Osteria Umbra in Smithtown offers 11-course, $129 tasting menu

Are you one of those people who has been meaning to eat at Osteria Umbra in Smithtown since it opened in 2020 and promptly vaulted onto the list of Long Island’s best Italian restaurants — but just hasn’t managed to? Now might be the time to make a reservation.

Back by popular demand is the summer tasting menu, 11 courses that include many of chef-owners Marco and Sabrina Pellegrini’s greatest hits, plus a chance to pair those dishes with wines from their extensive wine cellar, including a few made expressly for the restaurant.

Appetizers come in two waves. First you’ll receive a smoked North Fork oyster with black-truffle “caviar,” carpaccio of Sicilian shrimp and the Caprese salad that Marco has been serving since he was at Caci in Southold (2014 to 2018): buffalo mozzarella with heirloom tomatoes and basil gelato. Next, get ready for zucchini flower, wood-grilled lamb skewers and seared sea scallop with blueberry chutney and crispy guanciale. Sabrina is preparing two pastas: veal tortelloni with truffle sauce and potato gnocchi with wild boar.

The main course is a choice between roasted Chilean sea bass with basil pesto and prime filet mignon with seasonal mushrooms. You’ll clear your palate with lemon sorbet and strawberries, then power through to the meal’s finale: chocolate tart with Amarena cherries.

Fine print: No matter the size of your party, the whole table must partake in the fixed menu. The price for food only is $129; add five wine pairings for $71 (plus tax and tip). The menu is available every evening except Saturday.

Osteria Umbra, 197 Terry Rd., Smithtown, 631-780-6633, osteriaumbra.com.