Cara Mia Restaurant

- 146 Tulip Ave, Floral Park, NY 11001

When New Yorkers talk about classic, authentic Italian dining, Cara Mia Restaurant in Floral Park, New York, is often at the top of the list. This establishment has cemented its place in the community as a beloved destination for truly exceptional food, warm hospitality, and a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere. From the moment you step inside, Cara Mia transports you with its cozy and romantic ambiance, reminiscent of an old-school Italian eatery where generous portions and genuine care are the standard. This isn't just a meal; it’s an experience built on decades of culinary tradition, offering a taste of Italy right here on Long Island.

The restaurant's history and commitment to quality are deeply rooted in family tradition. The journey began with Tomaso and Armanda DeCiantis, who dreamed of opening their own business after migrating from Broccostella, Italy. Their dedication to fresh, authentic Italian flavors—including recipes passed down through generations—is still evident today. This commitment to traditional cooking means patrons can still find classic, handmade items like fresh ravioli and gnocchi, alongside the famous, beloved meatball recipe from Armanda's mother, Liberata, affectionately known as "Nonna." It’s this blend of history and classic cuisine that makes Cara Mia a true gem in the Floral Park dining landscape.

Cara Mia offers a vast and varied menu that perfectly embodies the spirit of traditional Italian-American comfort food. Whether you are craving a light appetizer, a hearty pasta dish, or a decadent entrée, the selection is impressive. Popular appetizers include the classic Fried Calamari ($18.50) and the rich Eggplant Rollatini APP ($15.50), along with fresh seafood starters like 6 Whole Clams ($15.50) or the Lrg Hot Antipasto ($34.00) for sharing. The kitchen also prepares a selection of house-made soups, such as the comforting Minestrone Soup or Pasta Fagioli (each $9.30).

For main courses, the menu shines with a generous offering of chicken and veal preparations. Signature entrees include the Veal Sorrentino ($31.90) and the flavorful Chicken Cara Mia ($28.80), cutlets layered with eggplant, mozzarella, and mushrooms in a marsala sauce. For those who prefer a classic, the Chicken Parmigana ($26.80) and Veal Parmigana ($29.90) are served in a rich tomato sauce with melted mozzarella. The restaurant's dedication to generous portions often means a plate large enough for tomorrow's lunch, a detail patrons consistently appreciate.

The pasta selection is a central feature, offering both familiar favorites and more inventive options. Diners can enjoy Baked Ziti ($21.60), Lasagna ($23.70), or a generous portion of Spaghetti & Meatballs ($22.70). For a more unique taste, the Cavatelli Spicy Vodka Buratta ($28.80) and the Rigatoni Pesto ($25.80) come highly recommended by local diners. Seafood lovers are also well-catered to with options like the hearty Zuppa De Pesce ($47.40), Flounder Francaise ($34.15), and various Shrimp preparations such as Shrimp Francaise and Shrimp Scampi (each $30.90). To round out the meal, the dessert menu offers classic Italian treats like Tiramisu ($13.00), Cannoli ($10.00), and Italian Cheesecake ($10.00).

Location and Accessibility

Cara Mia Restaurant is conveniently located in Floral Park, a Nassau County village on Long Island that borders Queens. This prime location makes it a go-to Italian spot for both Queens and Long Island residents.

Address: 146 Tulip Ave, Floral Park, NY 11001, USA

Accessibility is one of the restaurant’s strong points, as it strives to accommodate all guests. The venue features a Wheelchair accessible entrance, Wheelchair accessible parking lot, Wheelchair accessible restroom, and Wheelchair accessible seating. Parking options are also ample, with both a Free parking lot and Free street parking available, making a visit to this Long Island treasure hassle-free.

Services Offered

• Dine-in: Enjoy the cozy, intimate, and romantic atmosphere for a memorable experience.
• Takeout: Conveniently pick up your order for a delicious meal at home.
• Delivery: Order through no-contact delivery via platforms like DoorDash and UberEats for maximum convenience.
• Catering: Cara Mia offers catering services, making it an excellent choice for parties, gatherings, and special occasions.
• Reservations: Accepts reservations, which are highly recommended, especially for dinner on weekends, due to the restaurant's popularity.
• Table Service: Enjoy attentive, professional service throughout your dining experience.
• Full Bar Service: A Bar onsite offering a selection of Alcohol, Beer, Hard liquor, Wine, and Cocktails.

Features / Highlights

• Authentic Family Recipes: Known for classic, old-school Italian cuisine, including Nonna's Meatballs and fresh, handmade pasta dishes like ravioli and gnocchi.
• Cozy and Romantic Atmosphere: The ambiance is characterized as Casual, Cozy, and Romantic, making it perfect for a date night, family celebration, or a relaxing solo dinner.
• Generous Portions: Patrons consistently praise the large, often family-style portions, ensuring great value and plenty of leftovers.
• Highly-Rated Beverages: Features a Great coffee, Great tea selection, Great cocktails, and Great wine list.
• Kid-Friendly Dining: The restaurant is Good for kids, offering a dedicated Kids' menu and High chairs.
• Menu Variety: Offers a diverse menu covering Appetizers, Soups, Salads, Sandwiches (Heros), Parmigana dishes, Entrees, Pasta, Seafood, and Desserts.
• Dedicated Family Hospitality: Guests often remark on the warm, welcoming staff and the feeling of being "greeted like family," which contributes significantly to the overall exceptional experience.
• Specialty Dishes: Highly recommended dishes by customers include the Eggplant Rollatini, Veal Sorrentino, Cavatelli Spicy Vodka Buratta, and the Baked Ziti.
• Dining Flexibility: Popular for Lunch, Dinner, and Solo dining.

Contact Information

Address: 146 Tulip Ave, Floral Park, NY 11001, USA

Phone: (516) 437-8177

What is worth choosing

Choosing Cara Mia Restaurant is a decision to embrace time-honored Italian culinary traditions with a focus on quality, comfort, and hospitality. For New York area residents seeking an authentic, satisfying, and memorable dining experience, Cara Mia is a standout choice. It successfully combines the cozy, intimate feel of a neighborhood favorite with a professional commitment to incredible food and service.

The restaurant's worth lies in its consistency and its atmosphere. Reviewers frequently describe Cara Mia as an "old school Italian restaurant" where the food reminds them of home-cooked meals. This strong sense of comfort food, coupled with exceptionally warm service—where the staff goes above and beyond to make guests feel at home, even staying friendly past closing hours—sets it apart. Whether you are planning a large group celebration or a quiet weeknight dinner, the promise of generous, flavorful plates and a family-like welcome makes Cara Mia Restaurant a must-visit destination in Floral Park for anyone craving an authentic taste of Italy. With its ample parking, extensive menu, and welcoming vibe for all crowds, including families and couples, it truly represents one of Long Island's finest classic Italian dining establishments. Don't forget to ask about the current menu specials for the freshest seasonal options!

Cara Mia Restaurant

146 Tulip Ave, Floral Park, NY 11001, USA