Luigi’s Family Italian Restaurant and Pizzeria
205-15 35th Avenue, Bayside

Phone: 423-5400

Cuisine: Italian

Credit: All major

Hours: Saturday to Thursday, 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday, 10:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Parking: Street

Delivery: Free at lunch and dinner, $9 minimum order

Every time I eat at Luigi’s Family Italian Restaurant and Pizzeria in Bayside, I feel like I’m spending a Sunday afternoon at my grandma’s house.

The food is authentic and delicious, the service is friendly and fast, the atmosphere is relaxed and casual, and the price is right – perfect for a quick bite or a complete dinner.

During my latest visit to the restaurant – which has the quaint charm of a typical New York pizzeria – owner Luigi Romano sat and chatted with my companion and I as we tried a variety of luscious Italian treats, from his specialty Marinara Pizza ($2.25 per slice), with spicy marinara sauce, fresh mozzarella cheese and a crispy thin crust, to delicious Panini sandwiches with grilled eggplant, grilled zucchini, roasted peppers, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, basil and goat cheese on homemade bread ($4.25). Both dishes were flavorful, delicious, and light, with a perfect blend of tastes.

Romano talked to a few other customers while he served us our next course, which included an Antispasto Salad ($9) with ham, cheese, salami, olives, roasted red peppers, green peppers, eggs tomatoes and lettuce and a hearty portion of Fried Calamari ($6). The salad was crisp, fresh, and tasty, with just the right amount of dressing. The calamari, which came with a zesty tomato dipping sauce, was the lightest I’ve ever had. It was cooked perfectly and didn’t leave a drop of oil on our fingers when we picked it up.

Next, Romano brought out a taste of his Penne Vodka ($11.75), which featured pasta al dente, a delicious, creamy sauce and sundried tomatoes for sweetness. Romano explained that the dish was one he introduced to the restaurant, and said, “My father kind of likes more traditional stuff. You know, spaghetti and meatballs . . . I use old family recipes, but Pasta Vodka is one I introduced.”

My companion and I then tasted a bite of Romano’s Chicken Marsala ($11.25,) which featured tender chicken smothered in a sweet, tangy and light Marsala wine sauce. Romano also gave us a meatball to taste and some garlic knots. The huge meatball was seasoned as well as grandma’s, and the garlic knots were not oily or overpowering.

To finish off the meal, Romano brought us some hot coffee and two of his famous Zepoles – or fried dough balls – with powdered sugar, which were tastier and less greasy than the local fair variety.

So if you’re looking for five star quality in a casual, relaxed atmosphere, drop by Luigi’s and say to Romano – and tell them the Tribune sent you.