Queens Tribune

137-65 Queens Blvd., Briarwood
(718) 291-1620
Hours: 11 a.m. -11 p.m., Sun-
Thur; 11 a.m. to midnight Fri & Sat
Parking: Street
Credit Cards: All major
Takeout: Yes

Alba’s Pizzeria and Restaurant in Briarwood offers customers two totally separate dining experiences. If you’re in the mood for a slice, hero or calzone, simply head to the front counter for fresh and flavorful on-the-go fare. If, on the other hand, you’re seeking a more leisurely meal, walk past the pizzeria counter and you’ll enter the serene back dining room.

Since you’re sitting down, why not start off with the antipasto plate, which includes asparagus topped with parmesan cheese, roasted red peppers, baked clams, fried calamari, thinly sliced Portobello mushrooms and fresh mozzarella sprinkled with balsamic vinegar.

Asparagus and Portobello mushrooms are hard to avoid at Alba’s. The most popular linguini dish is served in a white garlic sauce and tossed with asparagus, Portobellos, tomato, shrimp and scallops. The pasta is al dente and the scallops aren’t tough or fishy.

Alba’s opened in 1980, but moved to its current location at 137-65 Queens Blvd. in 1998. Jack, the owner, was born in Sicily and has been working in the culinary profession for 45 years.

Colombia-born head waiter Jesus, who has cooked extensively in Manhattan’s Little Italy, recommends the Seafood Combination over pasta, which includes shrimp, clams and mussels in marinara sauce. Also popular are the New York Shell Steak and Veal Chop, each served with salad, potatoes and vegetables. Another favorite is Scallops a la Romana. The scallops are sautéed in garlic, cream and butter with a touch of tomato sauce, and then served with a choice of spaghetti, ziti or salad.

Dessert items such as tiramisu, cannoli, cheese cake and Italian ices are authentic and purchased from the bakery next door, also owned by Jack.

Jack pushes to maintain an Italian flavor in all aspects of the restaurant. He prefers to serve wine from Italy whereas Jesus proudly pours from Californian and Australian bottles. (Look for Robert Mondavi, Belvedere and Lindeman wines.)

“This is first class for Briarwood,” Jesus said. Tables are covered in linen with bottles of Pellegrino as the center pieces. Opera (mostly Italian according to Jack) plays overhead and the linoleum floors are sparkling clean. There’s penne a la vodka for kids and a full bar for adults. Jesus keeps the alcohol flowing, concocting his own special margaritas and martinis with names like “Paradise” and “Fantasy.”

At Alba’s Pizzeria and Restaurant, there’s not only something for everyone, but something from everyone.