Great dinner. Hard to find but worth the search. (Don't expect a big sign along North Country Road--use your navigation system to find it!) The restaurant is unpretentious and very small, with room for only about 20-24 people total, so do make reservations in advance. We went for our anniversary and had a delicious meal served by efficient and engaging waitresses. We ordered too much because it all sounded so good in the Yelp reviews, but we'll get to enjoy the leftovers tomorrow. Started out with the tapenade and a generous amount of Italian bread (extra bread was brought when we ran out), then tried the very tasty seasonal burrata with peaches appetizer for me and baked clams for my husband. (That was the only part of the meal that disappointed him a bit--I think he'll be more adventurous the next time we go. The clams were fine but not especially notable.) For the primi course, we shared the smaller-sized order of orechiette with sausage and pesto--delicious and plenty for us. We actually could have happily stopped at that point and ordered dessert, but we had already committed to a main course and were glad we did. My halibut was delicious (with crunchy, perfectly cooked green beans along with potatoes and mushrooms), and he really liked his chicken Milanese. The grand finale was the delicious black and white creme brulee--perfectly torched on top to caramelize the sugar, delicious vanilla and chocolate underneath. The service was outstanding. Everything came at exactly the right time so that a four-course dinner took only an hour and a half. We will definitely be back! read more

Went here for date night and man, what a spot. Sat outside on a perfect summer evening and honestly could have stayed all night. Staff was so friendly and pointed us to all the right stuff. The chef even came over to chat with us, which was very cool. Wine was great too. The mussels? Maybe the best I've ever had. White wine broth with a little citrus kick. Baked clams were awesome. The cacio e pepe with prosciutto was so good, and the chicken Milanese came with this punchy salad that I loved. Finished with a decaf affogato and called it a night. Solid date night spot. We're definitely coming back. read more

Made it in for lunch. Had a nice time w the bread and picked vegetables. My dad had the creamy bolognese, which was a hit because of the tasty noodle pasta, scrumptious sauce, and rich, chopped meat. They were able to accommodate me with my salad and pasta to make it vegan. It was a small little place and everything seemed fresh. The service was prompt and sweet. Thank you. read more

The Trattoria - Bolognese - Italian Near Me - St James, New York

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If you're looking for homestyle cooking, this is the place! The atmosphere is warm and cozy. The food is flavorful and comforting. This is the perfect restaurant for a date. The service was attentive without feeling smothered--perfect. My favorites of all the plates were the candied fig appetizer, the bolognese and the black and white creme brûlée! I'm looking forward to my next visit. read more

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Honestly ..... not sure what the fascination is for this place. 4 of us went for dinner and the inside has the ambiance of a basement .... Ordered a few apps, meatballs and rice balls. Both were very good. Tiny portions, but good. Main courses were chicken parm (just mediocre) and 2 orechetti pasta dishes that were very good. Service was very good as well. MAKE SURE YOU HAVE CASH - NO CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED. That part was a bit annoying. But overall, it was just ok. I'd not run back. Being honest. Wasn't special .... read more

Came here to celebrate our anniversary and I must say the whole evening was absolutely amazing. From the romantic intimate atmosphere to the outstanding service and the delicious food. For appetizers we had the delightful Carrot-Ginger Soup with Whipped Mascarpone & Amaretti Crumble and the savory Meatballs Braised in Tomato over Polenta​​​​​. I really enjoyed the soup, it's not something I normally would get but it was absolutely incredible. For entrees we had the Pork Chop with Sweet Potato & Bacon Hash, Red Pepper Sauce - on side and the Fluke with Borlotti Beans, Winter Vegetable Ragu & Parmesan Brodo. Both excellent scrumptious dishes. For dessert we had the Flourless Almond Chocolate Cake & Vanilla Gelato and the Black & White Creme Brûlée. Both were delicious but I have to say that was the best Creme Brûlée I have ever had. It was also nice that we are able to bring our wine and they just charged a corking fee. We are certainly coming back to this place! read more

