A “World” of Fine Dining at Piccolo Mondo

Tucked away in a Jericho Turnpike shopping center  anchored by Maddaloni Jewelers is another kind of gem. Piccolo Mondo (Italian for "small world") is an apt description for this charming "ristorante" whose soothing beige interior and soft music invites you to check your cares at the door, and enjoy Italian cuisine at its best and most inventive.

The menu is extensive and you will be hard-pressed to choose from the wide assortment of appealing appetizers, salads, soups, side dishes, and entrees showcasing pasta, seafood, veal, chicken and fish. There are also tempting daily specials. As a prelude to their dinner, guests can enjoy drinks at the handsome full bar on the upper level of the restaurant, and of course, later at their table.

Warm, crusty bread greeted us as soon as we were seated and we were treated to bruschetta while we waited for our selections to arrive. I enjoyed the goat cheese insalata, a delicious medley of mesculin greens, pears and pecans, topped with generous dollops of goat cheese drizzled with raspberry vinaigrette. Next time I might opt for the cold seafood salad, an enticing mixture of calamari, shrimp, clams and mussels coated with white truffle oil and lemon which owner Roland Mizaku describes as the house favorite.

I am a fan of squash soup, and Chef Joseph Labozzetta's offering one evening was the best that I have ever tasted. Italian Wedding Soup is also on the menu, as is minestrone, which Mizaku said is his establishment's best-selling soup.

Cozze Posillipo, steamed mussels, basking in a tomato, basil and herb broth, christened our palates and made for a delicious starter.

The true hallmark of fine Italian cuisine is, of course, the pasta, which, in this case, was a deliciously al dente linguini, studded with shrimp, clams, mussels and calamari. These "stars of the sea" were brimming with freshness and prepared to perfection. The chef is more than willing to cater to individual palates. My husband wanted his Linguini Stelle Di Mare in a red sauce while I opted for light oil and garlic. Both were spectacular, and will have you coming back for more.

One night I had a yen for chicken marsala, which the chef prepared especially for me, and I was more than pleased with the moist and tender cutlets served in a succulent, artfully prepared sauce. The broiled veal chop, one of the menu's most costly choices, is priced daily. Its flavorful and satisfying meaty goodness is well worth the expense.

Piccolo Mondo is also known for its branzini, a Mediterranean sea bass which is baked and served whole or filleted in a white wine and lemon sauce.

Desserts include Italian cheesecake, tiramisu, chocolate mousse, and sorbet, which you can enjoy with regular or decaffeinated cappuccino.

Prices are very reasonable, especially considering the quality of the food and the care with which it is prepared. Entrees start at $10.95, with many selections hovering in the $11.95 to $17.95 range, and the portions are very generous. The service is as impeccable as you would expect in this little corner of our local universe where the creative and stylish cuisine reigns. Piccolo Mondo is open daily for dinner. To preview the menu, visit Piccolomondoli.com.

 Piccolo Mondo Ristorante

1870 East Jericho Turnpike

Huntington, NY 11743

(631) 462-0718