Day Five - Finally, A Real Italian Restaurant In Flushing

About a five block walk from the Main Street and Roosevelt Avenue stop on the #7 train is Magna Ristorante, a southern Italian restaurant.

Magna Ristorante is located on Farrington Street, a small commercial street bounded by Northern Boulevard and 35th Avenue.

Nestled within a Winggate Hotel that is connected to an extended stay condo, and facing Asian restaurants and Karaoke bars, the restaurant has mood lighting, candle lit tables and an inviting carved wood bar and raised plush chairs. There are even four tables and chairs on the sidewalk in front. Magna has the feel of restaurants in Midtown Manhattan.

The owner, Martino Asagjerka, is direct from Italy and extremely proud of the restaurant, which opened two months ago.

"This is my baby," said Asagjerka, "I'm going to nurture it as it grows."

The owner greets every customer who comes in. On a recent weekday evening, Asagjerka hugged a returning female customer.

"She loves this place," said Asagjerka. "She just ate here last night."

Asagjerka serves complementary Antipasti (appetizers) to his better customers. All food is made to order.

"If you're in a rush, don't come to Magna," said Asagjerka. "Good food takes time."

The menu has Italian specialties written in Italian and translated into English. The staff wears
jackets and bow ties.

The bartender, Rebecca, said she was from Korea. She chatted with bar customers while serving drinks.

"I get a lot of Korean and Chinese business," said Asagjerka. "And a lot of European business from the hotels."

Entrees are very reasonable. The most expensive entree on the menu is a red snapper filet for $18.00.

Reservations are suggested.


Magna Ristorante - 35-25 Farrington Street, Flushing; 718-445-3352