Fans of La Rotonda, the Great Neck eatery that earned rave reviews for its brick-oven pizza, tasty salads and Italian fare, can now get the same delicious food, plus an expanded menu, in a much larger restaurant that has opened on Middle Neck Road.
The original restaurant, located on Bond Street, is still open. “People were waiting 45 minutes for a table at our Bond Street restaurant, and we wanted to expand to accommodate our patrons,” said chef/owner Luigi Muto. “In our new location, we have multiple dining areas and ample seating.”
Indeed, the new restaurant offers three distinct dining rooms, each one gracious and inviting. Upon entering, patrons will find a friendly caf/ ambience. During the warm-weather months, they have the option of enjoying their meal al fresco in a lovely garden setting that fills up quickly. Upstairs, a stylish, newly renovated main dining room offers a cozy and intimate setting with warm wood tones, white tablecloths, fresh flowers and candlelight.
Muto opened the new location about a year ago with partners Giorgio Pecoraro, who is the restaurant’s executive chef, Jeffrey Frimet and Marty Bataan. “People in Great Neck and the surrounding towns appreciate good food,” Muto says. “It makes me feel good when people enjoy our dishes.”
Located at 66 Middle Neck Road, La Rotonda’s vast and impressive menu features traditional Italian specialties, modern adaptations and lighter Italian fare. Muto and Pecoraro, both originally from Italy, clearly take great pride in the taste, presentation and freshness of their dishes.
From the restaurant’s famous brick oven pizzas and panini to gourmet dinners, the ample menu guarantees diners will find something to their liking. Open for lunch, dinner or a snack, the restaurant offers an extensive selection of traditional Italian dishes and seafood entr/es, nightly dinner specials, more than 20 varieties of brick-oven pizza, the freshest salads, wraps and panini.
Some of the favorite dishes prepared by chefs Pecoraro and Muto are hometown recipes from their native Sicily handed down through the generations. The Home-style Lasagna was delicious. Veal Madeira, saut/ed with fresh spinach, roasted red peppers and portabella mushrooms in a Madeira wine sauce and topped with fresh mozzarella, was tender and flavorful. For those who prefer chicken, Chicken Rusticana is sure to please. Saut/ed with red peppers and onions in a light plum tomato sauce and topped with mozzarella, it was a real treat. Bourbon Shrimp and Chicken, one of the dinner specials, was a standout. The seafood dishes we tried were sensational. Basil-Encrusted Tilapia and Red Snapper Livornese were fresh and flavorful. Lobster Ravioli, in a fabulous vodka sauce, received rave reviews from everyone at our table.
For gourmet pizza-lovers, brick-oven-baked individual pies come with a crust that is thin, crisp and delicious. Vegetarians will enjoy the Portobello, a tasty pie with portobello mushrooms, Fontina cheese, fresh mozzarella and tomato sauce. For a heartier pie, the Pizza Chiara is a delight, with smoked prosciutto, fresh mozzarella, artichokes and mushrooms in a light plum tomato sauce.
Diners enjoy complimentary antipasto with their dinner and freshly baked bread that is made on the premises. La Rotonda also makes its own gourmet gelato with an imported gelato machine and ingredients from Italy. A delectable choice of desserts is available, as well. A full cocktail menu includes and extensive wine list and 20 different martinis.
La Rotonda welcomes corporate accounts. A dining room is also available for special events and parties.
La ROTONDA
66 Middle Neck Road
Great Neck, NY
Phone: 516-498-3890
Hours: Open for coffee, lunch and dinner seven days a week from 10 a.m. to closing.
Cuisine: Italian.
Ambience: Contemporary casual.
Delivery: Yes, free.
Parking: Ample parking on street and in several village parking lots.
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes.
Credit Cards: Yes.
