hen Sunday night rolls around and it’s too late to whip up grandma’s homemade spaghetti sauce, a trip to La Famiglia with the whole family may just be the next best thing. Located on Phillips Park Road behind the Mamaroneck movie theater (with an additional entrance on Mamaroneck Avenue), this cozy, family-style Italian restaurant promises pleasant dining for patrons of all ages. Lovely landscape paintings adorn the walls, bouquets of flowers burst from little alcoves and generous portions encourage diners to share Italian specialties of the freshest quality.
While perusing the extensive menu, it’s difficult to resist finishing the basket of bread that is delivered immediately upon arrival with a bruschetta condiment. Choose from innovative starters such as the speidini alla romano, a crunchy, log-shaped creation that is a savory surprise with its blend of bread, prosciutto, capers and mozzarella in an anchovy sauce while the melanzane rolatini, tender eggplant, stuffed with ricotta and topped with mozzarella and fresh tomato sauce, will melt in your mouth.
La Famiglia is an ideal place to go with a large group in order to sample a little of everything. Hearty portions of pasta can be ordered for one person or two, and include selections such as the tasty tortalache, homemade ravioli stuffed with ricotta and spinach in a light pink sauce. Fish and chicken specials are available daily, as well as a wide range of meat dishes. Try the chicken calabrese with roasted peppers and mozzarella in a red sauce or the delicious veal pizziola in fresh tomato sauce with basil and white wine, both served with potatoes and broccoli to ensure a well-rounded meal.
The staff at La Famiglia is eager to please and will graciously accommodate special requests. When my dining companion and I were unable to choose between the tiramisu and profiteroles, our waiter solved our indecision by arranging a plate perfectly decorated with a heavenly slice of tiramisu sandwiched between two large and luscious chocolate-covered profiteroles. Add to that a creamy cappuccino, and you won’t be surprised if Sunday nights at La Famiglia become a family tradition.
LA FAMIGLIA
322 Phillips Park Road/327 Mamaroneck Avenue (two entrances), Mamaroneck
(914) 381-5176/381-4205