Commack, New York Italian Restaurants

Just an hour outside of New York City is Commack, a small community located on the north shore of Long Island, the one that borders on Long Island Sound. Approximately a third of its 40,000 residents are Italian, by far the single largest group of descendants in the city. It should come as no surprise then that Commack also is home to a selection of Italian restaurants that feature good food and good wine reminiscent of Old World Italy.

Ciao Baby

The vintage '50s and '60s décor with pictures of the Rat Pack lining the walls is as much a part of this eatery as the huge portions and extensive wine list. The restaurant offers a three-course family-style dinner (Sun. to Fri.), and a Wine Watch on Wednesday when, for a few extra bucks, you can enjoy unlimited wine tasting after dinner. The small menu changes weekly, but one of the signature dishes is Rigatoni in Pork Sauce. In honor of Frank Sinatra, try a Stuffed Sinatra-Vodka served cold with three jumbo olives stuffed with imported provolone cheese.

Ciao Baby
204 E. Jericho Tpke.
Mayfair Shopping Center
Commack, NY 11725
(631) 543-1400
ciaobabyrestaurant.com

Conca D'Oro Restaurant and Pizzeria

Part of the Commack community for more than 20 years, this family-owned and -operated restaurant has a casual atmosphere, whether you're dining in the traditional Italian restaurant or enjoying a slice in the separate pizzeria. Wednesday is wine night, so order any entrée off the menu and receive a free glass of wine to complement your meal. Pizza is available only at lunchtime, and appetizers such as the Italian minestrone and cold antipasto are only offered on the dinner menu.

Conca D'Oro Restaurant and Pizzeria
660 Commack Rd.
Commack, NY 11725
(631) 499-6199
concadororestaurant.net

Olio Ristorante and Pizzeria

Olio's is one part cozy pizzeria serving gourmet pizza, and one part fine restaurant serving authentic Italian dishes with fresh ingredients. On Pasta Night (Mon. and Tues.) for a low price, enjoy your choice of pasta with coffee, tea, soda or a glass of house wine, salad or soup and cannoli, cheesecake or zeppole. That's a good time to try Farfalle Olio, a house favorite of bowtie pasta with shrimp, sun-dried tomatoes and mushrooms in a creamy pink sauce.

Olio Ristorante and Pizzeria
5990 Jericho Tpke.
Commack, NY 11725
(631) 858-9898
mangiaolio.com

Mannino's Restaurant

Don't blink or you might miss this small restaurant with the big Italian flavors. Order the fresh escarole and cannellini beans sautéed with garlic in extra virgin olive oil, and for dinner feast on the Gnocchi Gorgonzola, potato dumplings tossed with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach in a creamy Gorgonzola cheese sauce. Mannino's is always busy and, unless you're a party of six or more, they don't take reservations so be prepared to wait.

Mannino's Restaurant
169 Commack Rd.
Commack, NY 11725
(631) 462-0909
manninosrestaurant.com

Article Written By Denise Skwarcan

Denise Skwarcan is the managing editor of a national sports magazine and a freelance writer living in northern Indiana. She graduated from Indiana University with a bachelor's degree, and has been published both in print and online. Her specialties include sports, animals and travel.

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