The Nook Restaurant

I have lived in Wantagh for over 15 years and always passed this place and have never tried it … recently me and my boyfriend tried it for the first time. And now this is my second time here. It was very very good food, they give u warm bread to start off and it was good !! It reminds me like I’m Upstate in a cozy place. The service is very good. The lady waitress is very nice and so sweet!!! I ordered rigatoni ala vodka and my bf ordered bow tie Capri pasta ! Both very very good and hot and fresh! I will be coming back all the time from now on!!! A hidden treasure but a wonderful place to eat! Great for a date with your loved one. Love the nook!!!

Great food
Great service
Very neat
Out of 10 stars i would rate this Place a 20
Great prices also

¹⁰⁄₁₀ atmosphere, good food but nothing to die for.
Edit: lowered my review by one star 2 days later. I had some leftover pasta sitting in the fridge for about 36 hours and it was totally molded, leaves me to believe they served me partly molded food. Not sure if that’s the case but I won’t be back.

We absolutely love this place! My girlfriend and I try to go as often as possible. The food is delicious and very affordable and it is a very extensive menu. The owner, Tommy, is there most everyday and has the greatest personality. It’s also a great place to just stop in for a cocktail and great conversation.

The nook is a hidden treasure! It has an affordable menu and the food is so good! Try the Parmesan Crusted Veal. It is delightful!

DO NOT ORDER THE SURF AND TURF!
We live in the area and pass by this restaurant very often. We finally got the chance to stop in and have dinner over the weekend. There was just one table with four people, getting ready to head out when we went in. It was around 9pm on Saturday, so we figured maybe it was just an off peak time. Very cozy, fireplace, needs updating but the décor is ok. The prices are reasonable. Server was nice, but seemed inexperienced. Wine was ok. Our apps were mediocre at best. Stuffed mushrooms and Clams on the halfshell. The entrees took some time to arrive, considering we were the only table in the place. I ordered the Surf and Turf, which included a lobster tail. First two bites of the lobster was ok, steak was cooked fine, needed some more seasoning in my opinion. No steak sauce offered. Third bite of the tail, I tasted something off, wasn’t sure so if it was the butter, I took another bite and the STRONG taste of ammonia came through. I spit out what was in my mouth, my husband thought I was nuts. He knows my love of a good lobster! I told him about the taste and avoided whatever I had left. Tried to eat the steak, but my appetite was dissolved and thought I should mention to the server, a different person who originally served us. She listened, and said she would tell the boss. She came back to tell me she informed the boss and he said that it is normal for lobster to smell of ammonia. I told her that l have eaten many a lobster, and never tasted ammonia. I could tell that they were probably assuming that I was trying to get a discount or something. Nope. I stated that I am just making you aware that your lobster is «off». She went back to speak the boss after speaking with me, no follow up from the boss, no apology, just a look that I’m crazed. He could clearly care less that a customer had a problem. Very bad service, he didn’t even want to show his face. The minimally decent thing to do would be to at least address the customer and thank them for bringing to his attention.
While waiting for the check, a very long time, we Google searched «ammonia tasting lobster» of course, it is a sign of spoilage and bacteria. .Yuck! Never again Nook, never again. Be warned Unilocalers, who knows what food handling procedures are being followed here and if you have a problem, the «bossman» doesn’t care!

THE ABSOLUTE WORST MEAL OF MY LIFE. If I could give this place no stars I absolutely would. Came here with 4 other people early on New Years Eve, and not one person was able to eat any portion of their meal.
The salads tasted like bleach, and clearly had been pre-​made and stacked on top of one another in bowls earlier in the night.
The entrees (3 steaks, 1 veal, 1 pot roast) were inedible, though the veal was the least offensive of the bunch.
And to top it all off, the meal took more than 2 HOURS. The service was awful and they just kept making excuses for why everything was taking so long. You should never tell your customers that one of your chefs didn’t show up for work. (though maybe it was the head chef and thats why the food was so disgusting)
We got no items taken off our bill, even though nobody could eat their meal and everyone sent their salads back, and the food was not cheap. $ 250 later and we all wanted to go to the diner next door after.
If you value your stomach and your money, do not ever step foot in The Nook.

