Lanni's Cucina Verace — Restaurant in Town of Orangetown

If you're a fan of Billy Joel's hit song "My Favorite Restaurant" and have been dreaming of finding that magical place, look no further than the enchanting Italian gem that has captured the essence of Billy Joel's lyrics and transformed it into reality. This magnificent establishment, whose name remains a closely guarded secret, is a testament to everything one could hope for in a dining experience.

From the moment you step through the door, you're instantly transported to a realm of culinary bliss. The warm, inviting ambiance envelops you, as if the walls themselves are whispering tales of gastronomic delights. The décor exudes romantic elegance with soft lighting that creates an intimate setting. It's as if you've stumbled upon a hidden gem in the heart of Italy, carefully preserved and waiting to be discovered.

The menu is a true homage to the rich culinary heritage of Italy. Each dish is a work of art, meticulously crafted with the finest ingredients and a passion for perfection. From the first bite, it becomes evident that the chefs here have mastered the art of Italian cuisine. The flavors dance on your palate, taking you on a captivating journey through the diverse regions of Italy.

Start your culinary adventure with the heavenly stuff artichoke bursting with many flavors and the rigatoni with fresh tomatoes and basil drizzled with guananciale is a must have.

The wine selection is a testament to the restaurant's commitment to excellence. Chef Vitoria is a true connoisseur, guiding you through a carefully curated collection of Italian wines that perfectly complement each dish. Whether you prefer a velvety red from Tuscany or a crisp white from Friuli-Venezia Giulia, the wine list is a treasure trove waiting to be explored.

Each patron Is greeted with a warm smile from partner and wife Kim. The attentive and knowledgeable staff further enhance the dining experience. Their passion for Italian cuisine is infectious, and they are more than willing to share their recommendations and insights. Their warm smiles and genuine hospitality make you feel like an honored guest, adding a personal touch that sets this restaurant apart.

As you savor the last spoonful of the delectable tiramisu, you can't help but reflect on the magical experience that unfolded. Billy Joel's lyrics come alive in this Italian haven, and you find yourself humming along to the melodies of nostalgia and joy. This restaurant is a testament to the power of food to create lasting memories, and it has firmly established itself as a favorite among locals and visitors alike.

In conclusion, if you're seeking a dining experience that transcends the ordinary and transports you to a place where culinary dreams come true, make your way to this hidden gem inspired by Billy Joel's timeless hit. With its extraordinary food, cozy ambiance, and a touch of musical enchantment, it is bound to become your favorite...

My review can best be summarized as "Unimpressive + Grossly Overpriced = Avoid". Not worth it. I joined 4 companions here on a Saturday night. The maitre d' (not the waiter) appeared at our table. He ran through the specials which all had lobster. (Uh oh, the first red flag.) The maitre d' then pushed hard on ordering an "Amarone" not on the wine list. (Uh oh, a second red flag.) Then the maitre d' wanted to take orders right then. (Uh oh. The third red flag.) I now knew there was a "con job” at play. We ordered three appetizers and five entrees. He again pushed the Amarone though that varietal didn't pair well with some dishes. A companion relented on the Amarone. Seafood appetizers (clams casino and grilled sardines) were tasteless (old). "Spaghetti pie" was odd and tasteless (just wasted calories). Lobster ravioli was one large generic ravioli smothered in butter that had 3-4 teaspoon sized pieces of lobster on them. The Amarone was brought to the table by the maitre d'. It was a 2020. (Amarones should be aged 6-7 years at a minimum to be served.) When a companion said, "Shouldn’t it be a 2017 or 2018?", the maitre d' told him, "I will take it back to the kitchen, pull out my magic marker, and change the 20 to a 17." An extraordinary insult to a paying customer that was gratuitous and unprofessional. I wasn't paying for dinner, so I remained silent. Companions exchanged glances. Entrees were similarly problematic. The T-bones were medium rare as ordered (good). Tuna - a large steak – the menu said sushi grade - was well done with a small, faint pink center. (Poor.) The coniglio was not tender and riddled with the fine bones when it should have “fallen off the bone”. An unexceptional dish. The fettucine al cinghiale was odd (either pork tenderloin or shoulder, not wild boar). A mediocre dish. What was exceptional was this restaurant's bill: $945 pre-tax and tip. The Amarone was $150; it sells at retail for $37 (a 400%+ mark up). Otherwise stated, the price point is $237 per person. Very high end Italian restaurants on NYC's UES, e.g., Nico, run laps around this place x 10 with food and service and charge far less (a recent multi-course dinner for two at Nico was $365). Lanni's Cucina makes all the wrong moves. It is about generating maximum revenue out of its customers while delivering little value; therefore, a "con job"....

5th Visit: Best meal ever, had the Osso Buco, absolutely mouthwatering! Cooked to perfection, amazing flavor, fell off the bone, enormous portion! As always, great service, totally enjoyable dining experience! 4th Visit: 11/1/2023 - myself, 2 friends, celebrating a 35 year Company Anniversary....started with Midnight Pasta appetizer, light, and just perfect! I had Tomahawk Pork Chop, was amazing, again! Others had Swordfish Special and South African Lobster Tail, shared, both were AMAZING! Paired with a great bottle of wine...Tiramisu for 3 for dessert with Cappuccino! Delicious and again, perfect given the very generous main course portions. Service was spectacular, as usual, lead by Fernando, reinsured by Katie and several others, including Vittorio himself! Fantastic, enjoyable and very memorable evening! HIGHLY RECOMMEND! 3rd Visit: So Good, had eggplant appetizer, with the bread and sauce, spectacular. Main Course Veal Parmagian, was delicious, the size of a tennis racquet, had to take to go (shank included)! Cannoli and cappuccino for dessert, best I've ever had, covered with pistachios. Great, fun atmosphere, service is incredible, great waiter with all hands on deck to support! Highly recommend, just save a seat for my next visit please!!!) 2nd Visit: Everything was exceptional! Appetizers, Main Course and dessert was Great! Mozzarella was awesome, eggplant was so delicious too! I had the King Salmon main course, best I've ever had! Cannoli with cappachino a perfect finish! Cannoli was like no other, fresh as can be! Custard and cherries was mouthwatering! Save room for dessert for sure! Staff was phenomenal and professionally attentive, all there to assure a great experience. Fernando was our waiter, kind, professional, and really made our time at Lanni's a great experience! Planning #3! 1st Visit: Top notch dining experience! Food was spectacular! Eggplant appetizer, delicious fresh mutz appetizer, stuffed pork chop main course....One better than the other! Sampled several desserts with the table, all amazing, tiramisu, gelato, chocolate cake, and the coffee! The best! Highly recommend Lanni's! The owners couldn't be nicer and more welcoming, all staff super friendly, professional and attentive! So much food I had to take some home for lunch the next day....best dinner and lunch...