La Terrazza — Restaurant in Town of Clarkstown

On Saturday, August 24th, we had my mother’s memorial service at Higgins Funeral Home in New City, NY, from 3 PM to 7 PM. As recommended by the funeral director, we scheduled the repast dinner at La Terrazza, conveniently located next door. The dinner was set to begin at 7:15 PM.

Upon arrival, it was immediately apparent that the two banquet rooms were still occupied. The staff was in the process of vacating one of them. When we inquired about our reserved room, we were assured it would be ready "in a few minutes." Unfortunately, those few minutes turned into a frustrating 45-minute wait after we had just spent over four hours at the funeral home.

The wait was chaotic. Staff members frantically cleaned and prepped the room, and at one point, a restaurant employee physically shoved me out of the way as I stood in the entrance hallway. Throughout this ordeal, not one person offered us an estimated wait time, a complimentary drink, or even an acknowledgment of the inconvenience. Instead, we opened a tab at the bar and began purchasing drinks for our guests, turning our inconvenience into a financial benefit for the restaurant.

The most disheartening aspect of this experience was losing several elderly guests, including my mother’s only sister and several out-of-town attendees, who had to leave due to the extended wait.

When we finally sat down, the food and drink service commenced professionally, and the wait staff was kind. However, by the end of the night, we paid the agreed-upon bill and tip with no apology or acknowledgment of the delay. When I voiced my complaint, the lady in charge, “Jeanie or Ginny,” curtly responded with, “We gave you complimentary calamari.” This was particularly insulting, as the complimentary calamari had been promised when we arranged the dinner over the phone. It felt as though they knew there would be a delay and offered the calamari in advance as a preemptive gesture.

Overall, the food was mediocre, and the service was just okay. What left a lasting impression, however, was the poor time management, lack of proper customer service, and the dismissive attitude of the management. It’s a shame that an establishment like this would treat guests coming from a memorial service so poorly. Despite informing the funeral director of this experience nearly a week ago, we have yet to hear back from either the restaurant or the funeral home.

I strongly recommend that you do not spend your money...

If you’re looking for an authentic Italian dining experience that feels like a warm embrace, look no further than La Terazza! From the moment you step through the door, you’re greeted by a welcoming atmosphere that instantly makes you feel at home. The charming decor, with touches of elegance and cozy ambiance, sets the perfect backdrop for a delightful meal.

The menu at La Terazza is a true celebration of Italian cuisine, offering a wide array of options that cater to every palate. Weather you’re in the mood for steak, seafood, a perfetly prepared poultry, or a glorius array of pastas, each dish is crafted with the finest ingredients and a passion for authentic flavors. The variety of appetizers, fresh salads, and delectable desserts ensures that there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

What truly sets La Terazza apart is the exceptional service. The staff is attentive, friendly, and genuinely passionate about providing a memorable dining experience. They are always ready to offer recommendations or accommodate special requests, making you feel like a valued guest rather than just another customer.

A special shoutout to the owners, who embodie the spirit of Italian hospitality. Their warm demeanor and personal touch make every visit feel special. You can sense their dedication to creating a welcoming environment where guests can relax, enjoy great food, and create lasting memories.

In a world where dining out can sometimes feel impersonal, La Terazza stands out as a gem that combines great food, exceptional service, and heartfelt hospitality. I can’t recommend it highly enough... whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just looking for a comforting meal, La Terazza is the place to be!...

As a Chef, Food Critic and a Writer, I, with authority, give to this restaurant a ZERO. This restaurant is not even closed to the Italian gastronomy. Its is ashamed that the ambiance of the restaurant, is attractive, but the food is terrible. My husband ordered Veal Saltimbocca in a brown sauce. What he got was: 3 thin layers of a tough veal topped with 3 layers of eggplants and a disgusted presentation of a bed of spinach , topped with hard boiled eggs and a terrible brown sauce. I don't know how they come up with this veal saltimbocca recipe. This is not Veal Saltimbocca. I ordered Grilled Salmon with a side order of the sauce of choice: cherry wine and balsamic vinegar with artichokes and peppers. This recipe damaged the subtle and fresh flavor of the salmon itself, because it was a too strong, and too much balsamic vinegar, which makes the sauce and the salmon very sour, furthermore, it was not on the grill and it was too extremally dry. I asked for Gluten free pasta and the waitress told us that it was an extra charge of $2. You shouldn't do that; it creates a bad impression for any restaurant to do that. The extra $ should be included in the price itself; your restaurant is not a pizzeria to do that. The marinara sauce is it not a exquisite homemade sauce . Its plain and simple from a concentrate...