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If I wasn't such a busy fella, perhaps this review would have already been written. You see, great things should be discussed and shared so it's about time I get to writing my fantastical experience at The Trattoria. It was only a few months ago that my wife and I ventured here, but it feels like it was only yesterday. Perhaps part of this reason would be the intimate structure and setup of The Trattoria (along with the calm and friendly service that expels from its staff) which creates that feeling of close memory. You see The Trattoria is incredibly small in size. Not more than a handful of tables make up the place to the point that when my wife and I walked in I thought maybe we entered from the wrong door (there's only one door with no waiting area or space inside that isn't taken up by a table or the kitchen). With that in mind, it's important to know that reservations are strongly encouraged (something I was able to snag on the later side for that end-of-October evening). Besides this, make sure you bring cash with you because credit cards are not excepted. Both of these pieces of info (as well as the delicious-sounding menu which I'll get to next) had me reminded of Orto in Miller Place. I'm not sure which came first, but with my thinking heading in that direction thus far, I was feeling like this was going to be a fantastic meal (Spoiler alert: It was). For that aforementioned menu, you'll find a variety of items broken up into antipasti, primi, and secondi selections (as well as sides for the bread you receive at the table, which my wife and I optioned for the house made ricotta: a fluffy, flavorful choice). What's also great is you can get half orders of the primi pasta choices, something else we optioned for on our way to the secondi course. Before getting there, we did start with an antipasti of grilled artichokes with baby arugula, parmesan, and vincotto. The variety of tastes was outstanding. Next up for that primi pasta option, my wife and I split the orecchiette with house-made sausage & broccoli rabe pesto. Delicious flavors bursted through on this dish and I loved the uniqueness of the type of pesto created (never thought to use broccoli rabe!). Lastly came the secondi which my wife dined on the chicken scarpariello while I had the red wine brasato. My wife loved her chicken (I tried a piece and it had wonderful juiciness and taste). For me, my brasato (which I learned prior is braised beef similar to short rib) was near perfection. Tender and filled with great flavor with the creamy polenta it laid on creating a nice counter taste in each bite. We finished things up with an incredible black and white creme brûlée (chocolate on the bottom, wow!) which rounded out a superb meal. Overall, The Trattoria is a high quality restaurant filled with unique and powerful flavors that makes it totally worth visiting. Its intimate setup and cash only mentality ensures things run smoothly, though that can also be attributed to the attentive and friendly staffing. Might I add that the chef visited each table to ask about our meal which only furthered the restaurant prowess The Trattoria holds. As perhaps my last review of 2024, I'm glad to say it's this place (even if it took a couple of months to pen it!). read more

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Every single bite was outstanding. Simple yet elevated dishes. Cozy quaint setting with great service. The eggplant parm was the best parm dish I've ever had. read more

We've been coming here for years. When it comes to home cooked meals this place is the one for me. Always fresh & cooked to order. Definitely small but quaint place to relax & enjoy. You can also BYOB. Staff is always amazing. It's a must try. Make sure you make reservations ahead of time. read more

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Excellent quality wonderful presentation. Impeccable service cost ambiance couldn't ask for more

This resturant is absolutely amazing. From the friendly staff to all of the food options it's the best. I have a very high bar and this place meets the mark. If you decide to indulge you need a reservation. It's that good!!!! Enjoy read more

We had an amazing dinner here tonight. The waiter was fantastic. It felt like we were home as soon as we walked in the door. What a comfortable restaurant. Very warm and welcoming. He helped us make choices and was engaging. The food was outstanding. The bread starter with tapenade, olives, ricotta was outstanding. Follow that with the roasted beets with arugula, goat cheese, lemon and pistachio salad and burrata salad. For entree I had the black pasta. My husband had the orecchiette pasta. Everything was delicious. The dessert crème brûlée was the best I have ever had. I can't wait to go back. Highly recommend. read more

The Trattoria - Orecchieyte with house made sausage& broccoli rabe pesto. - Italian Near Me - St James, New York

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Have come here for dinner a couple of times. Cute restaurant in what looks like a village type house. Service is great. Good pizza, pasta, and salad. I love the salmon limone it's delicious. Will come back. read more

Hands down the best Italian food I've had in the area, and it's not even close. The Trattoria delivers on everything: flavor, atmosphere, and service. You can taste the quality and care in every dish. It's clear they're not cutting corners here. The vibe is warm and cozy, perfect for a date night or dinner with family, and the staff make you feel right at home without being overbearing. You can tell this place is run with passion. If you haven't been yet, do yourself a favor and go. It's the kind of spot you'll think about long after the meal's over, and find yourself planning your next visit before you even leave. read more

Food, service and ambiance are fantastic. Reservations a must and note that you need cash or check for payment. The Baked clams and beet salad were excellent appetizers. The Veal Parmesan with the Spaghetti was great to share as a entree. Will definitely return. read more

Never disappoints!! This restaurant is excellent. I have never been experienced a bad meal here.