I went here on Valentine’s Day with my SO and the meal was amazing! We arrived a little before our reservation time, but they had no trouble seating us in a matter of minutes. The hostess, an older woman, was absolutely lovely and so friendly, as was our waitress (I feel so guilty not remembering her name, but she certainly got an excellent tip). The décor was comfortable, yet romantic; there’s a separate area with bar seating and televisions at the front of the restaurant for diners looking for that type of experience.
Because it was Valentine’s Day, there was a prix fixe menu: $ 24.95 for an appetizer (soup or salad), an entrée (choice of several steaks, poultry dishes, and seafoods), and a dessert (cheesecake, chocolate mousse, oreo cake, salted caramel cake, etc.).
We both started with the cream of chicken soup (at the waitress’s suggestion) and it was to DIE for– we both heavily contemplated ordering second helpings, but we were too busy filling up on the warm, delicious bread that came at a seemingly endless supply. We also both ordered the NY strip steak (not sure how many ounces, but it was certainly a hefty portion), which came with carrots, broccoli, and roasted potatoes. The steaks were cooked to perfection, well seasoned, and incredibly juicy and we both cleaned our plates; my boyfriend is a picky eater, so this NEVER happens. We finished the meal with an order of chocolate mousse and a slice of cheesecake which were both absolutely delicious.
We’ll definitely be coming back here (for the soup and bread alone), and we’re looking forward to exploring the menu a little further.

I’m not exaggerating when I say that I’ve driven past this lighthouse shaped restaurant 1000s of times. I had always been curious what lurked inside. Well tonight I found out. The nook is a very small intimate old-​school restaurant. It’s pretty dark inside but it’s charming. The menu has many traditional American dishes as well as a good dose of Italian offerings as well. You can easily see that this is a family run business, and a good one at that. Service was very good. They started us off with some HOT bread that was really good. We ordered Shrimp Scampi and Veal «Sorrentino» (basically veal & eggplant parmigiana). Both meals were exceptionally good! Dessert was a slice of Oreo Ice Cream cake that was just menza menza probably from Stop and Shop. Oh I almost forgot, no wait on a Saturday @ 6! A great old local jem. Would not be shocked to see Dee Snider walk in.

I have been going there forever, when it was nook and cranny. The value is excellent. The Aubergines is perfect. I always have the Parmesan Crusted Veal, it is tender and flavorful. The bread is wonderful, even though it does make a mess when being cut. The deserts are great, something other than chocolate stuff. I recommend it.

Came here on a Saturday for a communion party. So it was prefixed meal. Bread, Salad, entrée, coffee or tea.
The bread was good. The salad… so I was eating it and found a piece of plastic wrapper in it. Not cool. Had the baked salmon which was good. And so was the Penne a la Vodka.
The bartender was very nice. The tall thin polish waitress was great. She had a great attitude and was very pleasant. The older lady kept giving the kids dirty looks. I mean seriously lady??? ITS A COMMUNION!!!

I have been coming here for years and just never went on to Unilocal to add them or review them, but I’m finally on. I will make this simple. I have parties here all the time, and love to take my family here to eat. the owner is super accommodating and there is always this one waiter there Anthony who is just an absolute pleasure. the food is amazing, and the prices are even better. (Try the marinated steak!)

My husband and I go to the Nook frequently. Yes the place needs to be renovated (remove all of the artificial flowers) however the food is just great. We have them make us Parmesan chicken instead of the Parmesan veal on the menu. They NEVER have a problem with us substituting or making adjustments.
Things they could improve. The bread is very crumbly and doesn’t seem fresh. And they could get a better wine list or not charge a corkage fee. We have brought our own wine and it has been inconsistent with corkage (free-​$ 15).

