Ahh, Italiana! Food dominated by sauces, cheeses, herbs and carbs…it’s no wonder the cuisine is so popular. Whether it’s a big plate of chicken, veal or eggplant parmesan, or a hefty bowl of penne, rigatoni or spaghetti, Italian cuisine will never cease to make you feel full and satisfied. There are plenty of Italian restaurants on Long Island, but make sure you sink your teeth into a delicious meal from the Best Italian Restaurant on Long Island.
2024: Long Island Voted Cafe Testarossa Best Italian Restaurant!
Cafe Testarossa
499 Jericho Turnpike, Syosset
(516) 364-8877 – cafetestarossa.com
For 35 years, Cafe Testarossa has reigned as the epitome of culinary excellence on Long Island, earning its status as the premier Italian restaurant. Infusing innovative American cuisine with an Italian influence, each dish reflects a harmonious blend of flavors and creativity. From classic pasta dishes to inventive culinary creations, Cafe Testarossa tantalizes taste buds and delights diners with every bite. Nestled in Syosset, their commitment to exceptional dining experiences is unwavering, drawing patrons from near and far to savor the unparalleled culinary craftsmanship that has defined Cafe Testarossa for over three decades. For a dining experience that transcends the ordinary, Cafe Testarossa is the undisputed choice!
2023: Long Islanders Voted Grandpa Tony’s Best Italian Restaurant!
Grandpa Tony’s
101 Althouse Ave., East Rockaway
(516) 799-8669 – grandpatonysli.com
What makes Grandpa Tony’s the best Italian restaurant on Long Island? Is it the way that its chefs prepare each dish, putting the love and attention of an Italian grandmother into each meal? Or maybe it’s the large portions of all the Italian favorites, including entire pizza, pasta, and chicken menus, so the whole family can mangia bene. Whatever it is, Grandpa Tony’s is a real hit among Long Islanders looking for a quality Italian meal. Chefs put care into every dish, even the coffee and desserts. The restaurant is family-oriented and offers pasta nights, pizza nights, and even pizza kits for the family to take home. Having an event? Grandpa Tony’s caters, too! For Italian cuisine you can always rely on, Grandpa Tony’s just can’t be beat.
2022: Long Islanders Voted Grandpa Tony’s Best Italian Restaurant!
Grandpa Tony’s
101 Althouse Ave., East Rockaway
(516) 799-8669 – grandpatonysli.com
What makes Grandpa Tony’s the best Italian restaurant on Long Island? Is it the way that its chefs prepare each dish, putting the love and attention of an Italian grandmother into each meal? Or maybe it’s the large portions of all the Italian favorites, including entire pizza, pasta, and chicken menus, so the whole family can mangia bene. Whatever it is, Grandpa Tony’s is a real hit among Long Islanders looking for a quality Italian meal. Chefs put care into every dish, even the coffee and desserts. The restaurant is family-oriented and offers pasta nights, pizza nights, and even pizza kits for the family to take home. Having an event? Grandpa Tony’s caters, too! For Italian cuisine you can always rely on, Grandpa Tony’s just can’t be beat.
2021: Long Islanders Voted Vito’s Pizza Best Italian Restaurant!
Vito’s Pizza
91 Forest Ave, Glen Cove
(516) 759-1366 – vitospizzany.com
Want to find an Italian restaurant that still does it right? Look no further than Vito’s Pizza in Glen Cove. The classic eats are infused with history with recipes passed down generation after generation straight from Sicily. While you can step in for a quick slice of delicious pizza, you can also hunker down in the elegant, yet cozy dining room for a great deal of enticing entrees, including pollo parmigiana, vitello marsala, salsiccia and peppers and melanzane rollatini. Vito’s staff is welcoming and inviting to everyone who walks inside. The great food and warm service makes it unlikely you stop by for a single meal.
2020: Long Islanders Voted The Gallery Four Pizzeria & Italian Restaurant Best Italian Restaurant!
The Gallery Four Pizzeria & Italian Restaurant
93 Broadway, Lynbrook
(516) 593-2539 – facebook.com/galleryfourrestaurant
Originally founded in 1979, The Gallery Four Pizzeria & Italian Restaurant in Lynbrook has been serving up the best Italian food to Long Islanders for years, and when you sit down for a meal, you’ll understand why. From chicken parmigiana to shrimp scampi, their menu is full of classic Italian restaurant staples at reasonable prices. You can start off your meal with authentic Italian appetizers (or antipasti) that will hold you over until the meal arrives. The pizza at The Gallery Four Pizzeria & Italian Restaurant is made with classic ingredients that will satisfy any pizza fan. Stop by today and grab a slice, or pick up a meal to go!
2019: Long Islanders Voted Vincent’s Clam Bar – Carle Place Best Italian Restaurant!
Vincent’s Clam Bar – Carle Place
179 Old Country Rd., Carle Place
(516) 742-4577 – www.vincentsclambar.com
Vincent’s Clam Bar brings the flavors, vitality, and ambiance of Little Italy to Long Island. With their open kitchen that has the chefs creating meals in full view of customers, Vincent serves up Long Island’s favorite cuisine, but elevates classic Italian fare to a whole ‘nother level. Seafood and pasta dishes, like Rigatoni Bolognese and Lobster Kiss, fill dishes to the brim with vitality and verve, while Vincent’s sauces—which grace their hearty Italian specialties, such as Chicken Parmigiana and Eggplant Rollatini—have become world-renowned for their authentic flavors. Trust us, you’ll be coming back for more and more!
