Serving up Italian favorites with flair in Lynbrook

Green Olive Bistro
693 Sunrise Highway
Philips Plaza
(516) 881-7333

Newly opened restaurants often have kinks to work out, but at Green Olive Bistro, that is not the case. Italian cuisine is prepared with a flair that states experience. Management is a trio of seasoned restaurateurs. Antonio Canale and Michael Costigline owned Angelina’s in Lynbrook and Marsala in Massapequa, and Joseph Genova owned Steve’s Pier One in Bayville.

What once housed Pizzeria Uno has been beautifully redesigned and renovated. The modern décor is airy and inviting, with multiple dining areas, a full bar, and an open kitchen. Counters display enticing pizzas, delicacies, desserts and more.

The bill of fare has been cleverly crafted to allow maximum variety within one meal. For example, specialty salads (like the Long Island Waldorf, which has apples, cranberries and almonds over field greens with lemon poppy mayo dressing) can be ordered as a meal or as a side. Pastas, which can be ordered as a main dish or side, include your choices from six sauces and more than a dozen toppings. And, any panini can be transformed into an entrée.

Stuffed mushrooms were outstanding, plump caps filled with crabmeat and shrimp stuffing, finished in a buttery sauce. Baked clams Oreganata were tender top necks laced into a wonderful blend of garlicky breadcrumbs and herbs; order six or a dozen. Stuffed artichokes were prepared to perfection.

Entrees are served with a garden salad and any pasta. Stuffed tilapia was heaped with fresh crabmeat and jumbo shrimp. Tres Colour offered sliced chicken and Portobello mushrooms on a bed of sun dried tomatoes, given its name by the three sauces on the plate: marinara, Marsala and pesto. Veal ala Cappella were tender scaloppini topped with prosciutto, eggplant, tomato and mozzarella, sided with sautéed broccoli rabe.

Desserts are made on premises. Sipping frothy cappuccino, we were wowed by creamy tiramisu served in a glass coffee mug. Italian cheesecake was deliciously authentic and light.

Pizzas range from $8 to $20 depending on size and toppings. Starters run from $5 to $15, and salads, rolls, paninis, and heroes, are $5 to $10. Pastas are $5 (for a side) to $18. Entrees are $13 to $20. Portions are generous and servers are eager to please.

Green Olive Bistro is open seven days a week. Hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and noon to 10 p.m. on Sunday. Groups up to 50 can be accommodated. Take-out and catering are available. Reservations are suggested.

Recommendations:
■ Stuffed Mushrooms
■ Stuffed Artichokes
■ Baked Clams Oreganata
■ Tilapia Stuffed with Crabmeat and Shrimp
■ Tres Colour Chicken & Portobello Mushrooms
■ Veal ala Cappella
■ Italian Cheesecake
■ Tiramisu