ZipPicks Awards
Best Italian in Jackson Heights
Best Lasagna in Jackson Heights
Best Date Night Italian in Jackson Heights
Master Critic Review
Romeo's Italian Restaurant
8.2
This woman-owned trattoria brings Tuscan and Neapolitan traditions to Jackson Heights with classic preparations including handmade pastas, osso buco, and fresh seafood. The restaurant regularly hosts live music and themed nights, creating a festive neighborhood gathering spot with outdoor seating.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken Parmigiana, Osso Buco with Risotto Saffron, Penne Vodka
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 7.8
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Live music nights and outdoor seating create a festive Italian neighborhood vibe
Who should go: Couples, groups seeking lively atmosphere, families with bigger tables
When to visit: Weekend evenings for live DJ and parties, weekday lunch for quieter dining
What to order: T-bone steak, lobster fra diavolo, eggplant rollatini
Insider tip: Book private events with prix fixe options from $35-$65 per person
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No dedicated parking; street parking on 37th Ave. Take 7/E/F/R to 74th St-Roosevelt Ave, one block walk
Dress code: Casual dress - Yelp marks it 'classy' but OpenTable confirms casual attire is fine
Noise level: Lively on weekends with DJ; reviewers suggest music can run loud - weekday lunch is quieter
Weekend wait: 20-30 min without reservation on DJ nights; call (718) 458-2174 to book
Weekday lunch: Seated quickly - $34.95 lunch special runs 1-3 PM daily
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - eggplant rollatini, caprese salad, margherita pizza, penne vodka, lentil soup, gnocchi pesto
Vegan options: Limited - salads and marinara pasta can be modified; call ahead to discuss options
Gluten-free options: Yes - gluten-free options available per OpenTable; notify server when ordering
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, excellent choice. Cozy atmosphere, outdoor seating option, and attentive service create romantic energy. For quieter conversation, book weekday evening and request outdoor table - avoid weekend DJ nights unless you want the festive vibe.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday lunch: yes, typically. Weekend dinner or DJ nights: risky - this is a popular celebration spot. Call (718) 458-2174 to reserve; not on OpenTable. Private events can book out the space.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes - families regularly celebrate birthdays here. Outdoor tables are bigger than typical for groups. No dedicated kids menu listed, but pastas and pizzas work well. For younger kids, aim for weekday lunch when it's calmer than weekend party nights.
Best For
Better for: Live music nights, outdoor dining, festive celebrations, and private events with DJ included. Woman-owned with prix fixe party packages ($35-$65/person) that nearby competitors don't match for the price.
Skip if: You want old-school quiet Italian ambiance - head to Armondo's for 52 years of tradition. Romeo's energy skews younger and livelier, especially on weekends with the DJ.