Best Birthday & Celebration Central Italian Restaurants in Forest Hills
3 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
Dee's
Big-neighborhood Italian with pizza-plus range and strong repeat-visit reliability.
Notable Picks
#1
Dee's
8.6
A lively Forest Hills staple that straddles Italian comfort and neighborhood-occasion dining, with a deep menu that goes beyond pizza. The move is to treat it like a full dinner spot—pastas and Italian mains hold their own, and the room is built for groups who want a polished but not fussy night.
Must-Try Dishes:
Forest Hills Pizza, Chicken Milanese, Truffle Delight
What makes it special: Big-neighborhood Italian with pizza-plus range and strong repeat-visit reliability.
8.5
Vibes:
Date Night Magic
Birthday & Celebration Central
Family Friendly Favorites
Group Dining Gatherings
Old-school Italian in the best way—white-tablecloth comfort, generous hospitality, and a menu that leans into familiar favorites done with care. It’s the kind of place locals use for milestones, with a steady hand on pastas, seafood, and rich starters.
Must-Try Dishes:
Butternut Squash Ravioli, Burrata Mozzarella, Calamari
What makes it special: Classic Forest Hills Italian with an institution feel and a comfort-forward menu.
#3
Il Poeta
8.4
A polished, special-occasion Italian that leans classic—seafood, pastas, and well-executed antipasti—served in a dining room built for lingering. It’s strongest when you go the traditional route: start with a serious appetizer, pick a signature pasta or fish, and finish with an Italian dessert.
Must-Try Dishes:
Grilled Octopus, Polenta, Panna Cotta
What makes it special: Classic Italian with a more formal, occasion-ready finish than most nearby.