Mia Famiglia

This restaurant went out of business after legal issues between them and their landlord. The food was average at best however the owner/​manager Lawrence ‘Larry’ Vecchio has left such a negative impression on me that I feel it necessary to write a review based on this experience. While visiting his restaurant (which I went to after hearing they were struggling for business and to show support/​help) the waitress dropped a full bottle of oil all over the floor badly staining clothing and shoes. Mr. Vecchio was adamant that he ‘makes things right’ and insisted on paying for the cleaning or having ‘his guy’ take care of it. I took him up on his offer the following day giving him my property to be cleaned and that was the last time I ever saw my property again. The following weeks and months I felt like I was playing cat & mouse with Mr. Vecchio. Multiple times I’d call and have an employee put me on hold only to come back and say Mr. Vecchio will call you back or I just missed him. The few times I was able to actually get a hold of him he was evasive and predictable with his ‘I’ll call you first thing tomorrow’ which of course never happened. Over the course of trying to retrieve my property it became apparent that Mr. Vecchio had no intention of ‘making things right’ despite giving me his spoken and written word that he would. Ultimately his restaurant went out of business ending any legal possibility of my property being returned. The way Mr. Vecchio handled this entire situation reflects poorly on him to say the least (that’s being kind) and from my understandings he is still involved in the hospitality/​restaurant business moving around from job to job throughout the city. I would not patronize any business owned or managed by him nor would I give any weight to his spoken word.

HUGE HUGE HUGE sandwiches for it’s price! Delicious food but during lunch time, it get’s packed. It also takes a very long time to make the food. I would suggest that you call in to order your food at least 15 minutes earlier.

2.5 stars. maybe
My colleagues and I were attending a training in the area and stopped in for lunch. One of the workmen in our building recommended their chicken parm sub lunch special but be warned — the chicken is SUPER thin. like pounded to death thin.
Taste was nothing spectacular. Meat to bread ratio was significant and the sandwich lacked sauce, making it super dry. We were under the impression that the lunch special included a can of soda however the waiter was adament it didn’t. This was a bit discerning since two other people came in after us, ordered the same exact meal, paid the same, got their items the same time as us guess they make them all together) but they each received a canned drink. Weird.
Dry. Not good.
Skip it.

It seems the reviews for Mia Famiglia are either awesome or terrible. I agree that the wait staff was aloof — not impressed with the attention we received since there were only 3 parties in the restaurant a the time. The manager was actually quite rude. He took out his frustration with Groupon corporate with us personally. That and the UNamazing cheesecake kind of ruined the whole experience. On the other hand, the macaroni and cheese was really good!!! All in all, I think there are certainly better options in LIC for Italian.

One of the worst meals we’ve had, and, living in LIC, that’s saying something. Dining room was nearly empty, the christmas lights on the ceiling seem like a nice idea, but it casts a cold blue pall over everything. It makes it seem like you’re eating under fluorescent bulbs — it’s not very warm and inviting. Kind of like dining in someone’s basement.
That could be forgiven if the food was good, but it wasn’t. Linguine with clams was recommended to us, but was greasy and gritty. Chicken Scarpriello, was also quite greasy and way too heavy on the cherry peppers. After eating half of it, it became inedible. We were also not a fan of the app Clams Oreganata, but I’ve never had it before, so I suppose that could be how it’s supposed to be. Not to worry, leaving that out does not affect the one-​star rating.
Staff was uninterested, and just talked to each other the whole time near us, check out this youtube, look at this facebook, ha ha, blah blah blah.
Anyway, if you’re staying in the area or at Ravel or the Windham, do yourself a favor a just walk up Vernon a bit for some nice local spots — there are a bunch. I’d recommend El Aye Si for dinner and Woodbines for pub food. Bella Via and Manetta’s are far better options for Italian.
I’m shocked that Mia Famiglia is rated this high.

If you are looking to put together a great event, this is the place to be. I recently hosted a baby shower for over 70 people and it was a great success with the help of this great eatery. Their staff was extremely professional despite having a full house and of which included multi-​ethnic families. They were able to provide vegetarian dishes along with a wide variety of other great dishes for a reasonable price. This is in comparison with what other restaurants in LIC are charging. Larry and Laura are awesome and made it a great experience. Customer service and quality food is obviously their focus. Highly recommend them.

