Tappo Approaches Year Anniversary

A bit off to the side on Glen Street lies , an Italian eatery owned by friends Francesco Di Maio and Paula Gagliardi.

The restaurant opened in October of 2011, and has been building a loyal fan base ever since. Though he originally worked in Great Neck, when Di Maio moved to Glen Cove two years ago, he and Gagliardi saw it as the perfect opportunity. “I moved to Glen Cove and she lived in Oyster Bay,” he said. “It’s a good location. We fell in love with the place.”

The location is one of the many aspects that influence the atmosphere of the restaurant. Set back from the road, patrons can relax on chairs on the patio outside without being right next to passing cars.

“Because of the location there isn’t as much traffic,” Di Maio said. “It’s not as much as if you were on Northern Boulevard or somewhere like that.”

Entertainment is another draw. Thursday is ladies' night, with live music at the bar. Sundays feature live piano and jazz singing, and once per month they offer Italian classes where patrons can learn the language while tasting wine and food.

“We try to promote local musicians,” Di Maio said.

The restaurant may be best known for its wine collection (tappo is Italian for cork). Though they have wines from all over Italy, they also have an extensive collection of wines from other regions of the world, including the United States.

The restaurant will hit its one year anniversary in October, and the owners couldn’t be happier. “It’s been good here,” Di Maio said. “No complaints.”