The first time I came to eat here was back in 2018. My husbands parents ate here just about nightly back in the day. The multiple times I've been here since then have been prestigious. The staff has always been amazing. The restaurant is an intimate setting. Don't expect something new, this place is set back in time with an amazing vibe. The food has always been delicious. All their dishes are worth the try. I of my top 5 favorite places to eat in North America. read more

Holy ravioli! I've driven past this place so many times and I finally had the chance to try. While the decor is a bit outdated, the food did not disappoint. The staff and the service was on par with fine dining but of yesteryear. Old school. My ravioli dish exploded in my palate But the layered chocolate cake was almost as good as their home made whipped cream. I don't think I've ever cleared a plate that way. Worth every cent read more

La Piccola Liguria Restaurant - Italian Near Me - Port Washington, New York

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2025 update of prior reviews on La Piccola Liguria indicated no significant changes with some of the best Northern Italian Food you'll find anywhere still served here. On a recent visit I had the Lobster and Shrimp salad over avocado in a pink sauce as an appetizer and it was simply divine. I also had Montauk wild Striped Bass Pescatore (with seafood) in a tasty red sauce. Everything including the service was perfect. Prices are up as they are everywhere but you cannot beat the quality of everything offered here. read more

We love this place! Go every year for our birthdays. The Italian cheesecake is AMAZING! staff is great, i love that it's the same staff for years read more

Very nice cozy classy place, our waiter was Gabrielle. Great service also I love that all the waiters work together they handed me a menu which was very appetizing... Then Gabriel asked if we would like to hear the specials. There was so many specials. I thought he was reading off another menu. I was so confused at what to get, but I know everything is amazing... So I listened probably for eight minutes and I forgot what I wanted, but then I heard they had the rabbit with polenta. I was in heaven as we started off with the seafood appetizer, very exceptional... I was disappointed that there was no IPA beer, but when in Rome you must drink wine .. the rabbit came out with the polenta in a very light red sauce, which I was extremely happy about. It was so tender you would swear it's chicken (told my wife, but she says no I know what it is so she would not try it too bad her loss ) wife had the seafood special with the full lobster, so he asked if we would like some dessert which I rarely get, but since they rolled the table of dessert to you it's impossible to say no , finish off with a double espresso, and a nice glass of Sambuca ... compliments to the chef everything was exceptionally good and tasty read more

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La Piccola Liguria is a dining experience. Not just an eating out experience, but a fine dining adventure! The choices are many and so hard to make since everything is superb. Appetizers are inventive and outstanding . Pastas and meat entrees are all delightful and the salads so refreshing. I know it's hard, but do not skip dessert! read more

I haven't been to this restaurant since 2016 and recommended it to my family to celebrate my brother-in-law's 62nd birthday, remembering the good food and great service. Needless to say, we were all looking forward to this dinner. For an upscale restaurant, the first impression was less than stellar with a torn paper sign stating the hours of operation, held together by numerous old pieces of scotch tape on the front door. Upon arrival, we were required to check our coats. We were greeted by the hostess and owner, and promptly seated for our "6:00 PM SHARP" birthday celebration dinner reservation. As the waiter began to recite a litany of specials, my wife informed him that her mother was hard of hearing and asked if he could please speak up and slowly. He commented that it was fortunate the restaurant was not crowded so that he could enunciate the specials louder. When I inquired about the price of one of the specials, the waiter had to ask the owner. When we asked about the price of a second special, the server again had to inquire with the owner. My mother-in-law requested that the waiter repeat one of the specials, and the owner intervened, essentially telling him not to waste his time describing the dish as it contained pricey truffles and was a $71.00 dish, deemed "too expensive" for our party. Since when did asking about prices become a faux pas? This made us feel very uncomfortable, as if we were being scrutinized for asking prices. I inquired about the different ways the veal could be prepared and asked if parmesan was an option. The waiter looked at me like I had two heads. I ordered the Veal Francais, which was particularly bland and priced at $41.00 for three thin slices of veal. My wife ordered a gnocchi special, also bland, and my brother-in-law ordered veal marsala, again bland with three very thin slices of veal. These entrees came with sides of broccoli and mashed potatoes with spinach. Out of our party of four, only one of us enjoyed her meal--my mother-in-law with her thin spaghetti pasta with seafood. Our appetizers of stuffed clams were uneventful and bready, however, we did enjoy the artichokes and garlic. Having lived in this town for 20 years and having managed one of its most popular restaurants for 14 years, I have never felt so unwelcome in a restaurant. I felt as if we were being watched over instead of catered to. When "regulars" arrived, the owner welcomed them with open arms and smiles and cheek kisses. Upon leaving, the owner asked how everything was, possibly with some heart, but probably not. I wanted to spare him the embarrassment of our dining experience with him in front of the other patrons arriving. I know how difficult it is to succeed in the restaurant business, especially in Port Washington. This restaurant is one of the longest surviving establishments in town, and I know that the regulars love the place and will continue to support it. Unfortunately, we are not going back, and that is sad for the restaurant and for the town. There are too many other venues in town that welcome us and provide a better overall experience. read more