One of my favorite restaurants! Their meals are incredible! One of my favorites is the lasagna! I have never been disappointed. All the appetizers are amazing. The service is great and the desserts are amazing! The best affogato I have ever had! read more

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Trattoria Saint James in Saint James, NY, is an absolute five star Italian extravaganza that had me twirling my fork like a conductor leading a pasta orchestra from the moment I stepped through the door until I waddled out stuffed happier than a meatball in Sunday gravy. This place is a cozy slice of Tuscany tucked into Long Island suburbia, with warm terracotta walls glowing under soft Edison bulbs that flicker like fireflies at a vineyard wedding, exposed brick that whispers old world romance, and tables draped in crisp white linens spaced just right so you can whisper sweet nothings to your date without the next table joining the conversation. The ambience is pure magic, a perfect blend of rustic charm and upscale elegance where the air swirls with garlic, basil, and the faint strum of Italian crooners that makes you feel like you have been transported to a Nonna's kitchen in Naples, but with air conditioning and zero chance of getting pinched on the cheek. Twinkling string lights over the bar add a festive sparkle, fresh flowers bloom on every table like edible centerpieces, and the open kitchen lets you peek at chefs tossing dough like pizza frisbees, turning dinner into delicious theater. The food, mamma mia, where do I even begin without needing a second stomach? We kicked off with the burrata that arrived like a creamy cloud from cheese heaven, draped over heirloom tomatoes so juicy they burst like summer fireworks, drizzled with 25 year aged balsamic that danced on the tongue sweeter than a love song. The arancini were golden orbs of risotto joy, crispy outside, gooey with fontina inside, served with a marinara so rich and tangy it should have its own fan club. For mains, the veal osso buco fell off the bone softer than a lullaby, braised in a red wine reduction that hugged the meat like a cashmere blanket, paired with a saffron risotto that glowed brighter than the ambience lights. My partner's seafood linguine was a briny ocean party, clams, mussels, shrimp, and scallops twirling in a white wine garlic broth so flavorful I caught myself mopping the plate with housemade focaccia like it was my job. Desserts? The tiramisu was a fluffy espresso soaked dream layered with mascarpone lighter than air, and the cannoli cracked with a satisfying snap before revealing ricotta filling piped with chocolate chips and candied orange that tasted like Sicily in every bite. Portions are generous without being overwhelming, prices feel like a steal for the quality (entrees $25 to $40), and the wine list is a curated love letter to Italian regions with a Barolo that paired like it was destiny. Service was the cherry on this gelato sundae, no, the entire sundae stand, with a team that operates like a well oiled Vespa zooming through narrow streets with precision and pizzazz. Our server Marco greeted us with a megawatt smile and a complimentary prosecco toast "for beautiful people on a beautiful night," then guided us through the menu like a tour guide in the Colosseum, suggesting the perfect pairings with enthusiasm that bubbled like the sparkling water he kept refilling without us asking. Every course arrived at the ideal tempo, hot dishes steaming, cold apps chilled, and when I mentioned a gluten sensitivity he whisked away potential pitfalls faster than a Ferrari on the Autostrada, even surprising us with gluten free bread that tasted like the real deal. The manager swung by not once but twice, once to check on our experience and again to gift us limoncello shots "for the road, but sip it slow," turning a great meal into a memorable party. Busboys cleared plates ninja style, water glasses stayed full like magic, and the entire staff radiated genuine warmth that made us feel like VIPs at a family reunion we actually wanted to attend. Trattoria Saint James is the kind of gem that makes you want to cancel all future dinner plans and just rotate through their menu on repeat, a five star symphony of sensational food, enchanting ambience, and service that spoils you rotten in the best way. Whether you are celebrating an anniversary, wooing a date, or just treating yourself because you deserve it, book a table, bring your stretchy pants, and prepare for an Italian love affair that will have you shouting "bravissimo" between bites. I am already counting down the days until my next visit, this place doesn't just serve dinner, it serves pure joy on a plate! read more

The reviews are true! Delicious Italian in a cozy setting. We loved all five appetizers we tried and the four pasta dishes. Good wine selection, fair prices. Bring cash. Lots of cash! Our out the door price for 4 was $350. No cards. read more

Delicious food and fantastic service. Very small place and a little out there but well worth the trip.

