La Spezia in Sea Cliff, NY: Authentic Italian Family Style Dining on Long Island

La Spezia Introduce

When New Yorkers talk about great Italian food, they often mean a taste of home—hearty portions, classic recipes, and a welcoming atmosphere. For those on Long Island and beyond, La Spezia Ristorante Italiano in Sea Cliff delivers exactly that, embodying the spirit of an authentic Italian Sunday dinner with “family style” service and generous platters. This is not just a restaurant; it’s an experience built on classic Southern Italian cuisine, expertly prepared and meant to be shared with friends and family. From rich pasta dishes to succulent steaks and fresh seafood, La Spezia has carved out a special place in the local dining scene, becoming a celebrated spot for both casual dinners and memorable special occasions. It is a destination that promises quality, comfort, and an exceptional meal every time you visit.

La Spezia’s mission is simple: to serve food prepared with passion, just like a beloved Italian grandmother would. This commitment to traditional flavors and quality ingredients shines through in their expansive menu. The restaurant successfully marries a cozy, yet elegant, atmosphere with food that is genuinely outstanding, providing a dining experience that feels both luxurious and genuinely familial. The concept of family-style dining encourages sharing and community, perfectly aligning with the warm Italian hospitality the restaurant is known for. Whether you are seeking a comforting classic or an adventurous new dish, La Spezia offers a culinary journey through the rich landscape of Italian cooking right here in New York.

The ambiance at La Spezia is carefully curated to transport you straight to Italy. The décor features antique-style Italian posters, an inviting arched entrance to the main dining room, and crisp white linen table cloths, all contributing to a charming and slightly romantic setting. It strikes a balance between casual comfort and a refined dining experience. The friendly and attentive staff are frequently praised in customer testimonials for being accommodating and professional, ensuring that every guest feels well-cared for. This dedication to exceptional service is a cornerstone of the La Spezia experience, enhancing the joy of their hearty, flavorful cuisine.

The popularity of La Spezia is rooted in its dedication to tradition and quality. The menu is a comprehensive tour of Southern Italian favorites, presented in portions perfect for sharing. Appetizers like the famous Baked Clams and the spicy Calamari Arrabiata with hot cherry peppers are highly recommended and often cited as local favorites. Their pasta selection is particularly notable, featuring classic preparations like Vodka sauce with creamy pink sauce and prosciutto, or the classic Bolognese. However, one dish that consistently garners high praise is the Paccheri Del Giorno, a sublimely comforting dish of fresh, large pillow pasta (paccheri, similar to extra-large rigatoni) tossed in a rich cream sauce with sautéed shallots, prosciutto, and assorted mushrooms. This single dish encapsulates the restaurant's commitment to using fresh ingredients, particularly homemade pasta, which elevates the entire meal.

Beyond pasta, La Spezia offers a full spectrum of entrées. Their Chicken La Spezia, a signature dish featuring chicken on the bone roasted with garlic, fresh herbs, olive oil, and lemon juice, and served with homemade veal sausage and roasted vegetables, is a must-try for meat lovers. Their steaks and chops menu, including a Prime Aged Porterhouse and American Grilled Veal Chop, brings a taste of succulence for those seeking a premium cut. Seafood enthusiasts will be delighted by options like Frutti Di Mare, served red or white, brimming with fresh seafood including whole shrimp, calamari, mussels, and clams, or the elegant Lobster Ravioli in a creamy cognac sauce with diced shrimp and asparagus. Even the side vegetable options are elevated, with several choices featuring a popular 'burnt' preparation—such as Burnt Broccoli and Burnt Cauliflower—that adds a delicious, caramelized char. Finally, no Italian meal is complete without dessert, and La Spezia excels with homemade treats like their luscious Homemade Cannoli, Homemade Tiramisu, and the lightest Homemade Napoleon Cake. The entire dining experience, from the first shared appetizer to the final spoonful of homemade dessert, is designed to be a memorable occasion, reflecting the true warmth and abundance of Italian hospitality.

