Lilo Pizza & Bistro, Tappan

For a restaurant that opened its doors in 2009, there’s a surprisingly classic vibe to LILO. Maybe it’s the tables made from reclaimed 200-year-old ship lumber or the red button-tufted leather banquettes tucked underneath them. But like the smiles you get at the door, the restaurant’s menu would be at home in any era, spanning both classic and updated Italian staples.

LILO’s food is at the heart of the operation and a multifaceted labor of love. Some dishes come from brother-owners Richard and Robert Pellegrino; some from their grandmother, whose marinara pizza holds a place of honor on the menu; and some from their team of executive chefs trained in the culinary canon of the Amalfi Coast. This confluence of cooking styles, culinary traditions, and regional flavors ensures diners have a plethora of options. Linguini with white clam sauce boasts sublimely briny notes from the ocean, while healthy options—marked by red hearts—include colorful dishes such as the vegetable-covered primavera pizza and shrimp fra diavolo. Lunchtime guests can savor the warm grilled balsamic chicken salad or one of the classic pizzettas. To complete your culinary experience at LILO save room for the homemade chocolate mousse, tiramisu, or Ciao Bella gelato. Accompany any or all dishes with wine, beer, specialty cocktails, and cordials of your choice.