What's Cookin? Smithtown New Restaurant Casa Mia

What’s Cookin’? -  Smithtown 

By Nancy Vallarella

New Restaurant Casa Mia es Su Casa

Casa Mia is an oasis on the shore of Rt. 347.  It is a go-to destination for fans of Mediterranean cuisine and a respite for those caught in a sea of rush hour traffic.  Mother and daughter restaurateurs Michelle Thornton and Alexandra Plevritis, bring Greek and Italian heritage and over 40 years of their family’s hospitality history to the table.  The menu is filled with fresh fish, grilled meats, a rainbow of vegetables, legumes, herbs, microgreens and plenty of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO). 

Salads range from the familiar Caesar ($12) to the exotic Warm Octopus Salad ($18). Notable starters include Braised Kobe Meatballs with ricotta cheese and crostini ($12), Grilled Lamb Sausage with cucumber-dill yogurt and flat bread ($14) and Jumbo Lump Crab Cake with warm vegetable capanata and piquillo pepper aioli ($16).

Grilled, roasted and sautéed fish entrees of whole Red Snapper*, whole Bronzino*, Scottish Salmon, Chilean Sea Bass are accompanied by Mediterranean delights; roasted lemon herb potatoes, Dalmatia fig sauce, olive tapenade saffron & roasted cauliflower risotto. Seafood Bolognese and Truffled Shrimp Scialatielli complete Casa Mia’s fish entrees which range from $29 – $34. *Market Price. 

You can find Grilled Colorado “Porter House” Lamb Chops and Sautéed Osso Buco Pork Shank on Casa Mia’s everyday menu along with pasta, organic chicken and a 10oz. filet mignon dish. ($21 -$41)  The majority of Casa Mia’s sides are heart healthy; grilled asparagus, sautéed baby spinach, Sautéed “Zen Blend” (Baby Kale & Spinach, Roasted Garlic, EVOO), and roasted lemon potato ($8 – $9). More indulgent options are Roasted Brussel Sprouts with Garlic and Prosciutto ($8) and Truffle Mac n Cheese ($10). 

The wine list includes local, domestic and imported vintages that pair well with dinner entrees and are especially well suited with Casa Mia’s Charcuterie Board of assorted cheeses, cured meats, pickled vegetables, nuts, fig jam and artisan bread ($19). 

Since opening this past June, Michelle and Alexandria have put together several offerings to tempt new customers to come in and have a seat.

Casa Mia’s answer to rush hour traffic - Happy Hour Specials! Tuesday through Friday from 5 pm to 7 pm. Half price bar bite menu and discounted prices on all cocktails (specialty handcrafted and rack), draft and bottled beer.  Specialty handcrafted cocktails vary and are made with fresh fruits and herbs.  

A three course pre-fix menu is offered Sunday and Tuesday for $24.95 and menu items change week to week.

Sunday Brunch serves up an array of organic and cage free egg dishes ($13 - $16) prepared several ways from traditional favorites like Eggs Benedict Florentine to in-house creations like Mia Frittata – tomato, potato, asparagus tips, mozzarella, avocado and roasted pepper.  On the sweet side, French toast is offered three ways, Almond Berry Crunch, Chocolate Banana and Peanut Butter Bacon ($16). Savory dishes include a Crab Quiche & Salad ($15), Cali Wrap ($14) and a 10oz. Burger with Gruyere cheese, bacon on a Brioche bun with house fries ($15) Truffle Parmesan Fries are available for an additional $4. 

The atmosphere is warm and friendly. The main dining area with skylight seats 45 guests and an additional dining area off the bar area seats 25 guests. Hidden behind the building is an open outdoor patio that accommodates 30 with a bar. 

Overall, Casa Mia is a worthy addition to the Town of Smithtown’s dining scene offering a seasonal Mediterranean menu, handcrafted seasonal cocktails, brunch and outdoor dining that is hard to find.   Casa Mia is located at 321 Smithtown Bypass (Rt. 347), just east of Townline Road in Hauppauge. Open Tuesday through Sunday for dinner and Sunday for Brunch 11am – 3pm.  casamiali.com