Aptly named il Laghetto, or “little lake,” this restaurant offers a relaxing, yet upscale dining experience with exceptional views of Lake Mahopac and stunning sunsets. During the spring and summer, guests can dine alfresco on the veranda, which seems to float above the water.
This two-year-old, family-owned restaurant serves a Continental menu with an Italian twist. Chef Tony Kolaj previously worked as head chef at Peiro’s, a popular Manhattan restaurant that was frequented by A-list celebrities. According to Chef Kolaj, diners who visit il Laghetto can expect the same service, quality, and perfection in preparation as Peiro’s, but at much more reasonable prices.
il Laghetto offers a flexible menu with a good variety of choices for lunch, brunch, or dinner, including several seafood options. For dinner, start your meal with a selection from the raw bar. You can choose a la carte, or try the seafood tower meant for two, with East and West Coast oysters, Little Neck and Top Neck clams, jumbo shrimp, and lobster cocktail. For an entree, seafood lovers should try the linguine pescatore, made with lobster, shrimp, calamari, scallops, and mussels in a light marechiaro sauce. Landlubbers will enjoy the chicken scarpariello made with hot sausage, cherry peppers, and julienned summer vegetables in a lemon-white-wine sauce. All of the pasta at il Laghetto is handmade daily and live music is played all day on weekends.
The veranda seats up to 85. If you find yourself waiting for a table, enjoy a drink and views of Lake Mahopac in the outdoor gazebo. The Huckleberry Lemonade, a vodka-based cocktail, is particularly tasty, as is the sangria. A fire pit keeps things warm in the evenings in the gazebo.
Reservations recommended; outdoor seating is first come, first served.
il Laghetto, Mahopac
825 S Lake Blvd, Mahopac
(845) 621-5200; www.illaghettorestaurant.com