We came here for my husband's birthday with his family on a recent Friday night. If you want to be wined and dined, this is surely a nice Italian restaurant to make you feel like a VIP. From the moment you get out of your car, there is valet, to the moment you step inside the long foyer to claim your reservations, they take off your jacket for you, you know you have entered a different time in history, one of old world charm and hospitality. The restaurant itself is small, quaint and warm. The waiters, all men wearing black bow ties and pretty much can recite anything on the menu and beyond by heart in their thick cute Italian accents. Their specials of the day are overwhelming but I am pretty sure that is part of the fun. I ordered fish - it was saucy but good, came with side of veggies and mash potatoes. They come over with a dessert cart which makes it harder to say no to pick something, everything came with fresh whipped cream. read more

La Piccola Liguria Restaurant - a christmas tree - Italian Near Me - Port Washington, New York

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We came here for my birthday and it's old school northern Italian food in a good way. The waiters come and tell you lots of specials from memory and it feels like they really want you to eat well. Whether you want pasta, meat or seafood, you will find something interesting here. I had a tuna steak in balsamic reduction that was good. Save room for the lemon tart or napoleon tart too. Pricey but a good special occasion choice. read more

Very authentic Ligurian cuisine - warm hospitality. Pleasant atmosphere. This is the kind of outside the main stream Italian culinary culture that should exist more often. read more

Great classic Italian. The best on Long Island. I always eat here when I want a perfect meal

The dishes I ordered, tripe & liver veneziana, were delicious and authentically Italian. And our server was professional, friendly, knowledgeable and helpful. Also, they have a varied and interesting menu, which makes it's difficult to order only one appetizer & one entree. I highly recommend this restaurant! read more

La Piccola in Port is absolutely fantastic, one of the best experiences I've had dining in a very long time. A very intimate place with some quality Italian fine dining, the kitchen is really talented with what they deliver, and the staff is classy, professional and respectable. Valet parking for all guests, and I'd say about 15 tables inside for diners. All staff and servers were masked and we felt very comfortable with spacing. Many specials to choose from, and we had an assortment of things from Tomato Soup, Ceasar Salad, Pesto Gnocchi, and Duck Entree, Soul Meuniere and I had the Fettucini with Salmon which was incredible. Bottle of wine for the table which was perfect and a wonderful night had by all. Highly recommend for a birthday or celebration! read more

It's the best Italian restaurant I've been to in years! I can't get over how am amazing the food and staff is. Service is impeccable and the food is mind blowing. I've been there 3x now since July 4th and I can't get over how amazing it is. It has not once disappointed. You have to go! This is an absolute must in port Washington. read more

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I have been dinning at La Piccola since their beginning about 38 years ago, and the reasons are simple. The best Northern Italian on Long Island, counting all the great one's from back in the day, through all those that have come and gone, up until today, with all this they just keep getting better. La Piccola is the way top restaurants in NYC and on Long Island were run. Great service, varied and unique dishes and a nice comfortable evening. La Piccola continues with these traditions with the same owner which is the reason. They are a Beacon in the dark, holding onto serving delicious food, excellent presentations by happy and friendly waiters. Today they are a welcome breath of fresh food from the poor copies of Italian food these days. The Restaurant is nicely decorated especially at Christmas time when they install the upside down Christmas Tree from the ceiling right in the center of the Restaurant. If you always thought of going and having heard about them as they don't promote other than word of mouth take it off you list and go. read more

Absolutely, elegant and delicious. Looking forward to returning very soon. The service was exceptional and the food was absolutely five star. I enjoyed a lovely and elegant meal read more

Great food as always. Excellent service too. We always go here to celebrate my mother's birthday.

I called yesterday afternoon I have a confirmation to prove. I spoke to a Spanish gentleman who told me that you were no longer open for lunch on the fourth but you would be opening up on fourth at 4 o'clock. My mom is 89 years old she wanted to go there for dinner. Whoever answers your phone you need to advise them to be knowledgeable as we got dressed to look good only to pull into your parking empty lot. This is not right this is not fair and I would like to hear from you the owner. Why are you allowed someone to answer the phone when they don't even know the hours read more

I don't write many reviews but the older lady in the front rubbed me the wrong way. We were told to take off our masks right when we approached her so we don't "scare everyone." As the only Asian party at the time, her comment came off xenophobic. Food was not bad but nothing to write home about. read more

