Bites Nearby: Branchinelli's

Branchinelli’s

Overview: Branchinelli’s is known in Hauppauge as a favorite place to grab a slice of pizza. For those who step inside and sit down, there’s a rich menu full of traditional Italian fare with generous portions.

 Decor: Beyond the front pizzeria counters, Branchinelli’s sitting rooms are a quiet and cozy retreat. Dark forest green walls and dark booths are dimly lit by wall scones and side lighting, as rose bouquets and hanging plants lend an outdoor garden atmosphere.

The Drinks: The standard menu places the focus on fountain sodas and after-dinner coffees. A full wine list is available at request, from house white and reds to individual bottles.

Appetizers: There is the a handful of traditional Italian starts with a twist, from garlic bread ($3.50) with the option to add mozzarella cheese ($4.25). Branchinelli’s Dough Skins ($5.25) offer a creative twist as garlic, olive oil, oregano topped on a thin, crispy pizza crust cut into pieces. Whole baked clams are available by the half dozen ($6.75) and the dozen ($11.75). For another take on mozzarella sticks, Branchinelli’s serves  its Quatro Palle ($5.50) mozzarella balls covered is a meat sauce. All tables are given a bread basket containing focaccia bread and harder crusts with butter.

 Entrees:  Branchinelli’s offers a range of pastas, baked dishes, and traditional entrees for a meal. It’s namesake Rigatoni a la Branchinelli’s ($12.95) combines ground beef in a marinara sauce thickened with ricotta, mushrooms and prosciutto in a hearty dish over rigatoni pasta. The Spinach Cannelloni ($11.95) brings together ricotta with a slightly bitter spinach, wrapped in a melt-in-your-mouth pasta and choice sweet tomato sauce  or white sauce that pulls it all together. A yet similar dish, Asparagus Cannelloni ($11.95) is prepared similarly with asparagus in place of spinach.

For those who prefer a simpler plate, combinations of spaghetti, fettuccini, ziti, rigatoni, ravioli with choice of butter, garlic and olive oil, tomato sauce, marinara meat sauce, claim sauce, alfredo, or broccoli.  

Dessert: The restaurant offers spumoni, molded Italian ices in a variety of flavors, assorted pastries varying in availability and price. 

Service:  Service was friendly, smiles all around with attention to detail.

Signature Dish: Rigatoni a la Branchinelli’s

Branchinelli's
Address: 555 Route 111
Cost: $$