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Cafe Formaggio
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Valet
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- Yes
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Classy
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
Matthew N. said: "Food is surprisingly fresh and tasty. Kung Pao Calamari was excellent. Atmosphere is funky as it's open air next to the hotel lobby and bar. Worth a quick bite before a show at Westbury." read more »
47 reviews for Cafe Formaggio
Review Highlights
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"Their gluten free menu is rockin." In 4 reviews -
"I enjoyed the free pizza bread and the hummus and cheese." In 5 reviews -
"The Rigatoni Fiorentina is AMAZING." In 3 reviews
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47 reviews in English
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Review from Lisa F.
Bethpage, NY
5/2/2012
Cafe Formaggio is simply the best Italian food in that area.... great for dinner or lunch. I order the escarole & bean soup every time I go. They come over with the cheese as soon as the soup is placed in front of you .... One of the gentlemans that work there (who has been there for a very long time) Since it was spazzo....has his own pepper grinder b/c Formaggio's is not the greatest if you like your pepper fine....LOL!!!!!!!!
Their pizza bread is sooo good ... try and find one with a lot of onions on it...mmmmm
Not greasy at all compared to their competition down the road cafe baci. The waiter always listens to me when I order since I like to modify the menu a lot & writes everything down. They always cook the pasta perfectly ALDENTE......
Never had a bad dish here or bad service!!!! Valet guys are nice and not rude!!!!! I would say this is my all time favorite restaurant besides shiros in that area near the mall...westbury, carle place, and roosevelt field mall -
Review from Ben H.
Bayside, NY
4/9/2012 2 photos
So when I went to make the reservation, they could not have been more rude. Sort of wonder why I still made the reservation. They gentleman clearly could not give a darn what he was doing. He asked what time I wanted, I said something around 6:30-7pm. After a few moments, all he says is, "ok".
Anyway, onto dinner. Arrived just before 6:30 and are seated right away. First, it was very warm in the restaurant. I'm not sure if the AC was not working or they just didnt turn it on. Even one of the servers at one point said to a fellow server, "dude, its HOT in here". They had a special prix-fixe menu for Easter (though that is not why we were there)- one appetizer, entree and dessert for $36 or $41. They start you off with a bread basket- which has some good options, and a small plate with olives, hummus and cheese (parmesan i think).
Drinks- my wife ordered the melon margarita. stay away. The pinot grigio was light and refreshing. Appetizer- i got the fried calamari, my wife got a salad. Fried calamari was good and tender, but a little greasy. you can feel the oil ooze out when you bite into it. Entree- I went with the Lobster Fra Diavalo (on the $41 menu). Description said it was 1lb lobster and mussles with linguine in a spicy marinara. So i'm thinking it would be chunks of lobster in it. WRONG! it was an entire half lobster on the plate! pasta in the middle and mussels (in shell) around the outside. The lobster was big. it was meaty. it was tasty, TOTALLY worth it. Wife ordered the Aqua Pazza, which was a medley of seafood (which included shrimp, mussels and clam, i believe) with pasta in a red sauce.
And finally, a slice of tiramisu for dessert each for the both of us, along with some coffee. Good, but nothing special.
The klutz that I am splattered marinara all over my shirt during dinner. found my server and asked for some club soda (not sure it really helped). but he got some for me, and also a couple extra napkins. after trying to save my shirt (didnt happen), server came back and gave me another napkin to use as a bib. Everyone's a comedian. He was very friendly and accommodating, and was available when we needed. No complaints and made our dining experience a pleasure.
All in all a great meal, and would definitely come back. I would say on par with Cafe Baci, but perhaps a slight edge to Baci's. -
Review from Jan Y.
Long Island City, NY
4/6/2012 4 photos
Stick with the pasta, it's safe, it's not refined like pasta like many places in the city where the pasta & sauce ratio is perfect and the sauce is amazing, but it will do after a long day at the mall and not many choices around. Lots of pasta and a drowning of sauce... Chicken cacciatore tender for breast meat, another safe dish.
