Jonathan’s: A Can’t-Miss Destination Restaurant

Overview:  Jonathan’s Restaurant, located at 2499 Jericho Turnpike in Garden City Park, is family-owned since 1992. Chef Alain Ribiere combines American and Mediterranean styles and flavors, with a strong emphasis on seafood and premium steaks. If you are not sure what you want, and that can be an issue given the number of choices, stick with the tried-and-true (fish or steak).

Inside: Jonathan’s features three large catering halls that can accommodate groups as large as 100. The wide aisles are accessible for patrons in wheelchairs or who need special assistance. The newly renovated Tapas Bar & Lounge is a large and comfortable setting for a pre-dinner drink.

Drinks:  If you like wine, Jonathan’s offers 30 different wines by the glass. A fully stocked bar can make any drink you want. There are plenty of beers on tap and in the bottle.  

Appetizers: Highlights include the “Crabmeat Cocktail” featuring fresh Maryland crabmeat served over romaine lettuce and accompanied by cocktail sauce ($14); the Mussels Tarantina is steamed in plum tomato Chardonnay sauce, garlic, fresh basil, and accompanied by a garlic and herb crostini ($8.50). Both are nice choices. There are plenty of salads, beginning with a garden for $6.50.

If you come hungry, the breadbasket of onion rolls and corn bread will tantalize you.  Don't let it spoil your dinner.

Entrees: There are multiple pasta dishes, veal and chicken, and vegetarian. However, a long-time waiter said you could not go wrong with seafood or steak here. Good choices on the surf side are Sesame Crusted  Ahi Tuna (accompanied by a mirin dipping sauce and served with ginger sesame green beans, baby corn and coconut rice) for $24; or the Jumbo Shrimp & Sea Scallop Risotto (pan seared and served over saffron risotto, diced asparagus, fresh tomato, green peas, and cooked in a lobster sauce), for $23.

Steak lovers have a tough choice here. There is a 12-ounce Black Angus center cut New York sirloin (char-broiled in a demi-glace with baked potato and green beans) for $26; or Rib eye (char-broiled and grilled with fresh herbs and garlic butter, served with grilled asparagus) for $28.  Another treat is the Seafood Paella with clams. It comes steamed in saffron rice with peas and roasted peppers for $24.

Jonathan's features a children’s menu as well.

Desserts: Homemade desserts are made fresh daily.

Service: I would give it a C on this night. Our waiter took the initial order and was not seen again until the end when it was time for the check. We had to ask our bus boy to alert a host to get us a drink.  I had better service there four weeks ago for a New Year’s Day brunch.

Bottom Line: With its expansive seating, ample parking (on either side of the restaurant), and quality food, Jonathan’s is an ideal location to celebrate a family gathering or special occasion, as well as Sunday brunch. Jonathan’s is open seven days a week beginning at 11:30 a.m. each day. On Fridays and Saturdays it is open until 11 p.m. For information, call 516-742-7300.