When it comes to dining out, a good bread basket can really heighten the experience from the get-go. The quality of the bread, the temperature and the seasonings with which it is served are all deciding factors. Some Long Island restaurants rise to the occasion better than others. These five Long Island bread baskets dough it right.
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Pasta Pasta, Port Jefferson
Known for its Italian delicacies, Pasta Pasta’s bread is also in a league of its own. Warm, soft and coated with a vegetable puree butter that’s gooey and garlic-y—one basket simply won’t cut it (even for those who have a “no bread” rule). Phone: 631-331-5335 | Address: 234 E Main St Click to taste
Buona Sera, Smithtown
Once you’ve tried the bread at Buona Sera, there is no turning back. Each piece is more addicting than the next, and diners won’t believe the variety. There are soft, chewy garlic rolls, bruschetta pieces sprinkled with tomato and shaved Parmesan cheese and even a gluten-free basket (plain bread) that comes out piping hot when requested. Phone: 631-265-0625 | Address: 88 E Main St Click to taste
The Trattoria, Saint James
The rustic eatery is lauded for its crispy batards from Blue Duck Bakery. Though the bread comes with olive oil and butter, diners can really take their taste buds for a spin by ordering the house-made ricotta spread ($4), marinated olives ($4), sun dried tomato tapenade ($4) or the house-pickled vegetables ($4). Phone: 631-584-3518 | Address: 532 N Country Rd Click to taste
Emilio’s, Commack
When it comes to bread, Emilio’s basket is a pot of gold. The portions are generous, the focaccia bread topped with olives and onions is to-die-for and the warm Italian bread and butter (or oil) soothes the soul. Phone: 631-462-6267 | Address: 2201 Jericho Turnpike Click to taste
Piccola Bussola, Mineola
Piccola Bussola Mineola sources its Italian bread from Cardinali Bakery in Carle Place. Soft, warm and freshly baked, the large basket arrives solo, while the butter and olive oil wait on the table. Phone: 516-294-4620 | Address: 159 Jericho Turnpike Click to taste