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As the days shorten and temperatures slowly drop, the desire for richer, more comforting dishes becomes undeniable.
Fresh, handmade pasta is what this food writer’s autumnal dreams are made of.
Try these Long Island restaurants showcasing some of the best fresh pasta dishes around, or bring some home and pretend the “homemade” was made in your own kitchen. You can thank me later…
Sandro’s Italian
As a Southern Italian boy, chef Alessandro Acquista never ate fresh pasta growing up, but that didn’t stop him from falling in love with the romance of the preparation.
Wildly appreciative of what he calls the “rich, elegant and silkily beautiful” nature of homemade pasta, he turns out a stunning mafalde with tiger prawns and andouille paste that’s finished with mascarpone and toasted breadcrumbs.
Bonus: His Bucatini Al’ Amatriciana with pan-fried guanciale, Calabrian chili, onion and tomato delivers a salty goodness with crunch and creaminess we didn’t think was possible to achieve in one dish. This one is worth a weekly visit.
- Location – 1496 Northern Blvd. Manhasset
- Phone – 516-467-4266 | website
Centro Cucina
Father and son team Tony and Joe Caronna bring their Sicilian heritage to the table at Centro.
For the past 16 years in Greenvale (and another eight at Riva Grill in Glen Cove prior), they have perfected their fresh pasta game.
Their Papardelli Nonna, an unctuous slow-cooked three-meat Bolognese starring fresh mushrooms and peas, makes you wish your Nonna could cook this well. At once silky and hearty, it’s what you want when it’s dark out by 4 p.m.
Bonus: The porcini-infused fettuccine with white truffle and lobster is a date night must.
- Location – 43 Glen Cove Rd, Greenvale
- Phone – 516-484-3880 | website
Edoardo’s Trattoria
Chef Edourado Erazo serves up love-at-first-bite fresh pasta such as his saffron-infused fusilli with Italian sausage ragu and Parmigiano.
Bonus: Also worth seeking out is the squid ink-infused spaghettone with clams, white wine, garlic and the most divine pistachio pesto.
- Location – 300 New York Ave, Huntington
- Phone – 631-683-4964 | website
Mercato Cucina
Chef David Buico’s “Market Kitchen” is a one-stop shop for traditional groceries from the best Italian purveyors. But Buico’s superpower is the fresh pasta.
The rigatoni is a standout, and chef’s favorite, and will deliver you straight to Brooklyn on a Sunday. Toss it with homemade marinara, sausage ragu or a lamb Bolognese and you’re in business.
While you’re there, pick up bread from St. Rocco’s in Glen Cove, some pistachio-studded mortadella, and a few spectacular sandwiches (try the Cugine, the eggplant is superlative).
- Location – 1046 New York Ave, Huntington Station
- Phone – 631-205-6340 | website
Serra Provisions
This adorable treasure trove of a shop is Jesse and Brittany Olson’s love letter to Italy.
The homemade pastas, such as their ricotta-filled cannelloni or handmade gemelli and cavatelli, are divine.
Everything here is made with a combination of organic local and Italian grains and the selection changes seasonally. Pick up some freshly made sauce, such as the arrabbiata or pesto alla Genovese, to make your not-in-your-home-made pasta sing.
Pro-tip: Do not leave without a few wood-fired pizzas or a slice of the citrus-forward olive oil cake for the ride home.
- Location – 7 Sintsink Dr E, Port Washington
- Phone – 516-321-9393 | website
Southold Social
The brainchild of James Beard-awarded chef François Payard and local restaurateur Adam Lovett, Southold Social has made a big splash on the North Fork since its opening in the summer of 2022.
The heart of the menu is their in-house made pasta crafted by chef Marc Melillo. They include the Housemade Cavatelli served with veal ragu and Grandma’s Ricotta Gnocchi (some of the biggest you’ll see on the island.)
- Location – 56125 Main Rd, Southold
- Phone – (631) 765-8888 | website
The Farm Italy
Nestled in Huntington Village, Farm Italy, led by John Tunney III, offers a pasta lover’s haven.
From Pappardelle covered in beef bolognese with ricotta to classic Roman favorite Cacio e Pepe, Farm Italy celebrates the art of pasta.
They also reimagine Italian classics with a modern touch, like their Parmesan Chicken with homemade focaccia breadcrumbs and mozzarella. With a farm-to-table ethos and a mostly gluten-free menu, they emphasize quality ingredients and simplicity.
- Location – 12 Gerard St, Huntington
- Phone – (631) 824-6000 | website
