By Lori Van Dien
Long Island,
New York is full of top rated restaurants, which makes narrowing your choices a difficult undertaking. Whether you're taking in historical sites, golfing or hitting the
beach, make sure you reserve a table at one of the area's fine eating establishments. One tip to venturing into any new dining experience is to find out where the locals return. Long Islanders can be possessive, but they're always proud to share their favorite restaurants with travelers.
Il Mulino
For an elegant Italian dining experience, Il Mulino delivers with more than 20 years of service. This is a landmark restaurant, voted No. 1 Italian cuisine by Zagat every year since it opened in 1981. Expect careful and attentive treatment from the onset, and be prepared for a memorable experience, as the staff allows you plenty of time to enjoy each course. A healthy appetizer of delicious cheeses, marinated zucchini, and crostini is favorite start to the meal accompanied by an Italian wine. While the ossobuco is one of this restaurant's signature dishes---veal shank roasted in a red wine sauce with porcini mushrooms---an equally popular meal is the full rack of lamb glazed with Dijon mustard, lightly breaded and served in brown sauce. Dress is business casual, and a typical tab is more than $50 per person (as of February 2010). The restaurant offers catering services, and you can book one of its banquet or private rooms. For a true Long Island treat, try the takeout. Take the Port Washington Long Island Rail Road, because parking will be difficult.
Il Mulino - Long Island
1042 Northern Blvd.
Roslyn, NY 11576
(516) 621-1870
ilmulino.com
Riverview Restaurant and Lounge
This casual dining room boasts a spectacular view of the East Side of Manhattan skyline, situated at the tip of Long Island City. Riverview Restaurant & Lounge offers a romantic setting, but is also suitable for enjoying friends and private parties. Relax in the rich, warm atmosphere, featuring dark browns, reds, and flame orange-colored sleek decor. Make reservations well in advance of your visit. Riverview has street parking and serves lunch daily from 11 a.m. and dinner from 3 p.m. on. The lounge is open until 1 a.m. weekdays and 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday. The menu is contemporary American, featuring Mediterranean flavors as well. Start with the charcuterie plate of duck roulettes, dry sausage, prosciutto, and pate, and add the caprese salad with fresh mozzarella, tomato, and basil. Finish the meal with the Long Island duck in wine sauce, or seafood lovers should try the fettuccini with shrimp, scallops, mussels, clams, calamari, king crab legs, and lobster in Coppino sauce.
Riverview Restaurant & Lounge
2-01 50th Ave.
Long Island City, NY 11101
(718) 392-5000
riverviewny.com
Gabrielle's Brasserie & Wine Bar
For a reasonably priced American casual dining experience in one of Long Island's favorite spots, visit Gabrielle's Brasserie & Wine Bar. The owner has elegantly decorated this establishment with comfortable high-backed chairs, a granite bar, aquarium, and outdoor dining area. The menu is American, modern American, and Mediterranean, offering a variety of options. Enjoy the $15 fixed price lunch Tuesday to Friday or dinner everyday except Monday. Try the pan-roasted salmon, tomato-fennel broth, shrimp with French beans, or the hanger steak with roasted fingerling potatoes and roasted garlic creamed spinach. Finish with the bittersweet chocolate mousse and whipped cream. Take advantage of the fixed price three-course dinner special for $30, which also comes with live music. Come in for happy hour from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays for some good music and a great time. Public parking is available or take the Long Island Rail Road to Rockville Centre.
Gabrielle's Brasserie & Wine Bar
22 North Park Ave.
Rockville Centre, NY 11570
(516) 536-6611
gabriellesny.com
About the Author:
Lori Van Dien has been a professional ghostwriter for over 25 years. She also writes copy for companies worldwide. Much of Dien's work is with nonprofits requiring teaching material. Her teaching manuals for pastors, marriage counselors, music ministries, evangelists and missionaries are in use in Germany, Africa, Japan, China, India, Canada and the United States.
