Tesoro 967 Old Country Rd Westbury, NY (516) 334-0022 tesoro.kpsearch.com/df/default.asp

There is something about going to an Italian restaurant, being greeted at the door with a warm and gracious welcome that makes you feel at home and like you are part of the family. The folks over at Tesoro Ristorante in Westbury, New York have perfected this formula. Tesoro has a 22-year reputation for serving fine Italian food in a comfortable surrounding and with a name translating to "treasure," you can taste the love in everything they prepare. Serving deliciously authentic food, succulent wine, and desserts made with that touch of homemade goodness, Tesoro is a classic Italin expierence.

The wait staff, many of them fixtures since the beginning are professional, courteous, knowledgeable and very efficient. The dining room is divided into separate areas including small private rooms around the perimeter and a large central dinning space. The bar is set apart from the dining room by an etched glass partition. The restaurant is decorated in shades of green and light wood tones, while tablecloths and fresh flowers grace the tables.

Executive Chef and Co-Owner, Angelo Giannuzzi has created an authentic Italian menu infused with international flavors. Appetizers range from $6.50 – $10.95, including eggplant rollatini, stuffed with ricotta and mascarpone in a light tomato sauce; portobello cardinale with grilled mushrooms topped with fresh mozzarella and prosciutto; bruschetta topped with tomato and onion; antipasto freddo with a selection of imported meats, fresh mozzarella and marinated vegetables; and antipasto caldo di mare with baby lobster tail, clams, shrimp, oysters and mussels baked oreganata. Entrées start at $14.95, and include homemade manicotti; gnocchi bolognese with a veal meat sauce; red snapper Dijon with shrimp in Dijon mustard wine sauce; lobster tails fra diavolo with jumbo lobster tail with clams, shrimp, and mussels in a spicy marinara sauce; chicken scarpariello broiled with mushrooms, peppers, garlic and wine; and filet mignon served with the vegetable of the day. Desserts are $9 each and include chocolate covered strawberries with rabbione custard; and cheesecake with a raspberry crumb.