Classic Italian Fare At Filetto’s

 By Jano Tantongco
jtantongco@longislandergroup.com

Filetto’s ristorante has carved out a niche for itself in East Northport, serving up classic Italian dishes for the past 15 years.

Rich Braue, co-owner of the establishment, said “sauces and chefs” have been instrumental to the restaurant’s success, in creating a high-quality pizzeria and restaurant. And, he should know — mastering the art of fine cuisine over the course of 40 years — he himself is the head chef.

With hand-picked, fresh ingredients from daily deliveries, each dish is crafted to the finest levels of traditional Italian fare. In a cozy setting off Clay Pitts Road, any Foodie might stop by for a slice, or perhaps sit down for a fine red and a pasta dish to bring them back home.

In the debate over quality versus quantity, it’s clear that Filetto’s delivers on both.

“They always walk away with a to-go tin because our portions are twice as large as anybody else’s. That’s a fact,” Braue said.

The Deep Fried Mac ‘n’ Cheese ($5) is an all new special appetizer that features a wholesome helping of mac ‘n’ cheese, deep fried to crispy perfection, served with a side of cheddar cheese sauce. The macaroni itself is wonderfully chewy, with just enough gooey, cheesy goodness on the inside. Dip it into the mildly tangy cheddar cheese for a further infusion of dairy delights.

The Capellini Cake ($3.50) is a crispy bite of ricotta, homemade mozzarella and grated parmigiana cheese served with a side of zesty, slightly sweet marinara sauce. It is especially crunchy on the outside, giving way to a uniquely soft interior held together with the medley of cheeses.

The Stuffed Baked Clams ($10.95) bring together fresh chopped clams, bacon, onions, peppers topped with a light scampi sauce and served with grilled citrus. Together, this myriad of flavors produces a sea of savory tastes, with the bits of bacon especially adding bold flavors to this appetizer. Braue added that the lemon is slightly grilled, which allows diners to more easily squeeze its juices and add even more zesty flavor to the clams.

The Fra Diavolo ($12.95) brick oven pizza is topped with plum tomato basil sauce with crumbled sausage, sliced hot cherry peppers and homemade fresh mozzarella. The 12-inch pizza is baked in Filetto’s renowned brick over, produced a slightly smoked and flaky crust. The hearty sauce is augmented by the hot cherry peppers to bring just enough heat with each bite. The sausage is spiced just right and pairs well with the fantastically fresh mozzarella.

Braue added that the restaurant is also known for its “fabulous” Monday and Tuesday pasta nights, Wednesday parmesan night and Thursday chicken night. Also, Filetto’s offers extensive catering options for parties and events of all kinds.

Filetto’s
297 Clay Pitts Road, East Northport
631-266-3700
Filettos.com

Cuisine: Classic Italian
Atmosphere: Casual and cozy
Price: Inexpensive
Hours: Monday-Thursday, 10:30 a.m.-10 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 10:30 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.