Benny's Ristorante

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Sep 14, 2009 by Trish from NYC
Overall Rating: 8
Food:[8] • Service:[9] • Atmosphere:[8]

• Food cooked as requested.
• Decor a bit staid.

“Wary of leaving Manhattan for a local Long Island Italian restaurant, we were pleasantly surprised. The service was attentive and the food cooked as ordered. While the decor may be a bit staid, it is an excellent place to meet friends for a dinner in a non-rushed atmosphere. They try to please and you will not leave hungry.”

May 11, 2008 by Fred from Westbury
Overall Rating: 5
Food:[4] • Service:[9] • Atmosphere:[7]

• Service.
• Food.

“My Son and I took my wife to Benny's last evening for and early (Saturday evening) Mother's day celebration. We live not far from the restaurant but have not dined there in a few years. We had remembered the place as upscale Northern Italian with some nice touches. We were sorely disappointed. The house was very crowded and there were 2 large parties dining one already in progress and the other yet to arrive. Service was prompt and professional with drink orders being taken quickly and a plate with 3 pieces of what looked like focaccia being proffered. We were hungry so immediately tried the offering which turned out to be leaden and devoid of any taste. The 3 cold torpedo rolls that arrived in a bread basket soon thereafter, were not much better, and certainly not worth dipping in the olive oil that was on the table in a small bottle. Drinks arrived, orders were taken and appetizers soon arrived. I tried the Spedino alla Romano a crispy fried breaded mozzarella that was marred by a congealed lukewarm sauce that was devoid of capers and any taste of anchovy or anything else. My wife and son had a special-for-the-day grilled polenta wild mushroom and gorgonzola appetizer which was also served with a congealed sauce and found to be pretty devoid of taste. Main courses were mixed but a bit better. My wife liked her veal chop which was an off the menu special. I had veal Toscana medallions of veal which were also poorly sauced, lacking in taste and a bit tough. My son had a filet mignon that he describes ad all right. All three dishes were accompanied by the same dollop of mashed potato and a vegetable medley (which on my plate may have been the best item). We all liked our desserts. My wife opted for a ricotta cheesecake. My son chose a flourless Belgian chocolate cake, which he said was rich and good. I had a puff pastry and Bavarian cream concoction which was quite nice. Complimentary biscotti were pleasant and our coffees were good. There appeared to be many regulars in the house who seemed to be enjoying their food considerably. Service was quite good, there were no miscues about who got what, water glasses got filled promptly, silverware exchanged quickly as needed as courses changed etc.”

Jan 16, 2008 by Chris
Overall Rating: 9
Food:[10] • Service:[10] • Atmosphere:[7]

• Service and food wonderful. The owner is like a kind-loving grandfather.
• A little cramped since it is such a small restaurant.

“The food is excellent. Steak Diane and the Red Clam Sauce are one of my favorites. I saw a review saying the steak Diane was horrible. It must have been a bad night for them or a different set of taste buds. I get that dish 75% of the time. Although they do not make it table-side, they do make it right in the dining room in their mini kitchen area. I love to watch chef prepare it! There are only a few waitors, all of which constantly attend to you. At first it might seem overwhelming when you are used to one waiter, but once you know them, as we do, it's wonderful to know someone will always be there to wait on you when the others are busy. It's like a small family in that restaurant and you feel like you are a part of it when you come in. Butter is not served with your bread, as most Italians use the olive oil that is on the table. But if asked they will bring it to you. Many times I've had dishes that weren't even on the menu, prepared for me. They cater to all of my needs. After dinner drinks are usually always on the house. I cannot remember a time when there weren't. I've never had a morsel of food that I didn't care for in that restaurant. Although the dining area is small, I'm not sure I'd want him to expand since it wouldn't feel like you are eating in your family's dining room. This has been my favorite restaurant for 10 years. Although I've eaten in many other restaurants that were wonderful, none can get as good as this one.”

Jul 31, 2006 by Ken from Port Washington, NY
Overall Rating: 1
Food:[2] • Service:[1] • Atmosphere:[2]

• Rissoto with lump crab meat; Prince Edward Mussels.
• Service was horrible, some of the worst I ever experienced; food overall; multiple waiters was confusing; cramped dining room

“Took 5 min just to get acknowledged by the host; seated in cramped corner for 2; bread was cold; had to ask for butter for the bread; had to ask for glasses to be filled with water; felt ignored the entire time; no help selecting a wine; took 20 min for appetizer to be served; had to refill own wine glass; multiple waiters serving us; Steak "Diane" was absolutely horrible; it was some thin, skirt-like steak with watery tomato-based sauce that was bland; traditionally, Steak "Diane" is supposed to be prepared table-side with medallions of filet mignon and flamed with a brandy-based sauce with mushrooms; Benny's "Diane" was not even remotely close to being this dish; Owner argued with me when I complained about the steak; dessert was some hard, stale, flour less, tasteless excuse for a Belgium chocolate cake; espresso was cold and weak. Overpriced. Horrendous service. I will never go back even if food was on the house. ”

3 of 5 people found this review helpful.

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