Health & Fitness
Novita - Garden City
Novita wins with their wine, but falls with their food. Read Alex and Lauren's latest review...
Looking for the ideal place to grab a delicious glass of wine with friends? Then Novita is a MUST! It's my "go-to" spot for every girls night, those "let's grab a quick drink after work" dates and the Saturday nights when you want to doll yourself up and meet someone cute at a trendy bar with a glass of sauvignon blanc in hand, but you don't feel like trekking into the City on the LIRR. You know what I mean? Of course you do if you're a Long Islander!
Though a bit pricey, Novita's wine list is to DIE FOR! Even my non-wino friends leave wanting to venture back to sample another type of wine. Plus, you cannot beat the Thursday Ladies Night deal! $3.00 champagne, pinot and cosmos, a DJ AND a complimentary pasta and thin crust pizza buffet (I believe they recently moved the buffet to Friday night)... all while dining in a trendy, NYC style atmosphere right in Garden City. It's a STEAL! Sundays are 50% off bottles... also a worthwhile deal to take advantage of.
Looking to nosh on something while sipping your wine? The appetizers are FAB! From the Meat and Cheese Platter to the Polenta Crusted Calamari to the Zucchini and Artichoke Fritti served with a horseradish ailoi, you cannot go wrong! Did I mention that you will be addicted to their Spinach Dip? You will. It's inevitable.
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Obviously, Alex and I are both obsessed with Novita's wine bar experience. However, I unfortunately cannot say the same for it's dinner experience. As Long Islanders, we are accustomed to delicious, authentic Italian food which Novita simply does not provide. From their chicken dishes to their pasta dishes and soups, I've now had it all. Unfortunately, I have never left satisfied or craving more (God, it pains me to say this! But alas, you must know the truth.) I think the next time a friend or date mentions Novita for dinner, I am going to have to refrain.
This is a tough rating. However, since Novita IS indeed an Italian restaurant with the mission of providing delicious wine AND Italian cuisine, I will have to give it 3 out of 5 Mints on the Dinner Mint scale for less than satisfactory entrees. Nevertheless, PLEASE venture to Novita for the wine bar experience, you will not regret it... especially the ladies! The wine bar is an A+!
