The Dantan

- 21 N Station Plaza, Great Neck, NY 11021

In the heart of Great Neck, New York, just steps from the busy commuter hub, lies a culinary gem offering an authentic and intimate Italian dining experience: The Dantan. This restaurant, situated on North Station Plaza, has quickly become a destination for local New Yorkers seeking high-quality cuisine, an impressive wine selection, and a dining atmosphere that is both cozy and romantic. Unlike many casual eateries in the region, The Dantan focuses on providing a full, immersive, and high-touch experience, making it an ideal choice for a special occasion, a memorable date night, or a focused, sophisticated meal.

While some early reports may have suggested a French-American concept, the menu and customer reviews overwhelmingly point to The Dantan as a premier Italian establishment, often hailed as the "Best Italian spot" in its area. The culinary philosophy here seems rooted in traditional, hearty Italian dishes, expertly prepared with high-quality imported and regional ingredients, giving patrons a taste of an authentic Italian village right here on Long Island. Reviewers frequently praise the food, noting that the servings feel like what one would "get at home, if you had the best chefs from Italy in your kitchen."

The ambiance is a cornerstone of The Dantan's appeal. It is consistently described as "super cozy," "romantic," and "intimate," featuring decor that contributes to a "fairytale-like" setting. The intimate vibe is created through thoughtful design elements like walls adorned with wine bottles, Polaroids, fresh flowers, and candles, all beneath a charming iron chandelier. This atmosphere, coupled with live jazz music on certain nights, transforms a dinner into a truly memorable event, making it a highly recommended neighborhood date spot.

The menu itself is a testament to sophisticated Italian comfort food, with a focus on fresh, house-made pastas and high-quality appetizers (Antipasti) and main courses (Secondi). The pasta dishes are a particular highlight and fulfill every expectation of fulfilling comfort food.

Standout selections from the menu that are worth noting include:

• MAFALDE with Lamb Ragù with Truffle: Fresh mafalde pasta tossed with a slowly cooked white lamb ragù, enriched with white truffle butter and juniper berries. This dish is priced at $31.00.
• Rigatoni Alla Carbonara: A popular, traditional preparation featuring fresh rigatoni, Italian salt-cured guanciale, eggs, pecorino cheese, and black pepper, available for $28.00.
• Bucatini All'Amatriciana: Fresh bucatini served with a classic amatriciana sauce, incorporating guanciale, tomato sauce, spicy peperoncino, and black pepper ($27.00).
• Assoluto Di Burrata & Prosciutto Di Parma: A luxurious appetizer featuring fresh and creamy burrata from Puglia paired with prosciutto di parma aged 24 months.
• NY Strip Steak "Tagliata": A substantial 12 oz New York Strip Steak, served in the 'tagliata' style (sliced) with radicchio and roasted potatoes, a popular choice at $37.00.

This carefully curated menu, utilizing imported ingredients like DOP-certified mozzarella di Bufala from Caserta and wild-caught Cantabrian Anchovies, ensures an authentic taste of various Italian regions.

The Dantan benefits from an excellent and highly accessible address at 21 N Station Plaza, Great Neck, NY 11021, USA. Its position on North Station Plaza places it directly adjacent to the Great Neck Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) station.

This location is a significant advantage for commuters and New York City residents, as it provides a convenient, high-quality dining option immediately upon arrival or just before departure from Great Neck. For those driving, the restaurant is situated near several public parking options managed by the Great Neck Park District and the Village of Great Neck Plaza. The surrounding area features:

• Commuter parking fields with daily fees.
• Short-term metered parking spaces (typically a two-hour maximum).
• Designated handicapped parking spots available in the municipal lots and garages.

While a busy area, the concentration of parking facilities near the train station ensures that finding a spot, whether metered or permit-based outside of peak hours, is manageable for patrons of The Dantan.

The Dantan prioritizes the complete experience of seated dining, focusing its limited service options on delivering exceptional in-house hospitality.

• Dine-in: The core and exclusive service option provided, ensuring that all resources are dedicated to creating a stellar on-site dining experience.
• Exceptional Wine List: Offers a strong, extensive wine list with a particular focus on Italian selections.
• Personalized Wine Recommendations: Staff are highly knowledgeable, often providing custom wine pairings based on customer preferences.
• Full Bar Service: Customers can enjoy a variety of beverages, including classic cocktails like the Negroni.
• Desserts: Traditional Italian desserts, such as Tiramisu, are available to complete the meal.

Note that this establishment's focus on intimate, in-house dining means that options like takeout or delivery are generally not prioritized, ensuring the quality of the dine-in experience is not compromised.

The Dantan distinguishes itself through a number of compelling features that elevate it beyond a standard local eatery, making it a notable cultural and culinary spot on Long Island.

• Highly-Rated Intimate Ambiance: Consistently praised for its small, cozy, and romantic setting, perfect for dates or intimate gatherings.
• Authentic Italian Cuisine: Dedicated to traditional recipes with a focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients, particularly noted for their exceptional, house-made pasta dishes.
• Expert Wine Program: Features an impressive selection of Italian wines and a staff with "off the hook" wine knowledge, providing personalized pairing advice.
• Prime Commuter Location: Located right next to the Great Neck LIRR station, offering unparalleled convenience for both local and inbound New Yorkers.
• Live Jazz Music: Enhances the romantic and sophisticated atmosphere on select nights, adding to the overall dining entertainment.
• Commitment to Quality Dining: By focusing solely on a high-quality dine-in experience, the restaurant ensures maximum attention to detail in presentation, service, and atmosphere.

For inquiries, reservations, or to learn more about The Dantan’s current offerings, please use the following contact details. Due to its intimate size and popularity, booking ahead is highly recommended for securing a table, especially on weekends.

Address: 21 N Station Plaza, Great Neck, NY 11021, USA
Phone: (516) 464-0303

The Dantan is worth choosing for New Yorkers who are looking for a dining experience that feels transportive, offering a sophisticated escape from the typical hustle. It is the perfect choice when the goal is not just to eat, but to enjoy an evening out where food, wine, and atmosphere converge into a memorable event.

The value lies in the combination of its expert cuisine and its unique, charming environment. The dedication to authentic Italian cooking, highlighted by specialty dishes like the Lamb Ragù Mafalde and the traditional Rigatoni Alla Carbonara, ensures a deeply satisfying meal. The high praise for the knowledgeable and friendly staff, along with the sophisticated wine service, means patrons can expect service that is attentive and personalized. For anyone needing a "lovely neighborhood date spot" with "great vibes" and a strong wine list, The Dantan perfectly fits the bill. The convenience of its location right off the LIRR makes it an easy meeting point for residents across Long Island and those traveling from Manhattan. Ultimately, The Dantan is an excellent investment for a romantic, cozy, and delicious Italian fine-dining experience on Long Island.

The Dantan

21 N Station Plaza, Great Neck, NY 11021, USA