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Acquista Trattoria
Categories: Restaurants Pizza Restaurants Italian Pizza, Italian [Edit]
178-01 Union TpkeFlushing, NY 11366
Neighborhoods: Utopia, Hillcrest, Flushing
(718) 969-1411
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 11 am - 11 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- Yes
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
Alex S. said: "I went here for an event and the catering was unbelievable. The servers were fast, friendly and professional, and the food was very tasty without being unhealthy. I was actually very impressed with the selection of appetizers they came…" read more »
92 reviews for Acquista Trattoria
Review Highlights
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"Their focaccia and olive oil is absolute heaven." In 17 reviews -
"Outdoor seating is nice when the weather is good." In 10 reviews -
"Ordering in is a must since the focaccia is amazing." In 20 reviews
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91 reviews in English
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Review from Maria P.
Fresh Meadows, Queens, NY
Updated - 5/24/2012
Another great local restaurant. Acquista's offers the goods, homemade pasta, imported salamis and cheeses and much more. If you love GOOD Italian food you will not be let down.
I went this afternoon for lunch with some friends and everyone one got something a little different. Classic spaghetti and meatballs, lobster ravioli, cavatelli alla mamma, a spinach and mushroom calzone, an Acquista pizza and a prosciutto di parma sandwhich. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed their meals as always. All that plus their amazing fresh foccia bread oil and olives they bring out for you to munch on three glasses of wine and a diet coke ran the table about $90 something.
A smaller place in the front but there is a hidden back room. can be hit or miss with a big group if you don't have a reservation. Although most of the time I think you'll be just fine and plenty able to grab a seat.
You should definitely check it out and support local businesses!2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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11/20/2011
Had another wonderful meal here this weekend. Went out with all of the girls and we all go some sort… Read more »
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Review from Lauren L.
Jamaica, NY
1/15/2012
The only thing I don't like about this place is the space. The tables are joined together cafeteria style but that's because its small. Acquista could totally expand. I had the calamari and mussels as appetizers. The calamari is a must but the mussels were OK, they were served with cherry tomatoes. My main dish was the rigatoni siciliana and it is just so so good. A must try.
my friend ordered the lasagna and it was a big helping and was also really good. So was the tiramisu. -
Review from Chelsea D.
Queens, NY
Florence K. is right... this is the best place for penne alla vodka. It's also the best place for adding things to that penne alla vodka, like chicken and/or asparagus and/or fresh mozzarella balls. I'd say add them all at the same time but then it gets a little pricey.
I've done take out, delivery, and dine-in quite a number of times and I have yet to be disappointed. Everything has been delicious, home-cooked Italian food for a decent price. I prefer to dine in because the focaccia bread with olive oil that they give before the meal is excellent.
Five stars because it is my favorite restaurant that's within walking distance from my house and because they have a wide variety so you can be sure to please anyone in your dining party. -
Review from Vy N.
Manhattan, NY
5/10/2012
I've always wanted to try this place and luckily was in the neighborhood. I picked up a to-go order of Farfalle al salmone in a pink vodka sauce. It was delicious! The pasta was perfectly al dente. I also ordered the garlic rolls which were still crispy and delicious when I got home. Really wanna try the amatriciana next time!
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Review from Luci B.
Updated - 4/22/2012
It was my first time back since my first review and I'm pretty disappointed. My table ordered the same dishes as last time. The fried mozzarella sandwiches weren't light and crispy like before, they were heavier and not as flavorful. The fettuccine alfredo was decent, but the pasta itself was odd- the noodles were about half as wide as normal fettuccine and not as thick. I've never had fettuccine like that before and I wasn't a fan. The penne in the penne a la vodka was too al dente- closer to undercooked than anything else, and the sauce was unremarkable.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/29/2010
I stopped in here for a quick lunch with some friends. We got a few dishes and split them. The… Read more »
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Review from Patrick G.
Fresh Meadows, NY
4/29/2012 1 Check-in Here
Great flatbread thin crust pizza. The way it should be made. Awesome table bread with an olive oil sauce to die for. The servers are all there for your next move ot drink. Summers are great for outside seating!!!
