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Molto Bene Long Island Italian Restaurants

February 8, 2022 | Daily Bite

For many, the definition of comfort is pasta tossed in tomato sauce. We are eternally grateful to the Italian immigrants that arrived on Ellis Island in the early 1900s and brought with them excellent cuisine from the boot! On Long Island, there is a wide variety of great Italian restaurants to choose from. So roll up your sleeves and read our top three.

Nick and Toni's

Credit: Nick & Toni's

Nick & Toni’s needs no introduction. It is a Hamptons institution, synonymous with the glitz and glamour of the exclusive summer enclave. However, it’s not as difficult as one would imagine to reserve a table there during the off-season. Nick & Toni’s Tuscan farmhouse setting, wood-burning oven and “outsider art” on the walls creates a pleasant, toasty vibe. Standout starters include the artisanal cheese selection and shave fennel and arugula. salad For entrees, you must try the Funghi pizza with mushrooms, mozzarella, parmigiana, ricotta and burgundy truffle. The free range chicken and Wagyu NY strip steak are also delightful.

Scarpetta Beach

Credit: Scarpetta Beach

Scarpetta Beach in Montauk is one of the most complete dining experiences on Long Island. The glass wall in the beautiful dining room offers stunning ocean views (you can go on the deck for a closer look). The yellowtail with pickled red onions and tuna with marinated carrot, chive and preserved truffle plates of crudo are both fantastic. Savory pasta dishes include the tagliatelle with porcini, black peppers and truffle and ricotta cavatelli with short rib and bone marrow agnolotti. Seafood lovers will be happy with the black cod, branzino or halibut.

The Trattoria

Credit: The Trattoria

The Trattoria might not have a view of the ocean like Scarpetta Beach, but the dishes coming out of chef-owner Steven Gallagher’s kitchen makes it more than deserving to be on this list. It has our vote for the best lasagna Bolognese on the island. Close your eyes and place your finger on any of the pasta entrees, because they are all palate pleasing. Standouts include the bucatini carbonara and rigatoni in a kale sauce with Stracciatella and toasted breadcrumbs. Great non-pasta starters include gazpacho, chicken-liver mousse with cherry agrodolce, and the pork porterhouse chop with broccoli rabe.

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