DO NOT order the $28 king crab leg appetizers it's horrid, it came right out of the freezer cut in half... ick... I sent it back and the waiter was really nice about it and took it off our bill, but the kitchen is crazy to even try to serve that. (I took a picture of it) -
Review from Allison P.
Westbury, NY
4/13/2012
I've never had anything but the pizza and I'm okay with it. Their pizza is me and my boyfriends go to local place. The dough is nice, the cheese and sauce are delicious and when cooked well done its awesome. I prefer the Sicilian pie over the round not sure why but I find the crust much more crunchier. The next best thing to an awesome pizza? Awesome pizza that's cheap!!!! Their prices don't get any better and they could easily charge double.
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Review from DENISE W.
Bellmore, NY
12/28/2011
I ate it Cafe Formaggio for the first time last week at my office Christmas party. It was a small group, so we weren't able to get the private room (that was for 20 or more) but they did accommodate us with a large table in the back of the main dining area. Considering it was only four days before Christmas, the restaurant was pretty empty. Because of that, the live music was a bit overpowering, although very entertaining. The valet parking was prompt and courteous and the place was beautifully decorated, both for Christmas and every day decor.
On to the food.
A variety bread basket and olive/cheese tray started our evening. We had fried calamari, baked clams, spring rolls (made with sausage and cheese) and mozzarella sticks for appetizers. I'm not really a calamari fan, but I tried one because everybody there who has eaten there before said it's the best they ever had. I didn't really enjoy it, again, because I don't like calamari, but they flavor was pretty good. I'm also not a fan of whole baked clams, which these were, but again, the flavor was definitely yummy.
For my main entree, I chose a pasta dish. I was torn between ravioli a la verde (cheese ravioli in a creamy spinach cheese sauce) or shrimp oreganata. I went with the pasta, only because I figured I'd get fuller that way. Boy, did I! By the time the main course came, I was stuffed! But the ravioli was to die for!
For dessert, I had homemade tiramisu and cappuccino. The tiramisu was very good in taste, but the texture was a little heavier than I am used to. (Personally, I think Uncle Giuseppe's has the BEST tiramisu EVER!)
Our server, Giovanni, was very friendly and patient in answering all our questions about how certain dishes were prepared. It helped some of my co-workers choose what dish they were going to order, and everyone enjoyed what they chose. They also were very kind in giving one of my co-workers from out of town a polo shirt with the restaurant name and logo on it, so that she can brag about her favorite Long Island restaurant to her friend and family back home. (And it was free advertising!)
Overall, this was a pleasant experience and I would definitely go back to try the shrimp, maybe a chicken dish, and the streak. A little pricey, but worth it for a good Italian meal. -
Review from A.T. F.
New Hyde Park, NY
5/8/2012
This place is fantastic! I have gone here on both Friday & Saturday nights and have had nothing but great experiences. Everything from the hostess, to the waiters and quality of food is great. They had a stuffed pepper special for appetizer and it was out of this world!! My boyfriend got the muscles in white sauce and they were super tasty and fresh. We also ordered a ton of appetizers for the table, and they were all great. Definitely a wonderful spot to check out if you are craving Italian food. The ambiance is pleasant, and you don't feel rushed. My only complaint would be the dessert. For about $9 we ordered a brownie with ice cream, and to me it was not worth it. Other than that, I will most definitely be back!
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Review from Dominic M.
Queens, NY
2/11/2012
WOW !!!!! This place is incredible !!! From the amazing bread basket (pizza bread,regular bread side of hummus, olives and parm cheese) to the appetizers and main course you will never get a bad meal. Every dish is an orgasm of flavor. I try and order something different when i go there and have never been disappointed. Even lunch is to die for. Service is impeccable. Never will you feel rushed. Sit and enjoy one of the best restaurants around. I have also been told by my girls that some of the waiters are really hot. lol
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Review from Cristina B.
