Table for Two

Craft pizza, family-style dining and more

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Parmagianni
212 North Long Beach Road
Rockville Centre
(516) 766-1900
www.parmagianni.com

Coming up on its fourth year, Parmagianni is definitely doing things right. On the night we visited, all tables were filled, the delivery staff was busy, and people were happily waiting for their take-out food. Signs with their “Meatball King” logo were prominent, as well as a “Best Long Island Pizza” banner awarded in 2016. Owners are passionate about maintaining their family recipes and above all, making customers happy.
Parmagianni is an interesting blend of casual (pizzeria style) seating with restaurant quality Italian cuisine. You can dine on all types of pizza, a build-your-own personal craft pie, or go all out with family style dining — appetizers, salads, pasta, entrée and dessert.
Rather than the typical bread or garlic knots, they started us with Crostini — thin, round baked pizza dough topped with oregano and EVOO — delicious. With more than a dozen appetizers to choose from, what we sampled was outstanding — Shrimp Oreganata, Fried Calamari with marinara, Baby Artichokes Oreganata, a huge Golden Brown Rice Ball, and possible the best Meatballs and sauce we’ve encountered. We enjoyed Parma Chopped Salad — greens with diced salami, provolone, red onions and cherry tomatoes, dressed with lemon oregano vinaigrette. Pizza here is as good as it gets; we were told that the dough is truly the secret.
Gnocchi Bolognese — fluffy potato dumplings — was served in tomato-based meat sauce. Parmagianni’s version of Chicken Scarpiello is quite unique. Large cuts of chicken and Italian sausage were pan fried and tossed with cherry peppers in buttery lemon rosemary sauce — a luscious flavor with a kick. Veal Marsala boasted tender top- notch scallopine loaded with sliced mushrooms in rich Marsala wine sauce. As a side we were wowed by their Sautéed Spinach — fresh leaves loaded with roasted garlic.
For dessert, try overstuffed Cannoli, or Tartufo — ice cream in a chocolate shell, quartered and served with whipped cream, drizzled with sweet sauces.
Pizzas range from $6.95 for a personal Simple Pie to $28.95 for a full-sized stuffed meat pie. You can build your own ($8.95) Craft Pizza, order traditional or specialty, or a Premium Craft like Chicken Vodka or Bacon Ranch. Calzones, Rolls and Heros are $5.95 to $11.95. Dishes are served family style — half platter for one or two people, full platter for up to four. Appetizers and salads are $8/$14 to $18/$32 (Hot Seafood Antipasto), and $2.25 each for Rice Balls. Pastas are $15/$27 to $18/32. Entrees are $15/$26 to $19/$32. Desserts are $4.95 to $8.95. They serve wine and beer.
Pizza-making parties are a huge hit. Parmagianni lets each child craft his or her own pie. Typically 90 minutes, the party includes a dough ball, pizza making equipment, chef hat, apron, games and ice cream. Price is $24.95 per guest. Where else will your child be encouraged to make a mess and play with food?
Hours are Sunday through Thursday 11a.m. to 10 p.m., and Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Catering and take-out is available with a large selection. Delivery is available to a 1.5-mile radius, usually to Rockville Centre and Oceanside. There’s a private parking lot in the rear.
Opening in a few months, on the same block, will be ParmaMarket fine foods and catering. Sold will be prepared foods made by Parmagianni as well as high quality ingredients such as gourmet cheese and meats.

Recommendations:
■ Baby Artichokes Oreganata
■ Fried Calamari
■ Shrimp Oreganata
■ Golden Brown Rice Balls
■ Parma Chopped Salad
■ Neapolitan Pizza
■ Meatballs
■ Gnocchi Bolognese
■ Chicken Scarpiello
■ Sautéed Spinach
■ Veal Marsala
■ Tartufo
■ Cannoli