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

Restaurant offers some of the best tasting pizza I have eaten in a long time. Aside from the basic…read morecheese slices there are a good selection of specialty slices to satisfy any appetite. Service is friendly and the price structure is a little above average pizza slice pricing elsewhere. I'd suggest taking on the go or weather permitting seat outside as the in dining area is extremely small and confining plus you are a stones throw away from both the front door and counter area. There is a dining area with table service in the rear of the restaurant that provides a more conducive experience for those choosing that dining option. Located near the AMC Theater it does get busy with movie goers ( I went on a Saturday) but there is plenty of parking. Overall great tasting pizza at reasonable prices.

Base my reviews off what you pay:…read more Stick to just pizza here, restaurant leaves room for improvement. Price - $80-$100 Food - 2/5 - pretty lackluster for the price. Service - 3/5 - fine and on par. Ambiance - 2/5 - no complaints but crammed. Overall - 2/5 - if you stick to just pizza here Sole Mio is great, Bruschetta Slice is awesome. But restaurant leaves a lot desired. Food was pretty bad for the price, overly salty and tasted like it came premade. Service was fine, on par, and no complaints. Waiter was a little pushy but nothing over the top. Ambiance was fine too but definitely feel crammed inside. Only saving grace was the Bruschetta Sole Mio dish which was great, otherwise food would probably be a 1. Best Dish - Bruschetta Sole Mio

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.

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.

If you're looking for a perfect night out on Long Island, do yourself a favor and book a table at…read moreElaine's. From the moment we walked in, the atmosphere was effortlessly elegant--soft lighting, cozy tables, and just the right balance of upscale without feeling pretentious. But the real star? The food. We started with fresh oysters topped with caviar that were beautifully presented over ice with all the perfect accompaniments--briny, crisp, and incredibly fresh. The cocktails were just as impressive--perfectly balanced and crafted with care (highly recommend going the martini route). For dinner, everything was cooked to absolute perfection. The filet was tender, rich, and melted in your mouth, paired with creamy mashed potatoes and a sauce that honestly should be bottled and sold. The chicken dish was equally outstanding--juicy, flavorful, and finished with a bright lemon touch that tied everything together. And just when we thought it couldn't get better, dessert arrived. A creamy, indulgent affogato with biscotti crumbles--literally the perfect ending. But what truly elevated the entire experience was our waiter, James. He was beyond fabulous--attentive without hovering, genuinely warm, and made us feel like VIPs the entire night. The kind of service that turns a great meal into a memorable experience. Elaine's absolutely nailed every detail--from food to ambiance to service. Already planning my next visit.

The meal started off really well. The appetizers were delicious and clearly prepared with care…read more Also, our primary waiter was fantastic--genuinely nice, attentive, and caring. He really tried to make sure I had a good experience and invited me back to enjoy the dining room atmosphere. Because of his excellent service, I left him a 45% cash tip and told him I hoped to return. Unfortunately, the entrée was a big disappointment. I ordered the Linguine Vongole. While the pasta itself was good the kitchen had forced most of the clam shells open split. Having to guess which shellfish might make you sick really ruined the meal. Based on the entree I didn't stay for dessert. Unfortunately not being seated where I originally made a reservation for lead me to an atmosphere of rambling of a drunk sharing some pretty wild ramblings. Between the entrée issue and the drunk distractions, I skipped the rest of the meal, though I really hope the service on a return visit matches the kindness of my main waiter.

Went here for a late dinner and my wife and I both got a seafood special in red sauce. Calamari,…read moreshrimp and scallops. The food was excellent. The bread they give you is fresh and warm. Environment is cozy. Would Definitely come back to Try more things .

*Restaurant Week Review, April 2025…read more There are lots of choices when it comes to Restaurant Week on Long Island. I like to go out east to one of the Long Island mansions and dine like a baron. More quail sire? Yes please and thank you. Pietro Cucina Italiana has been coming up on my social media feed. I see the chef owner saying he makes the best linguini with clams. My favorite dish?? My niece is flying into Islip airport so I have to eat and book out. We pass by Pietro Cucina Italiana daily on our way to work. My wife on Friday left her job and headed straight to the restaurant. I'm at the small patio bar drinking a great glass of Italian wine. My in laws show up and we're all seated by 6pm. The restaurant week menu has many excellent Italian dishes. Everything except Linguini with clams. Not a problem, I'll have to come back. I started with the first offering on the restaurant week menu, the Lamb Meatballs. We all agreed, the lamb meatballs were on point. Perfectly seasoned swimming in tomato sauce and topped with shaved pecorino cheese. I wanted to try something different so I ordered the homemade lasagna. I don't remember the last time I had lasagna, so why not try something made by an Italian chef? The bechamel sauce is something I'm not used to but the layers of flavors make this an instant hit. Homemade pasta and cheeses are something a nonna isn't making. This is an elevated chef'd up dish, I loved it. Dessert? I chose the apple strudel. I wasn't a fan, it tasted like a dessert from Costco. Fantastic Italian wines and homemade pasta, Pietro Cucina Italiana is a excellent choice for dining on the North Shore.

Good service, food was good and very nice ambient. Pleasant location as well, but find parking can…read moretake some time in a Saturday evening.

Ruvo is a fan favorite for me. The food is always so good!! Their burger is really amazing (this is…read morethe last thing I had from there so it's in the forefront) soups are great, apps, honestly name it and it is always on point. The drinks here are always good, especially Max the bartender is always offering new suggestions and a smile. Live music every Saturday from 7-11 is a nice addition also. Love this place!

Good food nice place . Located near the boat terminal. Small but the service and food were greatread more

On this cold January Friday night, we ventured out to Port Jefferson for a dinner out with friends…read more For all of us, this is a favorite spot for lots of reasons including location, warm ambiance, friendly attentive service and delicious food. This restaurant is a cozy spot that is brimming with hustle and bustle but not in a bad way. With a 7:00 pm reservation, we were immediately greeted upon entering and seated. It's a perfect spot to dine out and actually be able to chat amongst yourselves. We were never once rushed and we were able to savor not only our meals but each other's company. Warm bread with a homemade smear greeted us while we looked at our menus. Each couple started with the appetizer for two. It looked so yummy that I almost forgot to snap a photo - albeit missing one baked clam before I remembered! We each chose something different because they have lots of wonderful choices. Our dining entrees of the evening were seafood Fra Diavolo, black angus skirt steak, veal parmigiana and grilled chicken over salad. We were all happy with our dinner selections. We finished off our meals with a sorbet trio and crème' brûlée. We'll be back again!

Delicious! What a fantastic space. Went for restaurant week they had a great menu selection. It…read morewas very hard to pick. I had the duck tacos, roasted chicken and sticky toffee pudding. Everything was delicious. The dessert was amazing. I will be back.

Super friendly service. Everything timely. We shared a salad generously topped with grilled bread…read moreand warm goat cheese. Arguably the best burger I've had in a restaurant in memory

Amazing food helped with our dietary restrictions the waitress was very patient with usread more

I haven't had this much choice in pasta / Italian since before I stopped eating gluten (and that…read morehappened 20 years ago!). And WOW. I was so stunned by the whole menu! Add to that, I walked in with a book, got seated in a dark & quiet corner, and everyone was *just attentive enough*... while leaving me to my reading and my GF gnocchi. This place was the right choice for me tonight!