Bites Nearby: Ciro's Italian Restaurant

Overview: Ciro’s Italian Restaurant, a longstanding culinary hot spot in Kings Park, opened the doors of its new Hauppauge establishment on the cusp of the Memorial Day weekend. Presentation and variety reign at this elegant eatery known for fine Italian cuisine made from the freshest ingredients. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner, Monday through Saturday.

Decor: The architecturally elegant space boasts many impeccably decorated dining and mingling areas, and a huge meandering bar that’s a work of art. The ‘green’ room, whose accoutrements include chandeliers, crystal sconces, and gilded mirrors, is particularly enchanting. There’s also outdoor dining.

The Drinks: Ciro’s stocks more than 30 bottles of wine, with the price per bottle ranging from $20 to $100. White wine is generally $6 a glass, red, $7. Martinis are a specialty here. The bar boasts about a dozen brands of beer, including Stella Artois and Peroni.

Appetizers: Favorites include baked clams, oreganata style ($16.95 for a full order; $8.95 for a half order) and fried calamari served with marinara sauce ($11.95) or arrabiata-style with sauce and hot cherry peppers ($13.95). The grilled vegetable platter ($10.95) featuring Portobello mushrooms, red bell pepper, squash, eggplant, zucchini and carrots dressed with balsamic vinegar, is a great starter. Artichoke Salbatti was a special one night at $9.95.

Salads: The baby spinach salad ($8.95), dressed with raspberry vinaigrette, is a tantalizing mixture of caramelized walnuts, tomato, cucumber, and red delicious apples presented on diminutive leafs. Fresh mozzarella cheese and sliced beefsteak tomatoes ($6.95), dressed with salt and vinegar, never fails to impress.

Entrees: Frutti Di Mare ($22.95), a succulent medley of shrimp, clams, mussels, and calamari presented on al dente linguini, is a showstopper. Chicken Sorrentino ($16.95) masterfully combines tender sautéed chicken breast with eggplant and mozzarella cheese in a brown sauce. Pasta lovers will find linguini, rigatoni, penne, fettucini and capellini served with white clam sauce ($14.95) or meatballs ($13.95) to be a veritable feast. The chef mixed things up with specials, which included a summery Salmon Dijon ($22.95), Cavatelli Carciofi ($17.95) and Pork Campagnola ($18.95) on the evening of our visit.

Sides: Home-fried potatoes ($4.95), crispy burnt broccoli ($8.95), spinach ($5.95) and broccoli rabe (P/A) are sought-after accompaniments.

Desserts: The Napoleon ($5.95) is Ciro’s signature dessert. Luscious cannoli , cheesecake and tiramisu provide the perfect finale, and Crème Brulée was served as a special.

Service: Expect to be warmly greeted by co-owner Matt Acerno and his personable staff who make a habit of getting to know their clientele. Ciro's also does take-out orders, catering and books private parties.

Signature Dish: Chicken Ala Ciros. Very generous helpings of roasted , bone-in chicken pieces paired with sausage, roasted potatoes, broccoli, onion, and red bell pepper ($24.95 for a full order, and $17.95 for a half order).

Ciro’s Italian Restaurant
Address: 470 Route 111, Hauppauge

Phone: 631- 761-6378
Cost: $$