Bites Nearby: Calageros

You could stand on a corner and look around until a restaurant sign draws you in. But we've got a better idea. Each week, Garden City Patch picks a great restaurant either in town or nearby that is worth checking out. Here’s this week’s choice:

CALAGEROS: Cozy and charming inside, Calageros has been called the “best kept secret” in Garden City. For those in the know, however, Calageros is a mainstay on the dining circuit, especially if your choice is Italian. With a pleasant ambiance and friendly, professional staff there to serve you, dining here is delightful.

The draw? Why the pasta, of course. The Lasagna Bolognese (mozzarella, ricotta, parmesan and Italian meat sauce) ranks among the signature dishes here. Linguini Seafood Fra Diavolo (with shrimp, scallops, calamari, little neck clams, spicy white wine plum tomato sauce) is another favorite choice.

For special nights, there is Sunday “Pasta Night,” where diners can enjoy a pasta dish of their choice with a glass of house wine or domestic beer for $14.95.

Calageros offers plenty of good appetizers and salads. If you like calamari, you’re in for a treat. Some aficionados have called this tender, light and crisp calamari, known on the menu as Judith Point Calamari, the best they’ve had. For chicken or veal lovers, the Sorrentino is a hit. The dish comes with eggplant, spinach, prosciutto, melted mozzarella, red wine sauce, mashed potatoes and a sauteed vegetable medley ($20 for chicken, $24 for veal). 919 Franklin Avenue, 516-294-2922. Hours: Monday to Thursday, 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday, 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Saturday, 4 to 11 p.m.; Sunday, 3 to 9 p.m. Main Entrees: $17 to $24; Pasta Entrees: $16 to $24.

Found a great place to dine? Let us know about it in the comments section below.