Vespa Italian Kitchen & Bar opens in Farmingdale

Now open in Farmingdale is Vespa Italian Kitchen & Bar, the third restaurant from Ben and Cynthia Lomanto, and their son Michael — the team behind Spuntino in St. James and Dix Hills. It’s not related to Pizzeria Vespa in Massapequa, though the name reinforces the popularity of the zippy, bright-colored Italian scooters.

Housed in what used to be Village Kitchen, the space displays quite an overhaul, with an eye-catching sign, open-air dining and sidewalk tables for the restaurant that seats more than 100 diners.

The menu is more tailored than those at Spuntino, with starters like meatballs burrata, clams oreganata and arancini. Pasta con le sarde with sardines, roasted garlic, fennel, raisins and breadcrumbs make an appearance, along with pappardelle Bolognese. You’re as likely to be tempted by braciole, braised beef with Sunday sauce, as spiedini, veal rollatini with breadcrumbs, provolone, pancetta, asparagus and potatoes. And signature dishes, from Clams Vespa to Pizza Vespa to Gambieri Vespa, feature shellfish. Starters run $7 to $18; salads, soup and pizza $6 to $19; pasta and entrees $13 to $27.

Vespa is open from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday.

282 Main St., Farmingdale; 516-586-8542, vespaitaliankitchen.com