What a find! Large portions and tasty fare. Nice combination. They pour a generous glass of wine and it too is affordable.
Now to the food. In addition to the salads, pastas, and specials, be it Seafood, chicken, beef, or veal you will not be disappointed. We four each had different dishes and enjoyed it all. Nice touches too for a local restaurant. Order the cappuccino and cheesecake and see what I mean. The wait staff is professional and courteous. You are not rushed. The chef came to each table to ask how all the diners enjoyed their meals. Very nice. Go!

Went there b/​c my mom was staying at the hotel. Heard about their re-​building post-​Sandy, and was hoping it would be good. It is the restaurant attached to the hotel, so very convenient. Décor was nice and homey. The food was actually really good. One of the owners came out after to ask how we liked the meal, and they were very nice and welcoming. It felt cozy in there in spite of being slightly below street level. Had the spaghetti & meatballs. The meatballs were great. We also shared a salad w/​grilled chicken, which was good. I’d recommend this place if you are staying there or not.
Only criticisms are it did smell a little musty when we arrived, but it wasn’t distracting, and we got used to it. But the waitress was the low light. I suspect she just was harried by covering the whole room, but she was not particularly friendly or attentive.
All in all, a good experience.

I’ve eaten at Mia Famiglia countless times, and this restaurant is always a highlight of my business trips to Long Island City. Larry, Laura and the whole group take great care of me and my associates each and every time we dine. The food is phenomenal. I have a hard time passing up the Cold Antipasto appetizer when I’m dining alone — it’s incredible and the size could easily serve three people. For dinner, my favorites are the Orecchiette with Broccoli Rabe and Sausage, the Chicken Scarpriello and the Chicken Saltimbocca. And for dessert, you’ll absolutely love Mama’s Cheesecake.
If you’re around Long Island City, I strongly recommend you have dinner at Mia Famiglia… it’s exceptional cuisine and service!

One of my favorite places in Long Island City. Nice family restaurant, unassuming with great food and great people. I travel to NYC often and try to get here when possible. Can’t lose with the Italian chicken dishes, great bread and homemade cheesecake.

Here’s the deal. If you want to be a trend setter, come here. This gem is tucked away in New York’s up and coming neighborhood, Long Island City. Anyone who has followed Laura from her Arthur Avenue days, knows well enough that this lady knows her food. Fresh and made to order, Laura experiments with ingredients without straying away from her authentic Italian roots. She, Mama & Larry have created a warm and inviting atmosphere which makes you feel you are at a dinner party you do not want to leave.
This place is generating buzz. It’s well deserved. Do yourselves a favor and get there. Your tastebuds will thank you.

If I could, I would give it 3.5 stars.
Food-​5 (this keeps me coming)
Service/Reliability-2.5 (waiters are nice… but see comments)
Environment/décor-3.5 (bare but nice)
Ate here for dinner once and the food was great. The music was grunge rock though. I was on a date with my wife and expected something a little more romantic and toned down. I asked for a manager, and the manager (which I now know is an owner/​chef) asked me «what is romantic music?» Well, I think most men know what kind of music is good for having ladies over? He did change it, and it was great besides this interaction.
I also ordered lunch here (they have great meatball heroes that come with a drink for $ 6.95). The food was great. I work right next to the place so I would order again.
However, I called today and they said they were closed because they have a party… so call before you get excited about eating their yummy food.

So I just moved here from CA and stayed at this hotel for a night. I am an early bird and extremely busy. I was here having a drink last night prior to going to «The City», I asked the manager if they would be open the next morning for breakfast… unfortunately they were booked all morning for a private event however, the managers (Larry & Laura) went out of their way to make a breakfast plate for me and made sure it was ready when I needed it.
I’ve noticed that in NY it is somewhat difficult to meet genuine people. Mia Famiglia proved me wrong, the staff, owners, and environment really made me feel like I was part of the family. If you are ever in LIC and want to eat at at a great, authentic, and extremely fresh restaurant. Stop by, I promise you that you won’t regret it. And if you have a minute ask to meet Larry or Laura (or both). Two siblings from the Bronx who have dedicated their lives to provide not only great food but also an extraordinary experience to their customers. If you have a couple more minutes ask them about their story.
Sometimes in life you find yourself in a tough situation, hopeless and with your back against a wall. Then you meet people who inspire you to always work hard, be positive, stick together, and never give up.
Cheers! «Keep it real & in Mia Famiglia» — pun intended.
Thank you for everything… Now I know why New York is called the big city of dreams.
–E

OMG their cheesecake is amazing!