Location and Accessibility

La Spezia Ristorante Italiano is conveniently situated at 400 Glen Cove Ave in Sea Cliff, NY 11579, making it an accessible destination for residents across Long Island and the greater New York area. Located in Nassau County, the restaurant offers an ideal setting for both neighborhood locals and those venturing out for a special dining experience. The venue prioritizes guest convenience, offering a welcoming environment for all.

For patrons traveling by car, parking is made simple with both a Free Parking Lot and Free Street Parking available, eliminating the stress of finding a spot before your meal.

The restaurant has also taken steps to ensure comprehensive accessibility for all guests:

Wheelchair Accessible Entrance
Wheelchair Accessible Parking Lot
Wheelchair Accessible Restroom
Wheelchair Accessible Seating

Services Offered

Dine-in (Lunch and Dinner, seating available)
Outdoor Seating
Takeout
Delivery and No-Contact Delivery
Catering for events
Private Dining Room for special occasions
Accepts Reservations (Dinner reservations recommended)
Table Service
Full Bar Service (Alcohol, Beer, Wine, Cocktails, Hard Liquor)
Gift Cards available for purchase

Features / Highlights

Distinctive Family Style dining experience with large, hearty, and generous platters meant for sharing.
Highly acclaimed cuisine specializing in Classic Southern Italian dishes.
Signature dishes include Paccheri Del Giorno, Baked Clams, and Calamari Arrabiata.
Excellent beverage offerings, including a Great Wine List and a selection of Great Cocktails.
Great Dessert options, featuring various homemade Italian classics like Cannoli and Tiramisu.
Menu accommodates various dietary needs, with Vegetarian Options and Healthy Options available.
A welcoming and inviting atmosphere, categorized as Casual, Cozy, Romantic, and Trendy.
Well-suited for various crowds, including Family-friendly, Groups, and Solo Dining.
Equipped with amenities like an on-site Bar, Restroom, and High Chairs for children.
Flexible payment options, accepting Credit Cards, Debit Cards, and NFC Mobile Payments.

Contact Information

Address: 400 Glen Cove Ave, Sea Cliff, NY 11579, USA

Phone: (516) 801-4155

What is worth choosing

For local New Yorkers seeking an authentic, satisfying, and memorable Italian meal, La Spezia is worth choosing for several compelling reasons that extend beyond simply the food itself. The core appeal lies in the unique "family style" dining, which sets it apart from typical Long Island or NYC Italian establishments. This tradition of massive, sharable portions embodies the communal spirit of true Italian dining, making it the perfect choice for family celebrations, group dinners, or even a date night where sharing and abundance are the goals.

The menu selection is vast, yet executed with a clear commitment to quality. Diners are spoiled for choice across every category, from starters to the final sweet course. If you are a newcomer, the Paccheri Del Giorno is arguably the most essential "must-try" dish, praised for its fresh, homemade pasta and rich, comforting sauce—it is a true taste of the restaurant's culinary prowess. The popular Calamari Arrabiata provides a delightful kick for those who enjoy spice, while the signature Chicken La Spezia offers a robust, multi-faceted entrée that showcases the kitchen's skill with meat and poultry.

Beyond the excellent food, La Spezia's reputation is strongly built on its service and atmosphere. Testimonials consistently rave about the staff’s attentiveness and accommodating nature, creating an experience that feels personal and professional—like dining at a friend's elegant home. The restaurant successfully balances a warm, Cozy feel with a more Romantic and stylish decor, making it versatile for any occasion. The added convenience of a Wheelchair Accessible facility and Free Parking options further solidify its status as a top choice in the Sea Cliff/Long Island area. For an experience that truly combines the heart of Italian hospitality with an exceptional, hearty meal, La Spezia Ristorante Italiano is an outstanding choice that continually exceeds expectations.