Merrick, NY
10/8/2011
Fantastic food. Was looking for a new place to eat on my birthday. I found this through yelp. Strangely enough, we have passed this place many times, but never really noticed it.
The first thing we noticed was the great atmosphere. It's quite pleasant. Apparently they have live singers than come in once a week, unfortunately, we missed that.
We were served with your standard basket of varied bread, along with olives, hummus, and cheese. Our entrees came extremely quick; the food is absolutely delicious. I personally very much enjoyed the rigatoni alla vodka with bits of prosciutto in it. I sampled some of my family member's dishes, and they were all great. The food did not land heavy, it was tasty, we were all impressed.
We will definitely revisit the Cafe Formaggio. -
Review from Dana M.
10/14/2011 1 Check-in Here
Yum! This place is definitely as good as everyone says it is. My reason for just three stars...
1. We ordered the lobster special and the lobster was very undercooked. It was actually slimy. The waiter was very apologetic and treated us to dessert.
2. Our waiter was covering for the bartender on the other side of the restaurant so he was barely there. I'm pretty sure our visit there would have been around 20 minutes shorter had we not needed to spend so much time waiting to track the guy. When he did make it over to us though, he was on point.
Still though, it was a good experience and I'm sure my next visit will result in more stars. This place is definitely worth the hype from Yelp. -
Review from Stephanie B.
Bellerose, Queens, NY
3/3/2012 1 Check-in Here
This is currently our favorite restaurant. We have never had a bad meal here. The meatball sliders are awesome. We always order them. The Chicken Rolladue is one our favorites, too. The cocktails are good, prices comparable and 9 out of 10 times we leave with a doggie bag, which I can appreciate. If we go on a Saturday night we usually have to wait up to 30 minutes, but don't mind. The place is always hopping (if you are looking for quiet, romantic ambience this is not it) and the delicious food is the reason why!
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Review from Kathy P.
Forest Hills, NY
1/22/2012
My cousins and I have been coming to Cafe Formaggio for our annual holiday dinner for the past two years. We have decided at our last dinner to make this our regular spot from now on. The food is amazing. We have never ordered a bad meal here yet. The bread basket is delicious, the appetizers, the entrees, the desserts, the drinks and the service, all have been top quality. And the portions are big, we always leave stuffed. They have valet parking and a small bar area if you just want to go for drinks. Highly recommended. My goal is to try every item on their menu.
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Review from Dale Z.
8/29/2011
While recently trapped in Garden City, NY for a couple weeks, I ate at Cafe Formaggio. I went there twice, and had a pizza delivered once. Although I was not overly impressed with the white pizza, my experiences in the restaurant were top notch.
The servers were extremely attentive and very personable. The restaurant has a nice atmosphere, if a little loud for conversations. The complimentary bread basket (w/ pizza bread) cheese, hummus and more were very tasty. The pitchers of white sangria we ordered were not cheap, but they were delicious and potent (and packed full of tiny cubed fruit).
It was the entrees that stole the show. My rigatoni with vodka and prosciutto sauce was some of the best pasta I have ever eaten. It was creamy and spicy and had the perfect acidity. It was a very large portion, and the leftovers reheated like a dream the next day. On my second visit, I had the chicken marsala (my dining companion was "veal sensitive) and it was top notch. I forgot to specify the pasta side versus vegetable, but my waiter fixed that for me with zero hassle.
I wish I could remember more about the desserts, but as I mentioned before, the sangria was quite potent. -
Review from Kevin W.
Mineola, NY
2/27/2012
Cafe Formaggio has become our most frequented restaurant (especially since Pasta Vino closed its doors). The food is moderately priced and has never disappointed. They often have specials (e.g., $15 wine nights) and we recently were given a price fix menu that seemed to be a bargain.
