La Sorrentina Outdoor Dining

- Queens, NY 11694

A Taste of Italy by the Beach: Exploring La Sorrentina in Queens, NY

For New Yorkers seeking a genuine taste of Southern Italian cuisine combined with a welcoming, family-style atmosphere, look no further than La Sorrentina. Tucked away in the Rockaway Park section of Queens, this establishment has quickly become a local staple, offering a dining experience that feels both cozy and sophisticated. Originally a beloved Brooklyn fixture, the restaurant relocated to Queens to be closer to the owner's family, bringing decades of culinary passion and tradition with it. La Sorrentina is more than just a place to eat; it's a neighborhood gem where every guest is treated like family.

Known for its authentic and delectable Italian food, La Sorrentina offers a versatile dining experience suitable for any occasion. Whether you are craving a comforting plate of pasta, a perfect Neapolitan pizza, or a hearty main course, this restaurant delivers on quality and flavor. The commitment to using fresh ingredients and honoring traditional Italian recipes is evident in every dish, earning high praise from local patrons and food critics alike. Reviews frequently highlight the amazing, fresh, and delectable food, with specific mentions of the outstanding lasagna and the excellent quality of their pizza and pasta dishes.

The atmosphere at La Sorrentina is deliberately kept casual and cozy, making it an ideal spot for a relaxing meal. This relaxed setting is complemented by a staff known for their professionalism and attentiveness, ensuring a positive experience from the moment you walk in. For those who enjoy dining al fresco, the inclusion of dedicated outdoor dining space is a significant draw, especially during New York’s beautiful warmer months. This outdoor seating area is noted by the community as a lovely spot for parties and gatherings, offering a refreshing way to enjoy authentic Italian food in the heart of Queens.

In a city overflowing with dining options, La Sorrentina stands out for its consistent quality, comforting menu, and deep connection to the local Rockaway community. The restaurant embodies the true spirit of Italian hospitality, focusing on generous portions and a warm welcome that encourages guests to linger and enjoy their meal. It truly offers a slice of the Italian experience right here in New York City.

Location and Accessibility

La Sorrentina is conveniently located in the vibrant Rockaway Park area of Queens, New York. This particular zip code, 11694, is known for its strong community feel and proximity to the beach, adding a unique coastal charm to the dining experience. The restaurant operates from a single, well-established location in the neighborhood, ensuring a consistent and reliable experience for all patrons.

The specific address places it along a key retail block, making it easily recognizable and accessible for local residents and visitors to the Rockaways. The restaurant is located at 420 Beach 129th Street, placing it in a well-trafficked and popular part of the community. For those traveling to the location, the restaurant has considered the needs of all its guests. They proudly offer a wheelchair accessible entrance, making it a welcoming choice for everyone in the community.

While the neighborhood buzzes with activity, the location is part of a growing commercial hub, though the owner has noted that parking can sometimes be a challenge—a typical New York City nuance. Nonetheless, the quality of the dining experience makes the journey worthwhile. For New Yorkers looking for a delicious meal without the hassle of a long trip into Manhattan, this Queens location provides an excellent, authentic, and local option. The fact that the owner, John Mazzola, intentionally moved the business to be closer to his family in the Rockaways speaks volumes about its local focus and commitment to serving this specific community.

Services Offered

La Sorrentina provides a comprehensive array of services designed to meet the diverse needs of the New York diner. Their offerings go beyond a simple sit-down meal, catering to various preferences from quick bites to large, celebratory functions. The services are built around a dedication to Italian hospitality and convenience, ensuring every guest finds an option that works for them.

• Dine-in Service: Enjoy a meal in the restaurant’s cozy and casual atmosphere, with table service provided for a relaxed dining experience.
• Takeout Service: Perfect for those on the go, allowing guests to pick up their favorite Italian dishes to enjoy at home.
• Delivery Service: The restaurant partners with delivery platforms, and encourages direct ordering, to bring their delicious Italian cuisine right to your door in the Queens area.
• Catering and Parties: The establishment is equipped to host or cater private parties and events. The outdoor space, in particular, has been noted as an excellent spot for hosting gatherings.
• Meal Times: The restaurant is popular for providing full dining options throughout the day, including lunch, dinner, and dessert.
• Quick Bites and Small Plates: The menu includes options for diners looking for a fast, flavorful bite or a selection of smaller dishes.