La Spezia Food & drink

Appetizers
Clams $17.00
6 pieces - Half or 12 pieces - Full. Baked or raw
Zuppa Di Clams (Red or White) $18.00
Red or white - White wine, garlic, olive oil, clam juice, and basil. touch of tomato sauce if ordered red
Zuppa Di Mussels (Red or White) $19.00
Red or white - White wine, garlic, olive oil, clam juice, and basil. touch of tomato sauce if ordered red
Stuffed Mushrooms $15.00
Fried Zucchini $20.00
Fried Calamari $25.00
Calamari Arrabiata $26.00
Fried calamari, spicy red sauce, hot cherry peppers
Cold Antipasto $24.00
Assorted cold meats and cheeses, roasted red peppers, tomatoes, and olives, topped with oliveoil, basil, salt & pepper
Shrimp Cocktail $35.00
5 pieces- Half or 10 pieces- Full
Mozzarella & Tomato $19.75
Garlic Bread $8.00
Burrata $34.00
Buttery Mozzarella, served with roasted red peppers

Salads
Caesar Salad $22.00
House Salad $22.00
House Salad With Salami & Cheese $23.00
Chopped lettuce, tomatoes, onions, roasted red peppers, black and green olives, house dressing
Antipasto Salad $26.00
Chopped lettuce, tomatoes, onions, roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, salami, provolone, fresh mozzarella, prosciutto, whole black and green olives, house dressing
Seafood Salad $34.00
Calamari, shrimp, mussels, clams, house dressing, lemon juice
Warm Salad $23.00
Romaine lettuce, onions, roasted red peppers, croutons, olives, balsamic vinaigrette sauce

Pasta
Amatriciana $30.00
Pancetta, onions, red sauce
Vodka $30.00
Creamy pink sauce, prosciutto
Bolognese $31.00
Meat sauce
Marinara $30.00
Can also be served Fra Diavolo (Spicy)
Pomodoro $30.00
Can also be served Fra Diavolo (Spicy)
Clam Sauce $30.25
Red or white
Alfredo $30.00
Creamy parmigiano sauce
Broccoli $30.00
With garlic & oil
Marechiara $34.00
Red or white - Chopped clams, shrimp
Frutti Di Mare $35.00
Red or white - Fresh seafood, whole shrimp, calamari, mussels, clams. Can also be served Fra Diavolo (Spicy)
Cheese Ravioli $29.00
Pomodoro, marinara or tomato sauce
Lobster Ravioli $38.00
Top in a diced shrimp, asparagus in a creamy cognac sauce
Baked Penne $29.25
Melted mozzarella, fresh ricotta
Zucchini Linguine $29.25
Linguine shaped zucchini, marinara or Pomodoro sauce. Can be served with bolognese sauce for $2 extra for Half and $4 for Full
Paccheri Del Giorno $34.00
Fresh pillow pasta, sautéed shallots, prosciutto, assorted mushrooms, cream sauce

Chicken
Limone $31.50
Pounded thin, Lemon Sauce
Sorrentino $32.25
Pounded thin, topped with prosciutto, eggplant, mozzarella, brown sauce
Marsala $31.50
Pounded thin, brown mushroom sauce
Francese $31.50
Pounded thin, battered, white wine, lemon juice, butter sauce
Parmigiana $32.50
Melted mozzarella, tomato sauce
Milanese $31.50
Pounded thin, Breaded, Chopped Tomatoes, Onions
Verdi $32.50
Brown Sauce, touch of tomato sauce, topped with broccoli and melted mozzarella
Grilled Chicken $32.50
Pounded thin, over escarole & cannellini beans
Scarpariello $28.50
Roasted, cut into pieces, garlic, fresh herbs, olive oil, lemon juice
La Spezia $46.50
Roasted, cut into pieces, garlic, fresh herbs, olive oil, lemon juice, served with homemade veal sausage, roasted potatoes, onions, broccoli, roasted red peppers

