Buon Appetito

- 2208 Jerusalem Ave, Merrick, NY 11566

For those of us living on Long Island and in the greater New York region, the search for that perfect local spot—where the food is consistently excellent and the atmosphere feels like home—is a constant quest. In Merrick, **Buon Appetito** has established itself as a true neighborhood gem, offering a warm, inviting setting and a menu that goes far beyond your typical local pizza joint. While it is certainly a fantastic **pizza restaurant**, it is better known as an authentic Italian-American bistro, providing a full, upscale dining experience that has made it a staple in the community for years.

This establishment is known for blending a friendly, casual neighborhood vibe with a commitment to high-quality, contemporary Italian cuisine. It's a place where families gather, friends catch up, and new neighbors are made to feel instantly welcome. The focus is on authentic flavors, generous portions, and creating a dining experience that is both memorable and comfortable.

The sentiment from the community is strong and speaks volumes. Patrons consistently praise the fresh, high-quality ingredients, whether they're enjoying a crisp **Grilled Chicken Salad** or diving into a hearty pasta dish. One review perfectly encapsulates the feeling: "The moment I walked in it felt like home the food is unbelievable but the social interaction between all the customers made a new guy to the neighborhood feel like I've been here for ever." This emphasis on social connection and community spirit is a defining characteristic of Buon Appetito, elevating it beyond just a place to eat and turning it into a cherished local hub.

While the business operates as a full-service Italian restaurant and bistro, the core of its identity maintains a connection to classic pizza and Italian-American comfort food, making it an ideal choice whether you're looking for a quick, delicious meal or a prolonged, celebratory dinner.

## Location and Accessibility

Buon Appetito is conveniently situated in the heart of Merrick, a central location in Nassau County, Long Island, making it easily accessible for residents across the region. The restaurant's address is **2208 Jerusalem Ave, Merrick, NY 11566**. It is located on Jerusalem Avenue, a main thoroughfare, and is often noted for its contemporary stucco-style building with eye-catching purple awnings.

For those traveling from other parts of Long Island or New York, the location offers good connectivity. The restaurant is readily accessible by car, being just a short drive from major routes like the **Southern State Parkway** and nearby avenues such as Bellmore Avenue. This makes it an easy destination for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering.

A significant advantage for local diners is the parking situation. Patrons will be pleased to find an **ample amount of parking** available, specifically located behind the building. This eliminates the common New York-area stress of finding street parking and ensures a smooth start to your dining experience.

Accessibility details suggest that the premises are equipped to welcome all guests. While specific details on all accessibility features aren't exhaustive, the establishment's profile as a modern, family-friendly bistro suggests a commitment to welcoming the entire community.

## Services Offered

Buon Appetito provides a diverse range of services designed to accommodate various dining needs and special events, cementing its role as a versatile local eatery.

Available services include:

• **Dine-in:** The primary service offers a relaxed and elegant atmosphere for guests to enjoy their meal. The contemporary setting, often featuring a dedicated bar area and an open kitchen, enhances the dining experience.
• **Takeaway/Pick-up:** For those who prefer to enjoy their favorite dishes at home, convenient pick-up options are available.
• **Catering Services:** The restaurant offers comprehensive **off-site catering** for a wide range of events, from large holiday parties to smaller family gatherings. They offer flexible options, including purchasing trays a la carte or choosing from amazing party packages, with a willingness to tailor menus to specific preferences and dietary requirements.
• **Private Parties/Events:** Buon Appetito is well-equipped to host **private events** and celebrations of all sizes, such as baby showers and family gatherings, offering full-scale party planning assistance. The venue can be booked for groups, with specific times often available for private events on weekend afternoons.
• **Reservations:** To ensure a table, especially during peak dining hours or for large parties, reservations are highly recommended.

## Features / Highlights

What sets Buon Appetito apart is a blend of culinary quality, lively ambiance, and a deep-rooted commitment to customer satisfaction. Its features create a memorable and reliable dining experience for Long Island residents.

Key highlights of the establishment include:

• **Contemporary Italian-American Cuisine:** The menu offers an extensive selection of dishes, ranging from classic Italian antipasti and traditional pasta plates (like Lobster & Ricotta Ravioli or Spaghetti Carbonara) to a variety of entrees featuring chicken, veal, and seafood. Pizza, of course, remains a central part of the offering, with options like Margherita and specialty pizzas.
• **Warm, Cozy, and Elegant Ambiance:** The interior design often features thoughtful decor, sometimes incorporating a memorable color scheme (like deep purple hues), wrought iron fixtures, and large windows that create an airy, comfortable, and slightly upscale setting.
• **Exceptional Service and Family Feel:** Customer reviews consistently highlight the **attentive and friendly staff**, which fosters a strong sense of community and ensures every guest feels welcomed, whether they are regulars or newcomers to the neighborhood.
• **Live Music and Entertainment:** The restaurant frequently hosts **live music** on select evenings, such as a pianist or singer, which adds a vibrant and lively layer to the dining experience, making it a great spot for a night out.
• **Open Kitchen Concept:** The dining room often features an **open kitchen** visible from the bar area, allowing patrons to catch a glimpse of the chefs at work, adding an engaging and transparent dynamic to the meal.
• **Diverse Menu Options:** Beyond traditional Italian fare, the menu offers numerous fresh salads—such as the highly-rated Grilled Chicken Salad—and a children's menu, catering to a wide range of tastes and family needs.

The rave about the fresh "Grilled Chicken Salad" is a testament to the restaurant's quality across its menu, proving they put the same care into lighter fare as they do into their rich, classic dishes.

## Contact Information

Connecting with Buon Appetito is straightforward for reservations, inquiries, or catering consultations.

The key contact details are:

• **Address:** 2208 Jerusalem Ave, Merrick, NY 11566
• **Phone (Primary):** (516) 409-9724
• **Mobile Phone (Alternate):** +1 516-409-9724 (Note: This is often an alternative or secondary line for direct communication.)

## What is Worth Choosing

Choosing Buon Appetito is an investment in a complete dining experience, not just a meal. For residents of Long Island and New York looking for a reliable, high-quality Italian-American restaurant that serves excellent pizza alongside full entrees, it offers compelling reasons to visit.

What truly makes it worth choosing is the **sincere community atmosphere**. The restaurant is co-owned and operated by individuals who are hands-on and deeply committed to their craft, from the kitchen to the front of the house. This dedication is palpable in the attentive service and the overall welcoming environment that reviewers consistently highlight. It’s a place where the staff remembers your name, and you can truly relax and enjoy your company.

From a culinary standpoint, the establishment’s ability to execute a diverse menu is a major draw. Whether you're in the mood for an authentic Italian pasta, a classic veal or chicken parmigiana, or simply one of their delicious pizzas, you can trust in the consistent preparation and use of fresh ingredients. The diverse menu ensures that everyone in your party, from the adventurous diner to the picky eater, will find something satisfying.

Finally, the added feature of **live music** on certain nights transforms a regular dinner into an evening event, adding a touch of elegance and fun that is perfect for date nights or special celebrations. For those planning a large gathering, the reputation for excellent service in hosting private parties and providing reliable, tailored catering means you can trust them to make your event a success.

In short, Buon Appetito is worth choosing because it delivers a winning combination: **delicious, authentic Italian-American food**, a **cozy, family-oriented ambiance**, and **exceptional service**—all right here in the Merrick neighborhood.

Buon Appetito

2208 Jerusalem Ave, Merrick, NY 11566, USA