You will feel welcome the moment you enter Conti’s
Italian restaurant in Little Neck. Your gracious hosts Hilda,
Walter and Alex will greet you warmly, in this respected and
loved neighborhood-dining mecca.
Subdued and classy are the words that came to mind as we left
Queens and entered. The small bar to our right looked inviting
for a pre-dinner or casual cocktail. However, our table was
ready and our hosts seated us. Next time we will come early
and enjoy it.
The teeming rain did not keep patrons away the night of our
visit. The dining room was filled with a lively crowd. The
table was crisply set. The attentive wait staff immediately
brought us small plates of mozzarella, prosciutto, and roasted
peppers in a lightly seasoned vinaigrette. We also had a tasty
plate of olives and cheese. However, this was just a warm up.
We had to put down our forks and pay attention as our hosts
reviewed the daily specials. The appetizers we chose included
crab cake with a tasty remoulade, chilled smoked trout, seared
scallops on a bed of broccoli rabe, and stuffed artichoke. The
only dish that came up short was the stuffed artichoke. The
others were superb.
Our main courses included a generous portion of
risotto filled with shrimp, calamari, clams and mussels, a
delicious filet of branzino with a garlic sauce, a classic
veal scaloppini with a perfect mozzarella crust and vermouth
sauce, and a succulent chicken cacciatore. The fish and veal
dishes were the winners at the table.
The night of our visit specials also included Black Sea Bass,
Porgy, and filet of Tilapia. Unfortunately, we did not sample
these dishes, but as we looked around the dining room, all the
food looked delicious.
We finished our meal with desserts including a homemade
tiramisu, a dish of apples in white wine sauce a la mode, and
an ambrosial pineapple sorbet.
What a wonderful time we had. This is a great place to come
with friends. There is something about the old world ambience
of Conti’s that stimulates the appetite, enhances the food
and conversation, and leads to a very satisfying evening. I am
certain we will return here again and again.
Editor’s Note: Be sure to try the Zabaglione for dessert.
CONTI’S RISTORANTE
249-11 Northern Boulevard
Little Neck, N.Y.
Phone: 718-428-8800
Fax: 718-428-2790
Open: Seven days: Monday thru Thursday from 5 to 10:30 p.m.
Friday and Saturday from 5 to 11:30 p.m. and Sunday from 2 to
9:30 p.m.
Full service bar.
Catering available for parties.
Bridal and Baby shower menus.
Conti’s
- a neighborhood mecca