The U.S. Open is right around the corner, and you need a place to eat near the stadium. Stadium meals just don’t cut it, and you can always eat Italian in Manhattan. The Open therefore is the perfect excuse to check out the Astoria scene.  Restaurant Trattoria L’incontro is a combination of traditional classics and innovative fare, and is a must experience for any real New Yorker.

A Little History 

The owner, Rocco Scarmone, was born in Orsonga, a small town in Abruzzo, Italy.  Rocco immigrated to the US in 1970, and at the age 14,  worked as a dishwasher at an Italian restaurant after school. This was the beginning of his culinary journey. With the dream to own his own business, he opened the Pizza Palace in 1987 on 30th Avenue in Astoria and several years later, he opened Rocco’s, a small 30 seat restaurant. It was such a success that in 1999, Rocco upped his game and Trattoria L’incontro was born.

Enough To Feed the Brady Bunch

Reservations are a must at night as is a big appetite. The Trattoria L’incontro portions are family-style, as in enough to feed the Brady Bunch.  The specials are a great way to begin your dining experience with unique dishes like seared blue marlin with a persimmon coulis.

Pasta, Pasta, Pasta

It’s not Italian without pasta, and homemade pastas are both outstanding and humongous. Trattoria L’incontro’s signature dish is Mezza Luna Ravioli, a unique pasta is stuffed with mascarpone and pesto in an asparagus, brandy and walnut sauce. Traditional pasta dishes such as homemade spaghetti with perfectly seasoned sauce and meatballs are always available. The Tagliarini Pomodoro is a simple combination of delicate homemade pasta with fresh tomatoes and basil. The Zuppa di Pesce features homemade tagliarini with clams, mussels, shrimp and monkfish  in a savory, light tomato sauce.

More Than Pasta 

For those seeking something a bit different, the chef will always have a surprise on hand.  Sometimes it’s a Beef Cheek Stew.  Other times it’s Orata al Sale — Mediterranean Sea bass prepared encrusted in sea salt and cooked in the wood-fired brick oven. Don’t miss the Tonno Alla Griglia, grilled yellowfin tuna marinated in soy sauce, pignoli nuts and honey. A variety of individual pizzas are available from the brick oven, including pizza stuffed with chocolate. So yes, the US Open may be the excuse to get you to Trattoria L’incontro, but it surely won’t be the only reason to go back.

FAQs

Q: Does Trattoria L’incontro offer takeout? 

A: Yes, the restaurant accepts takeout and delivery orders.

Q: Should I make a reservation first? 

A: It’s a good idea to call ahead and make a reservation. For parties larger than four people, you must make a reservation first.

Q: What makes Trattoria L’incontro remarkable? 

A: Trattoria L’incontro’s homemade pasta are signature dishes, but the chef also serves meat and seafood options sure to impress. The delectable food will call you back to Queens for many visits.

Trattoria L’incontro Information

Address: 21-76 31st St, Queens, NY 11105

Hours:

Sunday                   1-9p.m.

Monday                  Closed

Tuesday                 4-9p.m.

Wednesday            4-9p.m.

Thursday                4-9p.m.

Friday                     4-10p.m.

Saturday                1-10p.m.

Phone number:     7187213532