Features / Highlights

La Sorrentina stands out in the competitive Queens dining scene due to several unique features and commitments to quality. These highlights demonstrate why this Italian restaurant is so highly regarded by the Rockaway community and beyond.

• Authentic Italian Cuisine: The restaurant focuses on traditional Italian recipes, reflecting a culinary tradition that spans over 30 years since the original founding of La Sorrentina.
• Pizzeria Heritage: While transitioning to a full-service restaurant, the establishment, formerly Plum Tomatoes, maintains its roots by serving excellent, highly-reviewed pizza, including popular Sicilian and specialty pies like the Grandma Pizza.
• Outdoor Dining Availability: A key feature for New Yorkers, the outdoor space provides a pleasant setting for dining, socializing, and hosting parties, especially valuable during favorable weather.
• Family-Owned and Operated: With the owner's family deeply rooted in the Rockaway community, the restaurant offers a genuine, personable, and hospitable dining experience, often described as having a 'family type atmosphere.'
• Comfort Food Focus: The menu is centered on satisfying, well-loved Italian comfort food, including perennial favorites such as Penne Vodka, Lasagna, and classic Chicken Parmigiana.
• Wheelchair Accessibility: The restaurant provides a wheelchair-accessible entrance, ensuring that all community members can comfortably enjoy their dining experience.
• Ample Dessert and Coffee Offerings: Beyond the main courses, patrons can enjoy Italian Cheesecake and other dessert options, along with coffee to complete the meal.
• Positive Customer Feedback on Staff: Multiple reviews consistently praise the staff for being terrific, accommodating, and professional, enhancing the overall dining atmosphere.

Contact Information

For New York residents planning a visit, arranging for takeout, or booking a party, here is the essential contact information for La Sorrentina:

Address: 420 Beach 129th St, Rockaway Park, Queens, NY 11694, USA

Phone: (718) 474-1775

What is Worth Choosing

Choosing La Sorrentina means opting for an authentic, high-quality, and deeply local New York Italian dining experience, especially within the Rockaways. This restaurant is particularly worth choosing for several compelling reasons that resonate with the values of the local New York market.

Firstly, the food quality is consistently high and well-regarded. The extensive menu showcases traditional Italian specialties, including popular items that have garnered a dedicated following. Customers rave about the authentic flavors and generous portions. From a comforting plate of Penne Vodka in its light pink cream sauce to a thick-crust Sicilian Pizza, the menu offers true satisfaction. The fact that the establishment operates both as a traditional Italian restaurant and a high-quality pizzeria provides a winning combination, ensuring something delicious for every palate in your party. The homemade bread and Italian desserts, such as the Italian Cheesecake, are also highly recommended by patrons, making a full three-course meal a must-try.

Secondly, the atmosphere and service are exemplary. In a city often characterized by rush and impersonal service, La Sorrentina offers a truly cozy and casual retreat. It’s an ideal spot for groups, families with children, or even solo diners looking for a comfortable place to enjoy a meal. The staff is frequently highlighted in reviews for their friendly and attentive nature, reinforcing the feeling of old-school Italian hospitality. For New Yorkers looking for a 'home away from home' dining environment, the warm welcome at La Sorrentina is a key differentiator.

Lastly, the outdoor dining option makes La Sorrentina a prime choice for seasonal dining. As many New Yorkers enjoy capitalizing on favorable weather, the dedicated outdoor space provides a wonderful opportunity to dine al fresco, whether it's for a casual lunch or a celebratory dinner. The community has recognized this space as a great venue for private parties, showcasing its versatility beyond everyday dining. For locals in the 11694 area of Queens, La Sorrentina is not just a restaurant; it’s a neighborhood institution founded on a multi-generational commitment to great food and service. If you are in Queens and craving authentic Italian comfort food in a genuinely hospitable setting, making a stop at La Sorrentina is an excellent decision.

The enduring appeal of La Sorrentina lies in its ability to combine decades of culinary expertise with a focus on local community needs. From a quick lunch to a full-table service dinner, this Queens gem promises a satisfying and memorable taste of Italy, right here in New York.

La Sorrentina Outdoor Dining

Queens, NY 11694, USA