Glen Cove dining: 5 favorite spots

Glen Cove is one of Long Island's full-flavored restaurant hubs, with destinations old and new. Here are five favorites.

LA BUSSOLA, 40 School St., Glen Cove, 516-671-2100

La Bussola has been cooking for decades, serving dependably fine Italian and Italian-American dishes in a time-capsule setting. Recommended: stuffed artichoke, pappardelle Bolognese, squid-ink spaghetti with seafood, osso buco, stuffed pork chop, Dover sole. 

CEDAR CREEK AMERICAN BAR & GRILL, 75 Cedar Swamp Rd., Glen Cove. 516-656-5656

This neighborly New American establishment delivers reliable fare and often-festive atmosphere. Recommended: Chicago-style hot dog sliders; fish tacos; shepherd's pie with lamb; fish-and-chips with cod; Southern-fried chicken on Sunday; prime rib on Thursday. 

LA GINESTRA, 50 Forest Ave., Glen Cove, 516-674-2244

For 25-plus years, La Ginestra has kept pasta al dente and calamari crisp. The traditional spot has very good service, too. Recommended: sauteed red snapper with pine nuts, raisins, onions and vinegar; chicken scarpariello; rack of lamb; fettuccine with eggplant and tomato. 

SOPAH THAI KITCHEN, 11 Cedar Swamp Rd., Glen Cove, 516-945-3688

Casual and friendly, Sopah Thai Kitchen is a refreshing stop for a taste of Siam and for reasonable prices. Recommended: pad Thai, mee krob rice noodles, curry puffs with chicken and potato, pork with ginger sauce, lemongrass chicken, mee krob, Massaman curry with chicken. 

STANGO'S AT THE ORCHARD, 19 Grove St., Glen Cove, 516-671-2389

Stango's was established in 1919. In its new life, the warm, family-oriented restaurant prepares savory Italian-American specialties. Recommended: pork chops with vinegar peppers and potatoes, lasagna Bolognese, escarole and beans, pasta e fagioli, chicken Parmigiana.