Avino restaurant family takes over longtime Center Moriches favorite

A longtime Center Moriches restaurant is entering a new chapter as another well-known Long Island restaurant family takes the reins.

The Avino family recently took over La Volpe Ristorante & Anton Pizzeria at 611 Montauk Highway, continuing the restaurant’s longstanding Italian tradition while introducing some new offerings of their own.

The new owners include Merri Avino, her father, Jim Avino, and her brother, Michael Avino (all pictured below, with children). The family also owns Avino’s Italian Table in Bellport Village and Catch Oyster Bar in Patchogue. They previously owned the Bellport Chowder House in Bellport Village.

Merri said the family took over La Volpe and Anton’s about two months ago after a mutual friend connected them with the previous owners, who were preparing to retire.

“We’ve always been fans of La Volpe, and a mutual friend thought it would be a good fit for us to keep their tradition alive and keep their restaurant going,” she told Greater Long Island.

For a family that has spent years in the restaurant business together, the opportunity felt like a natural fit.

“Dad has always had restaurants,” Merri said.

Jim Avino’s restaurant history includes the Bellport Chowder House and BrickHouse Brewery in Patchogue, while the family continues to operate Avino’s Italian Restaurant in Bellport Village.

“All our restaurants have been family-owned,” Merri said. “So, this was the right fit.”

The Avinos said they were drawn to La Volpe because of its longstanding reputation and the opportunity to become part of the Center Moriches community.

“So far, it’s been wonderful,” Merri said. “The community has been so welcoming, and Center Moriches is a great community.”

For longtime customers, one of the biggest questions surrounding the change in ownership is what will happen to the restaurant they have known for years.

The answer, according to the Avinos, is not much.

“We’re keeping the menu the same and keeping the staples the same,” Merri said, adding that the family will gradually put its own flair on some dishes.

The Avinos plan to introduce new specials, appetizers and entrees while maintaining the dishes that have made La Volpe a destination for local diners.

Happy hour is offered daily at the bar, and the family plans to host wine dinners and other events in the future.

Lunch has also become a focus, with a three-course prix fixe menu available for $25.

“People are really responding to that,” Merri said. “Lunch has been great.”

The restaurant’s Tuscan-inspired atmosphere will remain, along with its dining room and outdoor patio.

And perhaps most importantly for longtime La Volpe customers, the Avinos have retained the restaurant’s existing staff, including its chef.

“We kept the same staff and chef,” Merri said. “They’ve been with them for so long. The head chef is fabulous.”

The approach mirrors the way the Avinos have operated their other restaurants, with family members closely involved in the business.

With established roots across the South Shore, particularly in Bellport and Patchogue, the family is now looking forward to becoming part of the Center Moriches business community.

For Merri, taking over La Volpe isn’t simply about adding another restaurant. It’s about continuing a business that has been part of the community for decades.

“So far, it’s been a really great experience,” she said.

And as the Avinos settle in, they’re looking forward to showcasing what longtime customers already know about the restaurant, including its outdoor patio during the warmer months.

“We have amazing service, amazing food, a beautiful dining room and al fresco patio dining,” Merri said. “It’s a happy atmosphere.”

All photos come courtesy of Merri Avino