Queens residents tend to be picky about their Italian eateries. Usually, they find one they like, preferably close to home, and proceed to eat there no less than three times per week. Very rarely will they try something new or (Gasp!) cross over into Nassau County for Italian fare.
It is time the people of Queens learned what many in Nassau already know; deliciously fresh Italian food thrives on Long Island, especially at Gino’s Trattoria & Pizzeria in New Hyde Park.
Originally opened in 2000, this cozy spot on Jericho Turnpike renovated and reopened in 2009 with an enticing new menu and an expanded dining area. Owner Joe DePaulis went to great lengths to improve the look and feel of his establishment, but he knows the real difference is taste and quality of ingredients.
“We make our own fresh mozzarella and sausage. Growing up in an Italian household, that’s the way we ate; everything homemade and fresh,” said DePaulis. “The only thing we went out to buy was milk because we didn’t have a cow at home.”
DePaulis did, however, have a garden, as is evident by the fresh renderings of his Capri Italiano. This appetizer consists of fresh mozzarella and prosciutto lying on sliced tomato, basil and drizzled with extra virgin olive oil and topped with flame roasted peppers.
Other must-have starters are calamari fritti and rice croquettes. The golden calamari is dusted with just enough seasoning so that the flavor of the squid is enhanced rather than masked. It’s fried perfection, as are the rice croquettes. These mini rice balls are made with risotto, parmigiana cheese and studded with sweet peas.
The starter list continues with bruschetta, fresh clams and mussels, a warming array of soups and a garden’s worth of crisp, refreshing salads.
For an entrée, you cannot go wrong with classic spaghetti and meatballs. In order to achieve the perfect balance between sweet and savory, DePaulis uses beef, pork and veal in his meatballs and dresses them in his very own marinara sauce.
Go green with another wonderful dish, the pasta with spinach. Here, your choice of pasta is served with garlic and olive oil sautéed spinach, which can be substituted with broccoli if you choose. No matter which vegetable you pick, it will be a fresh reminder of the bright and clean options at Gino’s.
Don’t forget about the pizzeria end of Gino’s, as they carry everything from classic Neapolitan and Sicilian to their remarkable specialty pies. Their Grandma pizza is not to be missed, as this thin crust offering carries mozzarella and crushed plum tomatoes for a deliciously familiar texture and taste.
Gino’s welcomes you for a quick bite, a family dinner, or even a celebration in their spacious party room. Their private dining room allows you to enjoy birthdays, christenings, corporate meetings or any special event in the most delectable way possible.
Find your Italian fix just east of Queens at Gino’s, or stay home and let them deliver to you.
Gino’s Trattoria & Pizzeria of New Hyde Park
1113 Jericho Turnpike
New Hyde Park, NY 11040
Tel: 516-488-1366
Fax: 516-488-2113
Catering: YES, on and off premises.
Delivery: YES, Nassau and Queens
Hours:
Monday – Saturday: 10 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Sunday: 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.
All Major Credit Cards Accepted