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Review from Mary H.
Elmhurst, NY
3/30/2012 1 Check-in Here
This is my go to Italian place in Queens. The food is good, the prices are fair and the people are nice. What more do you need for a good dinner?
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Review from Florence K.
JAMAICA, NY
12/3/2011 1 Check-in Here
Best place for Penne alla Vodka.
Wide variety of pasta combinations and panini sandwiches. The French brie sandwich with olive pate is one of my favorite items on the menu.
There have been many times where we've catered events in their small dining hall in the back, and their food and service are always consistent.... wonderful!Listed in: Pick-up or Delivery?
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Review from Nic L.
Queens, NY
As a grad student at St. John's, I was often subjected to sub-standard campus fare. Luckily I found Aquista and was able to have a decent glass of wine with baked salmon (Salmon alla Senape Dolce). Great service too - the waiters recognize me now & know exactly what I want - that's always a nice touch! Great job Acquista - I will continue to be a patron way beyond my grad school days!
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Review from Fritz P.
Queens, NY
7/25/2011 1 Check-in Here
Acquista is a the place to be if you're looking for delicious Italian food along Union Turnpike. Its main dining room is cozy like a family kitchen and on nicer days there is outside seating on the length of the restaurant. They can also accommodate private parties in a smaller back room where you can see the tiny oven where they warm the foccacia served with pasta dishes and main entrees. The restaurant is located right on the corner of 178th street which makes parking convenient.
Because it's a block away from Saint John's University, it's a popular spot for students to grab a bite in between classes or have dinner during the academic year. Dine in throughout the work-week and bottles of wine are half-priced.
The food is always consistent. The two farfelle dishes (alla nonna and al salmone) are the bow-tie best on the pasta menu. Their pink vodka sauce is too good not to try whether it's on penne or farfalle. For dessert, among staples like gelato and tiramisu, they serve lemon or orange sorbet in its hollowed peel--a fun and refreshing way to end a meal.
The waitstaff is always kind though there have been some instances where a pizza or panini order was forgotten. It doesn't matter because the quality of the food is one-of-a-kind in the area. -
Review from Ali L.
Astoria, NY
8/2/2011 1 Check-in Here
Very good
Got the Grilled chicken sandwich (#15 I think) It was excellent. Simple but fresh. The bread that was put on our table seemed homemade. You also get olives to snack on.
Grade A in the window. -
Review from Rendy L.
San Francisco, CA
7/25/2011 1 Check-in Here
My cousin and I was looking around places to eat for lunch. Acquista Trattoria was on the top for yelp, so I thought I 'd give it a try. The food was delicious. The service could be a little better. Overall, I had great
experience eating here. -
Review from Lauren P.
New York, NY
4/4/2011
My all-time go-to Italian restaurant in Queens! The food is of great quality but the downside is that the actual place is small & the street parking can get a little annoying during dinner time.
Comp olives & rosemary focaccia come with your meal & the portions are good (we usually end up with takeout afterwards.. unless you get ravioli.. which everyone knows is essentially like 5 pieces lol).
Haven't had their pizza yet because I always end up ordering some sort of chicken or pasta or something fried (penne alla vodka, fried calamari, mozzarella in carrozza, penne pomodoro & basilico, linguine acquista, gnocchi quattro formaggi, & the lobster ravioli are all great!) -
Review from Raymond N.
Oakland Gardens, NY
6/5/2011 1 Check-in Here
This is a not too shabby Italian restaurant if you happen to be in the neighborhood. Easy and free side street parking. There are limited outdoor seatings during the warmer days. Place itself is pretty small.
First thing you get after getting seated is complimentary Rosemary Focaccia with a side of olive oil with real olives in it! Warm and toasty. Not a bad way to start your meal.
Never had the pizza here. Try to avoid anything grilled chicken. It is thinly sliced and overcooked. Pasta is hit or miss, I enjoy al dente but sometimes they overcook the pasta as well. The seafood dishes are acceptable. Though most of the sauces served here taste it right out of a can to me.
