Bites Nearby: Tuscan Hills Restaurant

The Tuscan Hills of Italy are famous for their beautiful landscapes and sunsets. The region is also the birthplace of the light red wine Chianti and a main producer of various olive oils and high-quality beef.

The Tuscan Hills Restaurant of Forest Hills might not offer landscapes and sunsets, but patrons of this Queens Boulevard eatery enjoy the best of the Old World in terms of cuisine, friendly service and ambiance. Plus, the open kitchen gives mouth-watering diners the chance to watch their food being prepared.

Appetizers begin with Salsiccia Alla Griglia ($9.50), grilled spicy sausage served over marinated roasted peppersa. Other options include Gamberi Ala Toscananccia ($12.50), sautéed shrimp with white beans, bacon, onions and radicchio in a white wine sauce, and Crespelle Al Gunghi ($10.50), crepes filled with ricotta and mushrooms topped with melted cheese. There is also a delicious Stacciatella, egg drop soup with spinach and parmesan cheese, for $6.50.

The Bruschetta items are also tantalizing. Pane Al Pomodoro ($6.50), chopped tomato and basil, is striking in its simplicity. The $7.50 options include Rustico, mushrooms, mozzarella and truffle oil; Gustosa, roasted eggplant, peppers and Parmesan cheese; and Capriccosa, marinated tuna, red onions and capers. At the $8.50 level are Fettunta, garlic bread topped with Parmesan cheese and prosciutto; and Colligianae, sausage and provolone cheese.

One of the highly recommended main dishes is the Aelletta Al Gorgonzola ($20.50), a grilled skirt steak topped with melted gorgonzola cheese. The Pollo Al Mattone ($18.50) mixes boneless, grilled half-chicken with Tuscan herbs, while the Ortolana Di Pollo, a breaded and pounded chicken breast, costs one dollar less. Two seafood dishes also dazzle. The Branzino Al Mosto ($22.50) is a roasted filet of striped bass in a balsamic reduction sauce. The Salamone Capriccioso ($19.50) consists of sautéed salmon with black olive and capers in a tomato sauce.

On weekdays from noon to 3 p.m., Tuscan Hills offers a $9.95 (cash only) pre-fix lunch that includes soup or salad and any pasta, Panini or pizza.

Of course, the wine list is extensive, featuring libation from various regions of Italy – Abruzzo, Campania, Emilia, Piemonte, Puglia, Sicilia, Umbria and Veneto – and California (Sonoma County, Napa Valley, Santa Barbara). Tuscany is represented by the following: Chianti Placido 2009, $27; Rosso Toscano L'oca Ciuca IGT 2007, $32; Chianti Colli Senesi Baroncini 2006, $32; Chianti Classico Banfi 2008, $36; Mazzoni Rosso Toscano (Super Tuscan) 2007, $44; Sangiovese Campo D'aia Castello Di Modanella, 2005, $47; and Chianti Marchese Di Frescobaldi Nipozzano Riserva 2005, $48.

Address: 115-20 Queens Blvd. at 77^th Avenue.

Phone: 718-487-4500.

Hours: Monday to Thursday, noon to 10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, noon to 10:30 p.m.; and Sunday, noon to 9:30 p.m.

Special: Online ordering is now available.