Driving along Merrick Road in Bellmore, you can almost miss this charming Italian restaurant, located on the corner within a small strip of stores. However, once discovered, you'll never want to miss it again. Step into classic Italian style, from the neatly appointed décor to the dark hardwood chairs contrasting so accordingly against the white tablecloths; Antonette's exuberates the feel of Italy. Upon arrival, patrons will enter thru the comforting bar area, then onto the appropriately lit dining room. Due to the aroma prevailing, one's innermost patience is tested, since great cooking takes time to prepare.

Jimmy Antonette has been at the helm of this fine establishment since he purchased this location 2 years ago. A warm, embracing gentleman, with a domineering voice, he commands his restaurant with the love and dedication that a successful restaurant requires. His sincere and charming personality is obvious, as he visits each table greeting many familiar patrons with hugs and kisses.

Francesco, the manager of Antonette's, and contributor of many menu selections, directed us to our table; set with a bottle of extra virgin olive oil, (for use with fresh warm Italian bread), heavy traditional silverware, and the warm glow of a miniature candle fed lantern. Let the feast begin... Along with our Beverages we were readily served a mouth watering plate of Antonette's home made bruschetta, atop delicate rounds of crispy bread.

Our meal began with golden rings of calamari, cooked to perfection, tender and sweet, paired with basil infused marinara sauce. Stuffed artichoke arrived in a pool of light lemon herbed sauce. The seasoned breadcrumb filling harmonized the cheese-encrusted crown to perfection. Frutti di mare was presented with a greater ratio of seafood than homemade linguini, complimented by a tomato sauce richly enhanced by the flavor of the seafood. Cherrystone clams, squid and crispy shrimp were served in such abundance, that you had to navigate through, to reach the al-dente prepared linguini. When one gets the opportunity to dine on homemade pasta, it's always a treat. Nonetheless, when that pasta is mushroom gnocchi, it's an experience. Served in a rich cream sauce amid wild porcini mushrooms, every forkful is a euphoric adventure. Our next entrée, veal rollatini, was overstuffed with prosciutto, herbs and fresh mozzarella. Braised in a golden mushroom sauce, served with steamed broccoli and sliced roasted potato, epitomizing the meaning of classic Italian cuisine. Upon slicing into the veal, a unique cheesy herb filling cascaded onto the plate, marrying the mushroom sauce to create a wonderful combination of tastes and textures.

As our memorable meal was coming to a close, our waiter presented us with a verbal dessert menu. The choices were outstanding, the decision almost unattainable. With selections such as Italian or American cheesecake, tiramisu, carrot cake, flan, chocolate mousse cake, and others, you can appreciate our dilemma. My guests and I lingered, finally opting for the chocolate layer cake. What arrived was a prehistoric size of rich, chocolate cake, surrounded by a luscious raspberry sauce (enough to feed a table of four). A silken portion of caramel glazed flan was accompanied by a scallop of fresh whipped cream, refreshing sweet and delicious. All desserts at Antonette's are homemade, an unthinkable task at most Italian restaurants.

Jimmy Antonette's restaurant is proof that love of food, people, and Italian heritage are the components needed to produce an exquisite, family friendly, successful restaurant.