Me and my husbands favorite restaurant by far. The food is cooked. so. well. We can't help but try everything. WE LOVE THE TRAT! read more

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Food and service here is amazing. Doesn't matter the dish all are delicious! This is elevated Italian. Highly recommend this place you wont disappointed! read more

I know I know it's another vote for Trattoria but it's well deserved. Why? Because they still continue to rock and ain't nothing like it. That BYOB policy where you're on a double date can totally be a game changer and it sure was. Recently came here again now with the fella, his best friend and best friend's wife. To say I think we all enjoyed our meal is an understatement. Trattoria still knows how to rock it out of the park. I'm a loyalist to places that deserve the loyalty and Trattoria is definitely one of em. read more

One of my Favorite Restaurants of all time. Small intimate and the chef comes out to say hello. The food is seriously some of the best on LongIsland read more

"The Trattoria" is not your regular Italian restaurant. The local is small and well appointed with the kitchen in the middle and open to view. We would have eaten outside but there was a storm watch and management decided to shut down outside dining. Since our reservation was for outside, we were called and our time slot was changed to accommodate us indoors. The local is tiny and social distancing is really not possible. Any tables that could no be distanced were separated by plastic. The menu is not your ordinary Italian faire. The choices are few - always a good sign - and centered around a less traditional sampling. I recommend looking at the menu online if you are expecting a maccheroni and meatballs sort of dinner. The menu is premised on the traditional Italian meal of appetizers, first ("Primi"), second ("Secondi") dishes and dessert. The table ordered a sampling of various appetizers, which according to everyone were delicious. Since I am not the vegetarian sort, I did not taste the appetizers. I ordered a 'Primo' as both my appetizer and first dish. It was difficult to choose what to eat and I made the mistake of ordering a large "Primo" and no "Secondo." The "Spaghetti all Amatriciana." I ordered arrived promptly after the dishes from the appetizers were cleared. The caramelized onions blended with the marinara and rendered guanciale to create an Amatriciana that was velvety delicious. The freshness of the sauce leaped off the fork with every bite. As an appetizer substitute and a first dish, the portion size was excellent. Had I been with my wife, I would have ordered a "Secondo" entree. For desert I ordered the cheese cake and raspberry sauce accompanied by coffee. The cheese cake arrived in the form of a Ramekin dish. The cake was fresh and the raspberry sauce a perfect complement. Because the cappuccino maker was being serviced we ordered American coffee. To my surprise the waiter brought to the table a French press pot for my wife and I. The coffee was hot, fresh, and bold. The perfect complement to the cheese cake. The next time I go, I will order the "Pappardelle Bolognese" the Veal Chop Parmigiana and the gelato sampler. The Take Aways: 1. Make a reservation. 2. Bring your own wine. 3. Check or cash only. 4. Order anything, it will be fresh and delicious. 5. Do not expect to stay and chat after your meal, the place is too small to accommodate lingering. 6. The GPS is correct! The restaurant is in the back! 7. Parking is tight. 8. Very good portion size to cost ratio. 9. Tip well, the service is excellent. read more

The Trattoria - Cheese cake and raspberry sauce. - Italian Near Me - St James, New York

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The people who manage the phone are super nice. I called maybe a total of 6 times between the span of 2 weeks scrambling to make last minute reservations and then moving them to the following week and the pushing back the time since my fiancé was running late getting out of work. And the whole time they were so accommodating. It's cash only. The place is very small. Maybe only about 8 tables inside and 2 outside. Black pasta was 1,000% the star of the show and the eggplant parm was also very good but definitely on the saltier side. Affogato was a little too sweet but not bad. I'm definitely thinking about coming back and trying the brownie. I think their pastas really shine (a bit more than the secondis). I went with just my fiancé so we had about 1.5 meals worth of leftovers from everything you see in the pictures. read more