Veal
Limone $33.50
Pounded thin, lemon sauce
Sorrentino $34.50
Pounded thin, topped with prosciutto, eggplant, mozzarella, brown sauce
Marsala $33.50
Pounded thin, brown mushroom sauce
Francese $33.50
Pounded thin, battered, white wine, lemon juice, butter sauce
Parmigiana $33.50
Melted mozzarella, tomato sauce
Milanese $33.50
Pounded thin, breaded, chopped tomatoes, onions
Veal Chop Valdostana $67.50
Pounded thin, breaded, topped with prosciutto, mozzarella, marsala sauce
Veal Chop Parmigiana $67.50
Melted mozzarella, tomato sauce

Seafood
Calamari Marinara $29.50
Sautéed in a red sauce
Shrimp Luciano $39.00
White wine, garlic, butter, touch of tomato sauce, served over spinach
Shrimp Marinara $38.00
Shrimp Oreganata $38.00
Shrimp Scampi $39.00
White wine, lemon juice, served with yellow rice
Shrimp Parmigiana $38.00
Melted mozzarella, tomato sauce
Shrimp Alla Spezia $39.00
Battered, served over burnt string beans
Fish of the Day $48.00

Steaks & Chops
Ribeye Steak $0.00
Choose 1 side: spinach, broccoli, cauliflower sautéed in garlic and oil or roasted potatoes.
Lamb Chops $63.00
Choose 1 side: spinach, broccoli, cauliflower sautéed in garlic and oil or roasted potatoes.
American Grilled Veal Chop $68.00
Choose 1 side: spinach, broccoli, cauliflower sautéed in garlic and oil or roasted potatoes.

Vegetables
Spinach $19.00
Escarole $19.00
String Beans $19.00
Broccoli $19.00
Cauliflower $19.00
Brussel Sprouts $19.00
Roasted Potatoes $19.00
Broccoli Rabe $21.00
Burnt Broccoli $21.00
Burnt String Beans $21.00
Burnt Cauliflower $21.00
Eggplant Parm $27.00
Peppers and Onions $19.00

Kid's Menu
Pasta $12.75
Vodka, marinara, tomato, or butter sauce
Chicken Fingers & Fries $21.00
Fries $10.00
Mozzarella Sticks (10) $16.50

Beverages
Coke, Sprite or Diet Coke $3.50
Mineral Sparkling Water $10.00
Mineral Still Water $10.00

Desserts
Homemade Cannoli $12.75
Open shell filled with a sweet ricotta cream and chocolate chips
Homemade Italian Cheese Cake $13.00
Made with ricotta cheese and secret ingredients
Homemade Tiramisu $13.00
Lady fingers, espresso, sweet mascarpone cream
Homemade Napoleon Cake $14.00
Layers of crisp puff pastry filled with whipped sweetened cream
Chocolate Mousse Cake $13.00
Belgium dark chocolate mousse cake
Hot Fudge Brownie $13.00
With haagen-dazs vanilla ice cream
Hot Apple Pie $13.00
With haagen-dazs vanilla ice cream
Tartufo $12.75
Vanilla and chocolate ice cream with a cherry and crushed almond center. Covered with fine dark chocolate
Tortoni $8.00
Vanilla ice cream topped with shaved coconut and a cherry
Ice Cream $8.00
Assorted Fruit Sorbet $9.00
Biscotti & Cannoli Cream $10.00

Coffee
Coffee $3.75
Assorted Teas $3.75
Cappuccino $6.00
Latte $6.00
Espresso $4.00
Espresso con Panna $4.50
Espresso topped with cream
Hot Chocolate $4.50

Appetizers
Clams $58.00
Baked or raw
Zuppa Di Clams (Red or White) $58.00
White wine, garlic, olive oil, clam juice, and basil. Touch of tomato sauce if ordered red
Zuppa Di Mussels (red or White) $60.00
White wine, garlic, olive oil, clam juice, and basil. Touch of tomato sauce if ordered red
Stuffed Mushrooms $44.00
Fried Zucchini $52.50
Fried Calamari $68.50
Calamari Arrabiata $70.50
Fried calamari, spicy red sauce, hot cherry peppers
Cold Antipasto $75.00
Assorted cold meats and cheeses, roasted red peppers, tomatoes, and olives, topped with olive oil, basil, salt & pepper
Shrimp Cocktail $92.00
Shrimp Oreganata $92.00
Mozzarella & Tomato $52.00
Garlic Bread $26.00

