Donato’s Restaurant And Pizzeria Is Great Italian Place

onato’s has all the elements of a perfect neighborhood Italian restaurant: a quiet, corner location with outdoor tables, a cozy dining room inside, friendly, attentive service, and, of course, great Italian cuisine. On a recent evening, a convivial crowd of families from its Woodside neighborhood filled the dining room with warm-hearted chatter while feasting on their favorite Italian dishes. Tables dressed with linen cloths and adorned with fresh flowers, hanging plants and soft lighting are just some of the details at Donato’s. The front of the restaurant houses a pizza oven that turns out dozens of crisp, delicious pizzas to go or to be delivered to home or office. The gracious host, Pablo Donato, greets all of his customers personally and knows the names and the favorite dishes of most of them.

Donato’s has enjoyed great success serving its Woodside neighborhood for the past seven years, due to the authenticity and freshness of its food. The menu reflects the cuisine of many regions of Italy, all wonderfully executed and presented by the efficient, friendly staff. The prices are great, to boot so there’s no excuse not to try Donato’s.

Start with a cocktail from the bar, a glass of Donato’s house wine, or the wine of your choice from their list. The appetizers at Donato’s should not be skipped, and heading the list is a grilled Portobello mushroom stuffed with fresh spinach and rich Gorgonzola cheese, a dish made for the gods ($6.95). Baked whole clams with buttery oregano sauce are delicious and shrimp in an aromatic garlic sauce are great to share, especially when all the juices are soaked up with crusty, warm bread. Fresh arugula salad, tricolore salad or a steaming bowl of pasta e fagioli soup are also great starters.

Your entrée choices range among many wonderful pasta, chicken, veal, seafood and meat dishes. Nightly specials which may include osso buco, grilled langostino and calamari combo, striped bass Luciano and more will tantalize you further. We decided to share a first course of tender veal tortellini topped with a light meat sauce that was just out of this world. One of the restaurant’s pasta specialties is Linguine alla Pablo, sautéed broccoli, garlic, olives, capers and chunks of chicken over al dente linguine for a filling and delicious meal. Linguine marechiara topped with a generous helping of shrimp, clams, garlic and wine is just $12.95. A vegetarian dish of pasta alla Donato, combines mushrooms, garlic, oil, onions and a light tomato sauce for a light and healthy meal ($10.95). Such classic old favorites as fettuccine alfredo, ravioli, lasagna and manicotti are always on the menu.

The chef prepares the house chicken special by sautéing chunks of boneless chicken and sweet sausage with white wine and garlic and serves them with sliced, home fried potatoes ($13.95). The generous portion provided lunch the following day as well. Chicken scarpariello with garlic, oil and white wine is a simply prepared treat. Chicken Valdostana, a special that appears often due to its popularity, serves up tender chicken breast with fontina cheese and mushrooms.

Several fresh fish and seafood options are available. Check the board for the fresh fish of the day. Flaky, tender fillet of sole pernod prepared with a light pernod sauce is a popular favorite. Mussels marinara over linguine, lobster tails prepared to your liking or shrimp done at least seven different ways are just some of the great choices in seafood. If you prefer meat, juicy steak, thick pork chops and veal chops are always available, as are a number of veal dishes such as veal sorrentina, layered with eggplant, prosciutto and fontina cheese.

It’s difficult after the filling, delicious main courses, but try to leave room for dessert. Share a serving of rich Italian cheesecake, chocolate cheesecake, crunchy, creamy cannolis or light and fluffy tiramisu. The espresso, cappuccino and coffee are rich and robust and a splendid finish to a standout meal. You might also enjoy an after-dinner cordial.

Donato’s is open seven days a week for lunch and dinner. On Saturday and Sunday afternoons, an Italian style brunch is served at reasonable prices.

Donato’s can also accommodate a group table of up to 20 people for a special occasion. Come by for lunch, dinner, or weekend brunch. The food is delicious, the prices are great and the service is excellent.

Donato’s is conveniently located on a quiet, residential street, just down the block from the 52nd Street station of the No. 7 train. Visit Donato’s soon while it’s still the season to enjoy comfortable, outdoor dining at this neighborhood Italian restaurant.