommend this restaurant!

Great pizza & garlic knots. Restaurant is always crowded. There hero's are also amazingly great,…read moreespecially eggplant, chicken & sausage parm.

I was so excited to finally try Luca after hearing so many great reviews -- and it absolutely lived…read moreup to the hype! We arrived with a reservation and were seated promptly. From the moment we walked in, everyone was warm and welcoming, and the hospitality remained consistent throughout the entire visit. We started with appetizers. The meatball was absolutely delicious sauce and perfectly seasoned and impressively large. The crab meat topped artichoke was hands down the most delicious artichoke I've ever had. It was a flattened artichoke topped generously with crab meat, and the flavors were outstanding. For pasta, we ordered the Bolognese and the penne alla vodka. The Bolognese wasn't your typical red sauce -- it was more of a rich brown meats sauce, unique and incredibly flavorful. The penne alla vodka was outstanding, made with fresh pasta and a perfectly balanced sauce. For our entrées, we had the chicken parmesan and the veal chop. The chicken parmesan featured fresh, tender chicken topped with delicious mozzarella, and the sauce was out of this world. The veal chop, served in a delicious mushroom sauce, was cooked perfectly and is a dish I would highly recommend. To finish, we had pistachio gelato and a blood orange sorbet (a special that evening). Both desserts were amazing and the perfect ending to a fantastic meal. The service was impeccable -- our waitress Shanna was amazing, attentive, and friendly plus helpful. We were given a cozy table, and even the bathrooms were thoughtfully stocked with washcloths to dry your hands. There's truly nothing negative to say. Highly, highly recommend this restaurant!

A beautiful lunch experience this afternoon, 2/7/26 for my sister's birthday…read more We made a reservation because we heard that you needed one. The seating area is very small so I would recommend making one just in case. The indoor is beautiful. Everything was clean and looked new. We pretty much split everything, 3 apps and 3 pastas. The best app was the risotto (technically a side) and the beets with feta. The 2 best pastas were the gnocchi and the corn-corn pasta is not the proper name but I can't remember what it's actually called! The service was fast, on point and helpful the entire time. This is one of those places that would be for a special occasion because it's expensive but the experience is worth it.