il Gufo

- 176 7th St, Garden City, NY 11530

When New Yorkers talk about great Italian food, they often think about authentic, quality ingredients combined with a sophisticated dining atmosphere. Located right here on Long Island, il Gufo in Garden City delivers exactly that experience. Described as a contemporary Italian osteria, il Gufo is more than just a restaurant; it’s a destination for locals seeking elevated Italian cuisine in a chic, vibrant setting. The very name, "il Gufo," which is Italian for 'the owl,' suggests a sophisticated yet cozy nocturnal allure, much like a welcoming nest where great food and conversation flourish.

In a market saturated with Italian eateries, il Gufo distinguishes itself by blending rustic industrial charm with contemporary elegance. It has quickly become a standout spot in Garden City, appealing to those who appreciate a fresh, modern take on classic Italian dishes. The philosophy here is simple: serve authentic, high-quality Italian cuisine using the freshest available ingredients. This commitment is evident across the entire menu, from the wood-fired pizzas to the hand-crafted pastas and the perfectly grilled steaks and seafood.

The ambiance at il Gufo is specifically designed to enhance your dining experience, making it perfect for a variety of occasions. Whether you’re planning a romantic date night at the bar, a lively gathering with friends, or a cozy family dinner, the setting is versatile and inviting. The restaurant proudly highlights its exceptional bar program, featuring expertly mixed cocktails and a meticulously curated wine list, earning high praise from local patrons. The emphasis on fast service and great attention from the staff ensures a smooth and enjoyable meal, even when the restaurant is at its busiest. As one local enthusiastically noted about the bar staff, they are "ABSOLUTELY EXCEPTIONAL," providing focused and attentive service that truly elevates the visit.

For Long Islanders, il Gufo offers an escape without leaving the neighborhood. It brings the excitement and style of an upscale city restaurant right to the heart of Garden City. The menu is structured to offer something for every palate, featuring tempting small plates (piattini) ideal for sharing, substantial pasta and main courses, and delightful desserts. This commitment to a comprehensive and high-quality experience has cemented its reputation as a leading choice for modern Italian dining in the area.

Location and Accessibility

il Gufo is perfectly situated in a prime location in Nassau County, making it highly accessible for residents across Long Island and the greater New York area. You can find this exquisite Italian osteria at:

176 7th St, Garden City, NY 11530, USA

The restaurant's address on 7th Street places it right in the vibrant heart of Garden City’s dining scene, an area known for its shopping and excellent local establishments. Accessibility is a key feature of il Gufo. For patrons driving in, the location offers the convenience of both a free parking lot and free street parking, which is a significant amenity for a popular Long Island dining spot. Furthermore, the establishment is committed to inclusivity, offering wheelchair accessible entrance, wheelchair accessible parking lot, and wheelchair accessible seating, ensuring that all guests can enjoy the dining experience comfortably. Being centrally located in Garden City also means it is easily reached via local public transportation routes that serve the immediate area.

Services Offered

il Gufo provides a full range of services designed to offer a flexible and sophisticated dining experience for the local New York clientele.

• Dinner and Dessert Service: The core offering is high-quality Italian dinner service, including appetizers, salads, hand-crafted pasta, wood-fired entrées, and a selection of desserts.
• Table Service: Full table service is provided in a casual and cozy atmosphere, suitable for both groups and solo dining.
• Accepts Reservations: Patrons can easily plan their visit as the restaurant accepts reservations, highly recommended for prime dining hours to avoid a wait.
• Dine-in and Seating Options: Featuring ample seating within the chic, contemporary interior, as well as the popular option of outdoor seating for enjoying the pleasant weather of Long Island.
• Full Bar Service and Offerings: A well-stocked bar offers a wide selection of Alcohol, Beer, Cocktails, Hard liquor, and Wine, including a highly-regarded wine list.
• Payments Accepted: For convenience, the restaurant accepts common payment methods including Credit cards and Debit cards.
• Accessibility Features: The facility includes Wheelchair accessible entrance, Wheelchair accessible parking lot, and Wheelchair accessible seating to accommodate all guests.

Features / Highlights

il Gufo is recognized in the Garden City dining landscape for several key features that contribute to its exceptional reputation and popularity among local New Yorkers.

• Great Cocktails: The bar program is a major highlight, consistently praised by customers for its expertly mixed and creative cocktail selection, perfect for starting or ending an evening.
• Great Wine List: A curated and extensive wine list complements the contemporary Italian menu, ensuring a perfect pairing for any dish from pasta to prime steaks.
• Fast Service: Despite its popularity and sophisticated setting, the restaurant is known for its efficient and prompt service, ensuring a pleasant and timely dining experience.
• Signature Piattini and Small Plates: The menu features a delightful array of small plates and appetizers, such as Whipped Ricotta, Artichoke Hearts, and Arancini, ideal for sharing and tasting a variety of flavors.
• Wood-Fired Specialties: The focus on wood-fired cooking is a key feature, showcased in entrées like the Fire Roasted Meat and a selection of pizzas, including the classic Margherita and the house favorite Gufo.
• Cozy and Chic Atmosphere: The unique blend of rustic industrial charm and contemporary elegance creates an inviting, yet upscale environment that is highly favored by both locals and groups.

Contact Information

To plan your visit to il Gufo, make a reservation, or inquire about the menu and services, please use the following contact details:

Address: 176 7th St, Garden City, NY 11530, USA

Phone: (516) 248-4836

Mobile Phone: +1 516-248-4836

What is Worth Choosing at il Gufo

For New York diners, particularly those on Long Island, choosing il Gufo is a decision to experience Italian cuisine that is both authentically flavored and beautifully presented within a modern, inviting setting. The menu presents a wealth of excellent choices, but a few dishes and experiences stand out as particularly worth selecting.

Start your meal with the renowned small plates. The Whipped Ricotta is a perfect savory-sweet indulgence, while the Burrata or Eggplant Parm provide a creamy and comforting start. These 'piattini' are excellent for sharing and getting a real taste of the kitchen's commitment to fresh, quality ingredients.

When it comes to the main event, the menu's true strength lies in its hand-crafted pasta and its substantial wood-fired entrées. The signature pasta dishes, such as the Linguini or the Mezzo Rigatoni, are made with care and depth of flavor that reflect traditional Italian cooking techniques while offering a fresh, contemporary touch. For those seeking a hearty meal, the Prime Ny Strip at $$48.00 is a premium choice, and the Pork Chop is a flavorful, robust alternative. For seafood lovers, the Salmon and Scallops are prepared with an elegance that is often highlighted in customer feedback.

Beyond the food, the experience itself is a major selling point. Patrons should take advantage of the highly praised bar and Great Cocktails. Sitting at the bar, particularly on a bustling evening, can provide a dynamic, engaging experience, where the professionalism of the staff, as noted by local reviewers, truly shines. And if the weather permits, opting for Outdoor seating combines the excellent dining with the lively atmosphere of Garden City.

Finally, what truly makes il Gufo worth choosing is its ability to be an upscale yet approachable Italian restaurant. It’s perfect for a special occasion yet welcoming enough for a casual dinner. The combination of accepted reservations, free parking, and an incredible selection of food and drink—all with a local Long Island touch—makes il Gufo an indispensable part of the New York dining scene. It provides a taste of Italy that is both sophisticated and satisfying, consistently promising a high-quality meal from the moment you sit down to the moment you enjoy the Great dessert.

il Gufo

176 7th St, Garden City, NY 11530, USA