Service and Taste Merges at Carlino's

Overview: For residents who grew up in Mineola in the 1970s and 1980s, 204 Jericho Turnpike was the home of Vita Pizzeria, one of the first pizzerias in the village. For the last 13 years,  has occupied these premises. If you have not dined here, you are missing a slice of history.

Décor: From the outside, you might think Carlino's would be small inside, typical for a pizza restaurant that added a small dining room. But you would be pleasantly surprised at the size of Carlino's. The establishment boasts a full bar in the rear, one semi-private room for dinner or a party and one open room up-front near the pizza counter. Whether you are bringing a date or going out with a group, you will feel comfortable here.

Drinks: Carlino's has a full bar and while it does not specialize in any one drink, it can make virtually anything you want. With a large attractive bar, it's a good place to have a pre-dinner drink.

Appetizers: Hot antipasto, in single servings ($8.95) or for two ($14.95), is a big draw. You can also get cold antipasto for one or two. Other favorites are clams on the half shell ($8.95), mussels ($8.95), Portobello parmigiana ($8.20), bruschetta ($6.95), as well as a generous array of salads: house ($4.50), caesar ($6.95) and tricolore ($7.30)   

Entrees: The veal is the real deal here, always fresh and tasty. The veal parmesan is a favorite, and the veal saltimbocca features sage, prosciutto, white wine and butter. If you like spicy sauces, ask the waiter to bring you their pasta with Carlino's secret spicy sauce. Carlino's uses a special pepper that is spicy but not harsh; it is mixed into a specially prepared tomato sauce. For some, the spicy sauce is worth the trip alone.

Carlino's has a small pizza area in the front. The restaurant is known for its Grandma's pizza, which features a very thin crispy crust and a nice blend of mozzarella cheese and tomato sauce. You can have it by the slice or the pie.

Other menu items include chicken marsala, shrimp scampi, bruschetta, stuffed mushrooms, baked ziti, chicken cacciatore, grilled shrimp, fettuccine alfredo, grilled chicken, Caesar salad, chicken parmigiana, stuffed shells and pasta primavera.
Prices are very reasonable given the size portion you get. The entrees come with choice of salad, penne or spaghetti.

Sides: Meatballs or sausage. The entrees are extensive and come with the above-mentioned sides.

Desserts: All your Italian favorites are here – tartufo, spumoni, tortoni, cheesecake, five different sorbets and canollis.

Service: In a word, excellent. The waiters work in teams and are fast and friendly.

Parking: There is limited parking in the front and a municipal lot in the back. If you want to run in real quick and get something to go, there are a few spots right by the back door where you can park free.

Coming up: On the second Monday of every month, Carlino's turns wild – with a wild game dinner. The four-course pre-fix menu ($45 per person, which includes soda, coffee, espresso and cappuccino) or ($60 per person, which includes beer and wine) features grilled quail over mescaline greens, roasted rabbit with sautéed onions and potatoes, pheasant served with sautéed leek, shitake mushrooms and risotto; and venison scaloppini served with sautéed fresh fennel, zucchini and diced tomato. There will be raffle prizes. Call ahead for reservations.