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IYKYN. For those who cannot decipher hashtags: If you know, you know. That goes for The Trattoria in Saint James. An unassuming venue, one that only accepts cash/check, is BYOB, and only seats a limited number of people, The Trattoria is a concept that offers some of the best meals on Long Island without the craziness and crowds of some other venues. Getting a reservation is tough, so plan ahead. I never mind waiting a few weeks for a table because the experience is 100% worth it. I have nothing but glows for this restaurant and its owner and Chef. Any "grows" I could offer would sound petty and nonsensical, so let me boast about the wonder that is The Trattoria. When COVID hit in the spring of 2020, The Trattoria had ironically received a license to serve wine; bad timing for the owner, but a glimmer of hope for patrons. When takeout times ended and they reopened their doors in June 2020, they added an outdoor eating area beneath a tent. This increased the capacity of the restaurant, obviously, which made it possible for more people to enjoy the cuisine. When I dined there last night, it was a cold night and there were wind gusts and rain. My friends and I remained dry and warm with the heat pumping through in the rear of the tent. The experience of the food and company made us forget we were outdoors. Servers are attentive. No one walked by without checking to see if our water bottle was filled and our bread basket topped off. All servers are fluent with the menu, which changes on the regular since food is freshly sourced. They offer 4 items for a small up charge to accompany the complimentary bread, and I always opt for the whipped ricotta, tomato tapenade, and the olives (I never met an olive I didn't like). There is a laidback feeling that I believe is passed down from Steve, the chef and owner. He is a down to earth likable man who takes pride in his craft and frequently steps away from the kitchen to say hello and ask everyone how their meal is going. He also recognizes those of us who have been there more than once, even if it's been months since we dined there. His warmth and energy are contagious. This restaurant used to offer a prix fixe-only option on busy weekends, but they don't anymore. For those who are annoyed by this, fear not. When you order an appetizer, entree and dessert, you'll actually pay pretty much the same price, give or take a few dollars. Don't let that change prevent you from returning. When you dine indoors, the only thing separating you from the kitchen is a half wall. Steve and his sous chef are cooking while servers double as dessert/coffee preparers and wine pourers. I took advantage of their wine license and ordered a Pinot Grigio. Chilled water is served to everyone at the table, then the server leaves a bottle with water so you can refill as needed. Since I am meatless on Fridays during Lent, I opted for the scallop appetizer, 3 of them served atop black garlic aioli, grilled ramps, and sprinkled with toasted breadcrumbs. My main course was their eggplant parmigiana. Yeah yeah, how exciting could that be. First, let me tell you that if you every order the lasagna or the eggplant parm there, it will come out in a crock, served on top of the BEST fresh marinara sauce. It will stay hot for HOURS, no joke. Beware of the steam! Typically eggplant of any kind, no matter how wonderful the restaurant or preparation is, tends to be oily. It's just the nature of the eggplant and how it holds on to moisture for dear life. The Trattoria eggplant parm is dense with flavor with not a drop of oil in sight. It stands firm, with layers upon layers of lightly seasoned coated eggplant, fresh mozzarella, and a snowfall of grated cheese to finish off the presentation (pics in review, video of the glory that is this dish on my Instagram--diningdealfoodie). I took home half the eggplant. I am a foodie with a large appetite, and I have never ever finished either their lasagna or eggplant parm. For dessert I selected their homemade brownie with their gelato of the day--mint chocolate chip. The brownie comes with their homemade chocolate sauce, but I asked for caramel instead. Their coffee is made via French press and is always on the strong side, a bonus for coffee lovers like me. If you love crème brûlée, you have never had one as superior as theirs; it comes with a layer of chocolate beneath the cream and the perfect finish of crackling sugar on top. I cannot recommend this restaurant enough. If you are looking for a low-stress meal without all the noise and hoopla on the weekends, or if you want a calm dinner for two, make sure you include The Trattoria in your rotation. They are closed on Sundays and Mondays and offer takeout when they are open. Well worth the drive to Saint James. read more

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A neighborhood gem. If you're looking for a Cozy spot with excellent service and outstanding food then this is your place read more

The Trattoria - Black pasta & calamari. Amazing - Italian Near Me - St James, New York

