Emilio’s of Commack founder quietly opens Tomato Moon pizzeria in Selden

A new Italian restaurant has opened in Selden, taking over a long-vacant Middle Country Road space.

Tomato Moon, located at 229 Middle Country Road, recently celebrated its grand opening in the former Capellini Trattoria Pizzeria, which closed unexpectedly last year.

The restaurant is owned by Emilio Branchinelli, a longtime restaurateur with decades of experience on Long Island. He said he’s excited to bring his latest concept to the Middle Country area.

“It’s a typical pizzeria and restaurant,” he said, “using fresh, clean and delicious ingredients.”

Branchinelli, who also owns Emilio’s of Commack, Passione in Carle Place and Fanatico 336 in Jericho, to name just a few, said Tomato Moon will offer some familiar staples, along with a menu that sets it apart from his other concepts.

The menu features a variety of pasta dishes, chopped salads and specialty pizzas.

“We saw that this space was available and we liked the area,” Branchinelli said, adding that ample parking was a major selling point.

Tomato Moon is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, and from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekends.

Photos by Julianne Mosher