Lombardi's

Definitely make a reservation. Cash only. Food is fresh and very good. Service is extremely slow. Took 55 minutes to get our salads.

Lombardi’s of Middle Island is a true gem for lovers of classic Italian cuisine. From the moment you walk in, the warm ambiance and attentive staff make you feel like family. The setting is cozy yet upscale, perfect for both casual dinners and special occasions.
I ordered the Chicken Parmesan, and it was absolutely phenomenal. The chicken was perfectly breaded—crispy on the outside, juicy and tender inside. It was generously smothered in a rich, tangy marinara sauce and topped with a blanket of melted mozzarella that added just the right amount of creaminess. The portion size was hearty and satisfying, served alongside a bed of al dente pasta that soaked up the sauce beautifully.
What really stood out was the balance of flavors. The tomato sauce tasted fresh and homemade, with a hint of garlic and basil that elevated the dish. It’s clear Lombardi’s takes pride in using quality ingredients and traditional recipes.
Service was prompt and friendly, and the staff made great recommendations. The garlic bread starter was also a hit—crispy, buttery, and loaded with flavor.
Parking was easy, and the overall experience was smooth from start to finish. Whether you're a local or just passing through Long Island, Lombardi’s is a must-visit. Their Chicken Parmesan alone is worth the trip.
Highly recommend for anyone craving authentic Italian comfort food done right.

Lombardi's in Gardiner, NY, offers a delightful and authentic Italian dining experience that truly feels like a warm, family-owned establishment.

From the moment you step in, the atmosphere is comfortable and inviting, setting the stage for a wonderful meal.

One of the standout features of Lombardi's is their commitment to homemade Italian fare, particularly their breads and pastas. This dedication to freshness and quality truly shines through in every dish. We enjoyed a basket of freshly sliced bread with olive oil and herbs (as seen in image), and the variety of fresh breads on display (image) further emphasized their homemade touch.

The service at Lombardi's is excellent – attentive and friendly, making for a truly pleasant dining experience. The pricing is moderate, and the portions are generous, ensuring you get great value for your money.

As for the food and drink, everything we sampled was excellent. The menu offers a good variety, including classic Italian dishes. We enjoyed a well-prepared salad with fresh greens, cherry tomatoes, carrots, and what appears to be feta or blue cheese crumbles (image), as well as a classic Caesar salad with crisp lettuce, croutons, and grated cheese (image).

The main courses were equally impressive. The Eggplant Parmigiana served with penne pasta and a rich red sauce (image) was hearty and flavorful, with perfectly melted cheese.

The fettuccine with a vibrant red sauce and a generous topping of fresh spinach (image) was another highlight, showcasing their delicious homemade pasta. To complement the meal, a refreshing deep red sangria, was served in a hurricane glass and garnished with fruit and an orchid (image).

Overall, Lombardi's in Gardiner, NY, delivers on its promise of delicious, homemade Italian food in a warm and welcoming setting. With excellent service, moderately priced yet ample portions, and consistently superb food and drink, it's a highly recommended spot for anyone craving authentic Italian cuisine.

This was my first visit to this location after passing it many times on my way to Minnewaska State Park. It's been in business for 50 years. There is a reason why it survived the ages and the pandemic. Reservations are required, so do not expect to arrive unannounced. Upon entering, there is a very aromatic essence of baking bread, which is heavenly. There are fresh loaves of different types of home made bread which you can purchase without staying for dinner. In my case, I put one aside and brought it home. It's that good. We were seated promptly and service (by David) was direct and on point. A polite introduction followed by a drink order. I decided on a Limocello Martini. Made well and quite refreshing. Generally, you don't think of a Martini being refreshing, but the limocello incorporated into the mix makes it that way. Give it a try. We followed with a table size appetizer caller a Palermo. An antipasto for three or more! Fresh homemade mozzarella cheese, sliced tomato, pecorino, and provolone cheese. Accompanied with mushrooms, roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, and assorted olives. Seasoned with extra virgin olive oil, oregano, and garlic. Soppersatta along side side thinly sliced prosciutto and capicola. Served with homemade garlic bread topped with mozzarella cheese and chopped fresh tomato seasoned with garlic and herbs. An excellent starter if you have a few people. This was followed by house sales which were very good as well. One diner also ordered New England Clam Chowder. I never saw so many clams in NECC. This truly needs to be acknowledged as you generally do not see this in many places. Dinners ordered were Grilled Salmon - Drizzled with extra-virgin olive oil, topped with lemon and garlic, served on a bed of spinach. An excellent choice if you are into Salmon. Our other dish was Bolognese, accompanied by house made cavatelli. I added a side order of Broccoli Rabe too. YUMMIE! They make their own pasta, and there is an upcharge for it, but worth it. Serving sizes were adequate. We only ordered one desert which was Bananna Cream Pie - it's made to order! A graham cracker crust layered with vanilla custard and fresh bananas. Topped with homemade whipped cream and chocolate shavings. It's not what I expected since it is listed as pie but served in a small bowl of sorts. It was very tasty and a fine ending to an excellent meal. I highly recommend Lombardis if you are looking for a fine Italian Cuisine restaurant in the Hudon Valley. Remember, reservations are required, and it is a cash only establishment. They also do a smashing take-out service, too.