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This was my second time at The Trattoria. Hungry for good Italian food, I was excited to come back. The first time I dined here was several years ago when I still lived in NY. I remember that I enjoyed the food very much, but decor was much to be desired. Since then they redecorated the restaurant making it more comfortable and cozier (warmer colors, cleaner look). Food did not disappoint. My Eggplant Parmesan was cheesy but not greasy, with just enough tomato sauce to experience the juicy nature of eggplant (not sure if anyone has ever used the terms "juicy" and "eggplant" in one sentence...). Baked clams as an appetizer were very good as well. Desert was a bit of a disappointment. I wondered if they come frozen or make from scratch. My Creme brulee just lacked flavor and "homemade" taste that every other dish had. Service was as always fantastic. Timely, non-intrusive, friendly and down to earth. Overall, another great visit! read more

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Last Saturday night my bf and I dined at The Trattoria. It was our first time at this eatery. Since this restaurant offered BYOB, we brought our own wine. (They do charge a corking fee of $12.) All their courses were delicious! We started with their bread basket which came with sides of homemade ricotta, olive oil and sun dried tomatoes. Next we had their homemade burrata served with fresh figs and HUGE blueberries dressed with balsamic vinegar. Yummy! For our main courses my bf had their pork chop (cooked to perfection) served along with broccoli rabe and a polenta corn cake and I had their eggplant parmigiana (the sauce was outstanding). Both were beautifully presented and very filling. We passed on dessert but we ordered an espresso and a coffee which they served in a French press. Delicious! Their hostess and waitstaff were very attentive and informative about the menu items and how the food was sourced. Steve the Chef/owner came over to our table to ask us about our meal. All in all, an extremely pleasant experience: from the attentive caring staff, the decor and ambiance and their awesome entrées of "farm to table" product's. We will be back. read more

The Trattoria - Buratta with figs and blueberries with balsamic vinegar. - Italian Near Me - St James, New York

Great meal last night at one of our favorite places! Couldn't resist the summer gazpacho to say goodbye in a nice way to a season robbed by COVID! The missus had the flatbread fig and goat cheese which was amazing. Main courses of skate and eggplant parmigiana also incredible! So glad to be THERE, which by the way they've done a real nice job with outdoor seating. read more

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Food was good but overpriced. Portions were small. Service was good. I would go back once in a while.

Great food and the service is outstanding. The Trattoria is rather small so you'll need a reservation. I assure you, you'll enjoy the experience. read more

The food was excellent.. we had eggplant parm which was a huge portion and delicious, black pasta with calamari, and blackfish. Ask were fabulous. The wait staff was friendly and helpful, service prompt. And it is such a small intimate setting, it was charming. read more

Heard this restaurant was a great dining experience, so we gave it a try. Our first impression was very small, didn't look like much, pretty hidden. The Hostess was sweet, greeted us and asked if we had a reservation. We did not. She said no problem let me ask my manager. A guy walks in, she tells him we didn't have a reservation, he looks at us and says, we're fully booked tonight. That was our entire experience. Glad they are so independent they didn't need another customer. He did not even apologize or advise us generally reservations are a necessity. We lost interest and will not make a reservation in the future, but obviously, they won't care. However, we will tell anyone who suggests or talks about this place. read more

What a positive experience we had here. Came for my sisters birthday and they were only able to seat us outdoors in a heated tent. At first I was a little turned off, but upon being seated and served-it felt like we were indoors and didn't feel like we were outside at all! The temperature was super comfortable, and having spent the day at the vineyards-the byob was a very attractive feature. The bread was so good with the ricotta and tapenade that you can order separately. The lasagna was perfectly cheesy and meaty, the parpadelle bolognese and bucatini carbonara were cooked perfectly with their complementing sauces. The red wine brasato with polenta were cooked perfectly with the polenta absorbing the delicious flavors of the beef and wine sauce! Looking forward to making my way back! read more

Outstanding food and service! Their lasagna bolognese is spectacular The rice balls with sweet corn were outstanding, and while the place is tiny, with only a few tables, our server provided top notch service and recommendations! It was our second time there and we will be back :) read more

Food was very good. The place is very cute as it was most likely an old house years ago. We sat inside and it was very charming feeling like you were in a home. Ordered the Burrata cheese which was tasty and for the primi plate we had two different types of pasta which was also good. For entre we ordered the halibut dish and the veal chop parmigiana. The staff came over to us and even the head chef which we think is the owner. They all checked up on us to see how our dinner was which was very nice. We will go back again. The only cons which felt (which werent a big deal) was that when we sat inside you can hear the dishes from the kitchen and that they dont take credit card (just cash or check). But that was not a big deal as we will go back again soon. great little place for sure. read more

