Il Toscano

What happened to this place?
The food was awful. Stale bread, tasteless Ceasar salad (the worst I have ever had), over-​cooked gooey pasta, and a lobster special that was served in a buttery glob of breading.
The service was no better. The restaurant did not honor our reservation for almost a hour past it’s time (you may have more luck with this if you are a regular as the maitre’d did seem to be sitting them more quickly). And the tables are so closely packed together it’s hard to know which conversation you should be listening too.
Not trying this one again.

This is one of the best restaurants in Queens. Every ingredient used is fresh and every dish is perfectly prepared. The service is excellent as well.
Often, we start out with one of the many great salads or the mussels. The calamari is also quite good. On the special Sunday prix fixe menu I almost always order the veal meatballs which are a wonderful appetizer. The romaine, cucumber, and cherry tomato salad is also quite special especially for something so basic and simple. Our favorite entrée is the lobster over spinach or linguine. It is exploding with flavor, from the fresh lobster meat to the garlic, white wine, butter, and small pieces of spicy red pepper. The chicken piccata over lemon risotto is also delicious. They use the most tender chicken breast that bursts with flavor. Off of the regular menu I like their duck, but I prefer the fruit sauces to the honey and peanut preparation which is for me, a little too sweet. They often do special duck preparations on holidays with the fruit sauces or froie gras that are spectacular. Another favorite here is the rack of lamb or lamb chops.
On several occasions we have had venison as a special and it was extraordinary. The broccoli rabe with artichokes in olive oil and garlic is excellent either as an appetizer or a side dish. Nonna’s lasagna is the best lasagna I’ve ever had. Rich and succulent and just exploding with flavor. Raviolis are always changing and always good.
Desserts here will blow you away. I love the fruit streudels and the cobblers which they will top off with their homemade ice cream, a vanilla with dark chocolate chips and sun-​dried cherries. Everybody loves their light and tasty napoleon as there simply is none better. You cannot go wrong with the chilled berries with zabiogne. Enjoy! Prices of appetizers run between $ 12.00 and $ 25.00 except for the foie gras which is more. Main dishes run between $ 23.00 and $ 55.00 for a full order of the lobster, a smaller version but quite enough on Sundays is included in the $ 38.75 3 course prix fixe supper.

You know you are in trouble when you order a ribeye steak and waitress doesn’t ask you how you’d like it cooked. Luiguine with clams was bland, lasagna had mash potatoes in it. Table was loose and rocking and service was non existing. First time, last time.

Great experience and DELICIOUS food even though it’s not inexpensive, to say the least. Went with a party of 11 on a Saturday night and had a huge table in the back. The service was great and the food was exceptionally good. Duck meatballs and the mussels were both so delicious. I’d definitely go back here.

I have been here many times in the past, but tonight was the worst experience i had at the restaurant. Arrived at 7 PM. Did not get the first course salad until 35 minutes later. The place was crowded and they we having a party upstairs. We were three people and we each ordered a pasta dish for our main course. After waiting 40 minutes I complained to the waiter. He assured us it was coming within 5 minutes. After another 15 minutes I spoke to the owner and after another 15 minutes it finally arrived with the excuse that there was a big party going on and we ordered specialty pasta dishes (which we didnt) My wife is allergic to cooked peppers and told the waiter to make sure that there were no cooked peppers in her capellini prima vera. The dish came with peppers. We returned it and another dish with hardly any vegetables arrived instead. When the owner came t o us and asked if everything is ok and I mentioned again the long wait his answer was «get over it». I was shocked. Needless to say we will never return to this restaurant again. I dont know what happened

The food was good, the waiters seemed to be on Speed, they couldn’t have rushed us any faster. after the meal the owner approached us and asked us to please leave the table that he would seat us upstairs out of the way.

Best known for it’s Lobster, Lasagna and Napoleon Il Toscano, unlike most restaurants, leaves everything at the table. Celebrating 25 yrs in Business this Northern Italian/​Mediterranean influenced menu is a force to be reckoned with. Chef John Binder presents daily specials which include fresh pastas like ravioli/​gnocchi or cavatelli, foie gras, with meat and daily catch as well. Friendly service coupled with superior Ownership by the father/​son duo of Mauro and Alex Privilegi has put this place on the Map for decades to come. Conveniently located just steps from the Douglaston, Queens LIRR train stop with parking available should you decide to drive. Reservations recommended as any given Friday or Saturday you can expect the place to be packed.

Special Occasion Only– Won Lottery — Anniversary — Divorce —
Top Lobster –On Earth —
After living in Bayside, NY for 40+ years, I still schlep from NJ.
No budget — Go Crazy -$ 100 — $ 250 — depends on drinks.
Lobster special in the shell. (Wear short slvs so you can lick your elbows.)
1^st they scampi, then bake in the oven — $ 45 for 2 — 1 ¼ lbs
I like to split 1 order so it stays hot.
Everything is excellent —
You will love the lobster and 1^st time should get —
1 order for appe — split
1 order for main — split…
Salads — great
Desserts — delich
Enjoy