Located on the main stretch of Cutchogue, Touch of Venice is a North Fork favorite that’s equal parts heritage, hospitality, and handmade Italian comfort. Run by the Pennacchia family for over 30 years, this restaurant blends traditional Italian flavors with a deep respect for Long Island’s local farms, vineyards, and waters.

The dining room is warm and rustic, with exposed beams, terracotta tones, and shelves lined with wines that nod to both Italian roots and local pride. There’s also an expansive outdoor patio with Tuscan-style tables, perfect for al fresco dining when the weather’s right. The atmosphere is inviting and elegant, but never overdone — it’s the kind of place where you can have a relaxed dinner in jeans or toast an anniversary with a bottle of Barolo.

The menu celebrates Italian classics but updates them with seasonal, regional ingredients. You’ll find fresh local seafood like Peconic Bay scallops and grilled swordfish alongside house-made pastas, lemony veal meatballs, and rich lasagna layered with creamy ricotta. Portions are generous, sauces are soulful, and everything feels like it came from someone’s family kitchen — because it did.

The bar offers a great wine selection, featuring both imported Italian bottles and North Fork favorites, with a knowledgeable staff who can help pair anything on the menu. And the crowd? A true North Fork mix — locals, weekenders, and wine trail wanderers who know a good meal when they see one.

Touch of Venice is the kind of place you come back to — not just for the food, but for the feeling. Whether it’s your first time or your fiftieth, it always feels like home.