Stresa Italian Restaurant
“Giorgio, the charming owner/host and his partner Tony greeted us as we entered the restaurant and made us feel welcome.”
“This was pretty close to our memory of Meals in Italy.”
Stresa Italian Restaurant
Takes Reservations: Yes
Take-out: Yes
Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
Good for Kids: Yes
Good for Groups: Yes
Waiter Service: Yes
Caters: Yes
Price range.
$$$ Price range $31-60
3 reviews
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This neighborhood gem located right off the miracle mile in a strip mall that it really doesn't deserve. And you could easily miss it As you drive by.
Greeted at the door by Giorgio himself a wonderful veramente Italiano who makes the ladies feel bellissimi:)
I frequent this traditional, elegant (but not necessarily formal) Italian fine dining / family restaurant with a family who had been coming here for over 20 years. So I know my experience is not what a newcomer might experience BUT you will quickly come into the fold as Giorgio and his staff will make you feel at home as they shuttle free apps to your table to welcome you.
Your coat is the first thing they will take care of for you, your water glass is always filled, the flower arrangement is always fresh and astounding, you are offered drinks immediately if they don't already know your preference, plates of veggies on ice and fresh bread baskets are placed instantly, appetizers to greet you served instantly in gallant manner….
It's old school service and dining at its best. The waiters are Profesional and well groomed and dressed and pride themselves on making you feel taken care of with aplomb.
And the food. Delicious comfort food for tutti gli italiani. It's always what you hoped for and never off mark. Favorites, campagnola, Charlotte salad, my partners do the chicken, pasta- mama mia- and of course the medley of desserts.
There is a bar which always has a group of what always seems like old buddies in lively conversation.
You will enjoy the people watching and may most def run into people you know.
My husband and I dined here with another couple, who suggested the place. My favorite food at any Italian restaurant is linguini seafood pasta, so I ordered the dish. It was good, but would order a different dish next time. I think the meat dish here is better than seafood. Loved the ambience and the color of the place, easy on the eyes. I'd go back again, sure.
It is 8:30 on a Saturday night and we are sitting at the bar at Stresa Ristorante in Manhasset. We have an 8:00 reservation and showed up on time, but that doesn't seem to matter much to the restaurant management. We are comfortable, but there are at least 20 other people standing around the bar waiting to be seated. We started complaining at 8:45 and are seated at 9:00 (at the worst table in the restaurant) with an apology and the offer of a free drink. We decline and my thought is that they should be ashamed of themselves. An hour of my time is worth more than a cocktail.
The bread basket arrives and it is obvious to me that it has come from another table. The maitre'd agrees and has it replaced. Not a good start! But our first course comes to the table and everything is excellent. As we are eating, the maitre'd returns and tries to justify our one hour wait. It is not the restaurant's fault but the fault of patrons who overstay their welcome. (He does not return to the table after our exchange of words.)
Entrees arrive and are terrific. Our servers are friendly, professional and efficient. Dessert is brought to the table – compliments of the house. They are as good as the rest of the meal.
How do I justify a 3 rating? The restaurant has 4 star food, 5 star service, and 2 star management. Put it together and it's hard to justify more than 3 stars.
A tip for anyone reading this. I have learned that it is best to not go to some restaurants on a Saturday night. Stresa is one of these. Go elsewhere because they really don't want you.