Service is usually very good and attentive. Valet parking is, I guess, a necessity since it's frequently busy. I'd rather park my own car for this type of place, but that's not a big deal.
As with many Italian restaurants, the beer selection is virtually non-existent--they can all learn that some beers pair very well with the food.
Try the three mushroom chicken--in a nice brown sauce! -
Review from Lexi C.
New York, NY
2/22/2012
I loved them when they were Spazzo's. This was where I first had Margherita Pizza and have loved it ever since. It was thin but not too crispy and had the perfect amount of fresh mozzarella cheese. Then there was the perfect amount of fresh basil. My husband and I shared the pizza and also the Angel Hair Pasta Primevera. We have tried to replicate their pasta at home with somewhat success but not quite. I have not been since the name change but if it's the same owners I will be back.
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Review from Emily B.
Purchase, NY
11/2/2011
The food and overall experience here was very good, if a little rushed. The bread basket was very good, and the olives/olive oil/parmesan offered alongside is a nice touch.
My husband started with the grilled artichoke appetizer, which he asid was amazing. I had the house salad, which was more than enough for both of us to share, with the house dressing. The salad is almost a chopped-salad style, served with tongs to serve onto additional plates. The house vinaigrette is yummy, if much sweeter than I am used to.
I had the penne ala vodka and 2 meatballs on the saide for dinner. Both were very good -the meatballs were light, not packed and dense, and the tomato sauce they were in was great. The penne was good - not too different from other good vodka sauces - I would certainly order it again, but would fniish it, as it's not so great reheated as a leftover (most cream sauces just cannot take it.)
My husband had the pappardelle ragu - the braciole in it was to-die-for, but overall, the dish could have used more sauce, and it would have been nice if the pappardelle had been tossed in the sauce, rather than poured over the top - it made the pasta a bit of a gummy lump as he ate his meal. He took the estra sauce frmo my meatballs, and once that was mixed in, it was tasty.
I had coffee for dessert, he had their lemon sorbet, which is clearly a pre-filled hollowed out lemon. Not house made, for sure.
The "rushed" part? One waiter cleared our appetizer/salad plates, and our dinners were literally in the hands of the guy who was right behind him. We were there pretty early on the night of a late fall snow storm, so there didn't seem to be a dinner rush, but they also said that their rush usually began around 7 or 7:30, and boy, they had us out by then. (We arrived at 6:10)
Good dinner, glad we found it since we were going to show at NYCB nearby, I would recommend it. -
Review from Mike D.
6/13/2011
Decor is very nice inside, although the dining area appears smaller than you would think by the size of the building from the road. There is a small bar in the front left corner with friendly bartenders and a couple of tv's. They were touting their new smoothie machine which they now make frozen alcoholic drinks in. The special drink they were running was the Arnold Palmer. Frozen lemonade with vodka sweet tea. Myself and the bartender agreed it really should be called the John Daly, but I guess people are more familiar with AP.
They serve a variety of breads in the basket along with some Parmesan Reggiano cubes, olives and a red pepper spread. All above average. The calamari ($11) was mediocre. Portion was large, but greasy and no tentacles. Marinara sauce on the side was decent.
The pasta dishes are slightly expensive. Portions are large, but a few more bucks than I would expect to pay. I had the Penne Madeira ($17). I remember coming here a few years ago and my ex girlfriend ordered this dish and I loved it and haven't been able to find it anywhere else since. It's penne pasta with lots of grilled chicken strips and melted mozzarella in a brown madeira wine sauce. Unique and scrumptious. The sauce is a little bit sweet and not too heavy.
Overall it's a calm and romantic place. Although I would send you to Vincent's or Baci first. If you want to enjoy a conversation without the noise and rushing, you should opt for Formaggio when in the area. The food is just a tad below. 3.5 rounded up to a 4 simply because I can't find the Penne Madeira anywhere else.