Friendly and speedy service is always appreciated. -
Review from Laura C.
Queens, NY
6/13/2011
I have been to this place countless times! I've been going to Acquistas for almost two years now. I just never sat down to write about how great the food is here! I've eaten there, but also did takeout several times. There are several items on the list that I get almost every time I order, but before I get to that, I just want to say this place is as authentic and delicious as Italian can get. The place is clean, the waiters are helpful, what more can you ask for?
When you eat there, a fresh batch of bread and olives soaked in olive oil come out. I often dine in with a second person and order for 2 people. So I order an appetizer, a baby pizza and a pasta dish. We share everything and it is perfectly filling for two people. You might even have to take some leftovers home.
The first item I love to order is the Acquista baby pizza! It is their signature baby pizza, and it is probably about the size of a small pie you order at a Pizza Hut, except it is even better than Pizza Hut! It has three simple ingredients: sweet sausages, spicy tomato sauce, and mozzarella. I really dig spicy food and this pizza definitely has that spicy kick that I enjoy. I also recommend the Capricciosa baby pizza which has the veggies and sounds much healthier (artichokes, capers, mushrooms, anchovies, tomato sauce, and mozzarella). That was good, too, and very flavorful, but not spicy. I just personally love the Acquista one more for the spiciness.
My favorite appetizers are the Baked Clams and the Calamari. The baked clams are stuffed with a thick saucy concoction filled with the typical stuffing goodness and drizzled with lemon juice (my favorite flavor with seafood). There is always leftover sauce you can soak up with the bread and I usually clean the plate up until it is spotless. The calamari is typical, so if I don't get the clams, I get the squids. Although on a sidenote, I've ordered the stuffed clams to go and it seemed like there were the clams were a lot smaller than when I had them dined in. I'm not sure if it was because those were the only sizes they had that day, or because take out equals less food, but takeout is still not bad.
My favorite pasta dish is the Linguine Acquista (prosciutto, green peas, and mushrooms in a cream sauce). I enjoy the prosciutto bits swiveled into every creamy bite of linguine. This dish could get a bit salty for me at times, but that's just how Italian food gets. Some of you might not even think it is that salty.
There are tons of other things to try on the menu, so until next time! -
Review from Aldo C.
Flushing, NY
12/15/2011 4 Check-ins Here
This place has always been one of my favorites. The service is always good, as soon as you sit down, they place some focaccia bread, olives on olive oil so you can start eating. The food is amazing, the prices are very cheap. What I love most about this restaurant is that they don't pretend to be something they are not, they are not the over priced Italian restaurant that tastes like any other pizza shop, what this place does is food, and they do it great.
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Review from Samantha L.
Forest Hills, NY
1/25/2011
I've only ever had their pizza, and I've gotta leave it at "eughhh"
Very thick, tough and chewy crust, canned tasting sauce and packaged shredded cheese. If you're into Boboli, this might be your place, but I've had far better in the area. -
Review from Helena W.
New York, NY
3/19/2011
My go-to Italian restaurant when I'm in the Queens. They serve complimentary Rosemary Focaccia...so warm so toasty along with an assortment of olives. Pasta is what they're known for...standard dishes and good portions for $10-13.
my favorites...
penne alla vodka
linguine alla vongole
farfalle alla nonna
chicken milanese or parmigiana (comes with side salad or pasta)
forgettable...
fish dishes
downside...no trains nearby and street parking can be difficult during dinner-time -
Review from Sal L.
Ridgewood, NY
12/29/2010 1 Check-in Here
The food here is really good. I didn't expect this from a quaint, little, "neighborhood" spot. I had the Chicken Valdostana which was a generous portion with prosciutto and fontina cheese and a delicious sauce that you could devour a loaf of bread with. My date had a salad then the lobster ravioli which was equally as good. Two glasses of Montepulciano (red, Tuscan) wine rounded out our lunch. There was no room for dessert. I'll have to return and give this a try.