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Thankfully still incredible. Only the freshest, in-season foods prepared carefully and simply to highlight their taste. Reserve well ahead of time and go hungry to accommodate antipasti, primo and secondo. There is something for everyone. All courses are thoughtful and perfectly executed. One of the best restaurant experiences on LI. Remember cash or check only. Very reasonable $12 corkage if you have been saving a bottle of wine for a special occasion. read more

We celebrated one of my best friend's birthday at The Trattoria in Saint James last night and found the flavors it offered delicious. We also found their service "5-star" given the establishment's attentive and welcoming staff. Overall, I would recommend The Trattoria given the glowing smiles on our faces after our lovely evening with them concluded. That being said, I would also add a few considerations that, for me, undermined the potential for the dining event to transcend from "lovely" to "extraordinary." Hence, read on for why I opted to slice off a star from their review based on my total experienced with them last night. For the good... I had the lasagna, which might seem boring until you see -- never mind taste -- what I am talking about; that dish was the bomb diggity! Full stop. It was also dang hot, making it tough to start eating straight away (that's a good thing). Once it cools down some -- dang... I mean, "wow!" Mind-blowing! My wife, who order the Brasato, enjoyed her meal quite a bit. This dish literally melted apart as a sign of how tender they cooked the meat (I did have a bite and it was simply divine)! Across the table, most of my friends really enjoyed their meals. There were a few whose dishes, although done well, were not necessarily to die for in their estimation. Therefore, I cannot say that everyone in my party was as much in love with their meals as I was. Therefore, for myself, I cannot personally recommend them enough for the flavor, and the missus would back this "thumbs up!" For the not so good... I am certain that pretty much everyone was not as enthused about the tent outside that we were in for the evening. You see, the restaurant itself is pretty tiny. You will definitely want to make a reservation well ahead of time (IMHO). Our reservation was successful because they had space in the tent since they were already filled inside. For us, this was not a problem at all as we were looking forward to coming to this place. However, considering how small the inside of the establishment is; you would think they would've aimed to make the most out of that outside lot they received due to the pandemic crisis. From where I am standing, it awarded them added space they did not have prior to the pandemic from the looks of it. Therefore, this could be a kind of a plus depending on how it is handled. Yet, I was not the least impressed with their approach. The issue I found with the tent outside was one of vision -- lack of vision. They had no heaters to warm the space, so we were a little uncomfortable given the evening's cool down, and the ambiance was pretty stark since they opted not to try to make the surroundings a bit more inviting and/or appealing for those sitting outside. What was worse, there was an unpleasant aroma coming from somewhere in that space. It was by no means super intense, but whenever you caught that "woof" noses turned. I do realize that with covid, the tent outside is a necessity. But there is zero reason not to mind the little details that really go that extra mile for your clientele and help to make the experience more akin to a restaurant and less alike a rinky-dink festival outside of a park after Sunday mass featuring an accordion player. Actually, an accordion player would not have been so bad; it would have been better than the utter silence we were in while in the tent. Granted, they did have a speaker playing. But what, exactly, was playing... I could not even tell you because the device was either set too low or just lacked the juice to actually reach across the space. I only knew they had a device playing because as we walked out I noticed it (the thing was a few steps away from us to boot)! There are so many sound options to fill a space loudly enough these days, yet still surfing across the background softly, that to miss this just seems either cheap or lazy. Again, just a lack vision in this respect, and one that, for me, sabotaged the otherwise heavenly skill of the kitchen and the service of the absolutely courteous staff. In conclusion... For their food and service, I definitely recommend them one thousand percent; the bites were "yum!" and the staff was super cool. Most people will probably care more about the latter two than the lackluster features of the setting itself. However, if you are looking for the "entire enchilada" because you are feeling romantic, well... be advised that the setting can be a bit of buzz kill. For the cost of the food, I don't think a better ambiance is too much to ask; we were four couples and clocked in about $150 per couple! Therefore, they can afford to hang at least a wreath to spruce up the tent a bit more (maybe invest on a scent machine). Oh, and before I forget, it is BYOB and you have to pay in cash or check (which I still find pretty funny considering we live in the 21st century; at least they tell you in the phone straight away -- I get the feeling they might be managed by someone who is "old school read more

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