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Romeo's Italian Restaurant
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Romeo's Italian Restaurant
8.2
This woman-owned trattoria brings Tuscan and Neapolitan traditions to Jackson Heights with classic preparations including handmade pastas, osso buco, and fresh seafood. The restaurant regularly hosts live music and themed nights, creating a festive neighborhood gathering spot with outdoor seating.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken Parmigiana, Osso Buco with Risotto Saffron, Penne Vodka
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 7.8
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Live music nights and outdoor seating create a festive Italian neighborhood vibe
Who should go: Couples, groups seeking lively atmosphere, families with bigger tables
When to visit: Weekend evenings for live DJ and parties, weekday lunch for quieter dining
What to order: T-bone steak, lobster fra diavolo, eggplant rollatini
Insider tip: Book private events with prix fixe options from $35-$65 per person
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No dedicated parking; street parking on 37th Ave. Take 7/E/F/R to 74th St-Roosevelt Ave, one block walk
Dress code: Casual dress - Yelp marks it 'classy' but OpenTable confirms casual attire is fine
Noise level: Lively on weekends with DJ; reviewers suggest music can run loud - weekday lunch is quieter
Weekend wait: 20-30 min without reservation on DJ nights; call (718) 458-2174 to book
Weekday lunch: Seated quickly - $34.95 lunch special runs 1-3 PM daily
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - eggplant rollatini, caprese salad, margherita pizza, penne vodka, lentil soup, gnocchi pesto
Vegan options: Limited - salads and marinara pasta can be modified; call ahead to discuss options
Gluten-free options: Yes - gluten-free options available per OpenTable; notify server when ordering
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, excellent choice. Cozy atmosphere, outdoor seating option, and attentive service create romantic energy. For quieter conversation, book weekday evening and request outdoor table - avoid weekend DJ nights unless you want the festive vibe.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday lunch: yes, typically. Weekend dinner or DJ nights: risky - this is a popular celebration spot. Call (718) 458-2174 to reserve; not on OpenTable. Private events can book out the space.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes - families regularly celebrate birthdays here. Outdoor tables are bigger than typical for groups. No dedicated kids menu listed, but pastas and pizzas work well. For younger kids, aim for weekday lunch when it's calmer than weekend party nights.
Best For
Better for: Live music nights, outdoor dining, festive celebrations, and private events with DJ included. Woman-owned with prix fixe party packages ($35-$65/person) that nearby competitors don't match for the price.
Skip if: You want old-school quiet Italian ambiance - head to Armondo's for 52 years of tradition. Romeo's energy skews younger and livelier, especially on weekends with the DJ.
Romeo's Italian Restaurant
7.8
Neighborhood Italian with mixed reviews but a loyal base who appreciate its lasagna and traditional pasta offerings in a convivial setting. Portions are generous, though inconsistency has been noted, making it a solid but not standout choice.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lasagna, Lobster Pasta, Tiramisu
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.5
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 7.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.7
What makes it special: Generous portions of classic Italian staples
Who should go: Casual Italian diners
When to visit: Weekend lunch or dinner
What to order: Lasagna, Lobster Pasta, Tiramisu
Insider tip: Ask about daily pasta specials
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking available, though limited during peak hours. Paid parking lots nearby.
Dress code: Casual, jeans and a nice shirt are perfectly fine.
Noise level: Moderate - conversation is easy, but it can get louder during peak hours.
Weekend wait: 45-60 minutes without reservation, especially during busy times.
Weekday lunch: No wait typically, especially if you arrive early.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - several vegetarian pasta options and salads available.
Vegan options: Limited - a few vegan-friendly items on request, though not a dedicated menu.
Gluten-free options: Yes - gluten-free pasta options available, with care taken to avoid cross-contamination.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, it's a relaxed setting with classic Italian dishes, perfect for a comfortable first date. The casual vibe and hearty portions make it a safe, non-pretentious choice.
Can I get a table without a reservation? It’s possible, but it’s recommended to reserve ahead on weekends or during peak dinner hours to avoid long waits.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes, it's a family-friendly spot with ample space and kid-friendly menu options. The casual atmosphere makes it great for families with children.
Best For
Better for: Generous portions of classic comfort food in a relaxed setting, ideal for those looking for hearty Italian dishes without the frills.
Skip if: If you're looking for a more refined or upscale dining experience, consider other Italian spots in the area that offer more consistency and finesse.
Romeo's Italian Restaurant
7.7
A casual Italian dining room that can work for a relaxed date when you want a full menu—pastas, chicken and seafood mains, and familiar desserts—without formality. Best when you keep the order classic and share a dessert to round out the night.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lobster ravioli, Chicken francese, Tiramisu
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 7.6
Cultural Relevance: 7.4
What makes it special: A straightforward, sit-down Italian option right off Roosevelt Ave.
Who should go: Couples craving classic pasta and mains
When to visit: Early dinner for quieter seating
What to order: Lobster ravioli, chicken francese, tiramisu
Insider tip: Split an appetizer and save room for dessert—sweets land best here.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; can be challenging after 6pm along Roosevelt Ave. Budget extra time or consider a short walk from a side street.
Dress code: Smart casual. Jeans and nice tops are fine; no need for formal attire.
Noise level: Moderate. Generally easy to hold a conversation, though it can get livelier during peak dinner hours.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation during peak hours
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – several pasta dishes, salads, and classic Italian sides can be ordered vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited – some pastas and vegetable sides can be modified, but not a vegan-focused menu.
Gluten-free options: Limited – gluten-free options are not a core focus; cross-contamination is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, especially if you want something relaxed and familiar. It’s comfortable, not overly loud, and the classic menu avoids awkward ordering decisions.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes on weeknights or early dinners. On weekends, arriving before peak hours improves your chances significantly.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes. The menu includes approachable pasta and chicken dishes that work well for older kids, though the vibe still leans adult-friendly in the evening.
Best For
Better for: Couples who want a full Italian menu with familiar dishes in a low-pressure, sit-down setting.
Skip if: You’re looking for elevated Italian, a romantic destination vibe, or strong gluten-free accommodations.