ITA Kitchen - Garden City

- 9 Nassau Blvd, Garden City South, NY 11530

When it comes to unforgettable Italian-American dining in the Long Island area, New Yorkers consistently point to one vibrant destination: ITA Kitchen in Garden City. This establishment has quickly established itself as more than just a restaurant; it’s an immersive, energetic dining experience that beautifully blends classic Italian comfort food with a modern, creative culinary approach. Locals know that whether you're planning an intimate date night, a celebratory gathering with a large group, or simply craving exceptional Italian fare, ITA Kitchen delivers a lively atmosphere, attentive service, and dishes that are both comforting and innovative. It’s a place where the dining atmosphere is described as being simultaneously casual, cozy, romantic, and upscale, making it versatile for any occasion on your calendar.

The cuisine at ITA Kitchen is a testament to the rich Italian-American heritage, elevated with a fresh, contemporary flair. Patrons rave about the generous portions, the dedication to fresh, high-quality ingredients, and a menu that’s designed to please a wide variety of palates, including excellent vegetarian and vegan options. From robust main courses to small plates perfect for sharing and an impressive list of signature cocktails, ITA Kitchen ensures every visit is memorable. The restaurant is a celebrated spot for both lunch and dinner, and is particularly popular for solo dining, a quick bite at the bar, or a full-course evening meal. With its glowing reviews and a reputation for fast, friendly service, it’s a must-visit culinary hotspot for anyone in the New York region looking for a standout Italian meal experience.

The kitchen prides itself on constantly delivering culinary excellence, often featuring daily specials that showcase the chef's creativity and commitment to seasonal changes. Enthusiastic reviews often praise these temporary menu items, mentioning unique dishes like braised beef Italian-style tacos, which speaks to the restaurant’s willingness to push beyond the traditional boundaries of Italian-American cuisine. For those who enjoy a lively environment and inventive food prepared with passion, ITA Kitchen is easily one of Garden City’s most exciting dining options.

Location and Accessibility

ITA Kitchen is conveniently located in the Garden City area, making it an accessible and central dining spot for residents across Long Island and the greater New York region. You can find this popular Italian restaurant at the following address:

Contact Information

Address: 9 Nassau Blvd, Garden City South, NY 11530, USA

Phone: (516) 485-4848

The restaurant's location offers great planning advantages for diners. Accessibility is a key feature, with the establishment offering a wheelchair-accessible entrance, parking lot, restroom, and seating, ensuring a comfortable experience for all guests. For those driving, free parking is available, including both a free parking lot and free street parking. This ease of access is a major plus for patrons looking to avoid the typical parking struggles of the New York metro area. Due to its vibrant popularity, especially during peak dining times between 4:30 PM and 8:00 PM EST, it is highly recommended to make dinner reservations in advance, though seating at the on-site bar often provides a great alternative for walk-ins.

Services Offered

ITA Kitchen offers a comprehensive range of services designed to accommodate nearly every dining need, from a quick meal to a catered event.

• Dining Options: Lunch, Dinner, and Dessert are served with full table service and comfortable seating. The on-site bar is also available for dining.
• Reservation Services: The restaurant accepts reservations, which are strongly recommended, particularly on weekends and during prime dinner hours.
• Takeout and Delivery: For maximum convenience, guests can enjoy the full menu through takeout or delivery services.
• Event Hosting and Catering: ITA Kitchen is an excellent choice for special events, offering catering services and accommodations for private events, rehearsal dinners, showers, and other pre-wedding celebrations, often featuring dedicated private rooms for larger gatherings.
• Accessibility: Full wheelchair accessibility is provided, covering the entrance, restrooms, seating areas, and the parking lot.
• Payment Options: The restaurant accepts a variety of modern payment methods, including all major credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments.
• Family Amenities: The venue is family-friendly and good for kids, providing high chairs and changing tables for younger guests.
• Beverages: A full selection of drinks is available, including a bar on-site that features alcohol, beer, great cocktails, hard liquor, and an impressive wine list.
• Special Menu Accommodations: The menu includes excellent options for all dietary preferences, with clearly marked vegetarian and vegan choices.

