IL CARAVAGGIO: 179-22 Union Tpke., Jamaica Estates; 969-0061

CUISINE: Northern Italian

PARKING: Free on side streets

OPEN: Closed Mondays. Open for lunch Tues.-Fri. from noon to 3 p.m. Dinner Tues.-Sat. from noon to 10 p.m. (11 p.m. Sat.) and Sun. from 2 to 9 p.m.

WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE: Yes

CATERING: Separate room for parties/meetings

CREDIT CARDS: All major cards

This recently opened restaurant is attracting the attention of diners with its subdued ambience and the brilliant paintings of the 16th century artist, Caravaggio. The menu features the specialties of the Lombard region of Italy, the home of owner Benevennuto Gigatti as well as the artist Caravaggio.

We enjoyed the new Complete Dinner Menu with its entrees ranging from $16.95 to $20.95 including a choice of Soup of the Day, Melon or a Salad plus dessert and coffee. We elected to have the excellent Mesclun Salad- a mixture of greens including decorative endive leaves accompanied by a sweet Balsamic Vinegar dressing on the side (the way we prefer it). We also could have opted for baked clams, mussels or possibly another appetizer.

The main dishes range from chicken, veal, calamari to pasta. Our choice was the Catch of the Day- Striped Bass ($20.95) in a wine sauce nicely served on an extra large plate and accompanied by four steamed mussels and a large clam. The side dish was garlic-enhanced peas and carrots. Our other entrée (a "half order" for less hungry patrons) was Lasagnetta Tradizionale Di Pasta Fresca ala Bolognese ($8) with meat sauce, Mozzarella, light cream sauce and Parmesan cheese. We also ordered a side order of asparagus ($5).

The made-on-the-premises desserts are included with the Complete Dinner Menu. We chose a large slice of an excellent, moist Carrot Cake. Or, you can opt for Tiri Mi Su Caravaggio or one of several sorbets. Another delightful tradition Benvenute has introduced to us is an after dinner taste of chilled Limonello, a liqueur to accompany our espresso. A pleasant finish to good dinning.