Notes: They offer a gluten free menu. Valet parking which I feel is totally unnecessary. To the point that we would avoid coming here because my ex doesn't like strangers in her car. Don't blame her. I parked around the block on my last visit. Just make sure you check the signs on the side street behind the restaurant before you leave it. Oh and I'd be remissed not to mention this guy that walks around with a gigantic bowl of parmesan cheese which reminds you of one Little Miss Muffet ate her curds and whey out of. It's quite a spectacle. -
Review from Sayuri M.
Maspeth, NY
6/28/2011 1 Check-in Here
Best Italian restaurant I've been to in Long Island. All the hype of this place exceeded my expectations. The staff was friendly and attentive, the food was delicious, and the sangria was amazing. The decor was classic and very Italian and even the other people dining were friendly. I don't get the whole valet service though.. Is it really necessary? Either way, I would def go back.
Oh and the complimentary pizza bread was a plus! -
Review from Betty P.
Oceanside, NY
4/17/2011
So good I had to invent a new term to fully explain HOW good. People, I had a TABLETOP ORGASM here! I will refer to the tabletop orgasm as a TTO to be polite. And I will tell you, that since finding out that I have a gluten allergy, this is THE BEST meal I have eaten and literally brought tears to my eyes! I practically attacked one of the chefs who walked past our table to tell him that he is an angel for making gf food this good. I told the owners that I am scared to find gluten free food this good so close to my home. Yeah, the minute that crispy calamari and its Arrabiata sauce swirled in my mouth, I had a total TTO.
The one low note happened early on: Pass on the gf Formaggio Wedges. Most of them came out empty from over frying - that gooey mozzarella just slips out of the crispy casing when cooked too long. Pre-gluten allergy, my absolute favorite fried mozz was Vincent's. It's a triangle of crispy, plump, cheesy-goodness that actually has a hint of sweetness. I think they put a touch of powdered sugar in the batter. I wish Cafe Formaggio would work on their recipe for gf fried mozz, but until then, there are still PLENTY of delicious things to devour.
Their gf menu is extensive which is great because most places give me like 4 options and thus I don't desire returning very often. I need variety and Cafe Formaggio provides that. Though I love salad, we wasted no prime stomach real estate on it. We had the Gnocchi Ragu which was probably the best gnocchi I've ever had. I really couldn't believe it was gluten free and kept waiting for the joint pain or zombie-like fatigue to kick in. It never did and instead I felt like singing gospel spirituals. The gnocchi had that tender pillow-like softness that almost becomes a custard when you chew it. There was nothing gummy or dry about them. The ragu had a big piece of beef brasciole and plenty of smaller morsels throughout. I loved the depth that it gave the sauce. Never having had brasciole before, I didn't know what to expect, but it was tender and sweet and reminded me a bit of chipped beef.
We also shared the Chicken Sorrentino which was composed of a layer of chicken breast pounded thin, topped with imported prosciutto (the only kind anyone should eat), then with a layer of golden fried eggplant, THEN with a FINAL layer (thank GOD cause I couldn't take anymore decadence) of fresh mozz. And it floated on a divine sauce of shallots and sherry wine. AND I COULD EAT IT BECAUSE IT'S GLUTEN FREE!!!!! Thank you, Jesus, Allah, Buddha, Vinny Goombats, whomever made this possible. Thank you! I told my boyfriend that if we died in a car crash in the torrential downpour that awaited us outside, I would die a very happy woman!
So after that intensely outrageous meal, oh and really incredible service despite the literal busload of people that filled the restaurant, we had no room for dessert. I did though find a little space for the Mocha Latte which was a lovely blend of Godiva liqueur, Stoli Vanile, and Baileys over coffee. My waistline CAN NOT deal with this kind of food on a regular basis - I'm thinking like once a quarter maybe. But trust me, I'm already planning for what I am going to savor at Cafe Formaggio months in advance. -
Review from Will M.
