Selita's Restaurant and Bar — Restaurant in Town of Hempstead

Selita’s is one of those places that you visit once and immediately start planning your next trip back. It’s not just a restaurant. It’s an experience that combines incredible food, welcoming vibes, and people who truly care about what they do.

The food is absolutely outstanding. Every dish I’ve tried has been full of flavor and clearly made with high-quality ingredients. The clams are unforgettable. Perfectly cooked, seasoned beautifully, and always fresh. They’re one of my go-to dishes and a great example of the attention to detail the kitchen brings. I also really appreciate that Selita’s offers a full vegan menu. It’s not an afterthought like it can be at other places. The vegan options here are thoughtful, creative, and seriously delicious. The tofu crab cakes are a personal favorite and such a great option whether you’re vegan or just looking for something different.

What truly makes Selita’s stand out though is the people. The owners have built a space that feels warm, inclusive, and full of character. The staff is friendly, attentive, and always seems genuinely happy to be there. That good energy spills over to the guests and creates a relaxed, fun atmosphere that makes you want to settle in and stay a while.

Deanna, who runs the bar, deserves her own spotlight. She’s more than just the woman behind the drinks. She brings so much personality and warmth to the space. Her energy sets the tone for the whole restaurant. She remembers names, makes everyone feel welcome, and always brings great conversation and even better cocktails. Her espresso martinis and margaritas are unmatched. She mixes them with the perfect balance of flavor and flair. I keep coming back not just for the drinks, but for her genuine hospitality and that amazing smile.

Selita’s is the total package. Delicious food, amazing drinks, an inviting atmosphere, and a team that treats you like family. Whether you’re heading in for a full dinner, drinks at the bar, or just passing through town, it’s a place that leaves a lasting impression. Highly recommend to anyone who values great food and even...

What an experience! This was the first time my husband and I walked into this beautiful little hidden gem. We were immediately greeted by the owner and seated. I stared off by ordering the passionata off the cocktail menu. What a burst of flavor! In fact, I loved it so much that I got a second one! For an appetizer we got the carpaccio. SO FRESH. Deliciously flavorful with a beautiful garlic aioli and a soft bread. My husband got the short rib and I ordered the oxtail ragu. I was blown away by the tenderness of both the short rib and the oxtail but also, the risotto in my husband’s dish was so creamy and unlike any risotto I’ve ever tased in my life. It was out of this world. Now this leads me to the highlight of the night! The pistachio ricotta cake was the fluffiest slice of heaven. Elegantly decorated and a calming rustic design, you can’t go wrong with this unique Italian restaurant. We will absolutely be back and...

This restaurant is incredible! There’s a whole separate vegan menu, which the waitress noted includes a few items not listed as well (vegan sausage, tofu, tempeh). The food was absolutely delicious.

Even the complimentary bread had vegan butter on the side, along with bruschetta and olives. The vegan calamari is some of the best my fiance and I ever tasted (compared to restaurants in the city), while the entrees were equally impressive. The portions were large and filling, with each of us taking half of our entrees home for leftovers.

We came around 4:30 on a Saturday. The restaurant was surprisingly empty. More people should go here, it’s great! The staff was friendly and attentive as well. We’ll...