Piccolo’s of Mineola has been a beloved Italian restaurant on Long Island for many years, and for good reason. For some unknown reason, we have never made it to Piccolo’s in Mineola. We have tried a bunch on the new and hot restaurants but had passed up this neighborhood gem in a cute little house on Jericho Turnpike
This family-owned establishment offers a warm, inviting atmosphere and, more importantly, consistently delicious food. If you’re searching for authentic Italian cuisine in Nassau County, Piccolo’s should be at the top of your list. I found out that they are know as the Ravioli place with a huge selection of raviolis.
A Taste of Tradition
From the moment you step inside, you’re greeted with the aroma of simmering sauces and freshly baked bread. The classic Italian-American decor, with its cozy booths and warm lighting, sets the stage for a memorable dining experience.
I always start with the bread and butter. The butter was chilled but not so much as you can not use it. It was the perfect temperature to spread it! As for the bread, the focaccia was season perfectly. I loved the bread and had to refrain myself from eating too much of it.
Piccolo’s menu features a wide array of traditional Italian dishes, prepared with fresh, high-quality ingredients. Some standout items include:
- Pasta Dishes: Their pasta is cooked perfectly al dente, and the sauces are rich and flavorful. The Rigatoni alla Vodka is a local favorite, with its creamy tomato sauce and a touch of vodka. The Linguine with Clam Sauce, available in both red and white versions, is another must-try. But if you come to Piccolo’s you have to try one of their 10 choices of raviolis. We ended up going with the classic cheese ravioli in a marinara sauce. Also, we ordered a curve ball with an order of gnocchi with the vodka sauce.
- Eggplant: They offer an eggplant parmigiana and eggplant rollatini. This was my biggest regret that we could not sample the eggplant dishes. The table next to us had the eggplant rollatini. I have to say from 5 feet away it looked like a winner.
- Meat Entrees: From Chicken Parmigiana to Veal Marsala, Piccolo’s offers a variety of well-prepared meat dishes. We ordered a Chicken Paisanna (grilled). This is a grilled chicken breast in a tomato sauce with onions and peas over pasta. The portions are generous, ensuring you leave feeling satisfied.
The pastas were the star of the show. Even though we loved the chicken dish, it was not in the same league as the pastas.Â
The gnocchi was extremely light and tasty. As you may know, gnocchi is always a risky dish to order. If it is not cooked right, then the gnocchi can be lead weights and something to avoid. But these gnocchi were cooked to perfection and meshed extremely well with the vodka sauce.
As good as the gnocchi were, the ravioli was even better. They really shined with this dish. It was light, fresh and tasty. The cheese popped in the dish and was complimented well by the sauce. Just perfection.
The only disappointment was the Caesar Salad. I do not know if this was a result of me harkening back to the good old days of table side Caesar Salad preparation that included a raw egg. But lately, almost all of the Caesar Salads that I have eaten have been bland and not worth the trouble. Unfortunately, this salad fell into this category.
A Focus on Quality and Service
What truly sets Piccolo’s apart is their commitment to quality and service. The ingredients are always fresh, and the dishes are prepared with care. The staff is friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable, making you feel like a valued guest. The servers passed the wine taste. They asked right away if we wanted to order a drink. Once we finished our drink, they followed up with the appropriate question on whether we wanted a second round or another choice of beverage.
Piccolo’s of Mineola: The Details
- Location: Mineola, Long Island, Nassau County
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Atmosphere: Warm, inviting, family-friendly
- Takeout & Delivery: Available
- Reservations: Recommended, especially on weekends
Final Verdict
If you’re looking for a top-notch Italian restaurant on Long Island, Piccolo’s of Mineola is a must-visit. With its delicious food, welcoming atmosphere, and excellent service, it’s a place where you can enjoy a truly authentic Italian dining experience. Highly recommended! We are adding this restaurant to our rotation.