Parking: street parking; valet parking Wednesday-Sunday
Handicapped Accessible: Yes
For 25-years, families have been coming together to enjoy the dining experience at Family Restaurant and last Friday my family joined their long list of very full and very satisfied customers.
Arriving at six, there were already several generations sitting down together to enjoy the elegant yet warm and homey décor and the pleasant buzz of family conver-sation. By the time we left, there was a line outside waiting for a table and a taste of the expertise of Silvia Sacino’s family.
Silvia explained that her husband, Michael, began the business with a pizzeria (still in operation) and continued to expand and develop his space until the Family Restaurant was born. When Michael passed away, Silvia took over the already flourishing business and now runs it with assistance from her 22-year-old son Angelo and gracious manager Peter Benedetto. Her brother-in-law Giusseppe still helps with food presentations and her sister-in-law Giovanna makes the heavenly Cannoli and Tirami Su that the folks and I split for dessert.
In between catching up on the week’s events, we shared at taste of the Hot Antipasto (orders are made to be share by two for $10.50) that was complete with Eggplant Rollitini, baked clams, roasted green peppers, and succulent Shrimp Scampi.
Mom had the Eggplant Parmigiana ($9.95) and praised the 'stringy' cheese and the eggplant that tasted homegrown. The portion itself was enough for dinner and left-overs the next day.
Pop tried one of the specials – Seafood Alla Familia – and was presented with a mound of tastefully done fish over a mound of linguine. He especially praised the freshness of the fish and the variety, including muscles, clams, shrimp and calamari.
I tried the Shrimp Francaise ($16.95) . . . since I am such a fan of the chicken variety – and I was delighted. The shrimps were very fresh, very large, and wonderfully prepared with a sauce that kept just the right hint of lemon. On the side (included) I was daring . . . spaghetti with olive oil and roasted garlic – lots of roasted garlic slices and they were rich in taste and very delicious.
Is the family hungry? Your restaurant is waiting. ***********************************
There are restaurants in Queens that have become icons — neighborhood places that have been around for as long as we can remember and for good reason — they please everytime! The Family Restaurant is one such place. Established in 1974, it’s been serving its delicious Italian dishes to Forest Hills for an incredible 27 years.
Not one to be complacent, manager Peter Benedetto has improved the restaurant over the years. It’s been expanded over time so that there are now three dining rooms, a casual setting up front, and two back rooms that provide a formal dining area decorated with beautiful paintings and able to handle any size party.
The menu has also been significantly expanded over the years. Any Italian craving you have can be fulfilled — from heroes and pizza to 20 different hot and cold appetizers, 25 different pastas and several poultry, meat, fish or veal dishes. In addition, upon entering the restaurant, there is a chalkboard which lists the daily specials. To the right, you’ll notice the pizza station complete with an assortment of toppings for your pizza and several different calzones.
My favorite appetizers — the Baked Clams Oreganata, the Fried Calamari and the Fresh Mozzarella with Tomatoes. I’m looking forward to visiting The Family Restaurant several times this winter because there are several soups as well — among them, the Baked Onion Soup Gratinee, Tortellini in Brodo (Broth) and Pasta Fagioli.
There are several pasta dishes to choose from. I’ve always enjoyed the classics — Linguine in White Clam Sauce, Fettuccine Alfredo and Family’s delectable Homemade Cannelloni.
All entrees are served with a choice of salad, french fries or a side order of pasta. Practically any entree you want is available — from Broiled Filet Mignon, to Chicken Francaise to Veal Piccata. I’ve also sampled the Sausage and Pepper Platter and loved it!
The extensive menu continues when it comes to the Homemade desserts. Your choices range from Italian Cheesecake to an assortment of Italian Pastries to Tiramisu or a light Lemon Sherbet. Almost all of them are on display in the front of the restaurant to help you with your decision. In addition to the staple coffee or tea, there are also four international coffees available with a touch of alcohol to cap off your dinner. My favorite — the Italian Coffee with Amaretto although the Jamaican Coffee with Tia Maria comes in a close second.
Any night you choose to go to The Family Restaurant is sure to be a great one. Host Peter Benedetto always greets you with a smile as does the entire friendly staff. The food is great and diverse enough so that everyone in your party is satisfied. And don’t let the parking problem of Queens Boulevard keep you away — there is valet parking available every night!
tracyg
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Re: The Family Restaurant - Forest Hills
wow my family used to go there ALL the time when i was younger. Usually with family friends... but its been so long since ive eaten there.
BillysBride
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Re: The Family Restaurant - Forest Hills
Yes, they have excellent food there. This is a place I'm looking into for RD also.
Pickle
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Re: The Family Restaurant - Forest Hills
it always looks good when I walk by there.
sorry not much more help!
I think Ciao Bello (or whatever its calling itself these days) by the post office on QB has a back room as well for private parties.
LoriH
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Re: The Family Restaurant - Forest Hills
My friend had her going away party there and the food was excellent. We had a great time. She just reserved a large table and they put us in the back room by the kitchen. It was nice and semi private. Not sure about their party room.
May2704bride
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Re: The Family Restaurant - Forest Hills
I've been there with a big crowd. The food is very good there but the place itself isn't all that big. If you don't mind the close proximity of everyone then it's a good choice for food.
ss2002
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Re: The Family Restaurant - Forest Hills
I used to live nearby and went there often.
The food was always very reliably good. Great service.
Good choice for a RD!!
janwinterbridejoy
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Re: The Family Restaurant - Forest Hills
the food is excellent i use to go there with people from my old job around the holidays. i love there salad and chicken francese
