Don Peppe
Restaurant, Italian, $$$
A Queens favorite, Don Peppe is the kind of family-style Italian eatery you imagine but rarely find amongst the city’s more pretentious Italian neighborhoods. This modest, one-room space has walls brimming with pastoral oil paintings as well as the only menu in the entire restaurant, giving it an old school New York look and feel. The simple décor is quickly overlooked as an assortment of familiar favorites are presented in gigantic portions packed with flavor. Diners rave about the Don Peppe’s linguini with white clam sauce, which was featured on The Food Network’s television show, ‘The Best Thing I Ever Ate.’ Other favorites include succulent baked clams sprinkled with crunchy bread crumbs and a simple salad served in a refreshing vinaigrette. Although credit cards are not accepted here and liquor is not served, Don Peppe surely makes up for it in spades with the delicious food and excellent service provided. This restaurant is inevitably packed on weekend evenings, so reservations are advised.