Table for Two

Molto Bene means 'very good' -- and it is!

Posted

Molto Bene
2520 Merrick Road, Bellmore
(516) 900-1270, www.moltobenebellmore.com

Open only since February, Molto Bene promises to be a popular choice on Long Island’s South Shore. We visited on a Monday night and the place was nearly filled. Granted, space is limited with maybe 15 tables. But the outstanding Tuscan style cuisine is what makes it a winner.

Owner/chef Timmy Fantastico learned all aspects of the restaurant business in Manhattan. Options on his sizeable menu vary with the season, and preferences of his customers. The number of nightly specials is staggering, with choices that change weekly. Items we tasted were specials, but most, as well as cooking styles of many items, can be requested even if not offered. Many items are made from scratch, including pastas, desserts, Grappa and Lemoncello.

Dinner starters and salads range from $7 for any soup to $18.95 for hot antipasto for two. Pastas are $16.95 for Penne alla Vodka to $26.95 for Linguini di Pesce (assorted shellfish). Entrees run from $19.95 for most chicken and vegetable dishes, to $36.95 for Misto di Carni — grilled lamb chops, chicken and filet mignon with greens and potatoes. Desserts are $8. Children can be accommodated with half portions or kid-friendly choices. The wine list is extensive.

Warm, aromatic rustic bread came with butter and herb-infused olive oil. Our glasses of house Pinot Grigio were a fine choice. Service was European style … accommodating and friendly.

Burrata cheese, a melt-in-your-mouth mound of mozzarella with a soft creamy center, was drizzled with balsamic glaze and garnished with red roasted pepper, tomato, prosciutto, and arugula. It’s a must if available. Superbly seasoned, Grilled Octopus, served on greens with a lemon wedge, was as tender as can be.

Homemade Lobster Ravioli was blanketed in red sauce dotted with grape tomatoes. We enjoyed healthy (guilt-free) Zucchini Linguini with Jumbo Shrimp … strings of zucchini with spinach, lightly tossed with garlic and oil, topped with plenty of large tender shrimp.

With frothy cinnamon-dusted cappuccino we shared a humongous wedge of Tiramisu … truly the fluffiest, smoothest I’ve ever encountered. A wide selection of Italian desserts is available, and they always change.

Molto Bene does parties in-house for up to 65 people. Catering packages are available, as is take-out. They serve lunch and dinner, seven days a week. Hours are noon to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and noon to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Reservations are emphatically recommended.

Recommendations:
■ Burrata Cheese with Balsamic Drizzle
■ Grilled Octopus
■ Homemade Lobster Ravioli
■ Zucchini Linguini with Jumbo Shrimp
■ Tiramisu
■ Cappuccino
■ Grappa with Raisins