Seaford, NY
1/28/2012
Excellent food, great service. I am writing this review to counter a few negatives on earlier posts. Four of us arrived at 7:15 on Friday night, and there were five or six tables available. Later, the restaurant filled up. We needed the chat time with our friends, and in no way were we rushed. Nobody made a grab for the plates, and we the bill did not come before we requested it. We stayed more than two hours. All four dinners were perfect, catering especially to the off-menu requests of one friend. Including drinks, about $40 per person, plus tax and tip. Because of the crowd, it was noisy. Service was attentive, yet without the annoying interruption, "How's it going, guys?" encountered in other restaurants.
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Review from Petros H.
Astoria, NY
12/27/2010
This was a business lunch day.
Three dressed up gentlemen walk into this restaurant.
Valet parking
Greeted at the door. We made know that we were in a hurry.
Sat down in seconds.
Waiter was over to our table in just a few more.
A basket filled with bread, garlic bread, pizza style bread with a plate of olive pate and a few olives was brought quickly.
We got our water and placed our order.
Filet of Sole over risotto.
3 of them..... It just sounded really good.
Well, it was really good!!!
Got some espressos right after and asked for the check...
Check was a little on the high side but was expected.
Not a crazy story here.....
Just an all around very good restaurant.
A very good choice, for a quick business lunch. -
Review from Adrienne B.
New York, NY
12/15/2010
Their gluten free menu is rockin'! They've got almost every dish on it! I am so excited to see Italian places starting to add this as an option- I've missed dining out at Italian restaurants!
I was also super excited to try gluten free ravioli.
We got some fried calamari, and I got the spinach cream sauce with ravioli. All to-go- another big plus.
The calamari was a little soggy by the time we got it home, I wish they hadn't mixed the sauce in- good to know for next time!
The ravioli was a little too al-dente for me, but the sauce was delicious!!!
It was pricey, but I think worth it given the luxury of not having to cook it myself and the quality of the food.
The place was PACKED on a Tuesday night so you know it is probably very good.
Look forward to more trips here! -
Review from Nic G.
Los Angeles, CA
11/7/2011 1 Check-in Here
HUGE portions.
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Review from Ashley B.
I love Cafe Formaggio.
This place has such amazing food from beginning to end. The (free) pizza bread is amazing, along with the cheese and hummus served with it. I seriously have to work hard not to eat all of it and fill up before I even get my app.
For appetizers, I love their minestrone soup and the salads. For my main course, I usually get a margharita pizza (omg. So much better than a local slice) or some sort of pasta dish. I've had the pesto gnocchi, which I didn't love, although I tried it at several other restaurants and haven't found one yet that I like...maybe I don't like gnocchi? It seems impossible, considering it's potato inside pasta; and lets face it, how does that NOT sound good? The ravioli is amazing, and so are their other pasta dishes. As for drinks, I'm pretty much a beer and wine drinker, but I LOVE LOVE LOVE their Hawaiin martini. I've gotten a nice buzz at Formaggio several times thanks to that yummy booze-filled drink.
Just a warning: the parking lot is tiny, so rather than make people crazy by forcing them to drive around a tiny lot and avoid accidents (cough BACI cough), they have valet parking only. It's free, but if you really aren't into it, find a spot on the side street nearby.
I don't have a complaint about Formaggio. Never a long wait, excellent and attentive wait staff, completely fair and affordable prices, AMAZING food. GO NOW! What are you waiting for??? -
Review from David J.
Stratford, CT
11/4/2011
This was one of the best Italian restaurants I've been to. When I went here I ordered the chicken parm with angel hair pasta and the sauce on the side. When my meal came out the chicken was made right and the pasta was al dente. With the good sauce and chicken my meal came out great. For dessert we had the "oreo balls", that's probably not the right name but that's basically what it is. The ingredients are crushed Oreos mixed with cream cheese made into balls. They are served with a chocolate dipping sauce. This dessert was delicious, very filling also. I could only eat two and I'm a big eatter. I really enjoyed this dining experience and look forward to going back again.
