Uncle Peter's
ZipPicks Awards
Best Italian in Jackson Heights
Best Lasagna in Jackson Heights
Best Restaurants With Private Dining Rooms in Jackson Heights
Best Date Night Italian in Jackson Heights
Master Critic Review
Uncle Peter's
8.7
This 2001-opened Jackson Heights institution delivers Italian classics with Argentine and Spanish influences, earning its TripAdvisor #1 ranking through impeccable seafood preparations, housemade pastas, and gaucho-style steaks. The warm, white-tableclothed dining room has become the neighborhood's go-to for celebrations and special occasions.
Must-Try Dishes:
Seafood Salad alla Venezia, Scaloppine Marsala, Gaucho-Style Ribeye with Chimichurri
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.8
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 8.5
Cultural Relevance: 9
What makes it special: Italian-Argentine fusion with owner Ernesto's personal Malbec grappa and Latin jazz ambiance
Who should go: Couples, families celebrating milestones, seafood enthusiasts
When to visit: Weekend dinner reservations recommended for special occasions
What to order: Bronzino, rigatoni with braised beef, strawberry panna cotta
Insider tip: Ask about the chef's daily specials and the owner's wine recommendations
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Northern Blvd (challenging after 6pm), valet available on weekends
Dress code: Smart casual - dressy jeans acceptable, most guests lean elegant for dinner
Noise level: Moderate - intimate enough for date conversation, rises on busy Saturday nights
Weekend wait: 30-45 min without reservation; tables turn quickly so arrive early
Weekday lunch: Typically seated immediately
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - salads, risottos, pasta dishes (mushroom risotto, fettuccine alfredo noted as favorites)
Vegan options: Limited - can modify salads and pasta dishes; ask server for current options
Gluten-free options: Yes - gluten-free options available per TripAdvisor; notify server when ordering
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent choice. White tablecloths, Latin jazz ambiance, moderate noise level, and romantic lighting create the perfect intimate setting. Tables are close together so skip if you need privacy for serious talks.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday lunch: yes, easily. Weekend dinner: risky - Saturday nights pack out with wait times of 30+ minutes. Call (718) 651-8600 to reserve; not on OpenTable. Worth the advance planning.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes - Yelp marks it 'good for kids' and families frequent for celebrations. Pasta and chicken dishes work well for younger diners. The white-tablecloth setting means it's better for well-behaved kids at dinner.
Best For
Better for: Special occasion seafood (bronzino, whole fish), Italian-Argentine fusion flavors you won't find at standard Italian spots, and neighborhood regulars who value personal service from owner Ernesto
Skip if: You want quick-turnover casual dining, need lots of vegan options, or prefer quieter tables with more spacing - try Park Side in Corona for more spacious classic Italian instead