The restaurant is kind of small, with lots of small tables up front near the entrance, side by side next to each other. It's not the most romantic place and you might feel too close to your neighbor if the restaurant is crowded. The place is very nice and clean. The service was quick and polite. The parking is on the street so you might not get a spot close by, but it's worth the walk. Oh, did I mention the very reasonable prices? There's another reason to come! -
Review from Scott K.
JAMAICA, NY
3/6/2012
The only thing holding me back from giving this 5 stars is the seating. The place is rather small and there is limited seating. Other than that the food is excellent. All of your classic Italian dishes done right.
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Review from Sonny G.
8/14/2011
I came here once before with a friend for lunch. I got a delicious shrimp parmigiana hero. They have good lunch specials and outdoor seating. Not much more i can say. The bread they served us was delicious, and they take care of STJ students =).
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Review from Kers Y.
Oakland Gardens, NY
2/2/2011
I have been coming to this place for over 5 years!
The bread they serve is always warm and delicious!
I love their seafood baby pizza!
I had the brucshetta for the first time and it was delicious! A little overly oily but the tomatoes were very fresh!
Their gnocchi is always cooked to perfection! -
Review from Laura B.
1/10/2012
oh, acquista... such good times... for st. john's students, couldn't be a more perfect place for a decent meal... walking distance from campus, and owned by fellow johnnies! the gnocchi is my absolute favorite item on the menu... always good service and they don't take long to serve you... there's outdoor seating, and a nice little back room that you would never know about unless you were seated there! love this little joint.
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Review from Rich A.
New York, NY
3/22/2011
For a while this has been one of my favorite places to eat pizza. But, don't only come for a slice. All their meals are really delicious and the prices are reasonable.
Only issue Acquista has is the size of the actual restaurant. Not too many tables but if you stop by when the weather is right you can find some additional outdoor seating. -
Review from Natalia J.
New York, NY
4/26/2008
So it's true, their focaccia + olive oil = really good. Fried calamari was a bit soggy. Bruschetta is ultra fresh. Their Italiano on focaccia was reminiscent of a muffaletta. Penne al forno was delicious and tasted even better the next day. My favorite dish is gnocchi al pesto. Topped off the meal with 3 scoops of hazelnut gelato.
For drinks they have Pellegrino Aranciata/Limonata and Menabrea beer.
This place is always busy. -
Review from Jeff H.
5/2/2009
I had tried the pizza from Acquista Trattoria before, but never went and sat and ate. I did the other night and I was quite impressed. Most of the tables in the front of the restaurant are close together and kind of tight, but it never got interruptive or packed. There is also more table in the rear of the restaurant.
Their menu offers a lot from pizza to pasta to parmigiana entrees etc. My friend and I had minestrone soup which was a large bowl full of fresh vegetables and a hot tasty tomato broth. We also ordered a Grandma pie to split which came out of the oven crisp and smelling nicely of garlic and basil. The pizza tasted good, but in my opinion, I've had better Grandma slices. The complimentary focaccia with rosemary and sea salt was a great way to start, and was delicious with the soup.
Our waiter was attentive and seemed to know about what was on the menu. My only complaint is that it got somewhat loud at some points and the waiter could not even hear what I was saying.
Definitely a great inexpensive Italian place to eat close to Saint John's and businesses.
Parking can be difficult with only street metered parking around busy stores and other places to eat, but be patient. Outdoor seating for the nice days too! -
Review from Paul M.
South Ozone Park, NY
11/6/2011 7 Check-ins Here
The service here is good. But I expect more from the food.
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Review from Christopher S.
Fresh Meadows, NY
Updated - 8/19/2011
after coming here a few times i just feel like the food is average. There's not many other places to go to sit down and have italian thats not a "pizza place" i feel like its not the freshest food.good but ive had better
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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6/9/2011
great place to eat,i've only had their baby pizza a couple of times and i should move on to… Read more »
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Review from Elsie W.