Features / Highlights

ITA Kitchen sets itself apart with several unique features and a highly-praised dining experience that keeps locals coming back again and again.

• Tableside Mozzarella Experience: This is arguably the restaurant's most famous and sought-after appetizer. The fresh, warm mozzarella is hand-made right at your table, served with sliced tomatoes, ricotta, prosciutto, and roasted peppers. It's an interactive, show-stopping feature that is frequently described as “phenomenal” and a 'must-splurge' item for a special occasion.
• Innovative Italian-American Cuisine: The menu successfully marries classic comfort food with creative twists. Dishes are prepared with passion, incorporating fresh, high-quality ingredients, resulting in exceptional food quality and variety.
• High-Quality Signature Dishes: The food is consistently rated highly. Some of the most celebrated menu items include the colossal 'Ma The Meatballs!!!!' served with whipped ricotta, which some patrons find substantial enough to be a meal on its own, and the 'ITA Spicy Rigatoni' with spicy vodka sauce and pancetta. The Chicken Burrata Caprese is another popular favorite.
• Stellar Beverage Program: The restaurant is noted for its great cocktails and excellent wine list, enhancing the overall dining experience.
• Unforgettable Dessert Menu: The dessert offerings receive considerable praise, particularly the unique Pistachio Cheesecake, which is described as growing on you with every bite, and the Cannoli-stuffed Crumb Cake, a decadent creation that is a standout finale to any meal.
• Vibrant Ambiance and Decor: The restaurant boasts a lively, chic, and contemporary design, with a warm, inviting atmosphere created by dimmed lights and candlelit tables, perfect for intimate dates or group celebrations.
• Exceptional Customer Service: Staff members are consistently described as attentive, friendly, courteous, and knowledgeable about the menu, contributing to the feeling of impeccable service.
• Dietary Flexibility: The menu thoughtfully offers a variety of comfort food, small plates, vegetarian options, and dedicated 'Skinny Italian' choices like 'Zinguini' (shredded zucchini pasta) and 'Sweet Chili Salmon,' accommodating health-conscious diners and those with specific dietary needs.

What Is Worth Choosing

Choosing what to order at ITA Kitchen can be the hardest part of the experience, given the breadth of enticing options. However, based on local enthusiasm and unique menu offerings, there are a few items that stand out as essential choices for first-time visitors and returning regulars alike.

Foremost, the Tableside Mozzarella is an absolute must-try. This appetizer is an interactive culinary showstopper that provides delicious, warm, handmade fresh mozzarella, elevating a simple appetizer into a true dining experience. For your main course, if you crave a classic with a perfect twist, the Baked Chicken Parm or the Picante (Francese style chicken breast with a cherry pepper Francese sauce) are highly recommended. A frequent favorite is the Homemade Ricotta Gnocchi, offering a delightful, comforting texture. If you're feeling adventurous and want a modern take on a pasta classic, the ITA Spicy Rigatoni or the decadent Burrata Ravioli are fantastic options.

When considering an appetizer, the Ma The Meatballs!!!! are universally beloved for their generous size and traditional flavor, often compared to 'grandma's cooking.' For seafood lovers, the Shrimp Luciano is a flavorful choice, while the Aria's Shrimp from the Skinny Italian menu offers a lighter, blackened option with a refreshing arugula and fresh mozzarella base.

Finally, no trip to ITA Kitchen is complete without sampling the dessert. The Pistachio Cheesecake and the Cannoli Crumb Cake are standout choices that perfectly cap off a phenomenal meal. Whether you lean toward rich comfort food, lighter, 'Skinny Italian' fare, or unique seasonal specials, ITA Kitchen in Garden City offers a diverse and high-quality menu that promises a rewarding and memorable Italian-American dining experience right here in New York.

ITA Kitchen - Garden City

9 Nassau Blvd, Garden City South, NY 11530, USA