Spuntino Wine Bar & Italian Tapas

- 1002 Old Country Rd, Garden City, NY 11530

Spuntino Wine Bar & Italian Tapas has established itself as a premier destination for wine enthusiasts and lovers of refined Italian cuisine in the Long Island area. Located conveniently within the Gallery at Westbury Plaza in Garden City, this wine bar and restaurant offers a unique dining concept that revolves around pairing an expansive, world-class wine program with an authentic, seasonally-driven menu of Italian small plates, or 'tapas.' The very name 'Spuntino' translates to 'a snack or an informal meal' in Italian, perfectly encapsulating the restaurant's approach to dining: a welcoming, unpretentious atmosphere where guests are encouraged to explore a variety of flavors through smaller, shareable portions.

For New York residents searching for an exceptional culinary experience that bridges the sophistication of a high-end wine cellar with the warmth of a neighborhood Italian eatery, Spuntino is an outstanding choice. It's a place where meticulous attention to wine selection meets a creative kitchen dedicated to fresh, local ingredients. This commitment to quality and experience is why the restaurant has garnered acclaim, including the prestigious Wine Spectator's 'Best of Award of Excellence,' solidifying its reputation as a serious, yet accessible, spot for fine wine and food.

Location and Accessibility

Spuntino Wine Bar & Italian Tapas is situated at a highly accessible location in Nassau County, making it a convenient stop for locals across Long Island and visitors coming from Queens or other boroughs. Its position inside the Gallery at Westbury Plaza ensures ample parking and easy access, whether you are planning a casual lunch, an after-work happy hour, or a special weekend dinner. The address is:

1002 Old Country Rd, Garden City, NY 11530, USA

The restaurant's hours are generally consistent throughout the week, offering flexibility for various dining plans. Currently, the operating hours are:

• Monday - Thursday: 11:00 AM - 11:00 PM
• Friday - Saturday: 11:00 AM - 12:00 AM (Midnight)
• Sunday: 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Given its popularity, especially on weekend evenings, making a reservation is highly recommended, particularly if you are dining with a larger party. The venue's stylish and cozy décor provides a welcoming backdrop that can become quite lively when busy, as noted by patrons who appreciate its vibrant energy.

Services Offered

Spuntino Wine Bar provides a comprehensive range of services tailored to wine aficionados, foodies, and those looking to host memorable events. Their offerings go well beyond a standard restaurant experience to include educational and customized dining options.

• Lunch, Dinner, and Weekend Brunch: Full-service dining with an extensive menu of tapas, pasta, pizza, and 'primi' or main courses.
• Prix Fixe Lunch Menu: Available Monday through Friday, offering an excellent, convenient option for a high-quality midday meal.
• Happy Hour: Enjoy special pricing on select appetizers, tap wines, and cocktails during the week, typically Monday through Friday from 3 PM to 7 PM, with a late-night happy hour often available from 10 PM to closing.
• Private Events and Catering: The venue offers dedicated spaces, such as the Front Room and Main Room, that can accommodate private gatherings, including birthdays, bridal showers, corporate events, and rehearsal dinners. Off-premise catering is also available.
• Wine Education and Tasting Events: Curated experiences such as Blind Tastings guided by in-house wine experts, full Wine Dinners paired with chef-curated menus, and Wine Tasting Classes designed to help participants learn about different varietals and proper evaluation.
• Reservations: Booking is available and encouraged, especially for peak dining times, to ensure seating availability in their main dining areas or private rooms.

Features / Highlights

The unique appeal of Spuntino Wine Bar lies in its blending of exceptional wine knowledge with a focus on high-quality, authentic Italian cuisine served in a flexible, tapas-style format. These features make it a standout choice among New York's dining establishments.

• Award-Winning Wine Program: The restaurant boasts a spectacular wine list, often featuring over 350 world-class wines by the bottle and more than 60 selections available by the glass, securing it the prestigious Wine Spectator 'Best of Award of Excellence.'
• Extensive Italian Tapas Menu: The menu is designed for sharing, allowing diners to sample a wide array of Italian small plates. Favorites include the Spuntino Board (cured meats and cheeses), various gourmet Bruschetta options, Arancini (risotto balls), house-made Meatballs, and Truffle Fries.
• Focus on Seasonal and Local Ingredients: The menu changes four times a year to ensure the use of the freshest possible seasonal and locally sourced ingredients, enhancing the flavor profiles of classic and modern Italian dishes.
• Advanced Wine Preservation Technology: The use of a WineKeeper refrigerator, a sophisticated preservation and dispensing system, allows guests to try reserve varietals and higher-end wines by the glass without committing to purchasing an entire bottle.
• Signature Cocktails and Wine Flights: Beyond still wine, the bar offers a creative cocktail list, including drinks like the Pas & Fig Martini and the classic Aperol Spritz, as well as daily-changing wine flights that allow for comparative tasting and exploration of different regions and grapes.
• Versatile Menu Options: In addition to small plates, the restaurant offers full-sized main courses, or 'Primi,' such as Cast-Iron Roasted Half Chicken, Salmon, Lamb Chops, and classic Italian pasta dishes like Rigatoni Bolognese and Spaghetti Carbonara, ensuring there is a satisfying option for every appetite.

Contact Information

To plan your visit, make a reservation, or inquire about private events, you can reach Spuntino Wine Bar & Italian Tapas using the following contact details:

Address:

Phone:

What is Worth Choosing

For first-time visitors or regular patrons looking for guaranteed excellence, there are several standout items and experiences at Spuntino that truly define the quality of the establishment. The tapas concept is fundamentally worth exploring, as it fulfills the restaurant's core mission: the opportunity to taste a variety of unique, refined Italian flavors. Customers consistently praise the Meatballs—a blend of pork, veal, and beef in a rich tomato sauce with Pecorino Romano and fresh ricotta—as a must-try appetizer.

In terms of the main menu, the small portions are repeatedly highlighted as an advantage, allowing diners to craft their own multi-course experience. For those seeking a larger plate, the Cast-Iron Roasted Half Chicken, often served with a Caesar salad, is a reliably excellent choice, noted for being perfectly cooked. Furthermore, the pizzas, like the classic Margherita or the unique Piccante with pepperoni and honey, are a great way to pair heartier food with your wine selection.

However, the single most compelling reason to choose Spuntino Wine Bar & Italian Tapas is, naturally, the wine. With an award-winning selection curated by highly knowledgeable staff, the wine list is a journey around the globe. Opting for one of the three daily Wine Flights—such as the World Tour Reds or the Tour of Italy—is the best way to leverage the sommelier's expertise and experience diverse, high-quality wines that you might not otherwise sample. The atmosphere, described by patrons as stylish, cozy, and vibrant despite being busy, ensures that whether you are on a date or with a large group, you will enjoy a relaxed and welcoming time. Spuntino truly offers a comprehensive, high-quality, and versatile dining and wine experience right in the heart of Long Island.

Spuntino Wine Bar & Italian Tapas

1002 Old Country Rd, Garden City, NY 11530, USA