3/3/2008 1 Check-in Here
I LOVE LOVE LOVE their gelatos. They come in pistachio, hazelnut, and I usually HATE pistachio. But here, they make it fresh and the texture is dense and wonderful... I love eating their gelatos out in their outdoor seating in the summer!
Their focaccia and olive oil is absolute heaven. The aroma of the bread in combination with the olive oil -- you can smell the herbs. Their sandwiches are GREAT. I highly recommend the chicken cutlet milanese sandwich on focaccia. And proschiutto di parma sandwich on focaccia. Anything on focaccia.
The pizza is not that great, but everything else is!!
ONE WORD: HEAVENLY.
And this is coming from someone who's not that into Italian food. -
Review from Angelina K.
New York, NY
4/14/2010
This has to be one of my favorites! I haven't tried the pizza here, but did try almost everything else on their menu, and never really had anything to complain about. Along with everyone else, I, too, love the warm foccacia and oil! My favorite thing on the menu though, has to be the portabella salad. I have an obsession with most mushrooms, and this is right up my alley-- served with mixed greens and balsamic vinaigrette.
I love the summer nights when they open the outdoor seats-- sometimes I'll order a bottle of wine and pretend I'm in a far away place, somewhere far from the Barnes and Nobles looming across the street and the SJU kids hanging out at coldstone.Listed in: Like the Asian glow of buzzed…
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Review from Heather S.
New York, NY
9/24/2010
Great. I spent 6 years at St. John's (two degrees folks- not a failure of a bachelors) so i spent 6 years at SJU and Acquista was a staple. Even now, living far from Fresh Meadows, I still take friends and family here when they visit.
The food is always as orded and delish!
Ordering in is a must since the focaccia is amazing. Couple that with the olives and oil/vinegar and you've got yourself a lovely little app.
Lobster Ravioli is yummers and the service is always friendly.
Stop reading and go already! -
Review from Jim A.
Flushing, NY
2/12/2012
I've eaten there 3 times and have been impressed by the food and the friendliness of the staff. On our first visit, we had the pizza. Excellent! The second visit I had a chicken parm sandwich. It was good and a good size. And on the third, I had pasta with eggplant, prosciutto pasta with a creamy tomato sauce. My wife had a pesto gnocchi that was also excellent. All the meals were served with focaccia and a oil olive dipping sauce. Very appetizing.
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Review from Daniel P.
6/15/2008
I want to do this in as few words as possible starting
Now.
Crowded.
Olive oil. Real olives. In the oil.
Fresh rosemary bread.
Slightly stupid yet oddly affable waiters.
Delightful gnocchi. Delightful. We drank lemonade on a grassy knoll while watching unicorns gallop.
Tangy tomato sauce that could have been better.
Rich, chewy gelato.
Suspiciously cheap. -
Review from Danny n.
New York, NY
6/26/2008
four stars only because it is super tiny.
I was here a couple of days ago and I had the best salmon I have had in long time
It was perfect it came with divine vegetables. The service was fast and pleasant.
My friend ordered pasta and it was perfect.
Almost forgot.. the carrot cake was perfect too... I ate the whole thing in Olympic time; probably I broke the world record of inhaling food.
Also I could hear the employees enjoying Europe cup.. but sorry that Italy lost this year. From Spain!!!
I totally recommend this place for Italian food by Italians. -
Review from Reshma B.
1/11/2009
Acquista Trattoria was the perfect spot for me to meet a fellow Eastern Queens friend on a cold, snowy night.
First off, make sure to enter on 178th Street -- the Union Turnpike entrance opens into the pizza joint whereas the more formal restaurant is separate. The place is small but cozy. We had no problem getting seated on a Saturday evening although the snowstorm might have helped stave off a crowd. The menu is extensive but the complimentary focaccia bread and olive oil (complete with plump olives) was a welcome appetizer to munch on while we decided on what to order.
I got the gnocchi al telefono (potato filled pasta with tomato sauce and huge chunks of mozzarella) and my friend got cavatelli alla mamma (macaroni shaped pasta with peas, mushrooms and chicken). Both dishes were delicious. The portions were huge and hearty, prices were affordable and our meals came out fast.
