You will feel welcome the moment you enter Conti’s Italian restaurant in Little Neck. Your gracious hosts Hilda, Walter and Alex will greet you warmly, in this respected and loved neighborhood-dining mecca.
Subdued and classy are the words that came to mind as we left Queens and entered. The small bar to our right looked inviting for a pre-dinner or casual cocktail. However, our table was ready and our hosts seated us. Next time we will come early and enjoy it.
The teeming rain did not keep patrons away the night of our visit. The dining room was filled with a lively crowd. The table was crisply set. The attentive wait staff immediately brought us small plates of mozzarella, prosciutto, and roasted peppers in a lightly seasoned vinaigrette. We also had a tasty plate of olives and cheese. However, this was just a warm up.
We had to put down our forks and pay attention as our hosts reviewed the daily specials. The appetizers we chose included crab cake with a tasty remoulade, chilled smoked trout, seared scallops on a bed of broccoli rabe, and stuffed artichoke. The only dish that came up short was the stuffed artichoke. The others were superb.
Our main courses included a generous portion of risotto filled with shrimp, calamari, clams and mussels, a delicious filet of branzino with a garlic sauce, a classic veal scaloppini with a perfect mozzarella crust and vermouth sauce, and a succulent chicken cacciatore. The fish and veal dishes were the winners at the table.
The night of our visit specials also included Black Sea Bass, Porgy, and filet of Tilapia. Unfortunately, we did not sample these dishes, but as we looked around the dining room, all the food looked delicious.
We finished our meal with desserts including a homemade tiramisu, a dish of apples in white wine sauce a la mode, and an ambrosial pineapple sorbet.
What a wonderful time we had. This is a great place to come with friends. There is something about the old world ambience of Conti’s that stimulates the appetite, enhances the food and conversation, and leads to a very satisfying evening. I am certain we will return here again and again.
Editor’s Note: Be sure to try the Zabaglione for dessert.
CONTI’S RISTORANTE
249-11 Northern Boulevard
Little Neck, N.Y.
Phone: 718-428-8800
Fax: 718-428-2790
Open: Seven days: Monday thru Thursday from 5 to 10:30 p.m.
Friday and Saturday from 5 to 11:30 p.m. and Sunday from 2 to 9:30 p.m.
Full service bar.
Catering available for parties.
Bridal and Baby shower menus.
