The Pie at Salvatore's

The Pie at Salvatore's

120 E. Main St.

Bay Shore, NY 11706

(631) 206-1060

salvatorescoalfiredpizza.com/

Here We Go:  Casual, quick, coal-fired, fresh - all words I'd use to describe The Pie.  Whenever we go, we get the The Original Neapolitan Pizza.  I've tried to get other pizzas there, but I just can't!  This pizza calls to me like a mystical pizza siren and I'm left helpless.  It's just so deliciously fresh and cheesy...and the pepperonis are these flavorful slices of heaven.  If you're able to ignore the lure of the Neapolitan, you can find other interesting pies, like Clams Casino Pie and a Salad Pie.  Something you should know is that The Pie doesn't take credit cards, so bring cash or you can use their in-house ATM.  Also, don't expect to walk in for a slice - you get a full pie or niente (nothing).  Plenty of parking in the back, and outdoor seating if it's nice out.

Feast Your Eyes:

How fresh does that salad look? And the dressing is fantastic!

Oh yeah!

Bottom Line: Check it out!

Lo Piccolo

Lo Piccolo

581 Nesconset Hwy.
Hauppauge, NY 11787

http://www.lopiccolos.com/

Here We Go:   Setup in the corner of a shopping center, Lo Piccolo's could easily be overlooked, but the shopping center means that there's plenty of parking.  One side is a pizzeria and the other side is a sit-down restaurant.  Let's be honest, there are those Italian restaurants that blow you away, and then there are places like Lo Piccolo.  It was ok, and the mozzarella sticks were ok, and the salad was a standard ok salad.  The marinara is that bright red color that just let's you know that all you're going to really taste is tomato, which was...ok.  If you're close by and you need a quick meal or a take-out pizza, I guess I could see why you'd stop here, but you sure won't see us there.

Feast Your Eyes:

Mozzarella Sticks

Small Salad

Rice Ball

Penne with Grilled Chicken and Vodka Sauce

 Rigatoni with Marinara and Italian Sausage

Spaghetti with Marinara and Meatballs

Bottom Line:  Skip it and look for a different place that can do better than just ok. 

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.