Amazing traditional Italian food. We ordered for delivery during Covid. I've been in person before Covid as well but I'll share my Covid experience since it's more recent (everything was great in person too). We called to place an order and were told about a lot of specials. We ordered octopus carpaccio (refreshing and delicious), artichokes with cheese/meat, veal, salad, lobster Fra Diavalo and gnocchi special with cheese, spinach, tomato and basil. Food came in about 45 minutes. I didn't expect any sooner given it was all made fresh. Everything tasted amazing. I especially liked the gnocchi and the octopus. Portions are pretty large, we were so full and even had some leftovers. It even came with warm bread and fresh fruit!! read more

La Piccola Liguria Restaurant - Lobster Fra Diavalo - Italian Near Me - Port Washington, New York

Food was OK, but nothing more than an overpriced pizzeria! The atmosphere is terrible, and definitely not inviting!

I can imagine having a good experience at this restaurant but it wasn't mine. There was rudeness and pompousness disguised as tradition that left a bad taste in my mouth. I was denied parmesan on my plate because it wasn't recommended. My boyfriend was approached because my father who paid for the meal didn't leave a large enough tip --have the decency to speak to the one who pays if you're going to have the balls to even bring it up. It has a mandatory valet and mandatory cash tip -- these are inconvenient and put the customer in a vulnerable spot if they aren't aware or prepared. Overall not satisfied and will not be going back with all the incredible places in Port that value customer service in a more modern era. read more

Have been going here for years. Moved out of the area but try to have dinner here when we are in town. Place used to be classy, great for a special dinner. Food consistently great, as was the service. So the owner is kind of a cranky guy, everyone knows it. Part of the vibe of the place I guess. Recently we were in town and set up a reservation for my mom's birthday. She was ill last minute, the owner made this huge deal about how he had to reset the table (the place was empty at this point) for one less. So then he tells us we have to order immediately "since we will be busy soon". Um, Ok. First time he ever took our order, was pretty hostile (by the way, we were on time, dressed well, quiet and didn't deserve this). Food was great as usual, but last time we will go there. Party of 6, $800 dollars to get a nasty attitude from the owner. Then a big red sticker on the bill about the lame classless 3% on a credit card. Won't go again, sorry our last experience there was really crappy had been great for years. read more

We found the waiter and a man who calls himself a "part time owner"to be rude and unprofessional. We told them that we had difficulty calling to make a reservation because no one answered the phone. So after we were seated we mentioned to the waiter that we had this problem and you would think we had insulted him. The part-time owner, whatever that is, was equally rude. He began ranting that they've been in business for many years. Not clear what that was designed to prove.If I was an owner of any kind I would want to know that patrons couldn't connect with anyone in the restaurant to make a reservation. Restaurants are expensive and there is no way I would go to one where I was treated disrespectfully as we were here. In addition, I found the food to be subpar. The eggplant rollatine tasted awful. The soup was only fairly decent. We will not be back. read more

Had the pleasure of dining "old school " at La Piccola last night. First let's start with the service: from the waiters pushing the tables in and placing your napkin on your lap to the never empty water glass the service is impeccable. Now for the atmosphere, we felt as if we stepped back in time, women wearing dresses and men in suit jackets and not being rushed through dinner. It was a welcomed change to the restaurants who get em in, get em out. We could have sat there all night. Let's talk food: our waiter approached our table, introduced himself and began to tell us the appetizer, salad, pasta, and main course specials. Approximately 25 specials in all. One appetizer specials was stuffed zucchini blossoms (my favorite) stuffed with ricotta and spinach, we also had artichoke and prosciutto with figs (btw we were a party of 4). Dinners were veal parmigiana, mine, eggplant lasagna, and veal with black truffle sauce. Three of four were specials. Also had tortolloni in a cream walnut sauce. The food was excellent. A little under seasoned but a quick dash of salt, pepper and naturally grated cheese remedied that. Fresh fruit for desert with raspberry sorbet, espresso tartufo, afagato, and Nonnas lemon cake, and we were done. Cost: if you expecting a cheap meal, this is not the place to go. Be prepared, but the whole experience is worth it. read more

When it comes to food, I am admittedly jaded. I am tired of ordinary lunches that run 60~80 for 2 that are bland and boring. I had dined at la Piccola la Guria in the past and due I wish I could give them 10 stars. I eat lunch here as often as possible!! Best value for the money in town and definitely the best food. White table cloth service, nice wine selections, specials lovingly explained by professional servers. The daily specials are tantalizing, tasty and addictive. As soon as I leave, I am already planning my next business lunch. I love this restaurant. You will too. read more

La Piccola Liguria Restaurant - Italian Near Me - Port Washington, New York

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Had to try out this place because of the great reviews and it did not disappoint. The waiters were extremely friendly. Fresh garlic bread on the table. Great Italian vibe. The amount of choices you get from the specials is unheard of. It was hard to choose because they all sounded so good. I ended up having the calves liver and I did not regret it. First time having it and I loved it. The deserts were outstanding as well. Please treat yourself to this great taste of Italy. read more

