Homestyle Italian Food In Queens

One of the great perks of creating Cheapeats, is finding great dining spots around town and sharing them with you and friends. Being an Italian Girl, I’m a tough critic when it comes to Italian food. Having dined at the “BEST” Italian Restaurant in the world (My Mother’s Kitchen), it takes a lot to impress me. Can a Restaurant serve up Italian food worthy of my Mom’s cooking? The answer is yes.

My journey took me to Little Neck Queens and Il Bacco. Il Bacco is a Family owned Restaurant that makes you feel loved and welcomed, from the moment you walk through the door and until the end of your meal. I took along 2 Queens friends to catch up and share this experience with.

When we entered the large yellow building with the red awnings, we were greeted by Mauricio – The General Manager, who took us on a tour of the restaurant. It started on their rooftop, which serves cocktails and pizza under the stars. The next floor is their event space, which seats up to approximately 150 people. Perfect for weddings, Sweet 16’s, Birthday parties, etc. Don’t want to take the stairs? No worries…there’s an elevator. Then the tour ended at the main dining room, which by the way, was PACKED on a Monday eve. We were sat at a table that had a full view, perfect for people watching. Our server “Mr Charm” handed us menus and suggested one of their house wines. Let the eating begin…..I’M STARVING!!!

 

Bread Basket

Within minutes of ordering our wine, a basket of homemade bread and focaccia was set down, along with olives, cheese and prosciutto. So far, so good. Then we were read the specials of the day. How am I going to choose? We decided to order a few appetizers and then each ordered their entrees.

Our Tuna Tartare was fresh, buttery and melted in our mouths. The Caprese Salad with fresh mozzarella, tomato and basil was an oldie but a goodie. For me, the star of the show was the “Seafood Crepe,” which was a special of the day. Picture it, a light and airy crepe filled with shrimp and seafood, topped with a creamy sauce. PERFECTO!!

One friend ordered the almond crusted salmon, a special of the day. It was moist and buttery with a side of crunch from the almonds. A great mixture of texture.

 

Almond Crusted Fish

 

My other friend ordered the homemade pasta special….Squash Ravioli. I know I’m sounding redundant, but it was like BUDDA!!

 

Squash Ravioli

 

I went with the Branzino, which is a Sea Bass. It was light and flaky. Not fishy at all. Mr Charm deboned it  for me and it was simply dressed with lemon and olive oil.  It’s my usual, whenever I see it featured on a menu.

 

Branzino

 

By this time we were stuffed. My friends wrapped up their leftovers to go. Room for dessert? Twist my arm.

 

Dessert

 

The Chef prepared an assortment of fresh fruit and pastries for us.  It was almost like a piece of art on a plate and too pretty to eat…NOT. Not being able to finish it, my friends added it to their large doggy bags.

Our evening at Il Bacco, was fabulous, from beginning to end. I felt like I was eating at my Grandmother’s. I felt like family.

 

Happiness, $25 and under.

Il Bacco Ristorante Italiano on Urbanspoon

IL Bacco Restaurante on Foodio54

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About The Author

A fierce love of food and twin careers in real estate and fashion taught Rose to look for the hottest item and the hottest deal. Perfect attributes for creating Cheapeatsinc.com. When friends and clients needed a great meal at a great price, she could rattle off restaurant names the way a sports nut ticks off batting averages—but with a lot more home runs. Now it’s all at Cheapeats, where you’ll find “Happiness, $25 and under.”

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