2018: Long Islanders Voted Mama Lombardi’s Best Italian Restaurant on Long Island
Mama Lombardi’s
400 Furrows Rd., Holbrook.
631-737-0773. mammalombardis.com
Mama Lombardi’s in Holbrook has been awarded the best Italian Restaurant on Long Island for 2018. Known for their delicious Neapolitan Italian cuisine, Lombardi’s brings part of Italy’s culture to Long Island. The Lombardi Family has proudly served the Long Island community for the past 40 years. Mama Lombardi’s offers a pizza and takeout menu as well as a happy hour menu in addition to their award-winning Italian menu. Mamma Lombardi’s is located at 400 Furrows Rd., Holbrook. For more information, call 631-737-0773 or visit mammalombardis.com
2017: Long Islanders Voted Mercato Kitchen & Cocktails Best Italian Restaurant on Long Island
Mercato Kitchen & Cocktails
498 Merrick Rd., Massapequa Park. 516-308-3582. mercatokitchen.com
Mercato Kitchen & Cocktails has achieved something that countless venues on the island can only dream of: Best Italian Restaurant on Long Island. How did they do it? The old-fashioned way, of course! They have a welcoming atmosphere for adults and families. Their waitstaff is friendly and knowledgeable. Their bartender is like a human encyclopedia when it comes to mixing drinks. The venue has wonderful outdoor seating when the weather is right, and they serve great food all year round. People are raving about their Pollo Asparigi, which is a chicken cutlet on a bed of rice with asparagus smothered in a creamy vodka sauce. Some say Mercato’s mashed potatoes are as good their moms used to make—and you know what a high compliment that is! Mangia tutti—everybody eat!
2016: Long Islanders Voted Porto Vivo Best Italian Restaurant on Long Island
Porto Vivo
7 Gerard St., Huntington. 631-385-8486. porto-vivo.com
Kudos to Joy Mangano, who chalks up another success. This Long Island icon is the brains behind Porto Vivo Restaurant and Lounge, crowned The Best Italian Restaurant on Long Island! Mangano already made her mark as an inventor and entrepreneur (for more proof see “Joy,” the movie about her, starring Jennifer Lawrence). At Porto Vivo, she’s achieved her goal of providing excellence on every level, with gourmet food, superior service and stunning décor. Each person who walks through the door can expect a great epicurean experience thanks to Executive Chef Joseph Balbo, born on Long Island, who mastered his skills at The Culinary Italian Institute in Calabria, Italy. He knows his way around a kitchen! Perfecto!
2015: Long Islanders Voted Vincent’s Clam Bar Best Italian Restaurant on Long Island!
Vincent’s Clam Bar
179 Old Country Rd., Carle Place. 516-742-4577. vincentsclambar.com
Vincent’s Clam Bar brings the flavors, vitality, and ambiance of Little Italy to Long Island. With their open kitchen showing the chefs creating meals in full view of customers, Vincent serves up Long Island’s favorite cuisine, and elevates classic Italian fare to a whole ‘nother level. Seafood and pasta dishes, like Rigatoni Bolognese and Lobster Kiss, are served in dishes filled to the brim with vitality and verve (and food!) while Vincent’s sauces—which grace their hearty Italian specialties, like Chicken Parmigiana and Eggplant Rollatini—have become world-renowned for their authentic flavors. Trust us, you’ll be coming back for more and more!
2014: Long Islanders voted Vincent’s Clam Bar in Carle Place Best Italian Restaurant on Long Island!
1. Vincent’s Clam Bar
179 Old Country Rd., Carle Place. 516-742-4577. vincentsclambar.com
2. Wander Inn
2880 Grand Ave., Baldwin. 516-223-5925. WanderInnBaldwin.com
3. Mamma Lombardi’s
400 Furrows Rd., Holbrook. 631-737-0773. mammalombardis.com
2013: Long Islanders Voted Vincent’s Clam Bar in Carle Place Best Italian Restaurant on Long Island!
1. Vincent’s Clam Bar
179 Old Country Rd., Carle Place. 516-742-4577. www.vincentsclambar.com
2. Sole
2752 Oceanside Rd., Oceanside. 516-764-3218. www.soleny.com
3. Mamma Lombardi’s
400 Furrows Rd., Holbrook. 631-737-0774. www.mammalombardis.com
2012: Long Islanders Voted Vincent’s Clam Bar in Carle Place Best Italian Restaurant on Long Island!
1. Vincent’s Clam Bar
179 Old Country Rd., Carle Place. 516-742-4577. www.vincentsclambar.com
2. Butera’s
Multiple Locations. WWW.BUTERAS.COM
3. Mamma Lombardi’s
400 Furrows Rd., Holbrook. 631-737-0774. www.mammalombardis.com
2011: Long Islanders Voted Vincent’s Clam Bar in Carle Place Best Italian Restaurant on Long Island
1. Vincent’s Clam Bar
179 Old Country Rd., Carle Place. 516-742-4577. www.vincentsclambar.com
2. La Parma
Multiple Locations. www.laparma.com
3. Mamma Lombardi’s
400 Furrows Rd., Holbrook. 631-737-0774. www.mammalombardis.com
2010: Long Islanders Voted Vincent’s Clam Bar in Carle Place Best Italian Restaurant on Long Island!
1. Vincent’s Clam Bar
179 Old Country Rd., Carle Place 516-742-4577 www.vincentsclambar.com
2. Mamma Lombardi’s
400 Furrows Rd., Holbrook. 631-737-0774. www.mammalombardis.com
3. Ciao Baby
5074 Sunrise Hwy., Massapequa Park. 516-799-5200. 204 E. Jericho Tpke., Commack. 631-543-1400. www.ciaobabyrestaurant.com
