For a taste of Italian originals straight from the old country, you can’t go wrong with La Terrazza in Forest Hills.
Sam Multani, owner for nine years, has brought culinary lessons from Rome to America in an effort to expose locals to the rustic freshness of classical Italian, without being stuck in the past.
“You have to recreate things and be original,” said Multani. “We try to stay on the cutting edge of what’s popular without losing tradition.”
Multani’s menu, which changes with the seasons, is rich with tradition and innovation, giving diners a wide of array of comforting favorites.
You cannot go wrong starting your meal with stuffed mushrooms and Vongole Oreganata (baked clams). The stuffed mushrooms are moist and ample and packed with fresh veggies. The baked clams are served whole, not chopped into an unrecognizable conglomerate of vaguely familiar flavors. Both dishes are served with sauces that are perfect for mopping up with crusty Italian bread.
The Chicken Rollatina comes highly recommended, and is a fork tender ode to comfort foods. The mini-portioned dish features chicken breast stuffed with fresh mozzarella and prosciutto in a mushroom sauce.
The always-reliable Chicken Franchaise is a smooth revelation to your palate, with a delightful butter, lemon and white wine sauce. It is served with a crisp vegetable medley and mashed potatoes.
Like most other Italian eateries, pasta dishes are prevalent. But unlike the others, La Terrazza’s pasta dishes extend to items not on the menu. The chef recommends Penne ala Puttanesca, a spicy, tangy dish that envelops the senses with peppers, black olives, capers and diced tomatoes.
Their menu also features a bevy of veal and steak dishes, as well as an extensive seafood selection, featuring what the chef calls their most popular dish, Frutti di Mare alla La Terrazza. This is a seafood mix with shrimp, mussels, clams, scallops and calamari with a light red sauce served over linguini.
Brick-oven pizza is also a La Terrazza favorite, and they’ve got it covered with classics like Pizza Margherita and not-so familiar Pizza Jalapeño.
They have also got a full bar and an impressive martini list, the most original being the tiramisu martini. This dessert in a glass is the perfect companion to a sweet meal-ender.
This haven for delicioso is also quite affordable, with many specials including a $14.95 Sunday brunch buffet, a $16.95 Tuesday night buffet, daily lunch specials and a prefix dinner every Monday and Wednesday.
No matter which day of the week you go, La Terrazza’s owner Sam will greet you with a warm hello and an even warmer array of dining options.
“My job is to make sure people don’t get tired of the same old thing,” he said. “I also think we look out for people cost-wise – we’re affordable without losing the quality of the food.”
La Terrazza Ristorante Italiano
Fine Cuisine & Pizzeria
108-22 Queens Blvd, Forest Hills, NY
www.laterrazzaqueens.com
Telephone: 718-261-8713
Email: laterrazzarestaurant@gmail.com
Hours: Sunday – Thursday 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Friday & Saturday 11 a.m. – 12 a.m.
All major credit cards accepted
Free Delivery, minimum $15
Muni Parking Available, Free Parking available next to movie theatre
