FOODIE
Umberto’s: A Step Beyond Pizza
By Pete & Rosie/ foodie@longislandernews.com

Don’t let the name Umberto’s fool you. Umberto’s of East Main Street, located in a hilltop shopping center just west of Huntington Bay Road, is about more than pizza. After expansion and renovation just a few years ago, Umberto’s is earning a reputation for its kitchen, which puts out a full menu of Italian specialties.

Beyond a busy pizza counter where Umberto’s famous pies are on display, Tuscan-inspired yellow plaster walls and architectural moldings in dark wood create a comfortable dining room.

The menu, while not ambitious, covers a surprising amount of ground and for our taste, shone strongest in the seafood categories.

We started with salads. Caesar ($8.95) was a crisp and competent rendition of the classic topped with a shaving of nutty parmesan, but Insalata Umberto – mixed greens with sliced pear and a fruity vinaigrette ($8.95) – won our taste buds over.

Pasta dishes are fresh made and cooked al dente. Our favorite was the Fettuccini con Frutti Di Mare ($17.95), translating literally to fruit of the sea, a generous serving of pasta topped with scallops, shrimp, baby clams and mussels in a tangy broth with fresh tomatoes and garlic. Though the menu promised bay scallops, the sea scallops
were fine… and we were in it for the tiny briny clams anyhow.

Baked ziti, though not on the menu, was happily prepared by an accommodating chef.
The pasta was tasty, but the side of meatballs ($6) could have been firmer. Ravioli Formaggio ($17.95) was a likewise tasty plateful of fresh homemade cheese-filled ravioli in a thick sauce.

From the entrée list, Pollo Milanese ($15) was a piccata-like dish of chicken breast, breaded and fried, complemented by chopped greens in vainaigrette.

We went with a representative selection of desserts (each $6). While the tiramisu was wanting that espresso shot – both for flavor and moisture, the Flourless Chocolate Cake was rich and dense. Coffee was fresh and that no second cup was offered was typical of the service that day. We’ve had better on other visits. In fact, we’ve had many terrific meals at Umberto’s, and will again.

Umberto’s Of East Main Street
138 E. Main Street Huntington
631-935-1391
umbertosofeastmain.com

Atmosphere: Casual Italian.

Cuisine: Pizzas, pasta and Italian
specialties

Price: Inexpensive to moderate

Hours: Open seven days Lunch
and dinner
Mon-Thurs, 11-10 Fri &
Sat, 11-11 Sun, 11-9

Main Menu