D'Franco's Pizza

D'Franco's Pizza

2038 Sunrise Hwy.
Islip, NY 11751

Here We Go:  D'Franco's looks like any other pizzeria, and it basically is: young people behind the counter, seat-yourself dining area, and pre-made pies with slices ready to get tossed in the oven for you.  But then you look over the slices and, once you get past the plain cheese pies, you see toppings like penne, salad and even Fritos.  I wouldn't say that the quality of pizza here is completely different from any other pizzeria, but I can that D'Franco's knows how to give pepperoni a run for its money.  Oh and don't worry about parking, since this place is in a shopping center, you're covered.

Feast Your Eyes:

Just a few of the options available for you to try!

Bottom Line:  If you're looking for something a little different, you should give this place a try.

Gino's of Tuscany

Gino's of Tuscany

517 Main St.
Islip, NY 11751

http://www.ginostuscany.com/

Here We Go:   Gino's is a definite place for go-to Italian food.  My only gripe is that they changed the bolognese sauce awhile ago and now it tastes like it has less of the traditional flavor and more fennel or anise (it tastes like it has hints of black licorice).  Other than that, the portions are big, the pizza is greasy and the eggplant parmesan knows me by name.  Parking can be pretty discouraging if you can't find a spot in the back lot or right out front on the street.  Still, the food is worth circling until a spot opens up, which I've done several times.  Come casual and wear some loose clothing - you'll thank me later.

Feast Your Eyes:

Pepperoni Pizza

Eggplant Parmesan with Spaghetti 

Ravioli

Bottom Line:  Check it out and don't forget to walk out with a to-go menu!

Verace

Verace

599 Main St.
Islip, NY 11751

http://veracerestaurant.com/

Here We Go:   Beautifully decorated and a great place for a get together.  Their outdoor space is slick and definitely a spot where you can just kick back with your date/friends for cocktails, or a nice open meal.  I will go ahead and say that martinis for $12 ring up the tab pretty quickly, and you can munch on a pizza for about the same price.  Just so you know, their Fig & Prosciutto pizza, Clams Casino, and martinis rock!  With all that being said, this is a pretty pricey place that is big on atmosphere, and you can likely get equally good food for less elsewhere.  However, it's still a nice spot to experience and try out.  On Friday nights and on the weekend, I would definitely call ahead to make reservations.  Parking can be found at the back of the restaurant, if you can't find a spot out front.  If you're wondering about what to wear, the dress is pretty casual during the day, but dress it up a little at night.

Feast Your Eyes:

Bottom Line:  Check it out if you have some cash to throw down.

Tellers

Tellers

605 Main St.
Islip, NY 11751

www.tellerschophouse.com/index.htm

Here We Go:  After passing by Tellers many times but not actually going in I finally decided to give it a try.  The restaurant itself, a bank building, is beautiful and the old vault makes for an interesting atmosphere.  But the food, while good, was not great.  The duck fat fries might as well have been cooked in vegetable oil because you couldn't taste any additional flavor.  The steak was not bad but it failed in comparison to other high end steakhouses on Long Island and the prices were enough for the steak to have been high end.  The sides were actually above average but the service was slow and inconsistent.  After dinner, we stood at the bar waiting for the bartender to appear and eventually we gave up.  The coat room had closed when we left, so we had to find a hostess to open it and get our jackets.  The best thing about Tellers may have been the drinks, which is not saying much for a supposedly high end steakhouse.  

Feast Your Eyes:

Tellers has a great cocktail and wine selection.

Bottom Line:  Not worth it.  Take your money to Blackstone.