Cassandra D.
Google
Last night, my partner and I took a stroll through Dyker Heights to enjoy the Christmas lights and then visited Tommaso’s afterward. I hadn’t been there in 13 years and was curious to see how the restaurant was doing since Tommaso’s passing.
I first met Tommaso in 2012, when I was a baby opera singer hired to perform for guests alongside their beloved pianist, Ray—truly a ray of light. Tommaso himself was unforgettable, for better or worse. A tenor and passionate opera lover, he often sang to his guests during Italian holidays in costume, and especially during Christmas, he would dress as Santa Claus and sing to them. He was also a master in the kitchen, and his dishes carried the unmistakable authenticity of his Italian heritage. I could eat his pasta all night.
Today, Tommaso’s legacy lives on thanks to the dedicated staff who worked with him for years and came together to preserve what he built. The restaurant is smaller now, but they saved one of the original murals and proudly display photos of Tommaso throughout the space. They still feature opera singers—some from the original crew and some new—performing on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Most importantly, Tommaso’s recipes are alive and well in the hands of staff and chefs who worked alongside him for over a decade. These dishes aren’t just preserved; they’ve been perfected.
The food did not disappoint. The meatballs were heavenly—tender, flavorful, and unforgettable. The arancini were the perfect starter, with a beautiful balance of cheese and rice. The wine was delicious; I began with a Montepulciano, which paired beautifully with my fettuccine with shredded boar. And when I say the pasta was al dente, I mean the best al dente pasta ever—truly unmatched. I’ve lived in Florence and Tuscany, and Tommaso’s put all of that to shame.
My partner enjoyed the chicken parmesan (I had a bite—excellent), but I was firmly in pasta heaven. We ended with a traditional ricotta cheesecake, which reminded me what cheesecake is actually supposed to taste like.
This evening was a trip down memory lane—reconnecting with familiar faces, remembering those who now live in our hearts, and honoring a legacy that still shines. Tommaso may be gone, but his spirit lives on through his incredible staff. Support this gem of a restaurant. The food is outstanding, and you’ll leave happy, full, and ready for the best sleep of your life after all that wine and pasta.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️