Table for Two

Old-world Italian meets modern Mediterranean

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Vivaldi Ristorante
201-10 Cross Island Parkway, Bayside
(718) 352-2300, www.vivaldiny.com

Vivaldi is the perfect venue for a special dinner, romantic night out, or a gala event of virtually any size. Breathtaking views of Little Neck Bay and the Throgs Neck Bridge are rivaled only by the outstanding contemporary Italian-Mediterranean cuisine. You’ll be warmly welcomed by Vivaldi’s charming host, Billy Pappas, his manager, Asif Mirza, and servers who work to make everything right. 

The restaurant’s historic location was once the East Coast mansion of film legend, Rudolf Valentino, and later, Mayor Fiorello LaGuardia’s summer retreat. In 2013, after the property was renovated, it reopened as Vivaldi Ristorante under a long-term lease by the 123 Restaurant Group, part of the Makkos Organization. This group also operates Terrace on the Park in Queens, Battery Gardens in Battery Park, and the Venetian Yacht Club on Long Island’s South Shore.

Incredible weather allowed alfresco dining. Seated in a gazebo, a section of their stunning patio, we dined adjacent to the Clearview fairways. The patio, which has lit sconces in the evening and heat lamps when it gets cooler, can also be used for ceremonies and cocktail receptions.

 Inside, on the lower level, one can enjoy the stately main dining room, or the intimate Fireplace Lounge, with its fieldstone hearth and a piano topped with a candelabra. The second floor holds two magnificent glass-lined banquet rooms, featuring the exquisite panoramic views mentioned earlier. Parties for up to 250 can be arranged for any day.

Every dish we tried was fresh, made to order, generous in portion and creatively presented. Exotic Salad was a tossing of mozzarella, mushrooms, avocado, cannellini beans and light vinaigrette. Lobster Salad was lush with avocado, roasted cauliflower, shaved parmesan cheese, butter lettuce, grapefruit slices, and of course, plenty of fresh lobster. Fried calamari was above and beyond, sided with marinara spiced with shallots and cherry peppers. We were wowed by Marinated Grilled Octopus — so tender and flavorful — on a bed of chick peas, yogurt and olive puree. Ricotta & Truffle Oil brick oven pizza is a must-try as well.

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