Attention Veggies - Ornella's Got What You Need!

 

Eating vegetarian is becoming more and more common, and it's nice to see that restaurants are adapting.  The most recent place that has added a hefty vegetarian menu is Ornella.  Not only does the menu sound incredibly delicious, it also looks to be diverse and filling.  They've added a brunch menu last week, which also includes plenty of veggie options at a good price. 

Ornella continues to be a BYOB joint for the time being, so take advantage of it and bring a bottle of vino to enhance your experience.

Ornella's Vegetarian Menu:

Pasta di Castagna - Homemade chestnut flour pasta with arugula, cherry tomato in garlic & oil sauce...$18
Linguine al Pesto...$15
Pasta di Ceci - Homemade chickpea flour pasta with artichoke hearts, black olives in a garlic & oil sauce..$15
Pasta Riso - Rice flour pasta with baby spinach, fresh mozzarella in garlic & oil sauce...$16
Spaghetti Carbonara Vegan - Seitan wheat, organic eggs, pecorino romano cheese, cracked black pepper & parsley...$18
Orecchiette con Rape - Ear-shaped pasta with broccolli rabe & sundried tomato...$16
Pizzoccheri alla Fontina - Buck wheat pasta with cabbage, potato and fontina cheese...$18
Rigatoni Amatriciana Vegan - Tomato sauce, onions, seitan wheat and fresh peas...$18
Melanzana alla Parmigiana - Eggplant, tomato sauce and fresh mozzarella cheese...$16
Penne Integrali - Whole wheat pasta with oven-roasted cherry tomatoes, basil, escarole, fresh mozzarella, garlic, parmesan cheese, extra virgin olive oil...$15
Malfatti con Carclofi - Homemade uneven-shaped pasta with capers, artichokes & black olives...$15
Paccheri con Ceci - Super large rigatoni pasta with creamy chickpea sauce...$15
Lumache con Broccoli - Big snail-shaped pasta in creamy broccoli sauce...$15
Risotto con Spinachi - Italian arborio rice with baby spinach, raisins and pignoli nuts...$18
Risotto al Radicchio e Pere - Italian arborio rice with radicchio, pears & gorgonzola cheese...$18
Risotto al Funghi - Italian arborio rice with mixed mushrooms & goat cheese...$18

Ornella Trattoria Italiana
29-17 23rd Avenue, Astoria NY 11105
718.777.9477
N/W Train to Ditmars Blvd (last stop)
www.ornellatrattoria.com

Veggie Friendly Eating in Astoria

It is that time for resolutions and changes and perhaps for some eating less meat or trying a vegetarian lifestyle is high on your list. I’ve spent the last 20 years eating veggie, and I love all the fantastic veg friendly eating establishments Long Island City and Astoria have to offer. Here are my top choices for a great veggie meal that doesn’t consist of an assortment of unsatisfying side dishes!


The Veggie Wrap with Pesto at Mundo, from Little Girl, Big Appetite


Mundo
The jewel of healthy eating in Astoria! Choose from a wide variety of options including their perfect Red Sonjas, soups, dips and that hearty Veggie Wrap. Mundo has something in mind for every veggie, and their tapas style presentation means more to try, and less damage to the wallet. Plenty of vegan fare too, if that is more your thing. (31-18 Broadway)

Vesta
As a rather strict vegetarian, I appreciate clear menu marking of which dishes are ok for me to consume, and Vesta does a brilliant job at this task. Their locally grown, seasonally appropriate ingredients are also a huge plus in my book. Check out their deliciously layered salads, those Crispy Parm Brussel Sprouts, and the great assortment of pizzas (with whole wheat crust, too!). (2102 30th Avenue)

Café Bar
Home of Mediterranean Café style cooking, Café Bar has lots to offer people looking to cut down on their meat consumption. A wide variety of soups, sandwiches and salads are prepared with organic and healthy eating in mind. The Lebanese Salad is a hearty, protein packed salad that won’t disappoint. Their Homemade Veggie Burgers are also a knock out and a welcome change from the ‘Garden Burgers’ that are ubiquitous at most restaurants. Looking for something a bit lighter? Café Bar also has a great selection of juice and smoothies. (32-90 36th Street)

Aliada
Greek food and vegetarian eating don’t always go hand in hand, but this local favorite is actually quite veg friendly. The smoky Charcoaled Eggplant, Hummus, and Grilled Haloumi Cheese make quite the veggie feast, but the real stand out is their Horiatiki salad, a delicious Greek chopped salad with cabbage, cilantro, feta, olives, arugula, and a light lemon vinaigrette. (29-19 Broadway)

Bare Burger
Not surprisingly this organic burger joint has lots to offer non meat eaters. Their veggie patties are quite good and can be included on any of their fantastic combinations. Those looking for a change of pace should try their Portabella Burger option, bursting with flavor. Veggies will find lots of great salad and side options here too. (33 - 21 31st Avenue)

Fatty’s Café
A long time Astoria staple, Fatty’s has a great selection of non-meat options. Their ‘Make Your Own Salad’ offering is a great way to go- try the House Dressing, a smoky thick stunner. If you’re looking for something more substantial, their Grilled Veg with Hummus plate or Veggie Burrito with Mole sauce is always a winner. (25-01 Ditmars Blvd.)

Rest-Au-Rant
An unusual choice, Rest-Au-Rant is the king of the cheese plate, that yummy veggie staple. This cozy Astoria bar/eatery has lots of cheese plates to choose from, often in differing sizes. Enjoy a pressed sandwich or salad with your glass of wine if that is more your speed. (30-01 35th Avenue)