This restaurant was one of my favorite things about my recent trip to NY. You are made to feel welcome the minute you walk in the door. Chef Laura is amazing! I tried many things on the menu and everything was delicious! This is a must if you are looking for scrumptious Italian Food! I will definitely be back!

If I were staying at the hotel and didn’t know the area, I would probably eat here again.
new restaurant in the basement of a hotel. I didnt realize that before we searched for it. Food was fine service too.

An average Joe mini restaurant at the basement of the Wyndam Garden, I’ve only stopped by for breakfast.
As we entered with a group of seven, we were the only visible patrons of Mia Famiglia. Food was okay at best and prices were reasonable. The dishes came out in a timely manner, but our server seemed aloof for the majority of our stay and wasn’t very attentive. Apparently, there’s a Unilocal deal ($ 20 for $ 10) I wanted to buy. However, the server told me that it’s only usable during dinner hours — it never mentioned that on the deal. I think if that’s the case, it should be noted.
On the positive side, I think the fact that Mia Famiglia opens at 6:30 AM is a plus. Was looking for a place to eat breakfast on Vernon Blvd, but it was much more convenient within the hotel.

Ate breakfast here this morning for breakfast, and the food here is basically like a that in a diner. I got two eggs over easy with some hash browns and nothing here was spectacular. I could probably make the breakfast foods that they have made.

The name of this restaurant should be ‘Sua Famiglia’ meaning your family because that is exactly how they make you feel, like part of the family. We were welcomed with warmth and much attention. Upon sitting we were greeted by chef Laura Vecchio. She let us know if there were any special requests they would do their best to accommodate and told us of some of the restaurants signature dishes.
I started with a Cesar salad and baked clams. All I have to say is make sure you have plenty of bread because you will want to soak up every last drop of the delicious sauce on the clams! For my entrée I had shrimp scampi and decided to take the chefs suggestion of their signature meatballs as a side dish. WOW WOW WOW! The shrimp were perfectly cooked and plentiful and the sauce had a nice zip. Now for the meatballs…(thank god my grandmother does not have Internet so I can be truthful without getting whacked with a wooden spoon)…BEST I ever had, hands down! Perfectly browned on the outside, soft and moist on the inside and complimented by a thick rich tomato sauce. Chef Laura personally checked on us which put the final touch on my wonderful experience at Mia Famiglia.
I will be returning very soon and I highly recommend this restaurant for authentic Italian food and hospitality.
I am actually salivating thinking about the meatballs now, I may have to go tonight!!!

Mia Famiglia is a great and affordable family owned restaurant located in the Wyndham Garden Long Island City Hotel. At first glance you might miss this hidden little gem, but they are located on the C level of the hotel. You can also enter the restaurant from the side of the hotel. The service was impeccable; the Vecchio family (Larry, Laura and Mama) was so welcoming and friendly. The restaurant is roomy and very well kept and clean. Despite suffering losses from Hurricane Sandy, Mia Famiglia is back in action. I am so glad that they are back because this is my favorite Italian spot in Long Island City.
Some recommendations are the fried Calamari, the Cold Antipasto, the Straciattelli (spinach & egg soup), and the Chicken Francese! Laura (the chef) is super accommodating! I told her that I am a bit particular about salty food so she made sure not to add any extra! She also remembered my preference the next time I came in which is a HUGE plus!
I’ve also had breakfast here a couple of times and everything on the menu is under $ 9.00! I highly recommend the «William Wyndham Breakfast Bagel» and the oatmeal is to die for… especially with the fresh strawberries :)
All in all, great Italian food… affordable prices for the huge portions served, they are cheaper than the other Italian restaurants in the Long Island City, and to top it off truly excellent service! I cannot recommend this place enough!