If you’ve spent any time on Long Island, chances are you’ve heard the buzz about that old-school Italian place known for huge portions and Nonna-style red sauce.
It’s the kind of spot where the bread basket hits the table fast, the waiters know your name, and families have been coming for generations.
We’re talking decades of no-nonsense Italian comfort food that’s stayed true to its roots while the world around it changed.
And yes, it’s still run by the same family that opened it over 50 years ago.
So if you’re into big plates of pasta, feel-good nostalgia, and a restaurant where tradition means everything, you’re going to want to keep reading.
Where Is It?
Borrelli’s Restaurant is in East Meadow, right in the heart of Nassau County on Long Island, New York.
It’s about a 40-minute drive from Midtown Manhattan if traffic’s kind, and only 20 minutes from JFK Airport.
If you’re coming from Brooklyn, you can be twirling pasta in about 35 minutes, or roughly two hours from Montauk, making it easy to get to and worth the trip.
About
Walking into Borrelli’s Restaurant feels like stepping straight into a classic Italian family dinner… with about a hundred extra cousins.
It’s not trendy, and that’s the point, because it’s all about tradition, comfort, and memorable family meals.
Yep, this is your go-to if you’re craving the kind of red-sauce Italian that’s been perfected over generations.
We’re talking big bowls of pasta, gooey baked dishes, crisp pizzas straight from the oven, and sauces so good you’ll be asking for extra bread just to mop it up.
It’s the kind of restaurant where families gather for Sunday dinner, Little League teams celebrate their wins, and locals keep coming back for what they know and love.
What’s on the Menu
If you’re into hearty food, here are a few favorites that regulars can’t stop raving about:
- Baked Ziti: Layers of pasta, ricotta, mozzarella, and a rich tomato sauce, all baked until bubbly and golden.
- Chicken Parmigiana: A classic done right with a crispy chicken cutlet smothered in vodka sauce and mozzarella.
- Pizza: Perfectly crisp and topped with just the right amount of cheese and sauce.
- Stuffed Rigatoni alla Vodka: Creamy, dreamy, and seriously addictive.
- Fra Diavolo: Generous with shrimp and finished with a splash of white wine.
What to Expect When You Walk In
It’s casual, cozy, and full of life, with a large dining room featuring wooden tables and chairs, plus a bar area with TVs if you want to catch the game.
As you look around, you’ll probably see lots of locals and maybe even a few people who’ve been coming here since the 1950s.
And tying it all together, the friendly, fast service makes everyone feel like a regular from day one and ensures you leave full and happy.
History
Borrelli’s isn’t just another Italian restaurant on Long Island; it’s a true family-run original that’s been serving the East Meadow community since 1955.
That legacy began when brothers Al, Phil, and Frank Borrelli opened the doors to bring the comfort food of their Italian roots to Long Island.
And that’s exactly what they did, with the tradition continuing when Frank’s son, Frank Borrelli Jr., took over and kept it going strong.
He didn’t mess with what worked, keeping the same family recipes, generous portions, and warm welcome at the door.
That consistency paid off in 2020, amid the COVID shutdowns, as Borrelli’s received love from the community and support through Dave Portnoy’s Barstool Fund.
The boost helped keep the place open, and Portnoy’s thumbs-up on their pizza brought even more attention their way.
And today, Borrelli’s is still going strong.
That’s why kids who grew up eating here later brought their own kids, making it the go-to spot for everything from celebrations to first dates and post-game dinners.
Know Before You Go
Hours and When to Go
Borrelli’s Restaurant is open six days a week, which means your pasta cravings are never out of reach.
Here are the opening hours according to their website:
- Tuesday to Thursday: 11:00 AM to 10:30 PM
- Friday & Saturday: 11:00 AM to 11:30 PM
- Sunday: 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Weeknights are usually pretty chill, especially early in the evening.
Friday and Saturday nights can get busy, so if you’re planning a group dinner or want to avoid a wait, it’s smart to call ahead or go a bit earlier.
Sundays are big for family dinners, so expect a lively crowd and lots of trays of baked ziti heading to the tables.
Prices and Portions
The prices here are super reasonable, especially considering how much food you get.
Most pasta dishes range from $23 to $31, while pizzas start around $13 for a personal pie and go up depending on size and toppings.
Appetizers like fried calamari and baked clams typically range from $13 to $24.
Reservations
You can make a reservation, especially if you’ve got a big group or want to avoid waiting during peak hours.
Catering trays are available too, and they’re super popular for birthdays, graduations, and backyard parties.
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