La Fontanella

Not cheap but food and service are excellent

Absolutely my favorite restaurant. The waitstaff are friendly, attentive, and gracious. The food is unbelievable -- anything from the spinach salad to fetuccini with fresh porcini mushrooms to the complimentary house made sambuca. Another highlight is the black squid ink linguine with mussels, shrimp, scallops, and a whole lobster on top. The owner (Florio) and captain (Vincenzo) greet me every time -- everyone at the restaurant is devoted to making the best possible dining experience for the customers, and the food most likely better than anything you've ever had before.

*UPDATE* After being closed for nearly 6 months after a fire, La Fontanella has reopened, completely renovated, and is even better than ever. A few minor changes to the menu (Lobster Ravioli added, as well as a homemade Fettuccine with porcini mushrooms, shallots, and shrimp, and a few veal and fish dishes added). Brand new marble floors, beautifully detailed cherry wood trim throughout, and a gorgeous marble bar with lively lighting all make for a beautiful and welcoming environment for fine dining and socializing. Also, all the original staff has returned upon reopening, and the wonderful people there are really what make La Fontanella so special.

No need to drive into Manhattan for top quality Italian food and service. La Fontanella offers the very best food and service to perfection. By far my favorite restaurant around. Consistant for 20 years - which is unheard of these days.

It's a pleasant ambiance with comfortable well-spaced tables. The food is carefully prepared, but dont look for anything too novelle. The service is gracious and attentive. A bit noisy when crowded. Wine list is solid if uninspired. Certainly much better that the Italian places in the nearby Bronx.

REALLY ELEGANT. YET NOT PRETENSIOUS. WELL WORTH IT TO CELEBRATE.