Photo: Queens Post
Nov. 11, 2019 By Allie Griffin
A Long Island City mainstay that has fed diners authentic Italian cuisine for more than 25 years has been temporarily shut down by the City’s Health Department (DOH) over reports of mice, roaches and flies.
Manetta’s, located at 10-76 Jackson Ave., was shuttered by the Health Department on Nov. 6 after an inspector found a number of health violations.
The inspector found evidence of mice, live roaches and flies inside the family-run eatery during the Wednesday evaluation and also cited the restaurant for an inadequate hand washing station for its employees, according to the DOH website.
Manetta’s was opened in 1992 by Phyllis and Mario Manetta, a couple who moved to New York City from a small town outside of Rome. Still run by the same family, the restaurant serves Italian staples and brick-oven pizza.
Its last graded inspection before last week’s was on Nov. 20, 2018 when the DOH gave it an A rating.
The owners issued a statement apologizing for the closure and noted that building was in need of repair.
“We are most apologetic to our customers, first and foremost, for our brief closure. We have always aimed to be reliable and consistent in bringing you the best of our family’s culinary traditions. Our restaurant is nearing it’s 30th year in Long Island City as a multi-generational women run business,” said Lisa, RoseAnn and Phyllis Manetta.
“In that time, our focus on hospitality, service, and sourcing the best food & wine took precedent over requisite attention to the structural wear and tear of our building. The old real estate was due for repairs. Over the last few days we have worked with reliable local contractors to secure our foundation, cover any exposure to the outside, and address all other ordinances. Our restaurant has undergone remedies, cleanings, and renovations that will continue to make us proud to serve you and our neighborhood for many years to come.”
DOH