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Friends took me to a surprise birthday lunch and I enjoyed it immensely. The meal started with grilled polenta in a fresh tomato sauce. My ribollita soup was excellent as was the chicken scarpariello (even though it was off the bone). Dessert was ricotta cheesecake, another winner. I can't wait to return. read more

Suffice to say that I've never had a bad meal here. (OK. I didn't care for the rabbit, but that's just more of an "apparently I don't like rabbit" than a comment on their preparation.) Just about every meal I've had here over the years had been phenomenal. And the staff is awesome. And Bella's ability to rattle off a dozen+ daily specials and answer questions about every single one is nothing short of amazing. If you haven't eaten here yet, you're missing out. read more

Compliments to the Chef and entire staff at La Piccola Liguria. One of the best meals and food experience I've had recently - and of all times. (I'm surprised there aren't more reviews here.) From the moment you step into the restaurant, everything from the ambience, service and quality of food is PRIMO. The ambience and decor takes you to northern Italian cuisine. The service is like an orchestral performance itself - with eloquent oral recitals of their daily specials by the servers and synchronized serving gestures like dance movements. After an already full day of brunching, sunset cocktails on the boat, night sailing, and pre-dinner appetizers elsewhere nearby, La Piccola Liguria took our journey deliciously to new destinations. For dinner we had: * Porcini mushroom salad with fennel and truffle oil - appetizing! * Veal prosciutto pasta - delicious! * Suckling pig - perfectly roasted with crispy yet succulent skin! * Rosemary veal scallopini - richly fragrant and tasty! For dessert we had: * Chocolate cake * Fruit salad and peach sorbet * Ricotta cheesecake * Grand marnier and amoretto on the rocks Each dish was rich, savory and succulent yet balanced with the next dish. We left fully satiated and on a first name basis with the staff. While we spent the night on the boat, this place is worth trekking out of the city. Truly an exceptional experience to live and dine for. read more

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My wife and I went to the restaurant for New Years Eve. Just a quiet dinner for the two of us. Everything was fantastic!! Would give La Piccola Liguria 7 stars if we could. read more

I have never given a 5 star before. But this food was great. The service is great. I will be back. read more

La Piccola Liguria Restaurant - Italian Near Me - Port Washington, New York

I placed an order for pickup: Striped Bass Livornese, Rigatoni Bolognese, Eggplant Parmisan, Shrimp Fra Diavolo, Striped Bass with white wine/lemon sauce. Everything was delicious!! Furthermore, the owner honored an expired gift certificate (that we had received during Covid), which was very nice of him. I highly recommend this restaurant. read more

Delicious authentic Northern Italian food. I never order off of the regular menu since they offer an extensive list of daily specials. My favorites include their homemade spinach and cheese gnocchi, veal prosciutto pasta, lobster cognac, seafood ink pasta, Kobe meatballs with pasta, and veal scallopini. Food: 5 stars Service: 5 stars Ambiance: 5 stars Decor: 4 stars (a bit dated) read more

We haven't been out in a year and this was the first place we decided to eat last night. The champagne and dinner was delicious and service as always was stellar. Thank you Victor for staying true to your customers and always being on point. read more

Love it, love it - love it - It's an oasis in the middle of a chaotic world. Victor and his staff - make you feel like family - and I love this family. Food is amazing and the selection/ options are boundless. Thank you for your consistency, always accommodating us and your love ! read more

This restaurant surpasses most other restaurants on Long Island. The wait staff is professional, knowledgeable, and warm. The food is excellent as well. The staff is very attentive without being intrusive. This is more than a delicious dinner; it is a Continental dining experience. We will return, especially on special occasions. read more

I have nothing but praise for this wonderful restaurant. The Food, Service, and Atmosphere is great. If you're looking for a great experience, and no problems this is the place for you. read more

I've been going for 30 years. Best restaurant on Long Island. Artichoke appetizer is amazing. Garlic toast is addicting. Generous servings. Have eaten there hundreds of times, never a bad meal. Victor and his crew run a spectacular place. Business or pleasure, a great place to have a meal with conversation. My business friends come out from NYC to go there. read more

Service = 1 Star Food = 3 stars Overall 2 stars. The poor service rating is mostly related to the service from one waiter who repeatedly referred to us as "Rospo" not knowing we spoke Italian. Rospo means TOAD in Italian and I guess this waiter finds it amusing insulting customers thinking that they don't understand him. We spent good money on a pricey dinner and drinks for 7 and we found it appalling that a waiter would be so disrespectful to paying customers and that management would let this transpire. read more