Let’s start with the good. It’s a cozy little place, very comfortable and has a fireplace in the back. As others have mentioned, the décor is dated. But it’s not dirty or anything like that… just dated.
And now for the rest.
We started out with the popcorn shrimp and Coquille St. Jacques (bay scallops sautéed with a mushroom sauce with cheese). The popcorn shrimp was no different than something you can get at Friendly’s (do they still have those watermelon coolers? Those were awesome), and the bay scallops although presented nicely in the shell were just terrible. Little did we know things would get worse.
Our entrees were the Parmesan crusted veal and the tomato basil ravioli. The veal was no different than the TV dinners that were big in the 80’s — previously frozen, just awful tasting (possibly they were as old as the décor?). Brutal folks. The tomato basil ravioli would have been OK if it were something I bought premade at King Kullen and over-​cooked it myself at home. But this was put together at a restaurant, somehow with a straight face. Actually I didn’t see the re-​heater (can’t exactly call them a chef), so perhaps it wasn’t with a straight face at all. With the serving sizes being as big as they are at most places I’m no stranger to bringing home leftovers. Over here there was no point, we had them throw away ¾+ of each of the entrees. We had a piece of pie with ice cream for dessert, and the ice cream proved to be the best part of the entire meal.
The servers seemed like high school kids. They weren’t bad, but certainly could have been more attentive. We overheard one of them say the place had taken a dive since Sandy. But it’s been a few months, and even if business hadn’t come back to where it was, there is no excuse for the poor quality of the food.
I really don’t know what to make of the 4 star rating this place had averaged thanks to the 4 reviews prior to mine. Everyone has an off night, but this was just so bad all around that it couldn’t have been that. This is place was no different than a really bad diner.

Lovely local spot. The interior is old fashion however I think it gives the place unique character. One poster said the 1980’s, I have to go more with the 1970’s. Fireplace is delightful along with the food and service. If you are looking for a fancy updated facility this is not your spot; however good food is always my choice and they have it at the Nook. I have eaten here over thirty times, i own a business in the neighborhood and I have had two functions at the facility The owner is VERY accommodating. My favorite dishes are the stuffed mushrooms and the grilled portabella mushrooms are very tasty to. Last but not least the chicken (ask for it grilled over a salad)…is yummy

Its a local Wantagh restaurant that has been there for many years. The food is actually good!

Was here today for a family event. After going to a confirmation this afternoon we went to this unassuming local restaurant out on Long Island. Parking is a little tight around the facility itself but it is not too bad to find a spot. Walking into the place you are suddenly hit with an urge to yell out «The 80’s called and they want their restaurant back!» I totally felt like I walked back in time. Quaint and cozy with a fireplace, nice bar, dark woods, booths and tables set up in banquet layout. Almost like your Uncle Vito’s finished basement you used to visit as a kid with your parents.
Now even though the décor is way outdated, the food was up to snuff! Started with popcorn shrimp with amazing homemade cocktail sauce, and followed by a nice salad with a light dressing. As a main entrée I went with the NY strip steak that came with mashed potatoes and julianned vegetables. Steak was tasty and grilled just right as I ordered it medium rare. Also, I have to mention the wonderful homemade bread that comes out as a round loaf — hot and soft. Yum!
The service here is terrific. The group of waitstaff and busboys were right on top of our every need. The owner was on hand to oversee our party and he was very attentive. Overall, the food here is solid. Not what I would call spectacular, but very good menu selections properly cooked. The place definitely has a dated feel and could use a sprucing up, especially the bathrooms, but still nice. If in the area worth checking out for a good meal if you are not expecting a 5 star restaurant experience. Would give this a 3.5 stars if I could.

It’s a shame there aren’t more reviews of this place. It’s one of the few remaining family-​owned restaurants in the area, and the food is great! They now have a 19.95 three-​course price fix for dinner, with soup or salad, an entrée, and dessert. The onion soup is AWESOME! They also have parties there at great prices. I live in NYC now, but every time we’re back on Long Island to visit family, this is where we’ll be going. Stop in and check it out — you won’t be disappointed.

Interestingly different local restaurant.
This place has been here for many, many years. Looking for something different we popped in for a bite and a few cocktails.
The crowd is very local– everyone seems to know everyone else and the bartender is the leader of the band. We were welcomed and made to feel like we had been going there for years.
The food was very good– way better than what I expected and with a bonus of having some French items on the menu. Everything we tried was very good.
The décor is on the dated side — but that doesn’t get in the way of the good food and the fun.
Tiny parking spots around the perimeter.