Salads
Caesar Salad $52.00
House Salad $52.00
House Salad with Salami & Cheese $56.00
Chopped lettuce, tomatoes, onions, roasted red peppers, black and green olives, house dressing
Antipasto Salad $66.00
Chopped lettuce, tomatoes, onions, roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, salami, provolone,fresh mozzarella, prosciutto, whole black and green olives, house dressing
Seafood Salad $88.00
Calamari, shrimp, mussels, clams, house dressing, lemon juice
Warm Salad $54.50
Romaine lettuce, onions, roasted red peppers, croutons, olives, balsamic vinaigrette sauce

Pasta
Amatriciana $74.50
Pancetta, onions, red sauce
Vodka $74.50
Creamy pink sauce, prosciutto
Bolognese $76.00
Meat sauce
Marinara $74.50
Pomodoro $74.50
Clam Sauce (Red or White) $80.00
Alfredo $74.50
Creamy parmigiano sauce
Broccoli $74.50
With garlic & oil
Marechiara (Red or White) $84.00
Chopped clams, shrimp
Frutti Di Mare (Red or White) $88.00
Fresh seafood, whole shrimp, calamari, mussels, clams
Ravioli (Cheese) $74.00
Pomodoro, marinara or tomato sauce
Lobster Ravioli $84.00
Top in a diced shrimp, asparagus in a creamy cognac sauce
Baked Penne $74.00
Melted mozzarella, fresh ricotta
Zucchini Linguine $74.50
Linguine shaped zucchini, marinara or Pomodoro sauce
Paccheridel Giorno $80.00
Fresh pillow pasta, sautéed shallots, prosciutto, assorted mushrooms, cream sauce

Chicken
Limone $75.00
Pounded thin, lemon sauce
Sorrentino $80.00
Pounded thin, topped with prosciutto, eggplant, mozzarella, brown sauce
Marsala $75.00
Pounded thin, brown mushroom sauce
Francese $75.00
Pounded thin, battered, white wine, lemon juice, butter sauce
Parmigiana $77.00
Melted mozzarella, tomato sauce
Milanese $75.00
Pounded thin, breaded, chopped tomatoes, onions
Verdi $80.00
Brown Sauce, touch of tomato sauce, topped with broccoli and melted mozzarella
Scarpariello $84.00
La Spezia $92.00
On the bone, roasted, cut into pieces, garlic, fresh herbs, olive oil, lemon juice, served with homemade veal sausage, roasted potatoes, onions, broccoli, roasted red peppers
Grilled Chicken $77.00
Pounded thin, over escarole & cannellini beans

Veal
Limone $83.00
Pounded thin, lemon sauce
Sorrentino $84.00
Pounded thin, topped with prosciutto, eggplant, mozzarella, brown sauce
Marsala $83.00
Pounded thin, brown mushroom sauce
Francese $83.00
Pounded thin, battered, white wine, lemon juice, butter sauce
Parmigiana $85.00
Melted mozzarella, tomato sauce
Milanese $83.00
Pounded thin, breaded, chopped tomatoes, onions

Seafood
Calamari Marinara $73.00
Shrimp Luciano $92.00
White wine, garlic, butter, touch of tomato sauce, served over spinach
Shrimp Marinara $92.00
Shrimp Scampi $92.00
White wine, lemon juice, served with yellow rice
Shrimp Parmigiana $92.00
Melted mozzarella, tomato sauce
Shrimp Alla Spezia $92.00
Battered, served over burnt string beans

