NYC: Adrienne’s – Excellent Italian in the Rockaways

After a windy afternoon at Rockaway Beach, we were looking for a place for a quick dinner and ended up at Adrienne’s in Broad Channel. We came without any expectations and were blown away by this charming little neighborhood gem.

The restaurant’s ambiance is a mix of laid-back coastal style with a touch of yacht club and the menu is mainly Italian. Many of the other diners seemed to know each other, exchanging hugs and air-kisses on the large deck with has views of Jamaica bay and docking facilities for boats. When we were there, there was live music on the deck, where a charismatic singer was performing old Rat Pack hits as the perfect soundtrack to what turned out to be a quite amazing dinner.

We started out with white asparagus with truffle cream and fried green tomatoes with tarragon mayo. The sauce + mayo were so delicious, we also ordered bread to scoop it all up with, leaving not a single drop behind. When the pasta dishes arrived we were almost full, but the pasta looked so good, we kept going.

The OG Spaghetti with clams had preserved lemon and nduja butter, and a generous amount of clams. It was a gorgeous, super tasty dish, and it is the best pasta I’ve had in a long time, recent Florence trip included. The pistachio pesto ravioli was also delicious, but it faded next to the OG Spaghetti, which completely stole the show.

Adrienne’s opened last year in honor of the young chef Adrienne Guttier, who died suddenly in 2022. The restaurant is a tribute to Adrienne’s love for Italian cuisine, featuring a southern Italian theme with a refined menu that includes some of her favorite dishes, ensuring that her culinary legacy continues to delight guests. Adrienne’s also offers a unique cocktail menu and the occasional live music performances.

Adrienne’s, 25 Van Brunt Rd, Queens, NY 11693