Nothing beats going to a restaurant and having the owner/manager greet you with a big welcoming hug. Michael at Gino’s Trattoria in Bayside does it frequently. As he says joyously, “I love my customers” and from my front row seat, I could see that they love him too!
And with good reason. He’s there to make sure every person coming through his doors is treated like royalty and welcomed with open arms. The warm environment makes you relax as soon as you enter the room. There is a wood burning brick oven behind the bar and as soon as we sat down, we ordered a pizza Rustica classica. It’s done with a crispy crust topped with tomato, fresh mozzarella and basil - perfect to accompany our drinks.
I had a crispy insalata Mista to begin; it is a combination of baby mixed greens, tomatoes, Granny Smith apple, gorgonzola cheese with walnuts tossed in a light balsamic vinaigrette.
Stu had the baked whole clams with a light bread crumb topping. They came out of the kitchen hot and well-spiced.
For our main courses, we shared a spaghetti Carbonara, a mouth-watering combination of pancetta, peas, mushrooms, tossed in a cream sauce.
The Zuppa di Pesce was overflowing with assorted fish - scallops, shrimps and mussels in a light tomato consumm/ served over toasted crusty bread. It was a challenge to finish the generous portions. It’s easy to take home a “doggy” bag!
The service was very impressive. After each course, the bus boy swept the crumbs off the table and refilled my water glass. The waiter always kept his eye on the tables to see if his diners needed anything.
There is a wide variety of side dishes available to add to any order.
The desserts are plentiful and classic - sherbets, cakes and more, from a separate menu. There is a large room upstairs for catering and Michael proudly reported he served over 600 people on Mother’s Day!
There is a special lunch menu. All can be delivered day and night seven days a week. Try it, you’ll love it!
GINO’S TRATTORIA
213-15 35th Avenue
Bayside, N.Y. 11361
Phone: 718-352-3800
Fax: 718-631-2516
Hours: Sunday through Thursday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Credit Cards: All major cards accepted.
Parking: Some valet parking on site.
Wheelchair accessible
Free delivery - Sunday to Thursday
11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Catering on and off premises.
Full bar and wine list.
