Prima Pasta & Cafe

- 161, 50 b Cross Bay Blvd, Howard Beach, NY 11414

When New Yorkers are searching for that classic, comforting Italian meal—the kind with generous portions and rich, time-honhonored flavors—many locals in Queens know to head straight to Prima Pasta & Cafe. Located right in the heart of the Howard Beach neighborhood, this long-standing establishment offers a warm, familiar dining experience that keeps residents coming back for more. It’s more than just a restaurant; for many, it's a neighborhood tradition, providing a taste of authentic Italian cuisine for lunch and dinner.

Prima Pasta & Cafe has firmly established itself as a reliable source for an extensive menu that covers all the Italian classics. From hearty soups and fresh salads to an impressive array of antipasti, pasta dishes, and protein entrées, the menu is designed to satisfy any craving. They pride themselves on offering a wide range of choices, ensuring whether you're in the mood for a quick hero sandwich or a full, multi-course dinner, you'll find something to love. Their dedication to offering variety and value is a major part of their enduring appeal in the competitive New York dining scene.

The cuisine here is straightforward, traditional Italian-American fare, focusing on big flavors and satisfying portions. Diners can explore everything from classic baked dishes to specialties from the grill and the sea, all prepared in-house. This dedication to variety and consistency is what makes Prima Pasta & Cafe a staple for family meals, casual weeknight dinners, and satisfying take-out orders throughout the Howard Beach community.

Location and Accessibility

Prima Pasta & Cafe is conveniently situated at 161, 50 b Cross Bay Blvd in Howard Beach, NY 11414, USA. This location on Cross Bay Boulevard makes it a central and easy-to-find spot for both local Queens residents and visitors passing through the neighborhood. Howard Beach is a vibrant area, and the restaurant is positioned to be easily accessible from surrounding areas.

For those driving, a significant convenience in this part of Queens is the availability of parking. Prima Pasta & Cafe offers a free parking lot for its customers, a feature that significantly enhances accessibility and simplifies the dining experience, especially during busy meal times when street parking can be challenging. This removes one of the major headaches of city dining and is a feature greatly appreciated by local patrons.

As for its hours, Prima Pasta & Cafe generally operates daily, serving customers for both lunch and dinner. Public information suggests consistent hours throughout the week, typically from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM. We recommend contacting the restaurant directly to confirm the most current operating hours, especially for late-night service or holiday scheduling.

Services Offered

Prima Pasta & Cafe provides a variety of services to accommodate all dining preferences, making it a flexible choice for any occasion.

• Dine-In Service: Customers can enjoy a meal inside the restaurant, with a setting that is often described by patrons as clean and suitable for a casual Italian dinner.
• Takeout: For those on the go, the full menu is available for easy pickup.
• Delivery: The restaurant offers local delivery, bringing their classic Italian dishes right to your home or office in the Howard Beach area.
• Lunch and Dinner: They serve meals for both main dining periods, catering to mid-day cravings and evening gatherings.
• Catering: Although details on specific catering menus are not fully provided, the existence of large catering portions for dishes like Baked Ziti, Lasagna, and various salads suggests they can accommodate orders for events and parties.
• Debit Card Payments: For ease of transaction, the restaurant accepts debit cards.

Features / Highlights

What truly sets Prima Pasta & Cafe apart is a combination of traditional offerings, convenient amenities, and a massive menu selection.

• Extensive Menu Variety: The sheer number of options is a major highlight. The menu boasts a wide range of antipasti like Fried Calamari and Baked Clams, nine different main chicken preparations (such as Chicken Parmigiana and Chicken Marsala), seven veal dishes, seafood options including Filet of Sole and Shrimp, and a long list of pasta with sauces from classic Marinara to Vodka Sauce, Bolognese, and Carbonara.
• Brick Oven Pizza: The restaurant features a dedicated brick oven, offering pizza styles including Small and Large regular pies, Grandma Pizza, Sicilian Pizza, and specialty options like Tri-Color Salad Pizza and Pizza Margherita.
• Free Parking Lot: A major advantage in NYC, a dedicated parking area simplifies the visit for all driving customers.
• Traditional Soup Selection: Their antipasto course is bolstered by a large selection of traditional Italian soups, all priced affordably, including Pasta E Fagioli, Minestrone, Tortellini In Brodo, and Stracciatella Romana.
• Dessert and Beverage Choices: The experience is rounded out with a selection of desserts (upon asking the server) and a full beverage offering, including a selection of domestic and imported beers (Budweiser, Heineken, Peroni, etc.), a concise wine list (Merlot, Pinot Grigio, Sangria), and coffee options like Cappuccino and Espresso.
• Affordable Hero Sandwiches: Their hero menu provides excellent value for a hearty lunch, featuring classics like Meatballs Parmigiana, Chicken Parmigiana, and Veal Parmigiana heroes.

Contact Information

To place an order, make inquiries, or find out more about Prima Pasta & Cafe, please use the following contact information:

Address: 161, 50 b Cross Bay Blvd, Howard Beach, NY 11414, USA

Phone: (718) 659-7278 (or +1 718-659-7278)

What is worth choosing

For New Yorkers in search of a reliable, comprehensive Italian dining experience, Prima Pasta & Cafe stands out for several compelling reasons. The restaurant's strength lies in its commitment to providing an overwhelming selection of familiar, traditional Italian-American comfort foods. Unlike some modern establishments that focus on a narrow, trendy menu, Prima Pasta & Cafe delivers on the promise of a full, classic Italian spread.

The hero menu is a perfect example of their value and dedication to neighborhood favorites. Options like the Chicken Parmigiana Hero or the Sausage And Peppers Hero offer a substantial and satisfying lunch option. When it comes to dinner, a wise choice is to explore their vast pasta selections, which can be paired with any of their ten different sauces. For a true Queen's experience, the Brick Oven Pizza is a must-try, offering a classic pie for a family gathering.

Ultimately, the defining factor that makes Prima Pasta & Cafe a strong choice is its practical convenience combined with its extensive, time-tested menu. The offering of free on-site parking is an invaluable amenity in New York City, immediately boosting its appeal. For residents of Howard Beach and surrounding Queens neighborhoods, it is the dependable local spot for Italian food that is reasonably priced and served in generous portions, embodying the essence of a classic neighborhood Italian eatery. Whether you are craving a plate of Spaghetti with Bolognese, a hearty Veal dish, or a fresh brick oven pizza, Prima Pasta & Cafe aims to be your one-stop shop for Italian comfort food.

Prima Pasta & Cafe

161, 50 b Cross Bay Blvd, Howard Beach, NY 11414, USA