It’s a bit more elegant in décor than most old-school joints: Buon Amici greets you with a nice storefront of sculpted bushes and Romanesque arch windows before you enter under a maroon awning. The white-and-beige interior with white linen-covered tables suggests conservative warmth. This is a place that favors 1950s bop-shoo-bop oldies tunes, like “I Only Have Eyes for You,” and owner Chris Raimo may stop by your table and chat.
At Buon Amici, the Italian-American classics reminiscent of Mama’s kitchen are all here for the taking, but the specials menu is where the restaurant really shines; look for stuffed zucchini with mixed veggies or stuffed artichoke, a succulent veal chop, and anything with burrata.
From the regular menu, start with crab cakes or the fried calamari fra diavolo as you decide which of the 20 generously portioned pastas, from penne alla vodka to spaghetti Bolognese, you’ll tackle. The chicken, veal, and seafood entrées are consistently done well, and include a choice of vegetable, pasta, or potato. Chef specialties to consider are the New York strip steak with brown mushroom gravy and sweet or hot peppers, pork chops, baby rack of lamb, and eggplant parmigiana. There’s a children’s menu, too, with typical favorites of the spaghetti-and-chicken-tenders variety, and Raimo is skillful at handling large groups for birthdays, family dinners, confirmation celebrations, and the like.
238 Central Ave, White Plains (914) 997-1399
www.buonamicirestaurant.com