We had no complaints about Acquista Trattoria -- I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a nice place to eat east of the Van Wyck. -
Review from Claire Y.
Chicago, IL
2/16/2007
OHH, another great escape from Montgoris Dining Hall in the dorms of St. John's University.
This AWESOME trattoria is one of the great loves of all Johnnys. During the week, you'll see lots of admins, faculty, and students clamming up this place for lunch (great outdoor seating in the warm months). On weekends, the dorm students mix in with the locals for a great italian feast day and night. You can never go wrong with this friendly eatery.
Love the penne a la vodka here. the focaccia is good too. And the homemade tiramisu? IT'S A MUST! -
Review from Maia R.
New York, NY
11/29/2009
The first time I ordered here, I ordered their "PENNE POMODORO AND BASILICO" (penne w/ tomato sauce and basil) with griled chicken, but when I received my delivery, there was no grilled chicken!! I looked at my receipt and I wasn't charged for it, but I did request it to be added... lame.
Today, I ordered "Farfalle ala Fabio" which is Farfalle with sundried tomatoes, artichokes, asparagus and shrimp. Let me just say this: the pasta was overcooked, as were the shrimp, as was the asparagus. The only decent thing they delivered me was the piece of bread. I've cooked this dish myself, and I should have! Because this was just gross. The only reason why I even ate it, is because my stomach was speaking different languages to me, and I didn't feel like throwing away the $17 I had just handed the delivery man.
Another reason why this place isn't that good, is because of my allergies I can't eat the majority of the stuff on the menu, but why is that? Because there is cheese and heavy cream in nearly every dish that their shouldn't be. I asked about the Bolognese sauce (one of my favorites!) and of course, it had dairy in it... which is lame.
So, if you have food allergies, I suggest you be careful with what you eat here, and ask questions about what you're ordering.
Maybe the pizza is better? Because they sure don't know how to cook pasta. -
Review from Robert W.
Fresh Meadows, NY
8/3/2010 5 Check-ins Here
This is one of most my favorite Italian restaurants in New York City. I have tried many things on their menu and I have to say that they do a very good job with everything that comes out of that kitchen.
The dishes that I get more often than not are their Linguine Acquista, a delicious cream sause with savory chucks of prosciutto, mushrooms, and peas, their Prosciutto Crudo Sandwich (it's even better on their great Focaccia Bread), and their Chicken Marsala. I really feel that I can't go wrong when I eat there.
I'm salivating about their food by just writing about it. -
Review from Samantha M.
Fresh Meadows, NY
8/14/2011
Soup and Pizza are on point... skip the rest
Italian Food in the Fresh Meadows area is limited at best. But on a whim, we tried Acquista. Pasta Fajioli soup was excellent. And the 12 inch personal pizzas are now the best pizza I know of in my neighborhood. The table next to us ordered The Acquista Pizza which looked gorgeous with crumbled sausage on it and nice fresh herbs. Definitely going back to try that. We ordered the one with prosciutto and arugula and were happy with it, but not impressed. I had a chicken oregonata dinner special served with roasted apapargus, which was average if not a little greasy, and the portion was ALARMINGLY small. The waitress didn't mention the price of the special, and when the bill came they charged us $18 dollars for it which annoyed us considering the portion.
Will be back for the pizza and hope they will even deliver to us when we have company because the pizza is on point.
Although its not saying much, its presently winning our award for best pizza in fresh meadows. -
Review from Seth M.
Flushing, NY
8/18/2008
One of three Italian restaurants in a three-block span, Acquista Trattoria has held its own since it opened is far and away the best Italian to be had within a couple miles of St. John's University.
The place is tiny, so find seating in the "party room" down 178th St. The renowned focaccia bread is usually warm and always delicious. Every dish I've sampled has been great, and for passers-by, their slices are the best to be had in walking distance. Everything is very affordable, and service is speedy.
As a local, Acquista is a staple, and I can't think of better Italian in the area. If you're commuting or looking to impress, though, you can do better.Listed in: Top Restaurants
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