Il Poeta - Forest Hills (NY)

5 /5 Richard Ondreicka: My wife Shirley and I have come to Il Poeta for years, before heading into the city to go to theatre. Its a romantic, intimate place to eat where the food is always made to the highest Northern Italian standards with homemade pasta and gnocchi. Chef Mario hails from both Cipriani Restaurant in Venice Italy as well as NYC where he worked alongside his Papa Luigi who taught him everything. Weve had their calamari, mussels and clams, Caprese, croquette di eggplant, and Linguini with clam sauce with zucchini. Chicken breast parmesan crust white wine and lemon sauce, veal scallopine with mushroom and bacon (to die for) and Salmon in a mustard pistachio crust and spinach. I do want to try the pork tenderloins with wild mushrooms next. Put it this way, after reviewing and eating at multiple restaurants up and down Metropolitan ave we chose to celebrate our 17th wedding anniversary here with a party of 25 people. Everybody loved the food, and the service was excellent. Mario provided me a choice party menu at a price we were happy with. I wouldnt change a thing. The family raved about the menu and we all plan to come back again. Thanks Il Poeta

2 /5 PhilYouIn: Small restaurant with nice decor, seating inside and on the sidewalk. Service is professional but not particularly friendly. Prices are steep, and the food is good, but you do not get what you pay for. Zucchini flower is served in a drab plate, all alone. We had to ask for a side of marinara sauce. And although my chicken and mashed potatoes were also delicious, would it have really hurt their bottom line to throw in a vegetable? One broccoli floret? A single asparagus stalk, perhaps? (Check out my photos) What really irked me was the cocktails. If you’re gonna charge $17 for a drink, you had better make it right. Taste and presentation. They failed horribly. Moscow Mule did not taste like a Mule, and was served in a gin & tonic glass. Old Fashioned was served with half a dozen ice cubes and the incorrect garnish. One visit was enough.

5 /5 Demarco Laura (Laura & Irene): Dining at Il Poeta is never just about the food — it’s an experience that feels like coming home. As a family with deep Venetian roots, we feel incredibly lucky to have this gem right here in Forest Hills. From the moment you step in, you’re welcomed not just with warmth, but with the familiar sounds of the Venetian dialect from Chef Mario and the unmistakable aroma of true Italian cooking. It’s the only restaurant that brings my husband & me right back to our parents’ and grandparents’ kitchens — where meals were made from scratch, with love, and always shared. Chef Mario, a friend and true Venetian, has created something really special. Every dish is rooted in tradition and executed with care. Our daughter Irene loves the baccalà mantecato and the fegato alla veneziana, something she wouldn’t be able to experience elsewhere. The entire menu celebrates the lesser-known treasures of Italian cuisine, always healthy, authentic, and handmade. The ingredients are fresh, the flavors are authentic, and there’s never any rush — just like if you were at home for Sunday dinner. Our Golden Retriever Red loves coming here for alfresco dining and to try some of Chef Mario’s specialties. We come back again and again, and every time it feels like a reunion — with the food, with the culture, and with great friends. If youre looking for real Italian food, Il Poeta is the place.

5 /5 Shirley Goicochea: From the moment you step into Il Poeta, you’re transported to a world where Italian hospitality and culinary artistry reign supreme. The ambiance is warm and intimate, perfect for a romantic evening or a soulful family gathering. Chef Mario Di Chiara’s creations are nothing short of poetic — each dish is a masterpiece, blending tradition with innovation. We started with the eggplant croquettes and grilled vegetables drizzled with truffle oil — divine. The gnocchi melted in our mouths, and the seafood specials were fresh, flavorful, and beautifully plated. The wine list was thoughtfully curated, and the staff made excellent pairing suggestions. Service was impeccable: attentive, gracious, and genuinely welcoming. You can feel the love and pride in every detail, from the decor to the dessert. Il Poeta isn’t just a restaurant — it’s an experience that nourishes both body and spirit. Highly recommend for anyone seeking authentic Northern Italian cuisine with heart. Forest Hills is lucky to have this treasure!