In the wake of La Parma's closure, Williston Park is getting a new Italian restaurant, Acasa, which aims to bring a fresh take on family-style Italian dining. The venue's new owners, Maurizio Venditelli, Peter Oppedisano, and Amanda Cestaro, are breathing new life into the concept, keeping the cozy atmosphere and generous portions while adding a contemporary twist. The restaurant's name, Acasa, is a playful nod to the Italian phrase 'a casa,' or 'at home,' reflecting the owners' desire to create a warm and inviting space. The dining room, with its plush booths and comfortable chairs, exudes a contemporary-yet-warm elegance, and the private room upstairs can accommodate up to 130 guests.
At the heart of Acasa's menu is Chef John Di Lemme, who brings his expertise from Mangia Bene and Churchill's to the table. Di Lemme's passion for regional Italian cuisine is evident in his menu, which features classic dishes with a modern twist. He takes comfort foods like stuffed mushrooms and arancini to new heights, using high-quality ingredients and homemade sauces. The pasta, including gluten-free options, is all made in-house, and the sauces can be paired with any shape, from spaghetti to ziti. The pasta al forno, a casserole filled with mini ziti, sausage ragu, meatballs, mozzarella, and hard-boiled eggs, is a standout dish, and the PLT pizza, featuring prosciutto, arugula, and cherry tomato, is a nod to Mangia Bene's menu.
The mains at Acasa offer a variety of options, from individual servings of salmon oreganata to family-style entrees like the 40-ounce tomahawk steak. The restaurant also doesn't skimp on dessert, offering a 9-inch family-style tiramisu and a collaboration with Gelateria dei Coltelli, featuring a tartufo that is simply divine. The wine list, curated by group beverage director Jade Lorenalti, features both crowd-pleasing mass-market options and lesser-known selections that offer better quality and value, and the cocktail list highlights nostalgic concoctions like grasshoppers and amaretto sours.
In my opinion, Acasa is a welcome addition to Williston Park's dining scene. The restaurant's commitment to fresh, high-quality ingredients and its focus on family-style dining make it a standout in the area. The contemporary twist on classic Italian dishes, combined with the warm and inviting atmosphere, creates a truly unique dining experience. Personally, I think Acasa has the potential to become a new favorite for locals and visitors alike, and I can't wait to see how it evolves and grows in the coming months.