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Review from Lisa B.
Hicksville, NY
4/21/2011
Looks fancy but food is cheap and crappy and waaaay too heavy.
Not a fan. And for Italian food in America, it is waaaaaaaaaay too Americanized. Carrots in risotto? I think not. -
Review from Jeff G.
9/29/2010
This place is so delicious and has amazing service. Kind of pricey but worth every penny and they make you feel like your in a 5 star restaurant. Starting off, the pizza bread sticks are awesome and great way to start your meal. Then they have a delicious salad with fresh apples, wallnuts and a delicious dressing which is a must try. Then the main event "Gnocchi Cotti" is beyond heavenly with fresh soft gnocchi, earthy pesto flavor and golden brown chicken cutlet strips. Always too big to finish but still a favorite. You gotta check this place out.
Note: Valet parking...small parking lot -
Review from Michael A.
Nassau, NY
6/23/2011 1 Check-in Here
Very good food with friendly service. Unfortunately, the staff us not trained in some if the finer points of service (up charges were not explained when ordered, just a surprise on the check). Biggest drawback was the live music was a little loud. All-in-all a very good meal worthy of another visit.
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Review from Monica L.
Boston, MA
Cafe Formaggio will always hold a place in my heart, but they have GOT to relax on clearing the table. I was so excited to go here, since the last time I went was in July. Great food, tasty wine and good conversation, what could be better? We savored our food while talking, and my boyfriend and I finished eating before my parents. With visibly open tables in the restaurant, they tried to clear half of the table while the other half was eating AND while we were deep in conversation. Not once, not twice, but FOUR TIMES they tried to take my plate to get it wrapped up. I think they finally got it the fourth time I said I do NOT want my plate cleared when others are still eating. I think that is the rudest thing to do. It gives the perception that you have overstayed your welcome and you need to hurry up. Calm yourself! I don't know if it is because of a different manager or what, but I was seriously offended. The food is still delicious, but I will definitely be more frank the next time I go.
Listed in: Keeps Me Coming Back For More
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/7/2011
I heart Cafe Formaggio.
I hate valet parking. So I drive around the block and park on the side… Read more »
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Review from Stacey O.
Madison, WI
10/4/2011
Everything was special! we were a bigger group and did quite a bit of sharing... raw bar as fresh as it gets! chciken scallopini, veal ossobucco and frutti di mare- all amazing!! service gets 5 stars, as well as bus boys!
now........ i grew up eating zeppoli's- even before real food. i have NEVER EVER seen anything like this, but they have them stuffed with oreos.. Just get them, don't think about it, don't hesitate- just do it!!..really- go there for them!!! -
Review from Monica M.
Freeport, NY
4/11/2011
LOVED the gluten free menu. It's a great restaurant with nice atmosphere and an exteeensive gluten free menu. I was so impressed. I'll be coming back frequently.
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Review from kristine h.
Huntington Station, NY
5/15/2009
I went on Mother's Day. The wait for food after ordering was extremely long. What I was expecting to be a 1 hour dinner with 2 little ones turned into a 2 hour dinner. Also, the belt on the highchair was broken. That peeves me.
However, the food was delicious. I am a celiac and must eat gluten free. They offer gluten-free options, and it was really, really good. I had gluten free pasta with clams, mussels, and calamari (I forgot the name of the dish). I absolutely loved it, and so did all my non-celiac family members. We also ordered the gluten free pizza for the kids, and they couldn't tell the difference. It was good, but I have had better gluten free pizza. My husband and I shared a salad that was either gluten free or made gluten free as well. Our waiter was patient and helpful with our gluten free questions. He had a grilled chicken dish with broccoli rabe and mozzarella cheese. OMG. Delish! This was also gluten free, so I was able to sneak a taste.
All in all, a great place for both celiacs and non-celiacs. -
Review from Kayla A.
