Dining in Port Washington: 5 picks
Rigatoni Bolognese at Pepe Rosso 24 in Port Washington. (Jan. 6, 2011) Credit: Newsday / Thomas A. Ferrara
Port Washington is one of Nassau's restaurant hubs, for variety and quantity. Here are five reasons to dine there.
THE PIE AT SALVATORES, 124 Shore Rd.; 516-883-8457
The coal-fired brick-oven pizzas spur pilgrimages. Just order the pie with fresh mozzarella, crushed tomatoes and basil. You can pick toppings, but be a purist. The place also sends out good eggplant Parmigiana, and the basic manicotti, baked ziti and stuffed shells.
LA PICCOLA LIGURIA, 47 Shore Rd.; 516-767-6490
This local landmark prepares delectable daily specials, as you'd expect at a market-driven European spot. The regular menu is a fallback. Suckling pig, fried anchovies, grilled sardines, lobster fra diavolo, whole red snapper for two, pesto, terrific vegetable antipasti.
LOUIE'S OYSTER BAR & GRILLE, 395 Main St.; 516-883-4242
Louie's dates to 1905. In its current life, the restaurant is the go-to local for seafood. Try the oysters, clams, lobsters, grilled swordfish, seared five-spice tuna, New England-style clam chowder, Meyer-brand steaks. The restaurant also boasts a view of Manhasset Bay.
PEPE ROSSO 24, 24 Manorhaven Blvd.; 516-944-9477
An informal eatery for Italian specialties, Pepe Rosso 24 attracts you with eggplant rollatine, zucchini fritters, meatball "poppers" with mozzarella and provolone, pear-and-Gorgonzola salad, fennel salad, rigatoni Bolognese, spaghetti primavera, chicken with sausage and garlic potatoes.
CHEZ NOELLE, 34 Willowdale Ave.; 516-883-3191
Chez Noelle has a French-continental history and an Italian side, too. The dining room is traditional, usually serene. Some favorites over the years: escargots, potato-leek soup, rack of lamb, sweetbreads, roast duck, creme brulee, chocolate souffle.
