Romano's Macaroni Grill   

1195 Corporate Dr
Westbury, NY 11590
516-683-8611
www.macaronigrill.com

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Not only is Romano's Macaroni Grill the best restaurant for children, it's also a pleasant dining experience for accompanying adults. Founder Philip Romano developed the original eatery behind this chain based on the fond memories of his family's kitchen in Italy, and he's created an atmosphere that's especially kid-friendly. After ordering from the children's menu -- which includes the standard favorites of macaroni and cheese, ravioli and pizza -- kids can channel their energy into table-top activities with the coloring books and crayons provided by the friendly wait staff. Adults will also find plenty of food items on the Italian menu to suit their own tastes. But don't be fooled by this exceptional restaurant's name. Only the meat is grilled. Your pasta will be cooked al dente, just the way you like it. Although there are 150 Macaroni Grills spread across America, this is the only Long Island location, and it is well worth the trip. Pasta stars, but chicken, fish, beef, and veal are also well represented on the menu. They also offer a few excellent pizzas baked in their woodburning ovens, but this is an Italian restaurant with a few pizzas, not a pizzeria with a few entrees. With green shutters, strings of overhead white lights, and vases of white gladiolas, the Macaroni Grill creates the feeling of a backyard party in the old neighborhood. The server writes his name in crayon on the white paper table topper and leaves a jug of Chianti, white, or blush house wine on the table. He fills a 10-ounce water glass with wine, explaining that you should help yourself. Wine is on the honor system; you tell him how many glasses the table drank. Don't miss their Bella Napoli appetizer. It's a mountain of Italian pasta chips, sausage, olives, peppers, tomato, onion, mozzarella and Parmesan cheese with asiago cream sauce. If you're really worried about your arteries, order a half portion. Mangia. -- Alex thurman & Ann Steinmetz