Gnocchi Bella Forest Hills

- 72-38 Austin St, Forest Hills, NY 11375

Gnocchi Bella Forest Hills is a chic, petite Italian cafe and restaurant that has quickly become a standout destination on the bustling Austin Street dining scene in Queens, NY. For New Yorkers in search of authentic, comforting Italian fare with a modern, customizable twist, this spot is a hidden gem that delivers on both flavor and atmosphere. Unlike standard Italian restaurants, Gnocchi Bella specializes—as its name suggests—in the delicate, pillow-soft potato dumplings that are gnocchi.

The restaurant's core concept revolves around giving customers the power to "create your own" gnocchi dish. This commitment to fresh, handmade pasta, alongside an elevated cafe menu, sets Gnocchi Bella apart as a unique and refreshing local business that is a welcome addition to the neighborhood. The focus here is on quality ingredients, from the gnocchi itself (made from scratch daily in a variety of styles) to the premium sauces, proteins, and delicious cafe drinks. It’s the perfect place to grab a satisfying, gourmet meal on the go or to relax for a moment in a beautifully designed space.

This establishment has been noted for its dedication to catering to diverse dietary needs and preferences, notably by offering a variety of gnocchi types—including traditional potato, spinach and ricotta, and a popular gluten-free cauliflower option. This focus, combined with the availability of Halal-certified chicken and beef products, ensures that a wider segment of the New York community can enjoy a delicious, homemade Italian experience.

Location and Accessibility

Gnocchi Bella is perfectly situated at 72-38 Austin St in the heart of Forest Hills, Queens, NY 11375. Austin Street is known as a vibrant, high-traffic commercial strip, making the restaurant highly accessible for both local residents and commuters passing through the area.

The location on Austin Street places it in close proximity to the Forest Hills Stadium and the neighborhood's main transportation hubs, making it an incredibly convenient stop for a quick lunch, an after-work dinner, or a grab-and-go meal. For those driving, paid street parking is available in the vicinity, though as with many popular spots in New York City, it can be limited. For those relying on public transit, the restaurant’s location is generally considered easy to reach via the subway and bus lines that serve the Forest Hills area.

The restaurant's stylish, elegant interior is a notable feature, described by some as having a "classic tennis club feel," with black and white tile floors, marble counters, and bistro tables. While it is a petite space, designed primarily for convenient "to go" service, it does offer a limited number of seating options for diners who wish to enjoy their meal and the ambiance.

Services Offered

Gnocchi Bella offers a comprehensive range of services designed to meet the busy, varied schedules of New Yorkers, focusing heavily on convenience and accessibility.

• Takeout and Dine-in: Customers have the option to pick up their orders for a meal at home or enjoy their food inside the chic, though small, cafe space.
• Delivery and No-contact Delivery: The restaurant partners with popular delivery platforms, offering both standard and no-contact delivery options for residents within the service area.
• Curbside Pickup: An added convenience for those on a tight schedule, allowing for quick retrieval of pre-ordered food.
• Customizable Menu: The signature service is the "create your own" gnocchi dish, where patrons choose their gnocchi type (potato, spinach ricotta, or gluten-free cauliflower), sauce (pomodoro, basil pesto, Alfredo), and choice of toppings and proteins.
• Cafe Service: A full-service cafe menu is available, including high-quality coffee drinks like Espresso ($4.40), Lattes ($6.05), and Specialty Drinks like the Tiramisu Latte.
• Halal Options: The chicken and beef proteins offered, including the highly-rated chicken cutlet and meatballs, are Halal certified.
• Breakfast Service: The menu includes breakfast items like Breakfast Sliders ($11.00) and Pistachio Toast ($9.90).

Features / Highlights

The features that make Gnocchi Bella a local standout on Austin Street are numerous, blending high-quality Italian tradition with a modern, New York-centric approach to dining.

• Handmade Gnocchi: The restaurant specializes in preparing gnocchi from scratch daily. Options include traditional potato, spinach and ricotta, and a beloved gluten-free cauliflower variety ($16.00).
• Halal Proteins: A significant highlight is the commitment to quality and inclusion, offering fine-quality Halal chicken and beef options, including a tender, gently breaded Chicken Cutlet.
• Premium and Specialty Dishes: Beyond the customizable option, there are premium, fixed menu items for an elevated experience, such as the Porcini Truffle Cream ($23.00), the creamy Pesto Alfredo ($20.00), and the alcohol-free Senza Vodka sauce ($20.00).
• Gourmet Cafe Menu: The cafe menu goes beyond standard coffee, featuring house-made Tiramisu Lattes and Italian Rainbow Cookie Iced Lattes, which customers have highlighted as particularly delicious, and a full range of espresso beverages.
• Fresh Desserts: Homemade desserts, including Tiramisu ($8.00) and freshly filled Cannoli ($6.00), are prepared to complement the savory dishes.
• Luxurious, Take-Out Friendly Vibe: The interior is intentionally designed with a "quiet luxury" aesthetic, reminiscent of a classic tennis club, making a quick visit or short dine-in a pleasant experience, even as the primary focus remains on quick, convenient service.

Contact Information

To plan your visit or place an order at Gnocchi Bella Forest Hills, you can find the restaurant at the following details:

Address: 72-38 Austin St, Forest Hills, NY 11375, USA

Phone: (347) 897-6080 (or +1 347-897-6080)

What is Worth Choosing

For first-time visitors or dedicated Queens foodies looking for the best that Gnocchi Bella has to offer, there are a few must-try items that encapsulate the restaurant's quality and unique concept. The experience here is largely about the gnocchi itself, so focusing on those signature plates is key.

The primary choice worth choosing is simply the Gnocchi itself ($14.00 base price), paired with one of their fresh sauces. Many local diners appreciate the option to build their own bowl. For a specific recommendation, the Spinach and Ricotta Gnocchi has been noted for being lighter and fluffier than the potato version, a great alternative for those who prefer a less dense dumpling. Pair this with the Basil Pesto sauce for a vibrant, flavorful dish, or the Pomodoro for classic Italian comfort.

Among the premium offerings, the Porcini Truffle Cream gnocchi ($23.00) is a splurge that is well-worth the price for its rich, earthy flavor profile, appealing to those who appreciate a more gourmet taste. Additionally, the Creamy Senza Vodka Sauce ($20.00), an alcohol-free take on the classic, has proven to be a popular choice among New Yorkers.

In terms of proteins, while experiences may vary, the Chicken Cutlet ($6.00 a la carte) is repeatedly highlighted by customers as crispy, delicious, and cooked well, making it the recommended protein add-on for a more substantial meal. The fact that the chicken and beef meatballs are Halal is a significant draw for many.

Finally, no trip to Gnocchi Bella is complete without sampling the cafe and dessert selections. The house-made Tiramisu ($8.00) is frequently praised for being cool and creamy. Meanwhile, the specialty cafe drinks, such as the Tiramisu Latte, offer a unique, sweet twist that is perfect for pairing with a dessert or simply enjoying on its own. The combination of savory gnocchi and high-quality cafe drinks makes Gnocchi Bella a dual-purpose stop—ideal for lunch, dinner, or just a quick coffee break with a gourmet pastry. It's a true neighborhood spot that brings a focus on a single, perfectly executed dish, making it a unique and satisfying culinary choice in Forest Hills.

Gnocchi Bella Forest Hills

72-38 Austin St, Forest Hills, NY 11375, USA