Vegetables
Spinach $45.00
Escarole $45.00
String Beans $45.00
Broccoli $45.00
Cauliflower $45.00
Broccoli Rabe $50.00
Brussel Sprouts $45.00
Roasted Potatoes $45.00
Burnt Cauliflower $52.00
Burnt Broccoli $52.00
Burnt String Beans $52.00
Burnt Brussel Sprouts $52.00
Peppers and Onions $50.00
Eggplant Parm $68.00

Kids's Menu
Chicken Fingers & Fries $55.00
Mozzarella Sticks $38.00

Beverages
Coke or Sprite $2.00
20 oz Can
Mineral Sparkling Water $7.00
Mineral Still Water $7.00

La Spezia Details

Service options
Outdoor seating
No-contact delivery
Delivery
Takeout
Dine-in

Highlights
Great cocktails
Great coffee
Great dessert
Great wine list

Popular for
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining

Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Wheelchair accessible restroom
Wheelchair accessible seating

Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Cocktails
Coffee
Comfort food
Hard liquor
Healthy options
Private dining room
Vegetarian options
Wine

Dining options
Lunch
Dinner
Catering
Dessert
Seating
Table service

Amenities
Bar onsite
Restroom

Atmosphere
Casual
Cozy
Romantic
Trendy

Crowd
Family-friendly
Groups
Tourists

Planning
Dinner reservations recommended
Accepts reservations

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards

Children
Good for kids
High chairs
Kids' menu

Parking
Free parking lot
Free street parking
Parking

La Spezia Photos

La Spezia Location

La Spezia

New York Nassau County Sea Cliff Glen Cove Avenue

400 Glen Cove Ave, Sea Cliff, NY 11579, USA

La Spezia Reviews

An average rating of ★4.7 from 318 user reviews.

food and servicepricedpartybaked clamspenne alla vodkavealappetizerstartufochicken francesefried zucchini

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

I recently had a small party for my son Baptism at this restaurant, and I cannot say enough good things about it. From start to finish, the experience was great. The food was nothing short of excellent--every dish was bursting with flavor, beautifully presented, and served hot and fresh. Our guests couldn't stop raving about it!What truly set this place apart, though, was the customer service. The staff was attentive, friendly, and incredibly professional. They anticipated our needs before we even had to ask, making everyone feel welcome and well taken care of.The management deserves special recognition as well. They were organized, accommodating, and clearly passionate about ensuring everything ran smoothly. It made a huge difference in the success of the event and allowed me to relax and enjoy the evening.If you're looking for a place to host a special occasion--or simply want to enjoy a meal that exceeds expectations--this is the spot. Highly Recommended!
June 27 · Maria Anna
by far my favorite italian food of all time on the island. My god, everything is perfect and beyond. If you’ve ever been Albertos in Forest Hills, this rivals that and that was our familys favorite forever before it closed. Everything here is outstanding and really feels like family. The cooking is outstanding and they’d make anything you need. Food is perfect everytime, even takeout!!! Heres some photos of the food
August 15 · Victoria Amendolara
Delicious food. We like the Chicken Verdi best of all. The fried zucchini is also one of our go-tos. The waitstaff was attentive and friendly, but not obnoxious. We will continue to return and recommend it highly.
August 08 · Angela Raimo
I never leave reviews but felt compelled to after eating here. Everything we ordered was phenomenal, and the service was great. This is everything we orderedDirty martini- I’m very picky about these and although it wasn’t the best one I’ve had, it was very goodCeasar salad- perfect amount of dressing and the croutons were light and crunchyPenne vodkaChicken francese- very light and tastySautéed spinach- very tasty with pieces of garlic in itTartufoItalian cheesecakeBiscotti- highly recommend these on the side of your post-dinner espresso
September 21 · Samantha Mulkeen
Welcoming atmosphere but the music was so loud. Good service. The food was okay. Started off with baked clams which were delicious. We should have stopped there. Bolognese had a nice flavor but practically no sauce for the full serving of pasta. The veal parm was tender but drowning in sauce. The “napoleon” was just puff pastry covered in whipped cream. Nothing special.
August 31 · paulandnan