Malverne, NY
8/23/2011
I had an excellent experience here for my birthday about a week ago. Their gluten free menu is extensive and I got to sample many dishes all of which lived up to my expectations.
To see more, check out my blog at http://drinkinnridin.w... -
Review from Sarah C.
New York, NY
11/29/2008 1 photo
In my opinion this is some of the best Italian food on LI. The menu is not what you are used to finding at traditional italian restaurants. Yes they can make you chicken parm but with all the other great stuff on the menu I don't know why you would want them to.
Some of my favorite dishes are: the Formaggio Salad. With fresh mozzarella, olives, onions, peppers, and a balsamic dressing that is to DIE for! Then there is the hot antipasto: Baked clams, Cappellini Vincenzo, zucchini sticks, shrimp oreganata and mozzarella wedges.
Now for my favorite entrees! The Rigatoni Fiorentina is AMAZING! Baby spinach, fresh grilled chicken strips, sautéed in a pink sauce with melted mozzarella. Another favorite is the Gnocchi Cotti! Gnocchi in a creamy roasted pepper basil pesto topped with baked chicken cutlets!
This place has great italian food (and I would know I lived in italy) Fresh pasta, great wine list and specials that change all the time, and are always great! Plus they are very accommodating to adapting their dishes to be vegetarian.
I also had my 21st birthday dinner there, the food was great and they everyone who works there was so nice with such a large group! -
Review from Natasha D.
West Babylon, NY
12/3/2009
My favorite Italian restaurant (so far!)
The menu selection is extensive offering a great deal of choice. The service was prompt and very cordial without being overbearing. My favorite dish is the Rigatoni Fiorentina; it is the only thing i ever order!
This used to be called Spazzo's and even back then they were amazing. -
Review from jackie c.
Jamaica, NY
11/16/2010
i keep ordering lunch from here. i can't stop. my coworkers can't stop.
only thing is, it's definitely not boston market prices.
i keep getting the 3 cheese salad. it has fried feta. it is so good it makes me want to cry. i got it with shrimp. good. i got it again with chicken cutlet. can i just tell you they put the cutlet on the side and it was the size of my face! and it was delicious!
my coworkers get everything from the eggplant parm to the chicken parm heroes to veal francese. if you ask them to toast the cheese on top of anything they will. how accomodating? -
Review from Tracy H.
Minneapolis, MN
4/15/2010
I was in NY on business and wanted something like for dinner. I ended up eating here for three meals of my two day visit! Their minestrone soup is super fresh tasting and the Formaggio Salad is extremely tasty! Possibly the best tasting balsamic vinegarette dressing I have ever had!
Since I was staying at a nearby hotel, I needed take out utensils. They did not have any plastic spoons left and actually gave me one of their own metal spoons...super nice crew. -
Review from Lizzy J.
Westbury, NY
2/9/2011
This is our go to pizza take out. Excellent pies, really great Sicillian pie and very reasonable. I had some great martini's one night and hope to return for dinner soon. Nice decor, attentive staff. Valet parking and good location.
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Review from Francisco D.
Manhasset, NY
2/22/2011
It was my first time here and I enjoyed everything about it the cozy deocor, the lunch and diner menu choices are excellent and reasonably priced. I loved the Shrimp and calamari appetizer great presentation and my linguini and clams was also delicious
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Review from Isaac D.
Brooklyn, NY
10/24/2011
The meats from the daily special were great. The pork came with a wonderful port (?) reduction. The chicken was stuffed with cheese and other goodies. The meatball was also delicious. And the bread they sat out at our table was wonderful as well.
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Review from Angelo B.
Valley Stream, NY
9/3/2008
I am always skeptical when eating pizza on long island( as im from Brooklyn/queens) i almost forgot i was eating long island pizza, it actually tastes good! i was very impressed with the pizzeria and its one of the only places ill order pizza from on long island
