The Bottom Line
Acquista Trattoria in Fresh Meadows, Queens, is a great neighborhood restaurant. It serves Italian food — classic southern Italian dishes, pizzas, fish, and more. You will rub elbows with your neighbors in this small trattoria, but the service, taste, and inexpensive prices make this a perfect restaurant for a weekday evening.
Pros
- Easy to find parking in the evening
- Delicious classic Italian food
Cons
- May require a wait
- Outdoor seating is possible, but it's just off busy Union Turnpike
Description
- Address - 178-01 Union Turnpike (two blocks from Utopia Parkway), Fresh Meadows, NY 11366
- Phone - 718-969-1411
- Fax - 718-969-0180
- Hours - Daily, 11 a.m. - 11 p.m.
- Parking is usually available on Union Turnpike or on side streets within a couple blocks.
- Located a couple of blocks from the campus of St. John's University.
Guide Review - Restaurant Review: Acquista Trattoria
Whenever I try for the first time an Italian restaurant serving the classic southern Italian dishes — red sauces over pasta — I always have to delve into the eggplant parmesan. This dish is my test of a great Italian restaurant. Unfortunately, all too often the cheese outweighs the eggplant. When the dish's sauce, cheese, and eggplant are in harmony, there is little else I will bother with on the menu. Acquista Trattoria serves this beautifully balanced, delicious eggplant ($9).
I have managed to sample other dishes, and wholeheartedly recommend the gnocchi ($10) and the lasagna ($8), which melts in the mouth. The quality of the fish dishes seems to vary, but when they're good, they are very good. The restaurant serves wine by the carafe and glass, as well as a terrific tiramisu ($4). The espresso is proper with a nice bit of froth on top.
If you live in Fresh Meadows or it's an easy drive, you will not be disappointed by a casual weekday dinner at Acquista.
