Joanina — Restaurant in Town of Huntington

UPDATE: I'm not sure what happened, but I have to change my review from the original. This time around the atmosphere was different. The staff was kind and attentive, but my dish left something to be desired. I had the orrechiette with sausage and broccoli rabe. It looked and smelled delicious, but the pasta was undercooked (I know al dente and this was not al dente). The menu seemed to have changed a bit I assume for the summer, but the cozy environment I went to the first time also seemed to change.

I tried the Strega Cheesecake and although the premise was that it had Strega liquore I did not see much a difference from a regular cheesecake with lemon zest (the main thing that I tasted).

I'm not one to complain (my dinner date did enjoy his chicken with sausage, potatoes and peppers, I think that's what it was). I just was looking forward to the quality and atmosphere I saw a few months back. But that was not what I had this time around.

The mini garlic knots are still delicious though and I could eat a whole basket of them (thankfully my companion did not care for them and I got to eat all three!)

ORIGINAL REVIEW - I live near by and had never tried Joanna, but I was craving some pasta. A coworker recommended I try it and when I looked at the menu they had one of my favorite dishes. Butternut squash filled ravioli with sage butter sauce. I ordered to go and not only was it incredibly delicious, but the staff was so kind and the atmosphere so appealing..I will definitely be back and next time stay. Looks like a nice menu to try various other dishes as well as get to know the staff and enjoy...

We too heard what a great resturant this was. Atmosphere was very nice. Warm & Cozy. The bus boys and person serving water were very attentive. At first waittress was nice too but as the evening progressed not so much. We believe she didn't like the fact that we didn't order alcohol which would have doubled our bill and her tip. Oh well, sorry we don't drink...! This has happened before. The appitizer, Calamri was okay, not great. The salad was very good as was the Pork chop entree. The problem was the Shrimp and Sole entree, it was a "Special" and that is how she described it. It had 2 small shrimp on top of a large piece of sole, spinach & 2 small potaoes. The entire plate was swimming in a lemon sauce that was so lemony I could not eat it. We did not say anything because like I said she was getting nastier and less attentive as the night went on. Dessert wasn't bad - Tiramisu. Not sure why we weren't offered the dessert the other table was offered, some type of ice cream. Coffee, just okay but the tea, a Earl Grey by Stash (trendy) was not good at all. They should stick with the classic Twinnings. Not sure if I will return. My husband said he would give it...

I would give Joanina a "5 star" rating but the seating is difficult. I've been seated at the same table (despite a request to sit elsewhere, so I'm guessing preferential treatment is given to regulars) several times and it's right next to a freeway between the kitchen and bar. This makes for a meal interrupted by waiters and patrons rushing by constantly. Parking is not very easy either, especially if the movie across the street is busy. The secret to overcoming the parking and seating issue is to get there early!

But, oh the food! And the decor is definitely akin to an Italian cantina. No matter what I've ordered, it was excellent. Even something as basic as lasagna was well executed and a notch above others. The insalata di mare (cold seafood salad) was big enough for two. The specials are always interesting and delicious. Even the espresso and cappuccino were heads' above the typical...