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Armondo's Italian Restaurant
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Armondo's Italian Restaurant
8.4
Vibes:
Date Night Magic
Birthday & Celebration Central
Group Dining Gatherings
Comfort Food Classics
Family-owned since September 1972, this Northern Italian stalwart has served Jackson Heights for over 52 years with classic veal, chicken, and pasta preparations paired with an extensive wine selection. Hosts Jerry and Patty Crisci treat guests like family in the elegant, old-school dining room.
Must-Try Dishes:
Veal Scaloppine, Chicken Francese, Homemade Lasagna
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 8
Cultural Relevance: 9.2
What makes it special: 52 years of family tradition with second-generation hospitality and Northern Italian classics
Who should go: Traditional Italian food lovers, anniversary celebrations, visiting family
When to visit: Weekend dinner for the full experience, closed Tuesdays
What to order: Veal piccata, chicken Milanese, any fresh pasta with wine pairing
Insider tip: The staff including Miguel and Fidel provide old-school tableside service
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Northern Blvd; convenient to 7 train at 74th St and LIRR one block away
Dress code: Dressy casual - the upscale old-school ambiance calls for neat attire, no shorts
Noise level: Moderate - intimate enough for date conversation, coat check service adds to elegant feel
Weekend wait: 20-30 min without reservation on busy nights; owner offers complimentary wine during waits
Weekday lunch: No wait typically; walk-ins welcomed during off-peak hours
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - limited but solid options including eggplant parmigiana and ravioli specials
Vegan options: Very limited - pasta with marinara or salads; call ahead for accommodations
Gluten-free options: Not a specialty - chef accommodates special requests, notify server when ordering
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent choice. The romantic old-school setting with white tablecloths, coat check service, and attentive staff creates the right impression. Complimentary bruschetta and bread start things off right. OpenTable marks it 'romantic' for good reason.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekdays: yes, usually seated immediately. Weekends/holidays: call (718) 898-0113 to reserve - they're not on OpenTable. If there's a wait, owners Jerry and Patty often provide complimentary wine while you wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes - kids menu available with familiar Italian dishes. The elegant setting works better for well-behaved children comfortable with tablecloth dining. Wheelchair accessible for strollers.
Best For
Better for: 52 years of old-school Italian tradition with genuine family hospitality - Jerry and Patty know regulars by name. The extensive wine list and classic Northern Italian preparations (veal piccata, chicken Milanese) outshine newer spots
Skip if: You want trendy fusion or need extensive vegan/gluten-free options - try the more modern Uncle Peter's nearby for broader dietary accommodations and Latin-Italian fusion instead
Armondo's Italian Restaurant
8.3
A longstanding neighborhood Italian spot serving rich lasagna bolognese alongside elegant pastas and classic mains in a warm, slightly upscale room. Steady quality and attentive service make it a go‑to for small celebrations and relaxed dinners.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lasagna Bolognese, Linguine with White Clam Sauce, Tiramisu
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 8
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Tradition‑driven Italian pastas with homey touches
Who should go: Couples and small groups seeking classic Italian
When to visit: Dinner service or weekend evenings
What to order: Lasagna Bolognese, Linguine Clams, Tiramisu
Insider tip: Reserve ahead for weekend tables — it’s popular locally
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is available, but can be difficult to find on weekends. Consider arriving early or using nearby paid parking options.
Dress code: Smart casual - jeans are fine, but lean towards a dressier look for a more elegant experience.
Noise level: Moderate - ideal for conversation, but can get lively during weekend dinners.
Weekend wait: Expect a wait of 45-60 minutes without a reservation, especially on Friday and Saturday evenings.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait during weekday lunches, making it a great spot for a more relaxed meal.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - several vegetarian pasta options and sides are available, including a vegetable lasagna.
Vegan options: Limited - a few vegan-friendly options like vegetable-based pasta dishes, but not a dedicated vegan menu.
Gluten-free options: Yes - gluten-free pasta is available, and staff is trained to handle dietary needs with care.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, the warm ambiance and elegant yet cozy setting make it ideal for a first date. The intimate atmosphere and quality food provide a great backdrop for conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? It's possible, but highly recommended to make a reservation, especially on weekends when the restaurant fills up quickly. Walk-ins are welcome, but you may face a wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes, it is kid-friendly, with options that appeal to younger diners. While the restaurant is more intimate and suited for adults, kids will enjoy pasta and classic Italian fare.
Best For
Better for: Armondo's is better for an upscale yet relaxed Italian dinner with attentive service. It stands out for its focus on traditional Italian pasta dishes, particularly the lasagna bolognese.
Skip if: If you're looking for a more casual, fast-paced dining experience or a more modern twist on Italian cuisine, other options might be a better fit.
Armondo's Italian Restaurant
8.3
A long-running Jackson Heights Italian spot built around classic preparations and a cozy, candlelit energy that suits a low-key date night. The menu stays comfortably traditional—think shellfish starters and hearty pastas—backed by a wine-forward, linger-a-bit atmosphere.
Must-Try Dishes:
Baked clams, Pappardelle, Seafood risotto with lobster tail
Scores:
Value: 7.4
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 8.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Classic Italian comfort in a cozy, wine-friendly setting.
Who should go: Couples who like traditional Italian
When to visit: Dinner, especially Friday or Saturday
What to order: Baked clams, pappardelle, seafood risotto
Insider tip: Ask for the nightly specials before choosing pasta.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; metered spots nearby but can be tight after 6pm—allow extra time or consider a short walk from Roosevelt Ave.
Dress code: Smart casual to dressy casual—jeans are fine, but most guests lean polished for dinner.
Noise level: Low to moderate—generally easy to hold a conversation, especially mid-evening.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation during peak hours
Weekday lunch: No wait typically
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several pasta dishes and vegetable sides can be ordered vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited—some pasta or vegetable plates can be modified on request.
Gluten-free options: Limited—gluten-free pasta may be available, but cross-contamination is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—its cozy lighting, unhurried pacing, and classic menu make it comfortable and romantic without feeling flashy or overwhelming.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes—early dinners or later evenings work best, but reservations are recommended on Fridays and Saturdays.
Is it kid-friendly? Somewhat—kids are welcome, but the atmosphere skews adult and romantic, making it better for older children rather than young kids.
Best For
Better for: Intimate date nights, traditional Italian recipes, and a relaxed, wine-forward dinner experience.
Skip if: You want a modern Italian menu, a lively bar scene, or quick, casual service.