Reviews:

ZAGAT SURVEY	2008                            NEW YORK CITY RESTAURANTS
	F	D	S
Piccola Venezia (Queens)	25	17	23
42-01 28th Ave (42nd St), 718-721-8470
"Don't let the neighborhood look deceive you ": "old-fashined, red-velvet" Astoria Italian has long been a "destination" for "outstanding" red-sauce fare with "continental-flair"; an "extensive wine cellar" and "terrific" service are additional pluses, so even though "expensive" for Queens, it's "cheaper" than it would cost in Manhattan.

"This looks like a typical Ital-American joint, replete with pink marbles and burgundy linens (it got a face-lift in summer 2000). But the service, wine list and food are way beyond what you'll see on Mulberry Street. Going strong sine 1973, Piccola Venezia is proud of being a regular haunt for political types and other folks with expense acounts-and with good reason. Don't miss the Istrain bow ties with mushrooms and grappa, the airy gnocchi, or the pistacchio cannoli, which are worth every calorie. The by-request preparations and half orders are no problem. This is one commute you'll be glad you made."

"Excellent food emphasizing Northern Italian cooking. This three-decade-old establishment has some of the best Italian food served anywhere. While it has a wide selection of the usual entrees, including pastas, fish, and veal its preparation of even 'standard' dishes is creative, visually appealing and delicious. The gnocchi, tiny light potato dumplings, covered with a piquant, creamy gorgonzola sauce is delightful; as is the pasta fusi alla grappa, bowtie-shaped pasta with a sauce of mushrooms, grappa, and parmigiano. The soup pasta e fagioli is a classic; the veal dishes, such as on the bone veal chop, are quite good; but the duck in a rich Grand Marnier sauce is outstanding. the desserts are delectable. The flan-like panna cotta is smooth creamy and light; the pistachio canoli is an inspired creation. All the desserts are artfully presented. Attentive service from a caring, helpful staff. The two dinning rooms are comfortable, subdued, and relatively quiet."

.......AND MORE REVIEWS

Directions

Personalized Directions @

Driving

From Long Island:
Take the L.I.E. or the Northern State Pkwy to the Grand Central Pkwy. Just after LaGuardia Airport exit at exit 5 "Marine Air Terminal" Continue straight to the 5th traffic light and make a left onto 43rd street. Continue straight for two blocks and make a right on 28th Ave. Continue straight for two blocks and the restaurant will be on the right hand side; on the corner of 28th Ave. and 42nd St.

From Mid-Town Manhattan:
Take the Queensboro (59th St.) Bridge-Lower Level. Staying to the left, continue straight after the crossing following signs for 25 Northern Blvd. Continue down Northern Blvd. for approximately 2/3 of a mile and make a left onto Steinway St. Continue down Steinway St. and  make a right onto 28th Ave. Continue straight for two blocks and the restaurant will be on the left hand side; on the corner of 28th Ave. and 42nd St.

From Up-Town Manhattan:
Take the Triboro Bridge exit at "31st St." (the first exit over the bridge). Staying to the right, continue straight onto Astoria Blvd. (278 Truck Route). Make a right onto 44th St., continue straight two blocks and make a right onto 28th Ave. Continue straight for two blocks and the restaurant will be on the right hand side; on the corner of 28th Ave. and 42nd St.

From Westchester:
Follow directions from Up-Town Manhattan, coming off the Triboro Bridge.

From New Jersey:
Take the George Washington Bridge to the Major Deegan Expwy. South to the Triboro Bridge. Follow directions from Up-Town Manhattan, coming off the Triboro Bridge.

From Brooklyn/Staten Island:
Take the BQE East towards the Triboro Bridge. Take the last exit before the bridge (exit 44) is "Astoria Blvd. West." Make the first left onto 43rd St. Continue straight for two blocks and make a right on 28th Ave. Continue straight for two blocks and the restaurant will be on the right hand side; on the corner of 28th Ave. and 42nd St.

An "Executive Parking" valet attendant will be happy to take your car

Mass Transit

Subway from Manhattan: (Click the links for maps)

N / W Train (PDF Format) from the 59th St. station to the 30th Ave. Station in Astoria. From 30th Ave. it is approximately a 15 min., very safe walk or a quick taxi ride. To walk you simply follow 30th Ave. to Steinway St. turn left go to the next Ave. (28th) go right for two blocks and the restaurant will be on the left hand side, on the corner of 28th Ave. and 42nd St.

R Train (PDF Format) from the 59th St. station to the Steinway St. Station in Astoria. It is approximately a 15 min, very safe walk to the restaurant from this station or a quick taxi ride. Simply follow Steinway St. down to 28th Ave. turn right go two blocks and the restaurant will be on the left hand side, on the corner of 28th Ave. and 42nd St.

Bus from Manhattan: (Click the links for maps)

Q 101 (PDF Format) can be picked up anywhere East of 2nd Ave on 59th St. Take the bus to 28th Ave. and Steinway St. in Astoria walk to the right on 28th Ave. for two blocks and the restaurant will be on the left hand side; on the corner of 28th Ave. and 42nd St.